40,000 aviation enthusiasts expected at airshow in Limburg
About 40,000 aviation enthusiasts are expected this weekend in Hechtel-Eksel, Limburg, to witness feats by dozens of stunt teams during the International Sanicole Airshow. The first teams will take off on Saturday at around 17.00 and there will be a lot of planes and helicopters on display on the ground.
“Highlights in the context of the 80th anniversary of the liberation [from Nazi occupation during World War Two] are definitely the Lancaster and the B17,” said airshow director Geoffrey Buekenberghs. “It's the first time those two bombers have been in a show together in continental Europe and there's also the 60th anniversary of the Patrouille Suisse. Those are always very impressive to see.”
Three demonstration flights will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the F-16 and there are a lot of firsts among the aircraft in the static display on the ground. The Swedish army is sending its Hkp15, better known in Belgium as the Agusta A109, to a Belgian airshow for the first time.
One of the historic Vultee BT-13A aircraft, which played a role during Operation Market Garden 80 years ago and was essential for training Allied pilots during World War Two, will be on show as well.
The Sikorsky UH-60 Blackhawk will make its debut at the show. The tactical transport helicopter, mainly used to transport troops and for medical evacuations, will perform a demonstration flight.
All tickets for Sunday are sold out. Some are available for Saturday's Sunset Airshow.
#FlandersNewsService | An Apache AH-64 helicopter of the Dutch air force at the annual Sanicole airshow in Hechtel-Eksel in 2013 © BELGA PHOTO ALAIN NARINX
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