ILA Berlin International Air Show 2012

Our Military Specialist, Richard the Challenger, recently attended the ILA 2012 Berlin Air Show in Germany last week. Here are his notes about this event!

I was recently fortunate enough to spend some time at the Berlin International Air Show – the world’s longest running Air Show at the Berlin ExpoCenter Airport.

This year saw record participation with 46 countries represented, 1243 participants and around 270 aircraft on site. The show was packed with the latest in avionic technology, not just in the shape of aircraft and helicopters, but also drones, military hardware and everything and anything else relating to the world of aviation.

Here are a few of the highlights:

F-4F Phantom II (Below) (note the AIM-9 Sidewinder missile)

Whilst on the subject of missiles, there were some incredible displays of the latest hardware (Above), including the AIM-9/I-1 Air-to- Air Guided Missile and the LaGS-Laser Guided Sidewinder Air-to-Ground Missile.

One of the most amazing drones on display was the Euro Hawk (Above). It has a wingspan larger than a commercial airliner, an endurance time of about 30 hours and is capable of reaching an altitude in excess of 60,000 ft (18,288 m).

I would have liked to have seen more historical aircraft at the Show, but the incredible Me 262 B1-A (Above-Heritage Flight) almost made up for it.

It’s easy to see how this plane was to have such an impact on the design of many post-war aircraft. Without doubt, it was one of the most advanced aircraft to see operation during WWII.

This Airbus A310 has been adapted for military use. It’s hard to get an appreciation from the pictures of the sheer size, with a length of 47.4 m and a wingspan of 43.9m. This plane is incredibly versatile and in service in a number of countries.

This is one of the few E-3’s in the world that actually allows visitors on board. It was fascinating to have a look inside at the Communication and Control panels.  From here the operators are capable of identification, surveillance, battle management and ultimately can perform a superb communication function.

Often referred to as the Me 109, the G Series (Gustav) was introduced in mid-1942 with initial variants being designated G1 to G4 and differing only in minor detail from the Bf 109f.

BF (Me) 108 B (Above) Nicknamed the “Taifun” (Typhoon), it was usually utilised during WW II as a liaison or transport aircraft.

UH Tiger (Above) Ok I know it’s not a plane! But check out the variety of munitions.

One of the show stealers had to be the incredible Airbus A400 M Atlas (Above/Below)

Designed as a four-engine turboprop military transport aircraft (it also configurations for Medivac and electronic surveillance) to replace the older versions of the Hercules and Transall. When you enter, it’s easy to see that ambitions to double the payload of existing aircraft have come to fruition.

The show was amazing and incredibly informative, showcasing the latest and very best in aviation technology at every level.

My thanks to the organisers for making me so welcome. See you in 2014.

For more pictures please see my Facebook page!

The_Challenger

If you also want to see warplanes in live, don’t miss our upcoming airshows, and if you are in the Czech Republic this weekend, you will be able to meet The Challenger in person at the  NATO Days on 22 and 23 September!

See you soon!