The Koninklijke Luchtmacht Historische Vlucht (Royal Netherlands Air Force Historical Flight) at Gilze Rijen Air Base is a specialized unit of the Royal Netherlands Air Force (KLu) that preserves and maintains historic aircraft for educational, commemorative, and historical purposes. This flight operates as a part of the Dutch Air Force’s effort to showcase its rich aviation history, celebrate milestones in its development, and honor those who have served in the Air Force.

Koninklijke Luchtmacht Historische Vlucht (Royal Netherlands Air Force Historical Flight)

Gilze Rijen AB

Bavelse Poort

Rijen

Netherlands

Stichting Koninklijke Luchtmacht Historische Vlucht Secretariaat

Postbus 229

5120 AE Rijen

www.kluhv.nl

office@kluhv.nl

only by appointment

Aircraft collection

PH-NGK/R-18 PH-KHV/G-29 PH-GRH PH-PBB PH-TYG/A-57 PH-DHC/S-9 PH-FBP/C-3 PH-GRB/E-20 PH-HOI/E-32 PH-SII/E-24 PH-HOE/E-6 PH-GRY/197/K PH-SIY/L-17 PH-IBB/B-118 PH-MLM/B-71 PH-LSK/B-64 B-165/ as A-50 PH-IBI/B-181 PH-TBR/B-182 PH-IBY/B-184 PH-XXV/N5-149 PH-JTH/R-116 PH-GAU/R-181 PH-GAZ/R-109 PH-KNR/R-177 PH-PPW/R-122 PH-PSC/R-137 PH-STM/S-16 PH-OUQ/MK732/3W-17 PH-FVE/TB885/3W-V

Auster Mk.III Beechcraft T-7 Expeditor 3NM Cessna 172P Skyhawk II Consolidated Vultee L-5B Stinson De Havilland DH-82A Tiger Moth de Havilland U-6A Beaver Fokker F27-300M Troopship Fokker S-11-1 Fokker S-11-1 Fokker S-11-1 Fokker S-11-1 Fokker S-11-1 Fokker S-14 Jet Trainer Noorduyn AT-16ND Harvard IIb Noorduyn AT-16ND Harvard IIb Noorduyn AT-16ND Harvard IIb Noorduyn AT-16ND Harvard IIb Noorduyn AT-16ND Harvard IIb Noorduyn AT-16ND Harvard IIb Noorduyn AT-16ND Harvard IIb North American TB-25N Mitchell Piper L-21A/U-7B Cub Piper L-21A/U-7B Cub Piper L-21A/U-7B Cub Piper L-21A/U-7B Cub Piper L-21A/U-7B Cub Piper L-21A/U-7B Cub Ryan STM-2 Supermarine Spitfire Mk.IXc Supermarine Spitfire Mk.XVI

Overview of the Koninklijke Luchtmacht Historische Vlucht:

1. Mission and Purpose:
   • The primary mission of the Koninklijke Luchtmacht Historische Vlucht is to preserve and display aircraft that have historical significance to the Royal Netherlands Air Force. This includes classic military aircraft that were pivotal in the development of the Netherlands’ aviation capabilities, particularly during World War II, the Cold War, and the post-war period.
   • The flight aims to showcase the evolution of Dutch military aviation and provide educational opportunities through demonstrations and airshows.
2. Aircraft Collection:
   • The Historical Flight is known for its collection of classic aircraft, many of which are still airworthy and regularly take part in public events such as airshows and commemorative flights. Some of the aircraft included in the collection are:
     • Supermarine Spitfire: The iconic British fighter from World War II, which played a significant role in the Battle of Britain. The Spitfire was used by the Royal Netherlands Air Force during and after the war.
     • North American B-25 Mitchell: A bomber used extensively during World War II. It was involved in several key operations, including bombing raids in the Pacific and Europe.
     • De Havilland DH.82 Tiger Moth: A biplane used for training and some military operations.
3. Educational Role:
   • The Historical Flight serves as an important educational resource for the public, particularly for students, aviation enthusiasts, and military history buffs. Through events like airshows, open days, and historical presentations, visitors can learn about the role of aviation in the Dutch military, particularly the Air Force.
   • The aircraft are often flown in special commemorative flights, especially around significant military anniversaries, such as Liberation Day or Air Force Day. These events highlight the important contributions of the Royal Netherlands Air Force and its aviation history.
4. Airshows and Public Appearances:
   • The Koninklijke Luchtmacht Historische Vlucht is regularly featured at airshows and military commemorations throughout the Netherlands and Europe. These public appearances allow the flight to demonstrate the operational capabilities of these historic aircraft, as well as engage the public with the Dutch Air Force’s aviation heritage.
   • The aircraft are often flown in formation with other historic aircraft or as part of larger displays showcasing military aviation through the ages.
5. Preservation and Restoration:
   • The aircraft in the Royal Netherlands Air Force Historical Flight are carefully maintained by a dedicated team of aviation experts and volunteers. Many of the aircraft have undergone extensive restoration to return them to flying condition, ensuring they remain operational and able to perform in public displays.
   • The preservation of these aircraft is part of a broader effort to maintain the Netherlands’ aviation history and provide future generations with the opportunity to experience these iconic machines.
6. Role in Royal Netherlands Air Force Operations:
   • While the Historical Flight is primarily dedicated to maintaining and displaying historic aircraft, it is also seen as a way to honor the past while strengthening the pride and tradition of the Royal Netherlands Air Force. The flight is symbolic of the heritage of the Dutch Air Force, connecting the past with the present-day operations of the service.
7. Location and Accessibility:
   • The Koninklijke Luchtmacht Historische Vlucht is based at the Gilze-Rijen Air Base, which is also a major operational base for the Royal Netherlands Air Force. While the historical aircraft are often displayed at airshows and other events, the base itself is not typically open to the public for regular visits.
   • However, the aircraft and their historical significance can be experienced at airshows and special public events, and they are sometimes available for display at aviation museums or during special commemorative flights.

Conclusion:

The Koninklijke Luchtmacht Historische Vlucht is a vital part of the Royal Netherlands Air Force, dedicated to preserving and showcasing the rich history of Dutch military aviation. Through its collection of iconic historic aircraft, the flight not only educates the public about the aviation legacy of the Netherlands but also honors the men and women who served in the Royal Netherlands Air Force throughout its history. For aviation enthusiasts and military history lovers, the Historical Flight offers a unique opportunity to experience and learn about aircraft that have shaped the Dutch Air Force and its aviation heritage.

Photos Rob Vogelaar