Target Towing Flight (TTF) at Leeuwarden Air Base. These aircraft were used to tow darts for shooting exercises.

touch down just before sunset.

An operational military fighter is a super rare sight at Eelde. Generally speaking, such aircraft aren't allowed to operate at the airport, except when it involves an emergency. With Leeuwarden Air Base closed for several months due to runway works, Eelde was suggested as alternate in case of emergency. Back in March 2023, J-055 was the first to make use of the possibilty. J-641 was our second guest in June 2023.

This F-104G Starfighter is actually former Luftwaffe 24+55. It was acquired by the Koninklijke Luchtmacht from the Germans to serve as a ground instructional airframe at the air force school at Schaarsbergen. It is seen here at Leeuwarden, where it was used for towing instructions.

Sold to Pakistan Navy as 1367 on 10 August 1994

Equipped an Armstrong Siddeley Genet Major engine. Reportedly transferred to the French Air Force and possibly even used at the flying school at Evreux and later Moissac. Location might be Schiphol, but that remains unconfirmed. The Fokker S.IX was developed in the mid-1930's as a military trainer, following a request by the Dutch Navy for a replacement aircraft for the Fokker III. Its first flight was on 1 November 1937 and about 50 frames were bult. The Dutch Navy initially ordered 27 aircraft but later reduced this number to 15. The Air Force ordered 20 aircraft, but with a different engine (the Genet Major engine). A later order for 20 more aircraft was canceled when Germany invaded the Netherlands in 1940. Photo from W. Muntinga

Entered service on 9 February 1938, destroyed at Haamstede in May 1940 (likely the location of this photo). The FK.51 was developed in early 1935 as a trainer and ultimately received 10 orders (serials 1 - 10) from the LVA. A second order for 15 aircraft (serials 11 - 25) followed in 1937. These were painted in light blue, whereas the first batch of 10 was painted dark brown. Later, another 29 aircraft (serials 400 - 428) were ordered as light scout aircraft, these were painted dark brown again. Photo from W. Muntinga