Royal Netherlands Air Force

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Roundel of the Royal Netherlands Air Force.

The Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF), Dutch Koninklijke Luchtmacht (KLu), is the aviation branch of the Netherlands armed forces. Its ancestor, the Luchtvaartafdeling (aviation department) of the Dutch Army was founded on July 1, 1913, with just 4 pilots.

[edit] History

[edit] The beginning in 1913

Farman

The Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF) is the second youngest operational part of the Dutch armed forces, which consists of four parts: Navy, Army, Air Force and Military Police.

Dutch air power started in July 1913 with the founding of the Army Aviation Group (Luchtvaartafdeeling or abbreviated LVA) at Soesterberg airfield (vliegbasis Soesterberg). When founded, the Army Aviation Group operated just one aircraft, the Brik, which was supplemented with three French Farman aircraft a few months later.

These aircraft were soon outdated and the Dutch government ordered several fighter/reconnaissance Nieuport and Caudron aircraft to replace them.

[edit] 1914-1918 WWI

The Netherlands maintained a neutral position during WW I and the Army Aviation Group did not take part in any action, instead developing the force's capabilities.

Pilot training was opened for ranks below officer, and technical, aerial photography, meteorological and navigation flights were established.

A number of new airfields were established at Arnhem, Gilze-Rijen air base, Venlo and Vlissingen.

[edit] Between the wars

After the end of WWI the Dutch government cut the defence budget and the carefully built up Army Aviation Group was almost dissolved. As political tensions in Europe increased during the late 1930s the government tried to rebuild the armed forces again in 1938 but there were many problems, not least the shortage of pilot instructors, navigators and pilots to fly the new multiple engine aircraft. Lack of standardisation and resulting maintenance issues added to the complexity of the rebuilding task.

[edit] World War II and late 1940s

Fokker D.XXI at the Air Force Museum in Soesterberg.

Fokker G.I Jachtkruiser

As war loomed, in July 1939 the Army Aviation Group was renamed the Army Aviation Brigade.

In August 1939, the Netherlands government mobilised its armed forces, but due to limited budgets the Army Aviation Brigade operated only 125 combat-ready aircraft of several types.

nine Fokker T.V type bombers

36 obsolescent Fokker D.XXI single-engine fighters

25 new Fokker G.I twin-engine fighters

55 reconnaissance (various types) aircraft

In May 1940, Germany invaded the Netherlands. Within five days the Dutch Army Aviation Brigade was virtually wiped out by the German Luftwaffe. All of the Brigade's bombers, along with 30 D.XXI and 17 G.I fighters were shot down; two D.XXI and eight G.I were destroyed on the ground. Two G.I were captured by German forces, one of which was later flown to England by a Fokker pilot.

In spite of their numerical inferiority, the Dutch armed forces did enjoy success against the Luftwaffe, with more than 350 Luftwaffe aircraft destroyed . While many were lost to anti-aircraft fire and crashes at improvised landing fields in the Netherlands, the Aviation Brigade did enjoy successes. The cost was high - almost 95% of the Dutch pilots lost. In recognition of their actions Queen Wilhelmina granted the highest Dutch military decoration, the Militaire Willemsorde (MWO), to the Army Aviation Brigade collectively.

Some aircrews escaped to England and on June 1, 1940, 320 Squadron and 321 Squadron were established there under RAF operational command. Due to a shortage of personnel, 321 Squadron was absorbed by 320 Sqn in January 1941. Although their personnel were predominantly from the Navy Air Service, Army Aviation aircrew also served with 320 Sqn until the end of the war.

In 1941, the Royal Netherlands Military Flying School was re-established, in the United States at Jackson Field (also known as Hawkins Field), Jackson, Mississippi, operating lend-lease aircraft and training all military aircrew for the Netherlands.

The separate Militaire Luchtvaart van het Koninklijk Nederlands-Indisch Leger (ML-KNIL; Royal Netherlands East Indies Army Military Air Service) continued in the Netherlands East Indies (NEI), until its occupation by Japan in 1942. Some personnel escaped to Australia and Ceylon. 321 Squadron was re-formed in Ceylon, in March 1942, from Dutch aviators.

B-25 Mitchell

In 1942, 18 (NEI) Squadron, a joint Dutch-Australian unit was established, in in Canberra, equipped with B-25 Mitchell bombers. It saw action in the New Guinea campaign and over the Dutch East Indies. In 1943, 120 (NEI) Squadron was established. Equipped with Kittyhawk fighters, it flew many missions under Australian command, including the recapturing of Dutch New Guinea.

P-40D Kittyhawk

In June 1943, a Dutch fighter squadron was established in England. 322 (Dutch) Squadron, equipped with the Supermarine Spitfire, saw action as part of the RAF. 322 Sqn aircraft featured the British RAF roundels as well as the Dutch orange triangle. 322 Sqn was successfully deployed against incoming V-1 flying bombs. From mid-1944, during the invasion of Normandy, it executed ground attack missions over France and Belgium.

In July 1944, the Directorate of Netherlands Airpower was established in London.

In 1947, its Chief of Air Force Staff as been appointed.

The Netherlands East Indies ceased to exist in December 1949, when the Dutch government surrendered its territory (except for Dutch New Guinea) to the Republic of Indonesia.

[edit] The 1950s and 1960s

In 1951, for the first time in history, several non-combat functions in the Army Aviation were opened to women.

In March 1953 the Royal Netherlands Air Force officially became an autonomous part of the Dutch armed forces.

The Air Defense Command, (Commando Lucht Verdediging, abbreviated CLV) consisting of a command unit, five radar stations and six fighter squadrons, had been established. Its radar equipment as well as its air defense fighters all came from obsolete RAF stocks.

Initially the Spitfire Mk9 was used by 322 sqn until 1954, but were replaced as new squadrons were established.

The Gloster Meteor F MkIV was used by 322, 323, 324, 325, 326, 327 and 328 sqn from 1948-1957.

The Gloster Meteor F MkVIII was used by 322, 323, 324, 325, 326, 327 and 328 sqn between 1950-1959.

After the Netherlands joined NATO another new command: Tactical Air Command (Commando Tactische Luchtstrijdkrachten, abbreviated CTL) was established.

CTL consisted of seven new strike squadrons (306, 311, 312, 313, 314, 315 and 316 sqn), all equipped with Republic F-84G Thunderjet aircraft. These aircraft were supplied by the United States under Mutual Defense Aid Program conditions from 1952-1956.

306, 322, 323, 324, 325, 326 and 327 Sqn operated the Hawker Hunter F Mk4 between 1956-1964, and the Hawker Hunter F Mk6|MK6 between 1957-1968.

700, 701 and 702 Sqn operated the F86 Sabre all-weather fighter between 1956-1964.

306, 311, 312, 313, 314, 315 and 316 sqn changed aircraft configuration from 1955-1970 as the Republic F-84F Thunderstreak and RF-84F Thunderflash became available.

F-84F Thunderstreak

F-84G Thunderjet

[edit] New Guinea conflict

The Indonesian government claimed New Guinea following the end of the second world war. The Dutch government considered the area Dutch territory. Negotiations over the country were conducted for years, but tensions grew until Indonesia broke diplomatic relations with the Netherlands at the end of the 1950s.

In response, in 1958, the Netherlands deployed military reinforcements to New Guinea, including an Air Force detachment for the air defense of the island Biak as there was evidence that Indonesia was infiltrating the island in advance of a military operation.

The first Air Force contribution was the installation of two MkIV early warning radars on Biak and neighbouring Woendi island.

The political situation between the Netherlands and Indonesia continued to deteriorate and in 1960 the Dutch government decided to deploy reinforcements. The operations were known by name as ’Plan Fidelio’. For the Dutch Air Force this meant the establishment of an Air Defense Command for New Guinea (Commando Luchtverdediging Nederlands Nieuw-Guinea - CLV NNG) consisting of :

One Hawker Hunter Mk.4 air defence squadron;
A radar navigation system at Biak'", and;
A reserve airstrip at Noemfoer.

The Dutch government decided deployment of a squadron consisting of 12 Hawker Hunter Mk.4 AD fighters and two Alouette II SAR helicopters. They were transported to Southeast Asia by the aircraft carrier ‘Karel Doorman’. One year later the Dutch government deployed another 12 Hawker Hunter Mk6 AD fighters; these aircraft were capable to carry more fuel and had a larger combat radius.

In August 1962 Indonesia was ready to attack New-Guinea. Despite reinforcements the Dutch defences would be insufficient to withstand the coming attack. This, and because of international political pressure the Dutch government was forced to agree to the peaceful surrender of New Guinea. Dutch forces were withdrawn from the territory.

The establishment of 336 transport squadron is closely connected to New Guinea. Soon after activation this unit was deployed to New Guinea to take over air transport from the Dutch Navy. 336 Sqn deployed and took over three Navy Dakota’s and three US supplied aircraft. 336 Sqn operated from Mokmer airstrip and transported more than 5,400 passengers between September 1961 and September 1962.

[edit] The Cold War era, 1960s, 1970s and later

During the cold war era Dutch Air Force units played an important part in the West European defence against the opposing Warsaw Pact forces. The Dutch Air Force manned five fully operational self supporting Missile Groups in West Germany (1 and 2 MslGrp were equipped with NIKE batteries, while 3,4 and 5 MslGrp were equipped with Hawk). Dutch fighters and other weapon systems also took a full part in NATO alert, standby duties and exercises through the years.

306, 311, 312, 322 and 323 Sqn changed configuration again from 1962-1983 after the dual role F-104 Starfighter was introduced.

313, 314, 315 and 316 Sqn switched over to the NF5 Freedom Fighter from 1969-1992. NF5 was a T-38 fighter development.

From 1979 until now all remaining RNLAF squadrons (306, 311, 312, 313, 315, 322 and 323) are using NATO's standard fighter-bomber the multi role F-16 Fighting Falcon.

[edit] Kosovo

F-16AM 312 Multirole Sqn RNLAF

RNLAF F-16s participated in Operation Allied Force over Yugoslavia in 1999 from a base in Italy. A RNLAF F-16AM (mid-life update) shot down a Yugoslavian MiG-29 with an AMRAAM, but the force was more recognized for its high bombing accuracy.

[edit] Operation Enduring Freedom and NATO in Afghanistan

In October 2002 a tri-national detachment of 18 Dutch, Danish and Norwegian F-16 ground attack aircraft and one Dutch KDC-10 tanker deployed to Manas Air Base in Kyrgyzstan in support of ground forces in Afghanistan as part of Operation Enduring Freedom. The RNLAF returned to Manas AB in September 2004 with five F-16 and one KDC-10 in support of the presidential elections of Afghanistan. This time the aircraft flew under the NATO ISAF flag.

In February 2006 four Dutch F-16s were joined by four Royal Norwegian Air Force F-16s in a detachment known as the 1st Netherlands-Norwegian European Participating Forces Expeditionary Air Wing (1 NLD/NOR EEAW). This was a follow up of the participation with the Belgian Air Force.[1]

As part of the expanded NATO ISAF mission in southern Afghanistan in August 2006, the Royal Netherlands Air Force had six F-16 ground-attack aircraft, three CH-47D Chinook of 298 Sq stationed at Kandahar Airfield. Additionally, a detachement of five AH-64D Apache helicopters has been stationed of Tarin Kowt, Uruzgan province.

On August 31, 2006 a Royal Netherlands Air Force (Michael "Sofac" Donkervoort) pilot was killed when his plane crashed during a mission to support British ground troops in Helmand province.[2]

[edit] Structure of the Royal Netherlands Air Force

[edit] Main Operating Bases (MOB's)

Leeuwarden airbase
- 322nd Reaction Force Sqn. F-16 QRA tasked [Ready Alert]
- 323rd TACtical Training Evaluation Standardisation Sqn. F-16
- 303rd SAR Sqn. Agusta Bell AB 412SP
- 630th Security Sqn.
- 920th Maintenance Support Sqn.
- 921st Logistic Sqn.
- 922nd Miscellaneous Support Sqn.

Volkel Airbase
- 311th F-16 Multirole Sqn.
- 312th F-16 Multirole Sqn.
- 313th F-16 Multirole Sqn.
- 900th F-16 Maintenance Sqn.
- 901st Transport and Storage Support Sqn.
- 902nd Miscellaneous Support Sqn.
- 640th Security Sqn.
- 601st Reserve Support Sqn.
- 703rd USAF Munition Support Sqn.
[3] Twenthe airbase has been closed due to budget cuts in dec 2007

[edit] Air Defense Group

[4] Guided Weapon Group De Peel
- 800th Sqn. Group Operation Centre
- 801st MIM-104 Patriot and FIM-92 Stinger Sqn.
- 802nd MIM-104 Patriot and FIM-92 Stinger Sqn.
- 803rd MIM-104 Patriot and FIM-92 Stinger Sqn.
- 804th MIM-104 Patriot and FIM-92 Stinger Training and Evaluation Sqn.
- 650th Security Support Sqn.
- 951st Maintenance and Logistic Support Sqn.

At the Air Defense Group de Peel in 2005 the Joint Air Defense Centre has been activated and the activation af the Joint Air Defense School will follow soon. In the future all anti aircraft units of the Dutch Air Force, Army and Navy will be integrated on and relocated to this base. JADC not only will take care of future air defense training, but also will coordinate and support all air defense related operations.

[edit] Tactical Air Operations Base

[5] Air Ops Control Station Nw Milligen
- 710th Sqn. Control And Reporting Centre (CRC)
- 711th Sqn. Military Air Traffic Control Centre (MilATCC)
- 970th Support Sqn.

In 2009 710 and 711 Sqn will be united in one Air Operations Sqn. The status of the base will change to NATO status as an airmobile NATO Deployable Air control centre. Sensor fusion post DARS radar unit is planned to be operational on the base in the same year.

[edit] Tactical Helicopter Group

[6] Soesterberg airbase (Due to budget cuts to be closed in 2009, its units will be moved to Gilze-Rijen)
- 298th Sqn. CH-47 Chinook
- 300th Sqn. Eurocopter Cougar and Aérospatiale Alouette III
- 610th Security Sqn.
- 932nd Maintenance and Logistic Support Sqn.
- 933rd Miscellaneous Support Sqn.
- 934th Facility Support Sqn.
- 604st Reserve Support Sqn.
[7] Gilze-Rijen airbase
- 301st AH-64 Apache Sqn.
- 670th Security Sqn.
- 930th Communication and Information Support Sqn.
- 931st Miscellaneous Support Sqn.
- 604st Reserve Support Sqn.

After integration of all Soesterberg units, all Navy helicopters will also be integrated into the Dutch Defense Helicopter Command (DHC). All Dutch Air Force and Navy helicopter operations and maintenance will be coordinated by the DHC. Main bases of the DHC will be Gilze-Rijen and De Kooy. In contrast to other countries with Army helicopter forces the Dutch government put all military helicopters in the Air Force organisation.

[edit] Air Transport Base

[8] Eindhoven Airport
- 334th Transport Squadron (KDC-10, DC-10, Gulfstream IV, Fokker 50)
- 336th Transport Squadron (C-130H-30, C-130H)
- 940th Maintenance Support Squadron
- 941st Miscellaneous Support Squadron
- NATO Movement Coordination Centre Europe

[edit] Common Support Base

[9] Woensdrecht airbase
- Royal Military NCO and general enlisted personnel Air Force School
- Air Force Meteorological Group
- Air Force Logistics Center
- 960th Sqn. Transport and Storage Support Squadron
- 961st Sqn. Miscellaneous Support Squadron
- 604st Sqn. Reserve Support Squadron

[edit] Rank Structure

Ranks of the Netherlands Armed Forces(PDF) file.

[edit] Strength

Aircraft	Origin	Type	In service^[1]	Notes
Aérospatiale SA316B Alouette III	France	Light VIP Helicopter	4	outdated and only used for Royal and VIP flights
Agusta-Bell 412	Italy	Light S&R and Utility Helicopter	3	SAR role, supporting the RNLAF training area over Vlieland and the Wadden Sea.^[2]
Boeing AH-64D Apache Longbow	United States	Attack Helicopter	25	(30 bought, 1 crashed, 4 kept in reserve)
Eurocopter AS 532U2 Cougar Mk2	France	Medium Utility Helicopter	17
Boeing CH-47D Chinook	United States	Heavy Lift Helicopter	11	6 + 3 CH-47Fs on order^[3]
Lockheed C-130H-30 Hercules	United States	Medium Transport Aircraft	2	2 former US Navy C-130s being converted to C-130H for RNLAF^[4]
Fokker 50	Netherlands	Short to Medium Range Transport Aircraft	2	VIP transport
Fokker 60	Netherlands	Maritime Patrol Aircraft (former Utility aircraft)	0^[5]	phased out and replaced by 2 Dash 8 (leased from a private company from Canada)
McDonnell Douglas KDC-10	United States	Wide body transport Aircraft	2	Aerial refuelling and passenger/cargo transport
McDonnell Douglas DC-10	United States	Wide body transport Aircraft	1	Former United Airlines passenger aircraft, updated in Italy and by Stork Aerospace (NL)
Gulfstream IV	United States	Light Utility Aircraft	1	VIP transport
Lockheed Martin F-16AM/BM Fighting Falcon	United States	Multirole Fighter Aircraft	90	another 15 in storage/for sale.
Pilatus PC-7 Turbo Trainer	Switzerland	Light Training Aircraft	13	Painted Yellow before, now Dark with 2 yellow markings
Dornier 228	Germany	Coastal patrol duties	2	Wearing civil registrations but with military crew both air force and navy

F-16 J-229 painted in 2004 to celebrate 25 years service of the F-16 in Dutch service

F-16 MLU of RNLAF's Solo Display Team at Radom Air Show 2005

[edit] The future

Around 85 F35A Lightning II's, decision will be made in 2010.
SHORAD Air Defence system, delivery will start in 2007.
11 CH47D Chinooks will be updated to CH47F Chinooks in 2007-2008.
29 AH64D Apaches will be upgraded to AH64 Apache Longbow.
20 NH90 helicopters will replace the current Navy Lynx helicopters. The NH90 helicopters will be stationed at Gilze-Rijen (8 NH-90 Naval Transport version) and De Kooy (12 NFH-90 anti-submarine warfare and SAR).
Purchase of air portable cruise missiles by 2011.

The Netherlands was the first country to sign up for the Production Sustainment & Follow On Development (PSFD) Phase of the F-35 Lightning II aircraft.[10]

The RNLAF is taking part in a NATO initiative, through the NATO Strategic Airlift Capability, to buy several C-17s to solve the lack of strategic airlift.[11]