Operational Integration Exercise
The OCU at Kleine Brogel runs the successful spotter events at their home base. These Spottersdays easily attract over 15,000 enthusiasts, even from outside Europe. The OCU tries to raise as much money as possible for a good cause. The unit has learned what it takes to attract everyone who has an interest in military aviation.
During this years' event, the public had the opportunity to witness an "Operational Integration Exercise". This OIE included Dissimilar Air Combat Training (DACT), a Combined Air Operation (COMAO) and a Combat Search And Rescue (CSAR) demo. All together, more than fifty aircraft could be seen during the day, varying from old A-7 Corsairs to brand new Rafales.
To celebrate the 20th anniversary of the OCU, a number of jets from other conversion units were also present on the flightline. Amongst these aircraft were a rarely seen Spanish SF-5 and a couple of British Typhoons.
During the take offs and approaches, pilots were encouraged to show off their aircraft. This gave the photographers the opportunity to capture some unique action pictures. With this kind of entertainment and more than two kilometres of space from which to pick your favorite spot, you couldn't ask for more.
