With 50 years 334 squadron markings on the fin and 15 years F27 display markings on the nose.

The pilots of the F27 fleet of the Koninklijke Luchtmacht (KLu, Royal Netherlands Air Force) always enjoyed their take-off, directly after rotation they often selected gear-up. And that resulted in some nice photos! Here C-8 is seen just after take-off. The Troopship made its first flight on 6 Oct'60 as PH-FBW and was delivered to the KLu on 28 Dec'60. The aircraft was also used as demo aircraft from 1994 onwards and gave through the years a spectaular show. It was withdrawn from use in Aug'96 and became a gate-guard in late 1997. In late 2003 it became an instructional airframe at Eindhoven.

The C-8 participating in the 2016 "Doe een Plezier Rit" (= Do a Favour Tour), an event for chronically ill children organised by the Ferrari Club of the Netherlands.

Photo taken during the 2016 "Doe een Plezier Rit" (= Do a Favour Tour), an event for chronically ill children organised by the Ferrari Club of the Netherlands.

Unusual picture of two almost identical aircraft in one picture. On this date the real C-8 (in front and with "F27 Display" titles) preserved at the gate was replaced with a fake "C-8" (behind), which is actually the ex C-12.

Display colours

To my knowledge this is the genuine C-8 prior to being withdrawn from use the same year and later eventually swapping places with C-12.

334 squadron provided aircraft for UN duties on several occasions. This must have been one of them.

Royal Netherlands Air Force F-27 C-8 captured during a visit to Volkel Air Base in early 1983.

Classic low flying display at Air fete '82

Two aircraft with serial C-8 exist at Eindhoven Air Force Base, one real and one fake. Both aircraft carry the exact same RNAF demo markings. Seen here is the real one, which is used for training purposes and is usually hiding in a hangar. The other C-8, the fake one (it's actually C-12), is on display at the base entrance. The only visible differences between the two are the prop tips and the spinner.

For over 30 years the Frienship was the main transport aircraft of the Netherlands AF.