349 Fighter Squadron

January 19, 2011 - Some might have spotted a different painting on one of the KB F-16s. Stickers were applied on the FA-116 to test whether they were strong enough so that 349 sqn will be able to use the same type on a new squadron jet. The unveiling of the special viper will happen during the TDPU exercise in September of 2011.

January 3, 2011 - The first flight of 2011 was performed by a 349 pilot today with the FA-110 demo jet. The jet is at this time being used as a regular F-16 and was flying in QRA configuration. This flight also inaugurated the new main runway in Kleine Brogel after having undergone a major renewal in 2010. Thanks to the spotters who, as always, were present in the doubtful weather to capture a glimpse of this first landing on the new "two-three right"!

April 15, 2010 – Thursday April 15th brought a first for 349 Squadron. A 349 pilot was the first to fly with 600 gallon wingtanks on a Belgian F-16. Normally, F-16's fly with 370 gallon tanks under the wings and a 300 gallon tank on the centerline pylon. Difficult to spot with an untrained eye, the picture illustrates the difference in size between the two tanks.

The 600 gallon tanks increase the total amount of fuel by around 3000 lbs, bringing it to approximately 15000lbs. Needless to say that this leads to an extended range and more loiter time in air-to-air missions.

The use of 600 gallon tanks is still a trial; the tanks being provided by the Portuguese Air Force, which has been using them for over a decade.  Maybe that after a succesfull evaluation, the tanks may become part of the Belgian inventory.

December 12, 2008 -A new year means new challenges. In 2009, one of these will be to train with the new Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing System (JHMCS - pronounced as "jimics"). No doubt, they will be of great value for the future. For more information about the JHMCS - read the article on www.mil.be.