AIR LEGEND 2024 – Page 2

Combat helicoptere Tigre

The ALAT's feline of steel Fearsome and stealthy, the Tiger is a new-generation attack helicopter designed for the most demanding missions. It entered service with the French Army Light Aviation (ALAT) in the early 2000s, and is the result of Franco-German cooperation led by Airbus Helicopters (formerly Eurocopter). Versatile, agile and powerful, it is used for armed reconnaissance, fire support, armour destruction and convoy cover missions. In its HAD (Helicopter Destruction Support) version, in service with the ALAT, the Tiger is capable of operating day and night, in all weathers, thanks to its optronic sensors, its TopOwl helmet-mounted sight and…

DH 100 Vampire, F-AZHX

DH 100 MK 6 VAMPIRE, F-AZHXDH 100 MK 6 VAMPIRE, F-AZHX Technical specifications Manufacturer: de Havilland Aircraft CompanyEngine: 1 × de Havilland Goblin 35Thrust: 1,500 kg (3,350 lbf)Maximum speed: 882 km/hRange: approximately 1,200 kmOperating ceiling: 12,200 mLength: 9.37 metresWingspan: 11.58 mArmament: 4 Hispano 20 mm cannons + baskets of rockets or bombs in armed configurationYear of design: 1943 / First commissioning: 1946 A pioneer in jet aviation The Royal Air Force's first operational jet fighter after the Second World War, the de Havilland Vampire embodies the technological transition from propeller-driven fighters to the jet age. Its recognisable silhouette, with its…

P-51D “Nooky Booky IV”

A legend in the air The North American P-51D Mustang ‘Nooky Booky IV’ is much more than just an aircraft: it is a symbol of aviation history and the heroism of the Second World War. Now proudly displayed and maintained in flying condition by the prestigious Flying Bulls collection, based in Salzburg, Austria, this aircraft embodies both the technological power of its era and a rich history that has spanned the decades. Origines et histoire Built in 1945 in Inglewood, California, with serial number 44-74427, this P-51D-30-NA Mustang never saw combat during the war. Completed too late for delivery to…

North American T-6, F-HLEA

A legend in military training Nicknamed the ‘Pilot Maker’ by the Americans, the T-6 Texan (or Harvard in Commonwealth countries) trained thousands of Allied pilots during the Second World War and beyond. An advanced training aircraft, it was used to learn the complex manoeuvres required to fly fighters such as the P-51 Mustang and the Spitfire. Its tandem cockpit, sliding canopy and ability to simulate the behaviour of combat aircraft made it an essential part of military pilot training. Flying with Aero Vintage Academy F-HLEA, based at La Ferté-Alais, is operated by the passionate team at Aero Vintage Academy. In…

EC120 Calliopé – ALAT

The French military training helicopter The EC120B Colibri, nicknamed ‘Calliopé’ in the ALAT, is a light helicopter used for initial pilot training at the École de l'Aviation Légère de l'Armée de Terre (EALAT) at Cannet-des-Maures. This small civilian helicopter, originally designed by Eurocopter (now Airbus Helicopters), has been adapted to military requirements to train future combat helicopter pilots. A modern learning platform Brought into service in the 2000s, the Colibri has modernised the training of young pilots, replacing the Gazelle and Alouette for the first few hours of flight. Light, reliable, equipped with modern instruments and excellent visibility, it is…

TB-30 Epsilon, F-AYOB

TB-30 F-AYOB The Socata TB 30 Epsilon is a light military trainer aircraft produced by SOCATA (then part of Aérospatiale). It is a tandem two-seater with a metal airframe. The first prototype flew on 22 December 1979.In 1978, the French Air Force (Armée de l'Air) published a requirement for a new basic trainer aircraft to partially replace the Fouga Magister in the early parts of the syllabus for pilot training.The Armée de l'Air placed an initial order for 30 Epsilons in 1981, with further contracts following with a total of 150 ordered.General characteristicsLength: 7.59 m (24 ft 11 in)Wingspan: 7.92 m (26 ft 0 in)Empty weight:…

T-6, D-FAME

T-6 DFAME T-6 DFAME T-6 DFAME D-FAME AT-6 Harvard was constructed in 1952 with Canadian Car & Foundry. Construction number CCF-4-77. The Harvard MK.IV was handed over to the Royal Canadian Airforce RCAF in 1952 with Serial number RCAF 20286. The aeroplane was in RCAF service until 1968. From 1969 until 1983, she was based in the US with registration N13631. It was also flown as a “Reno-Racer” # 88 named “Super Slug”. 1983 – 1996 it was registered in the UK as G-BKCK. In 1997 it was bought by Achim and Elmar Meier (Meier Motors…

T-6, F-AZTL

History of the T-6 Texan Developed in the late 1930s, the T-6 Texan was the training aircraft for several generations of pilots, playing a key role in military pilot training. Between 1935 and 1945, more than 15,000 units were produced by North American in the United States and used by nearly 30 countries (France, China, Australia, Great Britain, Honduras, Canada, etc.). In France, it was used at the Marrakech and Cognac training bases before being replaced by the Fouga CM 170. It was also used in operations in Algeria and Morocco in the fight against guerrilla warfare (1956–1960). Its…

Gazelle ALAT

The land forces scout Light, fast and formidably agile, the Gazelle is one of the most emblematic helicopters of the French Army Light Aviation (ALAT). Designed at the end of the 1960s by Sud Aviation (now Aérospatiale, then Airbus Helicopters), it has accompanied all French external operations for over 50 years.Its slender silhouette, fenestron-type rotor, pointed nose and exceptional agility make it an instantly recognisable aircraft. Used for reconnaissance, fire support, troop illumination and target designation, the Gazelle has been an indispensable asset in many theatres of operation. A legend on the verge of retirement Gradually replaced by more modern…

Phénix parachutists

Équipe PhénixÉquipe PhénixÉquipe Phénix Phénix Team: Parachutists of the French Air ForceParachute commandos, parachute riflemen, weapons mechanics, armourers, firefighters, environmental equipment mechanics, logisticians, test parachutists and fighter pilots... The members of the Phénix team of Ambassadeurs parachutistes de l'Armée de l'Air et de l'Espace (APAAE) criss-cross France to carry out demonstration jumps.The Phénix team of Air Force and Space Force paratrooper ambassadors is made up of officers, non-commissioned officers and enlisted personnel, with specialities as varied as paratrooper commando, paratrooper rifleman, aircraft mechanic, armourer, firefighter, environmental equipment mechanic, logistician, test paratrooper or fighter pilot, to name but a few. APAAE's…