In almost no other European country the aviation theme has such a high status as in the Netherlands. The enthusiasm for flying is there shared by young and old, to mediate the technology and to maintain the tradition is, at least for the majority of the people from the Low Countries, a certain matter. Nowhere else are aircraft museums populated by thousands of families - in comparison, in Germany one can find such a stampede maybe at IKEA! For the friends of the military aircraft the MILITAIR LUCHTVAART MUSEUM located on the former Soesterberg Air Base is a special treat. The two major exhibition halls are divided into two eras (beginnings of aviation up to 1945 and 1945 to present). Thereby only aircraft and helicopters will be shown, which served with the Royal Netherlands Air Force (the only exception is a flying bomb V-1). Only the outdoor exhibition reminds one, that a large part of the Vliegbasis Soesterberg was in American hands until September 1994. After the withdrawal of USAFE units (32nd TFG), Soesterberg AB was used by the Dutch as a transport helicopter base until 2008.

OUTDOOR EXHIBITION:

On the open front of the museum are a few, but nonetheless interesting exhibits. Next to an old North American F-86F SABRE, and a North American F-100D SUPER SABRE one can also see a (at least in European museums) relatively rare Convair F-102A DELTA DAGGER. The displayed aircraft belonged recently to the Hellenic Air Force and was (after being delivered to the museum) painted in the colours of the 32nd TFS "Wolfhound". Beside there is the adversary of the F-102, a Russian Mikoyan Gurevich MiG-21 PFM (SPS) (NATO code: FISHBED). Particularly impressive is a Nike-Hercules battery in firing position. This two-stage long-range air defense missile was in service within the NATO armed forces for almost 30 years. In the Netherlands the last NIKE - unit was disbandoned early in 1988. Their task was taken over in the meantime by the PATRIOT system. In addition to the two Nike-Hercules an older NIKE-AJAX missile is on display as well. Various radar and fire control units complement the scene.

EXHIBITION HALLS:

The history of aviation in the Netherlands is very closely connected with the name Anthony Fokker. Especially in the 1920s and -30s the products from NV Fokker (Fokker Nederlandsche Vliegtuitenfabriek) were popular in many countries - and of course also in the home country of this aviation pioneer. Fokker built not only military aircraft, but was also extremely successful in the civilian sector. The Dutch kingdom was neutral in World War I, and did not expect any threat until the mid-1930's. In any future war the Dutch expected, like before, not to be drawn into the conflict. For this reason, the budget for the Luchtvaartafdeeling (Aviation Department) was drastically reduced in a way, that there was no money left for the purchase of new aircraft, and the necessary training of pilots and ground crew. When the Dutch authorities realized the threat of storm clouds on the horizon in 1938 they immidiately began upgrading their Air Force, nevertheless at this stage they were not able to catch up what they have missed before until the German troops were at the gate (on 10th of May 1940). The few modern Dutch aircraft, especially the Fokker G.1a JACHTKRUISER could not counter the German air force, despite their devotional commitment. The G.1a has two 9-cylinder Bristol Mercury VIII radial engines each rated at 830 hp, which gave it a maximum speed of 475 kph. The same engine also propelled another Fokker made aircraft, the D. XXI. It was a single-seat fighter, which represents the transition from the biplane of the 1930's to modern fighter aircraft. Designed as a low-wing aircraft consisting of different material the D. XXI has still a rigid, non -retractable landing gear. Besides the Dutch the D. XXI was also in use in Denmark and in Finland (even there until 1948). Because of their outdated design, the relatively weak engine and armament the D. XXI was already obsolete at the outbreak of World War II. Thanks to its enormous maneuverability it was still a formidable adversary. Both of these Fokker aircraft can be seen in Soesterberg as replicas (however, according to the information provided by the Museum a lot of original parts are used in the aircraft).

For German visitors at least one aircraft is of special interest, speaking of the Dornier Do-24. This three-engine flying boat was developed as part of a requirement of the RLM in 1934, which, however, was won by the Blohm & Voss BV 138. The Dutch Marineluchtvaartdienst (MLD) showed great interest in the design and ordered 30 aircraft, which were intended primarily for service in the Dutch East Indies colonies. Initially Wright Cyclone GR-1820-F52 radial engines, each rated at 875 horsepower were used, later there were Wright Cyclone GR-1820-G105-A with an output of 1100 horsepower foreseen. Until the beginning of hostilities (10th of May 1940) only seven aircraft were delivered, the first two were built by Dornier Friedrichshafen and Altenrhein, the others were built under license by Aviolanda in Papendrecht. After the occupation of the Netherlands, production was continued under German guidance, but instead of the Wright Cyclone's radials proven BRAMO 323 with an initial output of 1000 hp were used. The flight characteristics, but above all the seaworthiness of the Do-24, even in rough seas, was legendary. So it was ideal for SAR missions. The few Dutch Do 24 K-1 (the official name) aircraft, which were delivered before the war, were used during the war on the Allied side, flying countless sorties from Australian soil. The German Luftwaffe had also a great need for the Do-24, so beside  the production lines in Friedrichshafen and Aviolanda , many aircraft were license built in Sartrouville (France) by SNCAN. Due to their excellent performance many Do-24 were still in use after the war, such as with the Spanish Air Force who had its last Do-24 T-3 retired in 1974. A former Spanish Do-24 is then also as a permanent loan from the RAF Museum Hendon in the Soesterberg museum.

What many do not know (at least outside the Netherlands), is the fact, that the Dutch Navy even owned their own aircraft carrier (1945 to 1968) - actually the had even two, both were baptized with the same name. The first HNLMS KAREL DOORMAN was leased only for 2 years from the British Royal Navy (the former escort carrier HMS NAIRANA) and was given back to the British in 1948. The second vessel served before in the Royal Navy as HMS VENERABLE. This carrier was purchased in early 1948 and was extensively modernized in subsequent years. Until its decommissioning, the HNLMS KAREL DOORMAN was the flagship of the Royal Dutch Navy. Due to the enormous costs caused by the operation of an aircraft carrier, but also because of the fact that the Netherlands released all its former colonies in the 1960s, there was no further need for a carrier (in addition, the damage caused by a fire was in the engine room added another costs). Therefore, the vessel was sold to the Argentine Navy in 1968, where she served as VEINTICINCO de MAYO until 1997. Some of the interesting naval aircraft which served on that aircraft carrier have been preserved in the Militair Luchtvaart Museum at Soesterberg, including a Hawker SEA FURY FB.Mk.51, a Hawker SEA HAWK Mk.50, and a Grumman S-2A TRACKER.

Conclusion:

The MILITAIR LUCHTVAART MUSEUM in Soesterberg is definitely worth a visit. The number of exhibits may not reach the magnitude of other European museums, but some are very rare aircraft, such as the mentioned products made by Fokker, or the Dornier Do-24. What would be especially noteworthy is the fact that all these aircraft, which can be seen in the two exhibition halls, are in excellent conditions and look almost brand new. The cleanliness of the entire exhibition is also highlighted positive. The museum staff is extremely friendly and always helpful. A sophisticated, selective lighting system can spotlight all the aircraft in a pleasant light.
However, this is the only point of criticism - at least for people with a camera. Shots from the free hand are extremely difficult, a tripod is highly recommended.

Admission to the museum is free, parking area are generously available. Opening hours are from 12:00 to 16:30 on Sundays; Mondays to Fridays from 10:00h to 16:30h. On Saturdays the museum is closed

Robert Kysela / CHK6