The Hungarian International Airshow and Military Display is a biennial two- day event held at the Kesckemét Air Force Base, which is based in the central region of the country, and its own publicity would have us believe that it is not only the biggest show in central Europe, but also one of the top five shows in all of Europe. In its role as a military base it is the home to the 59th "Szentgyoergyi Dezsoe" Tactical Wing, which operates the SAAB JAS-39 GRIPEN and MiG-29 FULCRUM, (at least the MiG-29’s were still operational for the show). One of the perceived attractions of this show is its ability to attract performers that might not be expected at some other shows, especially when compared to the UK for example, and as the years roll by few would argue even the availability of some of these aircraft will no doubt disappear.

The first atttraction on the Saturday was the display of the Mil Mi-24 “HIND” – an unmistakeable aircraft from almost any angle. The size of the HIND makes it an excellent artist’s canvas if required, and the special marking of this events’ flying example was the superbly crafted Eagle from the Magyar Légieroe – the Hungarian Air Force. The HIND is a combat proven design, first seeing action in Ethiopian service in 1978 against the invading Somalian ground forces. Perhaps it is best remembered though for its role in the war fought in Afghanistan by the Soviet Union. Initially the concept of an attack helicopter with limited troop carrying capability proved very successful, and there were only occasional victories by the opposing Mujahideen forces against the HIND. However, the introduction of shoulder launched SAM’s of western design onto the battlefield exposed the HIND and many were subsequently lost, and their ability to roam at will and envelope of operations was severely curtailed. The rigours of the environment also took their toll of even this most sturdy of designs. The HIND is a design that stretches back forty years and it is widely reported that various air forces will relinquish their ownership for more modern types, although it is not certain how many will be willing to spend hard currency on new and unproven designs when it is clear that this Mil is still a potent weapons system, with many usable and potentially upgradeable airframes still in existence, especially in eastern Europe.

There was a heavy display team contingent at Kecskemét 2010, with participation from the “TUERK YILDIZLARI” -  the Turkish Stars, “BIALO -CZERWONE ISKRY” - Team Iskry from Poland, “PATROUILLE SUISSE”, “FRECCE TRICOLORI”, “The BREITLING JET TEAM”, and “KRILA OLUJE”  – Wings of Storm from Croatia. From such a diverse collection of aircraft types, team numbers and colour schemes there was bound to be something to please all persuasions, and all of the teams were met with great appreciation by the large and enthusiatic crowds. So no disrespect is intended to the other teams who performed so well, however special mention is worthy for the 50th anniversary of that team that performs with elegance, skill, precision and professionalism, known officially as 313. Gruppo Addestramento Acrobatico; Pattuglia Acrobatica Nazionale (PAN) FRECCE TRICOLORI, or to its many fans around the world as simply FRECCE TRICOLORI. In contrast to the Aermacchi MB-339-A/PAN, the special variant of this moderately successful trainer and light attack aircraft flown by the Italians, the Croation Air Force and Air Defence display team team use the Pilatus PC-9M as their mount during their six-ship displays. In some ways this team differs from the majority of specialized display teams that can be seen; for instance their aircraft are standard trainers from the 93rd Airforce base in Zemunik, and their pilots have regular “day” jobs, as they are first and foremost senior flight instructors, the display season being a secondary function! Given these facts and taking into account the close spacing, (around 2m during some routines), and minimal altitudes seen during some formation passes the fine displays shown by this team would surely be welcomed by audiences further afield that is their usual remit.

For aviation enthusiasts and the general public alike there is no doubting of  the allure of the fast jet, either a single or twin engined fighter or ground attack aircraft designed to create air superiority or operate under it – most of the breed are noisy, aggressive in nature and flown by the elite of their respective air arms, and for sure Kecskemét 2010 delivered what was required. Perhaps the most remarkable display of the day was performed by the Dassault RAFALE C, which displayed well within the confines of the base by pulling consistently high-g manoeuvres to such an extent that a short commentary from the cockpit left the audience in no doubt as to the stresses the pilot was enduring. The RAFALE is Dassault’s solution for the 4.5th generation fighter aircraft market, having come into being when the French made the decision not to proceed as a member of the programme that would result in TYPHOON, having stated their case for an aircraft carrier capable system and an increased leadership role within the project.

RAFALE maintains the familiar delta wing layout of many previous Dassault designs, and incorporates integrated canards to maximise manoeuvrability and pilot response. Development of radar and advanced pilot integration systems are reportedly advanced and yet the existence of RAFALE as a successful product for Dassault is by no means confirmed.  It had a head start compared to its European competitor TYPHOON, testing three years before it, and yet the export future for both aircraft is uncertain at best. With the economic situation in the world at large being fluid, many countries with a pressing need to replace older weapons systems are seeking upgrade solutions, or the more cost effective end of the new aircraft market, and as yet RAFALE has secured no firm orders outside of France. Compare this to the JAS-39 GRIPEN, no record setter itself in the export market; currently in service with three export countries and soon to be with the Royal Thai Air Force. In a world where political associations can sometimes carry more weight than operational requirements it may be that RAFALE never meets its potential for sales despite being an excellent fighter aircraft.

Continuing the fast jet theme one of Hungary’s “Puma” squadron GRIPEN’s performed the usual type of display for this type of lightweight fighter, plenty of agile turns, rocketing climbing performance, and fast passes; one can see why opposing fighters have difficulty in sighting its small frame in real time close up combat situations. F/A-18’s had their turn, with examples displaying the purposeful lines of this aircraft from Switzerland and Spain. We were treated to our usual dose of F 16-MLU magic, with displays from our low-country cousins from the Netherlands and Belgium, and perhaps here it is worth touching on the point of the future of our airshows from the enthusiast’s point of view. The General Dynamics F 16 FIGHTING FALCON has been seen around European skies for more than thirty years and there are some who look at the display of this aircraft with a slightly jaded air – but maybe we should think of names such as JAGUAR, PHANTOM, SEA HARRIER, CANBERRA, and F117 at this juncture. If we looked at the airframe types that might not be seen together in a flying display in even five years time there were some prime candidates; MIRAGE F1M from Spain, MiG-21UM LANCER B from Romania, MiG-29AS from Slovakia, and MiG-29B from Hungary. The message is clear – tick those boxes whilst you can! Of course the majority of the very large crowd appreciated the aircraft whatever their origin, whatever their sub-type and so on, but the enthusiast realises that many interesting machines will not be around for our enjoyment for much longer.

So far the organisers of the show had delivered in spades – the flying displays had been fantastic, it was remarkable that even though the weather played its part at times, when the programme commenced full use was made of good weather and aircraft were ready to roll even as their predecessors had barely turned off the runway – often a complaint at airshows elsewhere where the most eagerly awaited aircraft seemed to be given slots in the worst conditions! The static display was commendable, having a welcome pair of Israeli F-16I SUFA, and attendant C-130H HERCULES, historic MiG’s and Mil’s aplenty, and a smattering of Sukhoi’s. The photographers amongst us may have been disappointed to see that most of the aircraft were available for the large crowds to climb into cockpits and the like – a rarer sight at Western European shows these days. What was clear though was that there was a massive enthusiasm for families to engage in these interactions in a way that health and safety and bureaucracy has stifled such activities in many airshows in the UK for example – did not many of us first get our taste for aviation whilst having a photo taken in the cockpit of a Hawker HUNTER many moons ago?

In true airshow fashion the climax to the show centred on the incursion into friendly airspace of the dreaded bogies – in this case a pair of Hungarian MiG-29’s. These purposeful aircraft proceeded to make life uncomfortable for a pair of HIND`s, and for their trouble were promptly ushered away by four Hungarian GRIPEN`s. This observer felt the older aircraft were not allowed to show their true capabilities, but after all the old must be replaced by the new! Notably the use of flares was unrestricted during this phase of proceedings, and the HIND`s even showed the use of presumably blank ammunition as their cannon muzzles flashed as they made repeated low passes on enemy positions – most satisfying indeed.
In conclusion what was our assessment of the claims of the organisers? – An enjoyable, entertaining event for the general public – no doubt about this, and for the enthusiast a tremendous mixture of aircraft well worth travelling to see and organised in a sympathetic fashion for the enthusiast. Of course the sight of a Su-27 FLANKER in flight would have been the icing on the cake but no airshow has ever had everything, and for us this was our favourite military airshow of 2010 – well done the Hungarian MoD – we will be back for your next event for sure.

Scott Fellows / CHK6 UK