Jose Maria Cordova International Airport / Rio Negro air base in the city of Medellin played host to the sixt edition of F-AIR Colombia from July 10 to 14. This event even attracted the participation of USAF hardware, which has not shown itself during public events for several months now, due to it’s financial cliff. Two Shaw AFB F-16D’s made it to Colombia, as the Colombian Air Force (FAC) might be in the marked for some Fighting Falcons to boost it’s capabilities within the next few years.
Here is a photo report of the event. Just to inspire those who may be interested in attending the next F-AIR, to see some of the many interesting aircraft and helicopter types the country has at it’s disposal. Enjoy!
AH-60L Arpia III FAC 4129, FAC4131:
Parachute droppings were provided by this C.295M FAC1285:
Missed this one at RAF Fairford during the RIAT weekend?
A week earlier on July 13, the sole KC.767-200ER MMTT, FAC1202 flew a tanker formation with 4x Kfirs: FAC3040 + FAC3053 on the right side (seen below) and FAC3051 + FAC3043 (special black c/s) on the other side:
That same day, July 13, two other Kfirs FAC3048 + FAC3061 offered a two ship flight demo:
One of the most interesting and unique flight demonstrations however, was this fine treat. How about 4 operational OV-10A Bronco’s! FAC2210, FAC2214, FAC2218 and FAC2221. Another Bronco, FAC2213 was shown in the static display.
The flight display also included the latest aircraft, the locally build T-90 Calima flew 4 ship formations. Seen here is FAC2443 taxiing out to start the display:
Not part of the flight program, but visible to the public while operating from the other side of the runway was this UH-1H-II FAC4408:
As mentioned above, F-AIR 2013 was blessed with some international participation. Seen here is one of two USAF F-16DM’s, 91-0463:
Competing against the F-16 display was this specially marked Canadian Air Force CF-188 (F/A-18A) 188797. And to tell you the thuth…. It blew the Yank demo into oblivion!!!
The static area proved to be challenging for photographers, with a 45.000 strong crowd, no fences and very limited space to place all aircraft, hardware, pavilions, and beer + food!
T-37B “Tango” FAC2127:
A-37B FAC2183:
A-29B FAC3125:
Bell 206B-3 FAC4470:
Not only the Colombian Air Force claimed it’s place in F-AIR 2013. Also other branches of the armed forces were also present: Navy, Army and National Police, amongst others.
Armada (Navy) Bell 212 ARC212:
Army Sikorski S.70i EJC2101:
Army Mi.17-1V EJC3375:
Several Air Force aircraft performed transport duties during the air show days:
B.727 “Vulcano” FAC1204:
ERJ.135BJ FAC1215:
Fokker F.28-100 FAC0002:
And to save the best for last… The Arava lives on!!!! FAC1952 (former FAC952) seen taxiing out for take off on Sunday, July 14:
I hope you like them!
Greetings,
Lucien
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