Austrian Air Force
Encyclopedia
The Austrian Air Force is a component part of the Austria
n armed forces (the Bundesheer).
s. The Austrian State Treaty
of 1955 committed Austria to permanent neutrality.
Pilot training started out with a few Yak 11 Moose
and Yak 18 Max
aircraft donated by the Soviet Union
, and Austria purchased further light trainer types under the Military Assistance Program. Until 1960 Austria purchased 62 training and support aircraft under the MAP, but no modern fighter aircraft
; the role of a fighter was rather inadequately filled by the already outdated, 30 SAAB
29 "Fliegende Tonne" bought second-hand from the Swedish Air Force in the early 1960s.
From 1970, Austria purchased a total of 40 Saab 105
lightweight multi-role aircraft with the intention to deploy them in trainer, reconnaissance, interception and ground attack roles. As it became clear in the 1980s that the sub-sonic aircraft were inadequate for air combat and airspace interdiction, Austria purchased 24 reconditioned J 35 Draken
fighter aircraft to supersede the Saab 105 as the Austrian Air Force's main interceptor in 1988. The Saab 105 remained in service as a trainer/surveillance aircraft.
Shortly after, the Draken saw their first major use in airspace interdiction starting 1991 during the Yugoslav Wars
, when Yugoslav MiG-21 fighters crossed the Austrian border without permission. In one incident on 28 June a MiG-21 penetrated as far as Graz
, causing a widespread demands for action. Following repeated border crossings by armed aircraft of the Yugoslav People's Army
, changes were suggested to the standing orders for aircraft armament.
Since 1955, Austria's armed forces had been forbidden to operate any guided missile system, including Air-to-air missile
s and surface-to-air missiles. In the post-Cold War
environment, and with gun-armed aircraft a relic of a past age, the Austrian Parliament voted to amend this section of its state treaty and in January 1993 modern AIM-9 Sidewinder
missiles were ordered from Sweden
to arm its fighter aircraft.
After the avalanche
in Galtür
in 1999, it became apparent that the Austrian Air Force's helicopter complement were too few in numbers and too limited in design. Therefore, several US built Sikorsky UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters were purchased, to be used for transportation during disasters.
In 2003 Austria's transport capability was improved when it purchased three C-130 Hercules
from the Royal Air Force
. These aircraft were needed for the demanding UN peacekeeping missions in which Austria played a role.
In 2005, the Saab Draken fleet was retired (50 years after the type first saw service), to be replaced by the Eurofighter Typhoon
. Before the first delivery of Typhoons, F-5 Tiger II
were leased from Switzerland
as a stopgap measure. The Eurofighter purchase was subject to controversy in Austria, and became a political football for some time, but the 15th and final aircraft was delivered on 24 September 2009.
Vogler Air Base
, north of the town of Hörsching
west of Linz
, was built as a base for the German Luftwaffe
1938–1940. After the war the USAAF used the base, then named "Camp McCauley - Hörsching", until 1955 when it was returned to the Austrian government.
Firstly used exclusively by the ground forces, the first military aircraft, Yakovlev Yak-18 "Max-A", arrived in 1957. The base was named for First Lieutenant Walter Vogler in 1967.
The German-built base structures were used jointly by the military and civilian aviation until the 70s when construction of the new civilian area in the northern part of the base was finished.
FH Vogler is the largest base of the Luftstreitkräfte. It houses "Fliegerwerft 3", responsible for overhauls and maintenance of the Lockheed Martin C-130K Hercules/Hercules C.Mk 1P
and Agusta Bell AB212
.
Units currently based here are the Saab 105
Oe of 3rd Jet Squadron, Flight Regiment 3; the Lockheed Martin C-130K Hercules/Hercules C.Mk 1P
of 4th Air Transport Squadron, Flight Regiment 3; and the Agusta Bell AB212
of 1st and 2nd Helicopter Squadron, Flight Regiment 3.
Fliegerhorst Brumowski
, south of the town of Langenlebarn northwest of Vienna
, was built as a base for the German Luftwaffe
1938–1940. After the war the base was briefly occupied by Soviet troops before it was taken over by the USAAF, becoming "Air Force Station Tulln - Vienna
". In 1946 Pan Am added the base as destination, and for a short time there were regular flights New York
/Langenlebarn.
The first Austrian aircraft to arrive were Yakovlev Yak-11 "Moose" and Yakovlev Yak-18 "Max-A" trainers donated by the Soviet Union
and Agusta Bell AB47G2
helicopters in late 1955. The base was named for Captain Godwin Brumowski
in 1967.
The base is the headquarter of the Luftstreifkräfte; it also houses the "Bundesfachschule für Flugtechnik" (Federal School for Aeronatical Engineering) and "Fliegerwerft 1", responsible for overhauls and maintenance of the Short SC-7-3M-400 Skyvan
, Pilatus PC-6 B2H2 Turbo Porter
, Sikorsky S-70A-42 Black Hawk, Agusta Bell AB206A Jet Ranger
and Bell OH-58B Kiowa
.
Units currently based here are the Short SC-7-3M-400 Skyvan
(scheduled for retirement) and Pilatus PC-6 B2H2 Turbo Porter
of 4th Air Squadron, Flight Regiment 1; the Sikorsky S-70A-42 Black Hawk of 1st Helicopter Squadron, Flight Regiment 1, the Agusta Bell AB206A Jet Ranger
of 2nd Helicopter Squadron, Flight Regiment 1; and the Agusta Bell AB206A Jet Ranger
and Bell OH-58B Kiowa
of 3rd Helicopter Squadron, Flight Regiment 1.
, located north of Zeltweg
in a region known as Aichfeld, was built as a base for the Air Force of the "Ständestaat" 1936–1938. The base was occupied by Soviet troops in the aftermath of the war, but then transferred to the RAF which used the base until 1947.
In spring 1957 the first aircraft, Piper PA-18/95 Super Cub
and Zlin Z-126 Trener
, arrived with "Fluggruppe 1" at the base. Since then it is the main base for the training of new aviators. It was named for Colonel Franz Hinterstoisser in 1967.
The base houses the 1st Squadron of the "Überwachungsgeschwader" (Surveillance Wing). With the retirement of the Saab 35 Draken in 2005 the unit now uses the Eurofighter Typhoon
. The first Eurofighter Typhoon
arrived in July 2007. The base also houses parts of "Fliegerwerft 2", responsible for overhauls and maintenance of the Saab 105
Oe and the Pilatus PC-7 Turbo Trainer, as well as Flight School for basic training.
Units currently based here are the Pilatus PC-7 Turbo Trainer of Flight School; detachments of 2nd Squadron and the Eurofighter Typhoon
.
, located south of Graz
, was built as a base for the Austro-Hungarian Imperial and Royal Aviation Troops and opened in 1913.
After the Second World War the RAF used the base before it was returned to Austria
in 1951.
The first Austria
n aircraft arrived in 1957, three De Havilland Vampire T.Mk 55
for the Fighter Bomber Training Squadron; since then Graz
was the main base for fighter and fighter bomber aircraft of the Luftstreitkräfte. The base was named for First Lieutenant Eduard Nittner in 1967.
The base housed parts of "Fliegerwerft 2", responsible for maintenance of Northrop F-5E Tiger II. It is primarily a civilian airport, with the military enclave in its southern part; but the base itself is earmarked for closure in 2008 (with the end of Tiger operations) with its installations most likely taken over by the civilian airport operator.
on the southern edge of the "Totes Gebirge
", was built as a base for the Air Force of the "Ständestaat" 1936–1937. At the end of World War II
the base became the homebase of the only helicopter
unit of the German Luftwaffe
; beginning the tradition of helicopter
operations at Aigen im Ennstal
.
Soviet troops occupied the base after the war, but after only a few weeks control switched to the [USA]. After a few more weeks, the base ended up in British
hands. The RAF rebuilt the base and handed it over to Austria in 1947. It was used as a storage depot for the "B-Gendarmerie", a paramilitary police force in the western zones.
After some years of hiatus, the first helicopters, Bell H-13H Sioux
arrived in late 1960. The base was named for Captain Benno Fiala von Fernbrugg
in 1967.
The base houses "Fliegerwerft A", responsible for overhauls and maintenance of Aerospatiale AS-316B Alouette III. "Hochgebirgslandekurse" (Alpine landing courses) are conducted at least annually at the base, with officers of foreign air forces as regular attendants.
Units currently based here are the Aerospatiale AS-316B Alouette III of 1st and 2nd Helicopter Squadron, Flight Regiment 2.
Air Base was located northwest of the city and was one of the first airports on the European continent. It opened in 1910 and housed various units of the Austro-Hungarian Imperial and Royal Aviation Troops. The base was close to the Wiener Neustädter Flugzeugwerke (WNF) factory in the eastern part of the city and which manufactured Messerschmitt Bf 109
s and repaired Junkers
bombers and destroyers during World War II. The base was bombed to total destruction during World War II
and was rebuilt by the Soviets who operated the base until 1955. The Austria
n military took the base over, but didn't use it until 1961. The base currently houses no units, but Flight Regiment 1s Pilatus PC-6 B2H2 Turbo Porter
are operating from the base regularly for flight training purposes as well as for training of army parachutists.
on the northern edge of the "Truppenübungsplatz Allentsteig" (Training Area, Gunnery and Bombing Range) is home to a detachment of Flight Regiment 1s Bell OH-58B Kiowa
. Known as "Stützpunkt Nord" it is not only used by military aircraft, helicopters of the Ministry of the Interior
using the base for operations too; the task of border surveillance is jointly conducted by the military and civilian authorities. Besides that, Flight Regiment 1s helicopters and Pilatus PC-6 B2H2 Turbo Porter
are operating from the base or its adjacent meadows/roads on a regular base.
in the southern suburbs of Schwaz
east of Innsbruck
houses a detachment of Flight Regiment 2s Aerospatiale AS-316B Alouette III used for SAR and firefighting duties. The helicopters are operating from Schwaz
since 1969. The base is earmarked for closure, with the helicopters being redeployed to the nearby Andreas Hofer
Kaserne
.
, located in the northeast suburbs of the city Klagenfurt
, had a history similar to Graz
. Opened in 1914 for the Austro-Hungarian Imperial and Royal Aviation Troops, the German Luftwaffe
took the base over and used it for training of aviators.
After the war, the base ended in RAF hands and was quickly rebuilt and handed over to Austrian authorities in 1951. Despite it was not planned to be used by the military, the first Saab J-29F Tunnan
arrived at the airport in 1961, only to be immediately put into mothballs. The planes left a year later, putting the bases connection to the military on hold until 1970 when the John Kaserne
on the westernmost part of the airport became home to a detachment of helicopters, much like Schwaz
. A detachment of Flight Regiment 2s Aerospatiale AS-316B Alouette III is currently based there.
border, known as "Stützpunkt Süd" (Base South), houses a detachment of Flight Regiment 2s Aerospatiale AS-316B Alouette III since 1998. The helicopters have been re-equipped with thermal sighting systems to be used for border surveillance.
site is located atop the Kolomannsberg (1,114 m) on the border between Salzburg
and Upper Austria
north of Thalgau
in a region known as the Flachgau
. The site is active since January 1968, and provides 24/7 air surveillance since August 1968. Initially a French CSF
(now Thales Group
) RV376 and a British Marconi
(now BAE Systems
) S244 heightfinder were used at the site but were replaced by an Italian Selenia (now Alenia
) RAT-31S 3D-radar
in 1983. The system was further enhanced with the installation of a Selenia (now Alenia
) RAT-31DL 3-D radar in 2003.
The site is also called "Grossraumradarstation" (lit. large space radar
station) since it has the necessary office and working areas for a complete air traffic/combat control center. It served in this role until 1987 when its tasks were took over by the EZ/B and is still maintained to provide backup when needed.
site is located atop the Speikkogel (2,140 m) on the border between Styria and Carinthia
in the Koralpe
mountains west of Wolfsberg
. The site is active since 1986, with its construction and commission severely hampered by the bad weather in the region (partly due to the height above SL) and problems with the radom and the radar itself. A Selenia (now Alenia
) RAT-31S 3-D radar
is installed, scheduled to receive the RAT-31DL upgrade. The site features a downsized version of the ORS K's control center, but is normally not manned.
site is located atop the Steinmandl (490 m) north of Ernstbrunn
in the Leiser Berge region 40 km north of Vienna
. The site is active since 1985; to the immediate west a secondary radar operated by AustroControl
is located atop the Buschberg. The ORS uses a Selenia (now Alenia
) RAT-31S 3-D radar
, but is scheduled to receive the RAT-31DL upgrade. The site was a replacement for the unbuilt one atop the Schneeberg
south of Vienna
.
) MRCS-403 3-D radars - mobile versions of the RAT-31S - are operated by the Radarbataillon since 1979. Several sites (Irrsberg, Hochwechsel) are prepared to host the radar
.
(now Thales Group
) RAC 3D medium-range 3-D radars - designated TER (Tieffliegererfassungsradar) - mounted on ÖAF
32.403 trucks beginning in 1998. A further 16 of these systems are operated by the Air Defense Bataillons in special target designation configuration to provide early warning and target tracking for the Mistral
units.
The Z/FlAK 85 (Zwilling/Fliegerabwehrkanone) is the Oerlikon Contraves
GDF-001
system. 18 of these guns were purchased in 1965 (under the designation Z/FlAK 65) and used with earlier acquired Oerlikon Contraves
FLGer 60 (Feuerleitgerät, fire control radar) Super Fledermaus
and new Oerlikon Contraves
FLGer 65 Improved Super Fledermaus
.
A second batch of these guns consisting of a further 18 Z/FlAK 65, but this time with FLGer 69, a further improved Super Fledermaus
, was purchased in 1973. The FLGer 69 were never issued to the units but returned to the manufacturer in 1973 for eventual replacement with the new FLGer 75 Skyguard
beginning in 1976. Improved Skyguards
, dubbed FLGer 79 were purchased in 1981.
The guns itself were upgraded to GDF-005
standard in 1987, designated Z/FlAK 85 since. The FLGer 75/79 have been upgraded to FLGer 98 in the late 90s. A total of 72 guns and 37 Skyguard systems have been acquired over the years.
(now MBDA
) Mistral is not only used with the Air Defense Regiments of the Air Force but also with the air defense batteries attached to the HQ units of the Army's Brigades.
72 of these systems - along with several hundred missiles, the exact number is unknown - have been purchased beginning in 1993. They are used in conjunction with the so-called ZZR (Zielzuweisungsradar), 16 Thomson-CSF
(now Thales Group
) RAC 3D medium range 3-D radars in target designation configuration, that have been purchased in 1998. Nine missile launchers and two radars normally operate in a battery.
GAI-B01, ongoing
25 mm Anti-Air Gun Model 38/39, Model Hotchkiss
, retired 1959
40 mm Anti-Air Gun Model 55/57
, Model Bofors
, retired late 70s
! style="text-align: left; background: #aacccc;"|Model
! style="text-align: left; background: #aacccc;"|Origin
! style="text-align: left; background: #aacccc;"|Type
! style="text-align: left; background: #aacccc;"|Service entry
! style="text-align: left; background: #aacccc;"|Number
! style="text-align: left; background: #aacccc;"|Withdrawn
! style="text-align: left; background: #aacccc;"|Notes
|-----
| Cessna
| 172 Skyhawk
|
| Trainer
| January 1957
| 1
| December 1958
|
|-----
| Yakovlev
| Yak-18 'Max-A'
|
| Trainer
| December 1955
| 4
| February 1960
|
|-----
| Saab
| B17A
|
| Target tug
| September 1957
| 1
| January 1963
| ex Flygvapnet
|-----
| Fiat
(now Alenia)
| G.46-4B
|
| Trainer
| April 1957
| 5
| May 1963
|
|-----
| Westland
(now AgustaWestland
)
| WS-55 Series 2
|
| Cargo helicopter
| May 1958
| 10
| April 1965
|
|-----
| Zlin
| 126 Trener II
|
| Trainer
| January 1957
| 4
| June 1965
|
|-----
| Saab
| Saab 29 Tunnan
|
| Fighter
| July 1961
| 30
| July 1971
|
|-----
| CASA
(now EADS
)
| CN-235-300
|
| Transport
| April 2000
| 1
| April 2002
| Leased
|-----
| Saab
| J35Oe Draken
|
| Fighter
| June 1987
| 25
| December 2005
| ex Flygvapnet
|-----
| Saab
| J35J Draken
|
| Fighter
| May 1999
| 5
| December 2005
| ex Flygvapnet - not airworthy - for spares
|-----
| Short Brothers
| Short Skyvan
|
| Transport
|
| 2
| 2007
|
|-----
| Northrop
| F-5E Tiger II
|
| Fighter
| July 2004
| 12
| June 2008
| Temporarily leased from the Swiss Air Force
|}
Austria
Austria , officially the Republic of Austria , is a landlocked country of roughly 8.4 million people in Central Europe. It is bordered by the Czech Republic and Germany to the north, Slovakia and Hungary to the east, Slovenia and Italy to the south, and Switzerland and Liechtenstein to the...
n armed forces (the Bundesheer).
History
The Austrian Air Force was formed in May 1955 by the victorious Allied powers, subject to restrictions on its use of guided missileMissile
Though a missile may be any thrown or launched object, it colloquially almost always refers to a self-propelled guided weapon system.-Etymology:The word missile comes from the Latin verb mittere, meaning "to send"...
s. The Austrian State Treaty
Austrian State Treaty
The Austrian State Treaty or Austrian Independence Treaty re-established Austria as a sovereign state. It was signed on May 15, 1955, in Vienna at the Schloss Belvedere among the Allied occupying powers and the Austrian government...
of 1955 committed Austria to permanent neutrality.
Pilot training started out with a few Yak 11 Moose
Yakovlev Yak-11
|-See also:-References:* Gordon, Yefim, Dmitry Komissarov and Sergey Komissarov. OKB Yakovlev: A History of the Design Bureau and its Aircraft. Hinkley, UK: Midland Publishing, 2005. ISBN 1 85780 203 9....
and Yak 18 Max
Yakovlev Yak-18
|-See also:-External links:*...
aircraft donated by the Soviet Union
Soviet Union
The Soviet Union , officially the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics , was a constitutionally socialist state that existed in Eurasia between 1922 and 1991....
, and Austria purchased further light trainer types under the Military Assistance Program. Until 1960 Austria purchased 62 training and support aircraft under the MAP, but no modern fighter aircraft
Fighter aircraft
A fighter aircraft is a military aircraft designed primarily for air-to-air combat with other aircraft, as opposed to a bomber, which is designed primarily to attack ground targets...
; the role of a fighter was rather inadequately filled by the already outdated, 30 SAAB
Saab
Saab AB is a Swedish aerospace and defence company, founded in 1937. From 1947 to 1990 it was the parent company of automobile manufacturer Saab Automobile, and between 1968 and 1995 the company was in a merger with commercial vehicle manufacturer Scania, known as Saab-Scania.-History:"Svenska...
29 "Fliegende Tonne" bought second-hand from the Swedish Air Force in the early 1960s.
From 1970, Austria purchased a total of 40 Saab 105
Saab 105
-See also:-Bibliography:* Hewson, Robert. "Saab 105/Sk60 Variant Briefing". World Air Power Journal, Volume 23 Winter 1995. London:Aerospace Publishing. ISBN 1 874023 64 6. ISSN 0959-7050. pp. 40—49....
lightweight multi-role aircraft with the intention to deploy them in trainer, reconnaissance, interception and ground attack roles. As it became clear in the 1980s that the sub-sonic aircraft were inadequate for air combat and airspace interdiction, Austria purchased 24 reconditioned J 35 Draken
J 35 Draken
The Saab 35 Draken was a Swedish fighter aircraft manufactured by Saab between 1955 and 1974. The Draken was built to replace the Saab J 29 Tunnan and, later, the fighter variant of the Saab 32 Lansen...
fighter aircraft to supersede the Saab 105 as the Austrian Air Force's main interceptor in 1988. The Saab 105 remained in service as a trainer/surveillance aircraft.
Shortly after, the Draken saw their first major use in airspace interdiction starting 1991 during the Yugoslav Wars
Yugoslav wars
The Yugoslav Wars were a series of wars, fought throughout the former Yugoslavia between 1991 and 1995. The wars were complex: characterized by bitter ethnic conflicts among the peoples of the former Yugoslavia, mostly between Serbs on the one side and Croats and Bosniaks on the other; but also...
, when Yugoslav MiG-21 fighters crossed the Austrian border without permission. In one incident on 28 June a MiG-21 penetrated as far as Graz
Graz
The more recent population figures do not give the whole picture as only people with principal residence status are counted and people with secondary residence status are not. Most of the people with secondary residence status in Graz are students...
, causing a widespread demands for action. Following repeated border crossings by armed aircraft of the Yugoslav People's Army
Yugoslav People's Army
The Yugoslav People's Army , also referred to as the Yugoslav National Army , was the military of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia.-Origins:The origins of the JNA can...
, changes were suggested to the standing orders for aircraft armament.
Since 1955, Austria's armed forces had been forbidden to operate any guided missile system, including Air-to-air missile
Air-to-air missile
An air-to-air missile is a missile fired from an aircraft for the purpose of destroying another aircraft. AAMs are typically powered by one or more rocket motors, usually solid fuelled but sometimes liquid fuelled...
s and surface-to-air missiles. In the post-Cold War
Cold War
The Cold War was the continuing state from roughly 1946 to 1991 of political conflict, military tension, proxy wars, and economic competition between the Communist World—primarily the Soviet Union and its satellite states and allies—and the powers of the Western world, primarily the United States...
environment, and with gun-armed aircraft a relic of a past age, the Austrian Parliament voted to amend this section of its state treaty and in January 1993 modern AIM-9 Sidewinder
AIM-9 Sidewinder
The AIM-9 Sidewinder is a heat-seeking, short-range, air-to-air missile carried mostly by fighter aircraft and recently, certain gunship helicopters. The missile entered service with United States Air Force in the early 1950s, and variants and upgrades remain in active service with many air forces...
missiles were ordered from Sweden
Sweden
Sweden , officially the Kingdom of Sweden , is a Nordic country on the Scandinavian Peninsula in Northern Europe. Sweden borders with Norway and Finland and is connected to Denmark by a bridge-tunnel across the Öresund....
to arm its fighter aircraft.
After the avalanche
Avalanche
An avalanche is a sudden rapid flow of snow down a slope, occurring when either natural triggers or human activity causes a critical escalating transition from the slow equilibrium evolution of the snow pack. Typically occurring in mountainous terrain, an avalanche can mix air and water with the...
in Galtür
Galtür
Galtür is a village and ski resort in the upper Paznaun valley in Tyrol . Located in the Central Eastern Alps 35 km southwest of Landeck near the border of Vorarlberg and Switzerland, its population is about 878.-History:...
in 1999, it became apparent that the Austrian Air Force's helicopter complement were too few in numbers and too limited in design. Therefore, several US built Sikorsky UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters were purchased, to be used for transportation during disasters.
In 2003 Austria's transport capability was improved when it purchased three C-130 Hercules
C-130 Hercules
The Lockheed C-130 Hercules is a four-engine turboprop military transport aircraft designed and built originally by Lockheed, now Lockheed Martin. Capable of using unprepared runways for takeoffs and landings, the C-130 was originally designed as a troop, medical evacuation, and cargo transport...
from the Royal Air Force
Royal Air Force
The Royal Air Force is the aerial warfare service branch of the British Armed Forces. Formed on 1 April 1918, it is the oldest independent air force in the world...
. These aircraft were needed for the demanding UN peacekeeping missions in which Austria played a role.
In 2005, the Saab Draken fleet was retired (50 years after the type first saw service), to be replaced by the Eurofighter Typhoon
Eurofighter Typhoon
The Eurofighter Typhoon is a twin-engine, canard-delta wing, multirole combat aircraft, designed and built by a consortium of three companies: EADS, Alenia Aeronautica and BAE Systems; working through a holding company, Eurofighter GmbH, which was formed in 1986...
. Before the first delivery of Typhoons, F-5 Tiger II
F-5 Freedom Fighter
The Northrop F-5A/B Freedom Fighter and the F-5E/F Tiger II are part of a family of widely-used light supersonic fighter aircraft, designed and built by Northrop...
were leased from Switzerland
Switzerland
Switzerland name of one of the Swiss cantons. ; ; ; or ), in its full name the Swiss Confederation , is a federal republic consisting of 26 cantons, with Bern as the seat of the federal authorities. The country is situated in Western Europe,Or Central Europe depending on the definition....
as a stopgap measure. The Eurofighter purchase was subject to controversy in Austria, and became a political football for some time, but the 15th and final aircraft was delivered on 24 September 2009.
Vogler Air Base
Linz Airport
Linz Airport , also known as Blue Danube Airport , is an airport near Linz, Austria.-Airlines and destinations:-Cargo airlines:-Accidents and incidents:...
, north of the town of Hörsching
Hörsching
Hörsching is a municipality in the district Linz-Land in Upper Austria, Austria. It is next to the Linz Airport which is served by a shuttle bus from the Hörsching train station....
west of Linz
Linz
Linz is the third-largest city of Austria and capital of the state of Upper Austria . It is located in the north centre of Austria, approximately south of the Czech border, on both sides of the river Danube. The population of the city is , and that of the Greater Linz conurbation is about...
, was built as a base for the German Luftwaffe
History of the Luftwaffe during World War II
The German Luftwaffe was one of the strongest, most doctrinally advanced, and most battle-experienced air forces in the world when World War II started in Europe in September 1939. Officially unveiled in 1935, in violation of the Treaty of Versailles, its purpose was to support Adolf Hitler's...
1938–1940. After the war the USAAF used the base, then named "Camp McCauley - Hörsching", until 1955 when it was returned to the Austrian government.
Firstly used exclusively by the ground forces, the first military aircraft, Yakovlev Yak-18 "Max-A", arrived in 1957. The base was named for First Lieutenant Walter Vogler in 1967.
The German-built base structures were used jointly by the military and civilian aviation until the 70s when construction of the new civilian area in the northern part of the base was finished.
FH Vogler is the largest base of the Luftstreitkräfte. It houses "Fliegerwerft 3", responsible for overhauls and maintenance of the Lockheed Martin C-130K Hercules/Hercules C.Mk 1P
C-130 Hercules
The Lockheed C-130 Hercules is a four-engine turboprop military transport aircraft designed and built originally by Lockheed, now Lockheed Martin. Capable of using unprepared runways for takeoffs and landings, the C-130 was originally designed as a troop, medical evacuation, and cargo transport...
and Agusta Bell AB212
UH-1N Twin Huey
The Bell UH-1N Twin Huey is a medium military helicopter that first flew in April, 1969. The UH-1N has a fifteen seat configuration, with one pilot and fourteen passengers. In cargo configuration the UH-1N has an internal capacity of 220 ft³ . An external load of 5,000 lb can be carried...
.
Units currently based here are the Saab 105
Saab 105
-See also:-Bibliography:* Hewson, Robert. "Saab 105/Sk60 Variant Briefing". World Air Power Journal, Volume 23 Winter 1995. London:Aerospace Publishing. ISBN 1 874023 64 6. ISSN 0959-7050. pp. 40—49....
Oe of 3rd Jet Squadron, Flight Regiment 3; the Lockheed Martin C-130K Hercules/Hercules C.Mk 1P
C-130 Hercules
The Lockheed C-130 Hercules is a four-engine turboprop military transport aircraft designed and built originally by Lockheed, now Lockheed Martin. Capable of using unprepared runways for takeoffs and landings, the C-130 was originally designed as a troop, medical evacuation, and cargo transport...
of 4th Air Transport Squadron, Flight Regiment 3; and the Agusta Bell AB212
UH-1N Twin Huey
The Bell UH-1N Twin Huey is a medium military helicopter that first flew in April, 1969. The UH-1N has a fifteen seat configuration, with one pilot and fourteen passengers. In cargo configuration the UH-1N has an internal capacity of 220 ft³ . An external load of 5,000 lb can be carried...
of 1st and 2nd Helicopter Squadron, Flight Regiment 3.
Brumowski Air Base
Fliegerhorst Brumowski
Fliegerhorst Brumowski is an Austrian Air Force air force base located approximately 5 km east-southeast of Tulln; about 30 km northwest of Vienna....
, south of the town of Langenlebarn northwest of Vienna
Vienna
Vienna is the capital and largest city of the Republic of Austria and one of the nine states of Austria. Vienna is Austria's primary city, with a population of about 1.723 million , and is by far the largest city in Austria, as well as its cultural, economic, and political centre...
, was built as a base for the German Luftwaffe
History of the Luftwaffe during World War II
The German Luftwaffe was one of the strongest, most doctrinally advanced, and most battle-experienced air forces in the world when World War II started in Europe in September 1939. Officially unveiled in 1935, in violation of the Treaty of Versailles, its purpose was to support Adolf Hitler's...
1938–1940. After the war the base was briefly occupied by Soviet troops before it was taken over by the USAAF, becoming "Air Force Station Tulln - Vienna
Vienna
Vienna is the capital and largest city of the Republic of Austria and one of the nine states of Austria. Vienna is Austria's primary city, with a population of about 1.723 million , and is by far the largest city in Austria, as well as its cultural, economic, and political centre...
". In 1946 Pan Am added the base as destination, and for a short time there were regular flights New York
New York
New York is a state in the Northeastern region of the United States. It is the nation's third most populous state. New York is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and by Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east...
/Langenlebarn.
The first Austrian aircraft to arrive were Yakovlev Yak-11 "Moose" and Yakovlev Yak-18 "Max-A" trainers donated by the Soviet Union
Soviet Union
The Soviet Union , officially the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics , was a constitutionally socialist state that existed in Eurasia between 1922 and 1991....
and Agusta Bell AB47G2
Bell 47
The Bell 47 is a two-bladed, single engine, light helicopter manufactured by Bell Helicopter. Based on the third Model 30 prototype, Bell's first helicopter designed by Arthur M. Young, the Bell 47 became the first helicopter certified for civilian use on 8 March 1946...
helicopters in late 1955. The base was named for Captain Godwin Brumowski
Godwin Brumowski
Godwin Brumowski was the most successful fighter ace of the Austro-Hungarian Air Force during World War I. He was officially credited with 35 air victories, with 8 others unconfirmed because they fell behind Allied lines...
in 1967.
The base is the headquarter of the Luftstreifkräfte; it also houses the "Bundesfachschule für Flugtechnik" (Federal School for Aeronatical Engineering) and "Fliegerwerft 1", responsible for overhauls and maintenance of the Short SC-7-3M-400 Skyvan
Short SC.7 Skyvan
-See also:-References:NotesBibliography* Jackson, A.J. British Civil Aircraft since 1919 . London: Putnam, 1974. ISBN 0-370-10014-X.-External links:****...
, Pilatus PC-6 B2H2 Turbo Porter
Pilatus PC-6
|-See also:-References:* Lambert, Mark. Jane's All The World's Aircraft 1993–1994. Coulsdon, UK: Jane's Data Division, 1993. ISBN 0 7106 1066 1.* Taylor, John W. R. Janes's All The World's Aircraft 1965–66. London: Sampson Low, Marston & Company, 1965....
, Sikorsky S-70A-42 Black Hawk, Agusta Bell AB206A Jet Ranger
Bell 206
The Bell 206 is a family of two-bladed, single- or twin-engine helicopters, manufactured by Bell Helicopter at its Mirabel, Quebec plant. Originally developed as the Bell YOH-4 for the United States Army's Light Observation Helicopter program, the 206 failed to be selected...
and Bell OH-58B Kiowa
OH-58 Kiowa
The Bell OH-58 Kiowa is a family of single-engine, single-rotor, military helicopters used for observation, utility, and direct fire support. Bell Helicopter manufactured the OH-58 for the United States Army based on the 206A JetRanger helicopter. The OH-58 has been in continuous use by the U.S...
.
Units currently based here are the Short SC-7-3M-400 Skyvan
Short SC.7 Skyvan
-See also:-References:NotesBibliography* Jackson, A.J. British Civil Aircraft since 1919 . London: Putnam, 1974. ISBN 0-370-10014-X.-External links:****...
(scheduled for retirement) and Pilatus PC-6 B2H2 Turbo Porter
Pilatus PC-6
|-See also:-References:* Lambert, Mark. Jane's All The World's Aircraft 1993–1994. Coulsdon, UK: Jane's Data Division, 1993. ISBN 0 7106 1066 1.* Taylor, John W. R. Janes's All The World's Aircraft 1965–66. London: Sampson Low, Marston & Company, 1965....
of 4th Air Squadron, Flight Regiment 1; the Sikorsky S-70A-42 Black Hawk of 1st Helicopter Squadron, Flight Regiment 1, the Agusta Bell AB206A Jet Ranger
Bell 206
The Bell 206 is a family of two-bladed, single- or twin-engine helicopters, manufactured by Bell Helicopter at its Mirabel, Quebec plant. Originally developed as the Bell YOH-4 for the United States Army's Light Observation Helicopter program, the 206 failed to be selected...
of 2nd Helicopter Squadron, Flight Regiment 1; and the Agusta Bell AB206A Jet Ranger
Bell 206
The Bell 206 is a family of two-bladed, single- or twin-engine helicopters, manufactured by Bell Helicopter at its Mirabel, Quebec plant. Originally developed as the Bell YOH-4 for the United States Army's Light Observation Helicopter program, the 206 failed to be selected...
and Bell OH-58B Kiowa
OH-58 Kiowa
The Bell OH-58 Kiowa is a family of single-engine, single-rotor, military helicopters used for observation, utility, and direct fire support. Bell Helicopter manufactured the OH-58 for the United States Army based on the 206A JetRanger helicopter. The OH-58 has been in continuous use by the U.S...
of 3rd Helicopter Squadron, Flight Regiment 1.
Hinterstoisser Air Base
Fliegerhorst HinterstoisserZeltweg Airfield
Zeltweg Airfield, now known as Fliegerhorst Hinterstoisser, is a military airfield in Styria, Austria near Zeltweg. It is the main airfield of the Austrian Air Force.-Motorsports:...
, located north of Zeltweg
Zeltweg
Zeltweg is a town in Styria, Austria. It is located in the Aichfeld basin of the Mur River in Upper Styria. Larger municipalities in the vicinity are Judenburg, Knittelfeld and Fohnsdorf.-History:...
in a region known as Aichfeld, was built as a base for the Air Force of the "Ständestaat" 1936–1938. The base was occupied by Soviet troops in the aftermath of the war, but then transferred to the RAF which used the base until 1947.
In spring 1957 the first aircraft, Piper PA-18/95 Super Cub
Super Cub
Super Cub may refer to:* Piper PA-18 Super Cub, a light aircraft.* Honda Super Cub, a light motorcycle.* Supercub the lion, a foster lion cub who was adopted from a zoo in Kenya East Africa and became friends with Christian the lion and other lions being cared for by George Adamson....
and Zlin Z-126 Trener
Zlin Trener
|- Specifications :-See also:-References:*Mourik, Dick van. "A to Zlin: An Illustrated History of a Light Aircraft Dynasty". Air Enthusiast, No. 93, May/June 2001. Stamford, UK:Key Publishing. ISSN 0143 5450. pp. 59–65....
, arrived with "Fluggruppe 1" at the base. Since then it is the main base for the training of new aviators. It was named for Colonel Franz Hinterstoisser in 1967.
The base houses the 1st Squadron of the "Überwachungsgeschwader" (Surveillance Wing). With the retirement of the Saab 35 Draken in 2005 the unit now uses the Eurofighter Typhoon
Eurofighter Typhoon
The Eurofighter Typhoon is a twin-engine, canard-delta wing, multirole combat aircraft, designed and built by a consortium of three companies: EADS, Alenia Aeronautica and BAE Systems; working through a holding company, Eurofighter GmbH, which was formed in 1986...
. The first Eurofighter Typhoon
Eurofighter Typhoon
The Eurofighter Typhoon is a twin-engine, canard-delta wing, multirole combat aircraft, designed and built by a consortium of three companies: EADS, Alenia Aeronautica and BAE Systems; working through a holding company, Eurofighter GmbH, which was formed in 1986...
arrived in July 2007. The base also houses parts of "Fliegerwerft 2", responsible for overhauls and maintenance of the Saab 105
Saab 105
-See also:-Bibliography:* Hewson, Robert. "Saab 105/Sk60 Variant Briefing". World Air Power Journal, Volume 23 Winter 1995. London:Aerospace Publishing. ISBN 1 874023 64 6. ISSN 0959-7050. pp. 40—49....
Oe and the Pilatus PC-7 Turbo Trainer, as well as Flight School for basic training.
Units currently based here are the Pilatus PC-7 Turbo Trainer of Flight School; detachments of 2nd Squadron and the Eurofighter Typhoon
Eurofighter Typhoon
The Eurofighter Typhoon is a twin-engine, canard-delta wing, multirole combat aircraft, designed and built by a consortium of three companies: EADS, Alenia Aeronautica and BAE Systems; working through a holding company, Eurofighter GmbH, which was formed in 1986...
.
Nittner Air Base
Fliegerhorst Nittner - Graz International AirportGraz Airport
Graz Airport , also known as Thalerhof, serves Graz, Austria. It is located in the municipalities of Feldkirchen and Kalsdorf, south of Graz city centre.-Transportation:...
, located south of Graz
Graz
The more recent population figures do not give the whole picture as only people with principal residence status are counted and people with secondary residence status are not. Most of the people with secondary residence status in Graz are students...
, was built as a base for the Austro-Hungarian Imperial and Royal Aviation Troops and opened in 1913.
After the Second World War the RAF used the base before it was returned to Austria
Austria
Austria , officially the Republic of Austria , is a landlocked country of roughly 8.4 million people in Central Europe. It is bordered by the Czech Republic and Germany to the north, Slovakia and Hungary to the east, Slovenia and Italy to the south, and Switzerland and Liechtenstein to the...
in 1951.
The first Austria
Austria
Austria , officially the Republic of Austria , is a landlocked country of roughly 8.4 million people in Central Europe. It is bordered by the Czech Republic and Germany to the north, Slovakia and Hungary to the east, Slovenia and Italy to the south, and Switzerland and Liechtenstein to the...
n aircraft arrived in 1957, three De Havilland Vampire T.Mk 55
De Havilland Vampire
The de Havilland DH.100 Vampire was a British jet-engine fighter commissioned by the Royal Air Force during the Second World War. Following the Gloster Meteor, it was the second jet fighter to enter service with the RAF. Although it arrived too late to see combat during the war, the Vampire served...
for the Fighter Bomber Training Squadron; since then Graz
Graz
The more recent population figures do not give the whole picture as only people with principal residence status are counted and people with secondary residence status are not. Most of the people with secondary residence status in Graz are students...
was the main base for fighter and fighter bomber aircraft of the Luftstreitkräfte. The base was named for First Lieutenant Eduard Nittner in 1967.
The base housed parts of "Fliegerwerft 2", responsible for maintenance of Northrop F-5E Tiger II. It is primarily a civilian airport, with the military enclave in its southern part; but the base itself is earmarked for closure in 2008 (with the end of Tiger operations) with its installations most likely taken over by the civilian airport operator.
Fiala-Fernbrugg Air Base
Fiala-Fernbrugg Air Base (Fliegerhorst Fiala-Fernbrugg), located north of the town of Aigen im EnnstalAigen im Ennstal
Aigen im Ennstal is a municipality in the district of Liezen in Styria, Austria....
on the southern edge of the "Totes Gebirge
Totes Gebirge
The Totes Gebirge is a group of mountains in Austria, part of the Northern Limestone Alps, lying between the Salzkammergut and the Ennstaler Alpen. The name Totes Gebirge is derived from the German words tot meaning "dead", referring to the apparent lack of vegetation, and Gebirge meaning "mountain...
", was built as a base for the Air Force of the "Ständestaat" 1936–1937. At the end of World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
the base became the homebase of the only helicopter
Helicopter
A helicopter is a type of rotorcraft in which lift and thrust are supplied by one or more engine-driven rotors. This allows the helicopter to take off and land vertically, to hover, and to fly forwards, backwards, and laterally...
unit of the German Luftwaffe
History of the Luftwaffe during World War II
The German Luftwaffe was one of the strongest, most doctrinally advanced, and most battle-experienced air forces in the world when World War II started in Europe in September 1939. Officially unveiled in 1935, in violation of the Treaty of Versailles, its purpose was to support Adolf Hitler's...
; beginning the tradition of helicopter
Helicopter
A helicopter is a type of rotorcraft in which lift and thrust are supplied by one or more engine-driven rotors. This allows the helicopter to take off and land vertically, to hover, and to fly forwards, backwards, and laterally...
operations at Aigen im Ennstal
Aigen im Ennstal
Aigen im Ennstal is a municipality in the district of Liezen in Styria, Austria....
.
Soviet troops occupied the base after the war, but after only a few weeks control switched to the [USA]. After a few more weeks, the base ended up in British
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
hands. The RAF rebuilt the base and handed it over to Austria in 1947. It was used as a storage depot for the "B-Gendarmerie", a paramilitary police force in the western zones.
After some years of hiatus, the first helicopters, Bell H-13H Sioux
Bell 47
The Bell 47 is a two-bladed, single engine, light helicopter manufactured by Bell Helicopter. Based on the third Model 30 prototype, Bell's first helicopter designed by Arthur M. Young, the Bell 47 became the first helicopter certified for civilian use on 8 March 1946...
arrived in late 1960. The base was named for Captain Benno Fiala von Fernbrugg
Benno Fiala von Fernbrugg
Hauptmann Benno Fiala von Fernbrugg , Order of the Iron Crown, Order of Leopold, Military Merit Cross, Military Merit Medal, Gold Medal for Bravery, Iron Cross was an Austro-Hungarian fighter ace with 28 victories to his credit during World War I. He was the third ranking ace of the...
in 1967.
The base houses "Fliegerwerft A", responsible for overhauls and maintenance of Aerospatiale AS-316B Alouette III. "Hochgebirgslandekurse" (Alpine landing courses) are conducted at least annually at the base, with officers of foreign air forces as regular attendants.
Units currently based here are the Aerospatiale AS-316B Alouette III of 1st and 2nd Helicopter Squadron, Flight Regiment 2.
Wiener Neustadt Air Base
Wiener NeustadtWiener Neustadt
-Main sights:* The Late-Romanesque Dom, consecrated in 1279 and cathedral from 1469 to 1785. The choir and transept, in Gothic style, are from the 14th century. In the late 15th century 12 statues of the Apostles were added in the apse, while the bust of Cardinal Melchior Klesl is attributed to...
Air Base was located northwest of the city and was one of the first airports on the European continent. It opened in 1910 and housed various units of the Austro-Hungarian Imperial and Royal Aviation Troops. The base was close to the Wiener Neustädter Flugzeugwerke (WNF) factory in the eastern part of the city and which manufactured Messerschmitt Bf 109
Messerschmitt Bf 109
The Messerschmitt Bf 109, often called Me 109, was a German World War II fighter aircraft designed by Willy Messerschmitt and Robert Lusser during the early to mid 1930s...
s and repaired Junkers
Junkers
Junkers Flugzeug- und Motorenwerke AG , more commonly Junkers, was a major German aircraft manufacturer. It produced some of the world's most innovative and best-known airplanes over the course of its fifty-plus year history in Dessau, Germany. It was founded there in 1895 by Hugo Junkers,...
bombers and destroyers during World War II. The base was bombed to total destruction during World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
and was rebuilt by the Soviets who operated the base until 1955. The Austria
Austria
Austria , officially the Republic of Austria , is a landlocked country of roughly 8.4 million people in Central Europe. It is bordered by the Czech Republic and Germany to the north, Slovakia and Hungary to the east, Slovenia and Italy to the south, and Switzerland and Liechtenstein to the...
n military took the base over, but didn't use it until 1961. The base currently houses no units, but Flight Regiment 1s Pilatus PC-6 B2H2 Turbo Porter
Pilatus PC-6
|-See also:-References:* Lambert, Mark. Jane's All The World's Aircraft 1993–1994. Coulsdon, UK: Jane's Data Division, 1993. ISBN 0 7106 1066 1.* Taylor, John W. R. Janes's All The World's Aircraft 1965–66. London: Sampson Low, Marston & Company, 1965....
are operating from the base regularly for flight training purposes as well as for training of army parachutists.
Truppenübungsplatz Allentsteig - Liechtenstein Kaserne
The large Liechtenstein KaserneKaserne
Kaserne is a loanword taken from the German word Kaserne , which translates as "barracks". It is the typical term used when naming the garrison location for NATO forces stationed in Germany...
on the northern edge of the "Truppenübungsplatz Allentsteig" (Training Area, Gunnery and Bombing Range) is home to a detachment of Flight Regiment 1s Bell OH-58B Kiowa
OH-58 Kiowa
The Bell OH-58 Kiowa is a family of single-engine, single-rotor, military helicopters used for observation, utility, and direct fire support. Bell Helicopter manufactured the OH-58 for the United States Army based on the 206A JetRanger helicopter. The OH-58 has been in continuous use by the U.S...
. Known as "Stützpunkt Nord" it is not only used by military aircraft, helicopters of the Ministry of the Interior
Federal Ministry for the Interior (Austria)
The Federal Ministry for the Interior is a ministry of the Austrian federal government.It has offices in the Palais Modena. The current head of the ministry is minister Johanna Mikl-Leitner....
using the base for operations too; the task of border surveillance is jointly conducted by the military and civilian authorities. Besides that, Flight Regiment 1s helicopters and Pilatus PC-6 B2H2 Turbo Porter
Pilatus PC-6
|-See also:-References:* Lambert, Mark. Jane's All The World's Aircraft 1993–1994. Coulsdon, UK: Jane's Data Division, 1993. ISBN 0 7106 1066 1.* Taylor, John W. R. Janes's All The World's Aircraft 1965–66. London: Sampson Low, Marston & Company, 1965....
are operating from the base or its adjacent meadows/roads on a regular base.
Frundsberg Kaserne
The Frundsberg KaserneKaserne
Kaserne is a loanword taken from the German word Kaserne , which translates as "barracks". It is the typical term used when naming the garrison location for NATO forces stationed in Germany...
in the southern suburbs of Schwaz
Schwaz
Schwaz is a city in Tyrol, Austria. It is the administrative center of the Schwaz district . Schwaz is located in the lower Inn valley, and has a population of about 13,000....
east of Innsbruck
Innsbruck
- Main sights :- Buildings :*Golden Roof*Kaiserliche Hofburg *Hofkirche with the cenotaph of Maximilian I, Holy Roman Emperor*Altes Landhaus...
houses a detachment of Flight Regiment 2s Aerospatiale AS-316B Alouette III used for SAR and firefighting duties. The helicopters are operating from Schwaz
Schwaz
Schwaz is a city in Tyrol, Austria. It is the administrative center of the Schwaz district . Schwaz is located in the lower Inn valley, and has a population of about 13,000....
since 1969. The base is earmarked for closure, with the helicopters being redeployed to the nearby Andreas Hofer
Andreas Hofer
Andreas Hofer was a Tirolean innkeeper and patriot. He was the leader of a rebellion against Napoleon's forces....
Kaserne
Kaserne
Kaserne is a loanword taken from the German word Kaserne , which translates as "barracks". It is the typical term used when naming the garrison location for NATO forces stationed in Germany...
.
Klagenfurt
Flughafen KlagenfurtKlagenfurt Airport
Klagenfurt Airport is a small international airport in the state of Carinthia, Austria. It is located in the borough of Annabichl, only north northeast from the city centre of Klagenfurt. The airport is accessible by shuttle bus or city bus from Klagenfurt central station.- History :In 1905,...
, located in the northeast suburbs of the city Klagenfurt
Klagenfurt
-Name:Carinthia's eminent linguists Primus Lessiak and Eberhard Kranzmayer assumed that the city's name, which literally translates as "ford of lament" or "ford of complaints", had something to do with the superstitious thought that fateful fairies or demons tend to live around treacherous waters...
, had a history similar to Graz
Graz
The more recent population figures do not give the whole picture as only people with principal residence status are counted and people with secondary residence status are not. Most of the people with secondary residence status in Graz are students...
. Opened in 1914 for the Austro-Hungarian Imperial and Royal Aviation Troops, the German Luftwaffe
History of the Luftwaffe during World War II
The German Luftwaffe was one of the strongest, most doctrinally advanced, and most battle-experienced air forces in the world when World War II started in Europe in September 1939. Officially unveiled in 1935, in violation of the Treaty of Versailles, its purpose was to support Adolf Hitler's...
took the base over and used it for training of aviators.
After the war, the base ended in RAF hands and was quickly rebuilt and handed over to Austrian authorities in 1951. Despite it was not planned to be used by the military, the first Saab J-29F Tunnan
Saab Tunnan
The Saab 29, popularly called Flygande tunnan , was a Swedish fighter designed and manufactured by Saab in the 1950s. It was Sweden's second turbojet-powered combat aircraft, the first being the Saab 21R...
arrived at the airport in 1961, only to be immediately put into mothballs. The planes left a year later, putting the bases connection to the military on hold until 1970 when the John Kaserne
Kaserne
Kaserne is a loanword taken from the German word Kaserne , which translates as "barracks". It is the typical term used when naming the garrison location for NATO forces stationed in Germany...
on the westernmost part of the airport became home to a detachment of helicopters, much like Schwaz
Schwaz
Schwaz is a city in Tyrol, Austria. It is the administrative center of the Schwaz district . Schwaz is located in the lower Inn valley, and has a population of about 13,000....
. A detachment of Flight Regiment 2s Aerospatiale AS-316B Alouette III is currently based there.
Flugplatz Punitz - Güssing
The small airstrip northwest of the town of Punitz near the HungarianHungary
Hungary , officially the Republic of Hungary , is a landlocked country in Central Europe. It is situated in the Carpathian Basin and is bordered by Slovakia to the north, Ukraine and Romania to the east, Serbia and Croatia to the south, Slovenia to the southwest and Austria to the west. The...
border, known as "Stützpunkt Süd" (Base South), houses a detachment of Flight Regiment 2s Aerospatiale AS-316B Alouette III since 1998. The helicopters have been re-equipped with thermal sighting systems to be used for border surveillance.
Ortsfeste Radarstation Kolomannsberg - ORS K
This radarRadar
Radar is an object-detection system which uses radio waves to determine the range, altitude, direction, or speed of objects. It can be used to detect aircraft, ships, spacecraft, guided missiles, motor vehicles, weather formations, and terrain. The radar dish or antenna transmits pulses of radio...
site is located atop the Kolomannsberg (1,114 m) on the border between Salzburg
Salzburg
-Population development:In 1935, the population significantly increased when Salzburg absorbed adjacent municipalities. After World War II, numerous refugees found a new home in the city. New residential space was created for American soldiers of the postwar Occupation, and could be used for...
and Upper Austria
Upper Austria
Upper Austria is one of the nine states or Bundesländer of Austria. Its capital is Linz. Upper Austria borders on Germany and the Czech Republic, as well as on the other Austrian states of Lower Austria, Styria, and Salzburg...
north of Thalgau
Thalgau
Thalgau is a market town in the district of Salzburg-Umgebung in the state of Salzburg in Austria....
in a region known as the Flachgau
Flachgau
The Bezirk Salzburg-Umgebung is an administrative district in the federal state of Salzburg, Austria, and congruent with the Flachgau region, except for the Statutarstadt of Salzburg, which forms a district of its own.Area of the district is 1,004.36 km², with a population of 140,914 , and...
. The site is active since January 1968, and provides 24/7 air surveillance since August 1968. Initially a French CSF
Thomson-CSF
Thomson-CSF was a major electronics and defence contractor. In December 2000 it was renamed Thales Group.-History:In 1879 Elihu Thomson and Edwin Houston formed the Thomson-Houston Electric Company in the United States....
(now Thales Group
Thales Group
The Thales Group is a French electronics company delivering information systems and services for the aerospace, defense, transportation and security markets...
) RV376 and a British Marconi
Marconi Electronic Systems
Marconi Electronic Systems , or GEC-Marconi as it was until 1998, was the defence arm of The General Electric Company . It was demerged from GEC and acquired by British Aerospace on November 30, 1999 to form BAE Systems...
(now BAE Systems
BAE Systems
BAE Systems plc is a British multinational defence, security and aerospace company headquartered in London, United Kingdom, that has global interests, particularly in North America through its subsidiary BAE Systems Inc. BAE is among the world's largest military contractors; in 2009 it was the...
) S244 heightfinder were used at the site but were replaced by an Italian Selenia (now Alenia
Alenia Aeronautica
Alenia Aeronautica, a Finmeccanica subsidiary, is a European aerospace company from Italy. Its subsidiaries include Alenia Aermacchi and Alenia Aeronavali...
) RAT-31S 3D-radar
Radar
Radar is an object-detection system which uses radio waves to determine the range, altitude, direction, or speed of objects. It can be used to detect aircraft, ships, spacecraft, guided missiles, motor vehicles, weather formations, and terrain. The radar dish or antenna transmits pulses of radio...
in 1983. The system was further enhanced with the installation of a Selenia (now Alenia
Alenia Aeronautica
Alenia Aeronautica, a Finmeccanica subsidiary, is a European aerospace company from Italy. Its subsidiaries include Alenia Aermacchi and Alenia Aeronavali...
) RAT-31DL 3-D radar in 2003.
The site is also called "Grossraumradarstation" (lit. large space radar
Radar
Radar is an object-detection system which uses radio waves to determine the range, altitude, direction, or speed of objects. It can be used to detect aircraft, ships, spacecraft, guided missiles, motor vehicles, weather formations, and terrain. The radar dish or antenna transmits pulses of radio...
station) since it has the necessary office and working areas for a complete air traffic/combat control center. It served in this role until 1987 when its tasks were took over by the EZ/B and is still maintained to provide backup when needed.
Ortsfeste Radarstation Speikkogel - ORS SPK
This radarRadar
Radar is an object-detection system which uses radio waves to determine the range, altitude, direction, or speed of objects. It can be used to detect aircraft, ships, spacecraft, guided missiles, motor vehicles, weather formations, and terrain. The radar dish or antenna transmits pulses of radio...
site is located atop the Speikkogel (2,140 m) on the border between Styria and Carinthia
Carinthia (state)
Carinthia is the southernmost Austrian state or Land. Situated within the Eastern Alps it is chiefly noted for its mountains and lakes.The main language is German. Its regional dialects belong to the Southern Austro-Bavarian group...
in the Koralpe
Koralpe
The Koralpe, also referred to as Koralm, is a mountain range in southern Austria which separates eastern Carinthia from southern Styria. Running from north to south, it drains to the river Lavant in the west, and to the river Sulm in the east...
mountains west of Wolfsberg
Wolfsberg
Places named Wolfsberg include:*Wolfsberg, Carinthia, a district capital in Carinthia, Austria*Wolfsberg , a district of Carinthia, Austria*Wolfsberg im Schwarzautal, a municipality in Styria, Austria...
. The site is active since 1986, with its construction and commission severely hampered by the bad weather in the region (partly due to the height above SL) and problems with the radom and the radar itself. A Selenia (now Alenia
Alenia Aeronautica
Alenia Aeronautica, a Finmeccanica subsidiary, is a European aerospace company from Italy. Its subsidiaries include Alenia Aermacchi and Alenia Aeronavali...
) RAT-31S 3-D radar
Radar
Radar is an object-detection system which uses radio waves to determine the range, altitude, direction, or speed of objects. It can be used to detect aircraft, ships, spacecraft, guided missiles, motor vehicles, weather formations, and terrain. The radar dish or antenna transmits pulses of radio...
is installed, scheduled to receive the RAT-31DL upgrade. The site features a downsized version of the ORS K's control center, but is normally not manned.
Ortsfeste Radarstation Steinmandl - ORS STM
This radarRadar
Radar is an object-detection system which uses radio waves to determine the range, altitude, direction, or speed of objects. It can be used to detect aircraft, ships, spacecraft, guided missiles, motor vehicles, weather formations, and terrain. The radar dish or antenna transmits pulses of radio...
site is located atop the Steinmandl (490 m) north of Ernstbrunn
Ernstbrunn
Ernstbrunn is a town in the district of Korneuburg in Lower Austria in Austria. Ernstbrunn takes up about 80.69 square kilometers, 26.99 percent of which is forest.-External links:*...
in the Leiser Berge region 40 km north of Vienna
Vienna
Vienna is the capital and largest city of the Republic of Austria and one of the nine states of Austria. Vienna is Austria's primary city, with a population of about 1.723 million , and is by far the largest city in Austria, as well as its cultural, economic, and political centre...
. The site is active since 1985; to the immediate west a secondary radar operated by AustroControl
Air Navigation Service Provider
An Air Navigation Service Provider is the organisation that separates aircraft on the ground or in flight in a dedicated block of airspace on behalf of a state or a number of states....
is located atop the Buschberg. The ORS uses a Selenia (now Alenia
Alenia Aeronautica
Alenia Aeronautica, a Finmeccanica subsidiary, is a European aerospace company from Italy. Its subsidiaries include Alenia Aermacchi and Alenia Aeronavali...
) RAT-31S 3-D radar
Radar
Radar is an object-detection system which uses radio waves to determine the range, altitude, direction, or speed of objects. It can be used to detect aircraft, ships, spacecraft, guided missiles, motor vehicles, weather formations, and terrain. The radar dish or antenna transmits pulses of radio...
, but is scheduled to receive the RAT-31DL upgrade. The site was a replacement for the unbuilt one atop the Schneeberg
Schneeberg
Schneeberg may refer to:* several mountains in Germany and Austria:** Schneeberg , in Lower Austria** Schneeberg , in Bavaria* several towns in Germany:** Schneeberg, Bavaria in Lower Franconia...
south of Vienna
Vienna
Vienna is the capital and largest city of the Republic of Austria and one of the nine states of Austria. Vienna is Austria's primary city, with a population of about 1.723 million , and is by far the largest city in Austria, as well as its cultural, economic, and political centre...
.
Mobile MRCS-403 Systems
As a backup to the fixed sites and to create a better situation image in times of crisis two Selenia (now AleniaAlenia Aeronautica
Alenia Aeronautica, a Finmeccanica subsidiary, is a European aerospace company from Italy. Its subsidiaries include Alenia Aermacchi and Alenia Aeronavali...
) MRCS-403 3-D radars - mobile versions of the RAT-31S - are operated by the Radarbataillon since 1979. Several sites (Irrsberg, Hochwechsel) are prepared to host the radar
Radar
Radar is an object-detection system which uses radio waves to determine the range, altitude, direction, or speed of objects. It can be used to detect aircraft, ships, spacecraft, guided missiles, motor vehicles, weather formations, and terrain. The radar dish or antenna transmits pulses of radio...
.
Mobile RAC 3D Systems
To provide detection of low-flying aircraft the Radarbataillon operates six Thomson-CSFThomson-CSF
Thomson-CSF was a major electronics and defence contractor. In December 2000 it was renamed Thales Group.-History:In 1879 Elihu Thomson and Edwin Houston formed the Thomson-Houston Electric Company in the United States....
(now Thales Group
Thales Group
The Thales Group is a French electronics company delivering information systems and services for the aerospace, defense, transportation and security markets...
) RAC 3D medium-range 3-D radars - designated TER (Tieffliegererfassungsradar) - mounted on ÖAF
Gräf & Stift
Gräf & Stift was an Austrian manufacturer of automobiles, trucks, buses and trolleybuses, from 1902 until 2001, latterly as a subsidiary of MAN. Founded in 1902 by the brothers Franz, Heinrich and Karl Gräf, and the investor, Wilhelm Stift...
32.403 trucks beginning in 1998. A further 16 of these systems are operated by the Air Defense Bataillons in special target designation configuration to provide early warning and target tracking for the Mistral
Mistral missile
Mistral is an infrared homing surface-to-air missile manufactured by the European multinational company MBDA missile systems . Based on the French SATCP , the portable missile later to become the Mistral began development in 1974...
units.
35 mm Twin-barreled Anti-Air Gun Model 85
Oerlikon Contraves
Rheinmetall Air Defence AG is a division of German armament manufacturer Rheinmetall, created when the company's Oerlikon Contraves unit was renamed on 1 January 2009 and integrated with Rheinmetall's other air-defence products...
GDF-001
Oerlikon 35 mm twin cannon
The Oerlikon 35 mm twin cannon is a towed anti-aircraft gun made by Oerlikon Contraves . The system was originally designated as 2 ZLA/353 ML but this was later changed to GDF-001...
system. 18 of these guns were purchased in 1965 (under the designation Z/FlAK 65) and used with earlier acquired Oerlikon Contraves
Oerlikon Contraves
Rheinmetall Air Defence AG is a division of German armament manufacturer Rheinmetall, created when the company's Oerlikon Contraves unit was renamed on 1 January 2009 and integrated with Rheinmetall's other air-defence products...
FLGer 60 (Feuerleitgerät, fire control radar) Super Fledermaus
Oerlikon 35 mm twin cannon
The Oerlikon 35 mm twin cannon is a towed anti-aircraft gun made by Oerlikon Contraves . The system was originally designated as 2 ZLA/353 ML but this was later changed to GDF-001...
and new Oerlikon Contraves
Oerlikon Contraves
Rheinmetall Air Defence AG is a division of German armament manufacturer Rheinmetall, created when the company's Oerlikon Contraves unit was renamed on 1 January 2009 and integrated with Rheinmetall's other air-defence products...
FLGer 65 Improved Super Fledermaus
Oerlikon 35 mm twin cannon
The Oerlikon 35 mm twin cannon is a towed anti-aircraft gun made by Oerlikon Contraves . The system was originally designated as 2 ZLA/353 ML but this was later changed to GDF-001...
.
A second batch of these guns consisting of a further 18 Z/FlAK 65, but this time with FLGer 69, a further improved Super Fledermaus
Oerlikon 35 mm twin cannon
The Oerlikon 35 mm twin cannon is a towed anti-aircraft gun made by Oerlikon Contraves . The system was originally designated as 2 ZLA/353 ML but this was later changed to GDF-001...
, was purchased in 1973. The FLGer 69 were never issued to the units but returned to the manufacturer in 1973 for eventual replacement with the new FLGer 75 Skyguard
Oerlikon 35 mm twin cannon
The Oerlikon 35 mm twin cannon is a towed anti-aircraft gun made by Oerlikon Contraves . The system was originally designated as 2 ZLA/353 ML but this was later changed to GDF-001...
beginning in 1976. Improved Skyguards
Oerlikon 35 mm twin cannon
The Oerlikon 35 mm twin cannon is a towed anti-aircraft gun made by Oerlikon Contraves . The system was originally designated as 2 ZLA/353 ML but this was later changed to GDF-001...
, dubbed FLGer 79 were purchased in 1981.
The guns itself were upgraded to GDF-005
Oerlikon 35 mm twin cannon
The Oerlikon 35 mm twin cannon is a towed anti-aircraft gun made by Oerlikon Contraves . The system was originally designated as 2 ZLA/353 ML but this was later changed to GDF-001...
standard in 1987, designated Z/FlAK 85 since. The FLGer 75/79 have been upgraded to FLGer 98 in the late 90s. A total of 72 guns and 37 Skyguard systems have been acquired over the years.
Light Anti-Air Guided Missile Mistral
The lFAL (leichte Fliegerabwehrlenkwaffe) MatraMatra
Mécanique Aviation Traction or Matra was a French company covering a wide range of activities mainly related to automobile, bicycles, aeronautics and weaponry. In 1994, it became a subsidiary of the Lagardère Group and now operates under that name.Matra was owned by the Floirat family...
(now MBDA
MBDA
MBDA is a missile developer and manufacturer with operations in France, Britain, Germany, Italy, and the United States. It was formed by a merger of Aérospatiale-Matra Missiles , Finmeccanica and Matra BAe Dynamics in December 2001. In 2003 the company had 10,000 employees...
) Mistral is not only used with the Air Defense Regiments of the Air Force but also with the air defense batteries attached to the HQ units of the Army's Brigades.
72 of these systems - along with several hundred missiles, the exact number is unknown - have been purchased beginning in 1993. They are used in conjunction with the so-called ZZR (Zielzuweisungsradar), 16 Thomson-CSF
Thomson-CSF
Thomson-CSF was a major electronics and defence contractor. In December 2000 it was renamed Thales Group.-History:In 1879 Elihu Thomson and Edwin Houston formed the Thomson-Houston Electric Company in the United States....
(now Thales Group
Thales Group
The Thales Group is a French electronics company delivering information systems and services for the aerospace, defense, transportation and security markets...
) RAC 3D medium range 3-D radars in target designation configuration, that have been purchased in 1998. Nine missile launchers and two radars normally operate in a battery.
Retired systems
20 mm Light Anti-Air Gun Model 65/68, Oerlikon ContravesOerlikon Contraves
Rheinmetall Air Defence AG is a division of German armament manufacturer Rheinmetall, created when the company's Oerlikon Contraves unit was renamed on 1 January 2009 and integrated with Rheinmetall's other air-defence products...
GAI-B01, ongoing
25 mm Anti-Air Gun Model 38/39, Model Hotchkiss
Hotchkiss et Cie
Société Anonyme des Anciens Etablissements Hotchkiss et Cie was a French arms and car company established by United States engineer Benjamin B. Hotchkiss, who was born in Watertown, Connecticut. He moved to France and set up a factory, first at Viviez near Rodez in 1867, then at Saint-Denis near...
, retired 1959
40 mm Anti-Air Gun Model 55/57
Bofors 40 mm gun
The Bofors 40 mm gun is an anti-aircraft autocannon designed by the Swedish defence firm of Bofors Defence...
, Model Bofors
Bofors
The name Bofors has been associated with the iron industry for more than 350 years.Located in Karlskoga, Sweden, the company originates from the hammer mill "Boofors" founded 1646. The modern corporate structure was created in 1873 with the foundation of Aktiebolaget Bofors-Gullspång...
, retired late 70s
Active
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Withdrawn from service
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! style="text-align: left; background: #aacccc;"|Origin
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! style="text-align: left; background: #aacccc;"|Withdrawn
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|-----
| Cessna
Cessna
The Cessna Aircraft Company is an airplane manufacturing corporation headquartered in Wichita, Kansas, USA. Their main products are general aviation aircraft. Although they are the most well known for their small, piston-powered aircraft, they also produce business jets. The company is a subsidiary...
| 172 Skyhawk
Cessna 172
The Cessna 172 Skyhawk is a four-seat, single-engine, high-wing fixed-wing aircraft. First flown in 1955 and still in production, more Cessna 172s have been built than any other aircraft.-Design and development:...
|
| Trainer
| January 1957
| 1
| December 1958
|
|-----
| Yakovlev
Yakovlev
The Yak Aircraft Corporation is a Russian aircraft designer and manufacturer...
| Yak-18 'Max-A'
|
| Trainer
| December 1955
| 4
| February 1960
|
|-----
| Saab
Saab
Saab AB is a Swedish aerospace and defence company, founded in 1937. From 1947 to 1990 it was the parent company of automobile manufacturer Saab Automobile, and between 1968 and 1995 the company was in a merger with commercial vehicle manufacturer Scania, known as Saab-Scania.-History:"Svenska...
| B17A
Saab 17
-References:* Jane, Fred T. “The Saab-17.” Jane’s Fighting Aircraft of World War II. London: Studio, 1946. ISBN 1-85170-493-0....
|
| Target tug
| September 1957
| 1
| January 1963
| ex Flygvapnet
|-----
| Fiat
Fiat
FIAT, an acronym for Fabbrica Italiana Automobili Torino , is an Italian automobile manufacturer, engine manufacturer, financial, and industrial group based in Turin in the Italian region of Piedmont. Fiat was founded in 1899 by a group of investors including Giovanni Agnelli...
(now Alenia)
| G.46-4B
Fiat G.46
-External links:* *...
|
| Trainer
| April 1957
| 5
| May 1963
|
|-----
| Westland
Westland Aircraft
Westland Aircraft was a British aircraft manufacturer located in Yeovil in Somerset. Formed as a separate company by separation from Petters Ltd just before the start of the Second World War, Westland had been building aircraft since 1915...
(now AgustaWestland
AgustaWestland
AgustaWestland is an Anglo-Italian helicopter design and manufacturing company. It was formed in July 2000 when Finmeccanica S.p.A. and GKN plc agreed to merge their respective helicopter subsidiaries to form AgustaWestland with Finmeccanica and GKN each holding a 50% share.AgustaWestland is now a...
)
| WS-55 Series 2
|
| Cargo helicopter
| May 1958
| 10
| April 1965
|
|-----
| Zlin
Moravan Otrokovice
Moravan Otrokovice is a Czech aircraft company located at Otrokovice Airfield, on the outskirst of Otrokovice.The company was founded in 1934 and since then has built over 5,600 aircraft...
| 126 Trener II
Zlin Trener
|- Specifications :-See also:-References:*Mourik, Dick van. "A to Zlin: An Illustrated History of a Light Aircraft Dynasty". Air Enthusiast, No. 93, May/June 2001. Stamford, UK:Key Publishing. ISSN 0143 5450. pp. 59–65....
|
| Trainer
| January 1957
| 4
| June 1965
|
|-----
| Saab
Saab
Saab AB is a Swedish aerospace and defence company, founded in 1937. From 1947 to 1990 it was the parent company of automobile manufacturer Saab Automobile, and between 1968 and 1995 the company was in a merger with commercial vehicle manufacturer Scania, known as Saab-Scania.-History:"Svenska...
| Saab 29 Tunnan
|
| Fighter
| July 1961
| 30
| July 1971
|
|-----
| CASA
Construcciones Aeronáuticas SA
Construcciones Aeronáuticas SA , was a Spanish aircraft manufacturer. It became EADS CASA the Spanish branch of EADS in 1999, but was absorbed by Airbus Military in 2009...
(now EADS
EADS
The European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company N.V. is a global pan-European aerospace and defence corporation and a leading defence and military contractor worldwide...
)
| CN-235-300
|
| Transport
| April 2000
| 1
| April 2002
| Leased
|-----
| Saab
Saab
Saab AB is a Swedish aerospace and defence company, founded in 1937. From 1947 to 1990 it was the parent company of automobile manufacturer Saab Automobile, and between 1968 and 1995 the company was in a merger with commercial vehicle manufacturer Scania, known as Saab-Scania.-History:"Svenska...
| J35Oe Draken
|
| Fighter
| June 1987
| 25
| December 2005
| ex Flygvapnet
|-----
| Saab
Saab
Saab AB is a Swedish aerospace and defence company, founded in 1937. From 1947 to 1990 it was the parent company of automobile manufacturer Saab Automobile, and between 1968 and 1995 the company was in a merger with commercial vehicle manufacturer Scania, known as Saab-Scania.-History:"Svenska...
| J35J Draken
|
| Fighter
| May 1999
| 5
| December 2005
| ex Flygvapnet - not airworthy - for spares
|-----
| Short Brothers
Short Brothers
Short Brothers plc is a British aerospace company, usually referred to simply as Shorts, that is now based in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Founded in 1908, Shorts was the first company in the world to make production aircraft and was a manufacturer of flying boats during the 1920s, 1930s, and 1940s...
| Short Skyvan
|
| Transport
|
| 2
| 2007
|
|-----
| Northrop
Northrop
Northrop Corporation was a major United States aircraft manufacturer which merged with Grumman in 1994 to form Northrop Grumman.Northrop may also refer to:-Places:In the United States:* Northrop, Minnesota, a town...
| F-5E Tiger II
|
| Fighter
| July 2004
| 12
| June 2008
| Temporarily leased from the Swiss Air Force
Swiss Air Force
The Swiss Air Force is the air component of the Swiss Armed Forces, established on July 31, 1914, as part of the Army and as of January 1966 an independent service.In peacetime, Dübendorf is the operational Air Force HQ...
|}
 |  |  |
External links
- "Airpower" Austrian Military Aviation Journal
- Austrian Air Force Database with Pictures on Doppeladler.com
- Geheimprojekte.at Airbase History
- Austrian Air Force at Scramble
- Austrian Aircraft at BHI
The source of this article is wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. The text of this article is licensed under the GFDL.