F-16MLU QRA Quick Reaction Alert
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Dutch
Aviation MEDIA 2010
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A
new article for the independent leading Romanian aviation magazine 'TopguN' |
Quick Reaction Alert - 24 / 7
Quick Reaction Alert - 24 / 7
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![](/2010/6-%20TOPGUN/TopguN-QRA-01.jpg) |
QRA
Quick Reaction Alert - 24 / 7 |
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The
F-16's from 'Leeuwarden Fightertown' can be refuelled to be airborne for
very long time |
Follow our impressions of Frysian Flag, and this impression of and
intercepting a Russian Tupolev 95 spyplane |
![](/2013/04-AERONAUTICA/Tu-95MS_and_F-16s%20II.jpg) |
Every now and then such a Tu-95 'visits' our area. Warned by the allies
and spotted in the moment F-16 fighters |
take-off from Leeuwarden or Volkel Airbase to intercept. It's seen like a
serious game. However the 'Bear' (NATO |
nickname) will have to obey in case of serious threat. Not expected in
this kind of visits, but when neccessary the |
F-16's are 'licensed to kill' . So the 'game' is not without any danger
after all..... |
![](/2009/3-%20Interception/QRA/QRA%20(0).jpg) |
M |
![](/2009/3-%20Interception/QRA/QRA%20(1).JPG) |
At
the Google map you can see the airbase North-West of Leeuwarden, North of
Holland |
![](/2009/3-%20Interception/QRA/QRA%20(9).JPG) |
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![](/2009/3-%20Interception/QRA/QRA%20(2).JPG) |
If
neccessary the F-16's can be ready like this, seconds to mount and hit the
runway ... |
![](/2009/3-%20Interception/QRA/QRA%20(20).JPG) |
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![](/2009/3-%20Interception/QRA/QRA%20(15).jpg) |
...
and as said, not only day-over but also at night. |
![](/2009/3-%20Interception/QRA/QRA%20(13).jpg) |
Roaring
engine, afterburner and off they go !! |
![](/2009/3-%20Interception/QRA/QRA%20(7).JPG) |
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![](/2009/3-%20Interception/QRA/QRA%20(11).JPG) |
F-16
in a shelter at Kandahar, mostly they fly in two-ship missions |
![](/2009/3-%20Interception/QRA/QRA%20(12).JPG) |
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![](/2009/3-%20Interception/QRA/QRA%20(10).JPG) |
In
The Netherlands they sometimes almost hit the roofs, that is.... visually |
![](/2009/3-%20Interception/QRA/QRA%20(16).JPG) |
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![](/2009/3-%20Interception/QRA/QRA%20(21).JPG) |
Though,
also the USAF sometimes flies from Leeuwarden with exercise 'Frysian Flag'
... |
![](/2009/3-%20Interception/QRA/QRA%20(17).JPG) |
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![](/2009/3-%20Interception/QRA/QRA%20(24).JPG) |
...
and the fence is high... or the plane low ;-)) |
![](/2009/3-%20Interception/QRA/QRA%20(19).JPG) |
Fourship
QRA ready to fly in exercise 'Frysian Flag' |
![](/2009/3-%20Interception/QRA/QRA%20(23).JPG) |
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![](/2009/3-%20Interception/QRA/QRA%20(22).JPG) |
Some
other F-16AM Fighting Falcons from Leeuwarden Airbase... |
![](/2009/3-%20Interception/QRA/QRA%20(26).JPG) |
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![](/2009/3-%20Interception/QRA/QRA%20(18).JPG) |
...
Fightertown Holland where pilots fly in 'wooden clumps' (as the story goes.......) |
![](/2009/3-%20Interception/QRA/QRA%20(25).JPG) |
The
KDC-10 in a refuelling action with 322 Squadron F-16's |
![](/2009/3-%20Interception/QRA/QRA%20(27).jpg) |
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![](/2009/3-%20Interception/QRA/QRA%20(28).JPG) |
The
end of the future of the F-16 is lying ahead... |
![](/2009/3-%20Interception/QRA/QRA%20(29).JPG) |
...
it was spoken about an end-life update for these planes ... |
![](/2009/3-%20Interception/QRA/QRA%20(32).JPG) |
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![](/2009/3-%20Interception/QRA/QRA%20(33).JPG) |
...
and still they're very capable, as the pilots are ! Hop in, close the
canopy and hit the clouds ! |
![](/2009/3-%20Interception/QRA/QRA%20(4).JPG) |
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![](/2009/3-%20Interception/QRA/QRA%20(5).JPG) |
With
AWACS all data can be transmitted, and even groundtroops can be informed
real-time ! |
![](/2009/3-%20Interception/QRA/QRA%20(6).jpg) |
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![](/2009/3-%20Interception/QRA/QRA%20(3).JPG) |
Still
the Sidewinders are on the F-16 wings, but most likely the successor will
be the JSF |
![](/2009/3-%20Interception/QRA/QRA%20(30).jpg) |
Until
politics made their final choice, the F-16's will split the clouds for
some time still |
![](/2009/3-%20Interception/QRA/QRA%20(37).JPG) |
![](/2009/3-%20Interception/QRA/QRA%20(41).JPG) |
Without
details, some armament and equipment the F-16 can carry |
![](/2009/3-%20Interception/QRA/QRA%20(43).jpg) |
And
while planes get older, a new generation pilots stands up between the
squadrons ! |
![](/2009/3-%20Interception/QRA/QRA%20(45).jpg) |
...
and as you know, the Dutch never loose their sense of humor, even if it
takes the national colors ! |
![](/2009/3-%20Interception/QRA/QRA%20(31).JPG) |
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![](/2009/3-%20Interception/QRA/QRA%20(8).JPG) |
We
say goodbye with the old Hunter, and mascotte Polly Grey of 322 Squadron |
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Please
do read our story about QRA below ? |
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i
Click the green button for the article in Englishi |
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