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54-580: It is the second generation of the Target Acquisition and Designation Sights, Pilot Night Vision System (TADS/PNVS) first fielded on Apaches in 1983. Lockheed Martin signed the original TADS/PNVS production contract on 30 April 1982, and the first TADS/PNVS system was fielded in 1983. The Boeing Company and Lockheed Martin agreed to initiate the incorporation of new technology into the Arrowhead sensor system during July 2001. The heart of

108-582: A Royal Netherlands Air Force (Michael "Sofac" Donkervoort) pilot was killed when his plane crashed during a mission to support British ground troops in Helmand province. On 7 December 2007 military use of Twente Air Base ceased. The aerodrome is now known as Enschede Airport Twente . Flying officially ended at Soesterberg Air Base on 12 November 2008. The last jet ever to take off was a Hellenic AF F-4E. The base closed on 31 December 2008. The 298th and 300th squadron moved to Gilze-Rijen Air Base . A part of

162-703: A detachment known as the 1st Netherlands-Norwegian European Participating Forces Expeditionary Air Wing (1 NLD/NOR EEAW). This was a follow-up of the participation with the Belgian Air Component . As part of the expanded NATO ISAF mission in southern Afghanistan in August 2006, the Royal Netherlands Air Force had three CH-47D Chinook of 298 Sq stationed at Kandahar Airfield . On 12 November 2006 eight F-16s transferred from Kabul International Airport to Kandahar Airfield, Additionally,

216-727: A detachment of six (later four) AH-64D Apache helicopters had been stationed of Tarin Kowt , Uruzgan province. The CH-47D Chinooks of 298 sq rotated with Cougars from 300 sq. All helicopters together with a few F-16s returned to the Netherlands in November 2010. The other four F-16s transferred from Kandahar Airfield to Mazar-e-Sharif International Airport in November 2011. The F-16 flight, providing Close Air Support for ground forces and Recce Flights (specialised in counter-IEDs), ended their mission officially on 1 July 2014. On 31 August 2006

270-722: A factor of two, while also significantly reducing maintenance costs. Quick-access “remove-and-replace” modules are designed to reduce maintenance and save nearly $ 1 billion in Army operation and support costs over the 20-year life of the Arrowhead system. The VNsight visible/near infrared sensor is a low-light-level TV (LLLTV) integrated into the Apache's Modernized Pilot Night Vision Sensor (M-PNVS) and Pathfinder dedicated pilotage sensor (the M-PNVS adapted for cargo and utility aircraft). The additional imaging capability in this wavelength complements

324-465: A larger combat radius. In August 1962 Indonesia was ready to attack New Guinea. Despite reinforcements the Dutch defences would be insufficient to withstand the coming attack. Therefore, and because of international political pressure the Dutch government was forced to agree to the peaceful surrender of New Guinea. Dutch forces were withdrawn from the territory. The establishment of 336 transport squadron

378-553: A request to the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) for 12 Arrowhead systems, along with an order for 12 Block II AH-64D Apache helicopters. On 22 May 2009, Egypt requested the purchase of 36 Arrowhead systems as part of an order for 12 Block II AH-64D Apache helicopters. Target Acquisition and Designation Sights, Pilot Night Vision System The Target Acquisition and Designation Sights, Pilot Night Vision System ( TADS/PNVS )

432-533: A third Multi Purpose Display. Mounted above the TADS, the Pilot Night Vision System (PNVS) contains an infrared camera slaved to the head movements of the pilot . PNVS can rotate +/− 90 degrees in azimuth and +20/− 45 degrees in elevation. PNVS has a high rate of movement (120° per second) so as to accurately match the head movements of the pilot. As of 2005 a program was under way to upgrade

486-695: Is about 7.5% of the total 37,000 sorties flown. On 2 October 2002 a tri-national detachment of 18 Dutch, Danish and Norwegian F-16 ground attack aircraft and one Dutch KDC-10 tanker deployed to Manas Air Base in Kyrgyzstan in support of ground forces in Afghanistan as part of Operation Enduring Freedom . The KDC-10 returned to the Netherlands on 1 April 2003, and the Dutch F-16 detachment on 1 October 2003. The RNLAF returned to Manas AB on 8 September 2004 with five F-16 and one KDC-10 in support of

540-741: Is closely connected to New Guinea. Soon after activation this unit was deployed to New Guinea to take over air transport from the Dutch Navy. 336 Sqn deployed and took over three Navy Dakotas and three US supplied aircraft. 336 Sqn operated from Mokmer airstrip and transported more than 5,400 passengers between September 1961 and September 1962. During the Cold War Dutch Air Force flying units were integrated in NATO 's Second Allied Tactical Air Force tasked with defending northern West Germany against Warsaw Pact forces. Additionally,

594-580: Is the combined sensor and targeting unit fitted to the Boeing AH-64 Apache helicopter . Both systems are independent, but housed together. Lockheed Martin signed the original TADS/PNVS production contract on 30 April 1982, and the first TADS/PNVS system was fielded in 1983. TADS contains stabilized electro-optical sensors, a laser rangefinder and laser target designator . The TADS assembly can rotate +/− 120 degrees in azimuth , +30/−80 degrees in elevation and can move independently of

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648-787: The Netherlands Armed Forces . It was created in 1953 to succeed its predecessor, the Luchtvaartafdeling (English: aviation department ) of the Dutch Army, which was founded in 1913. The aerobatic display team of the Royal Netherlands Air Force, active from 1979 until 2019, was the Solo Display Team . The Royal Netherlands Air Force was preceded by the Army Aviation Group ( Luchtvaartafdeling , abbreviation LVA), founded in 1913. It

702-718: The Netherlands East Indies (NEI), until its occupation by Japan in 1942. Some personnel escaped to Australia and Ceylon . 321 Squadron was re-formed in Ceylon, in March 1942, from Dutch aviators. In 1942, 18 (NEI) Squadron , a joint Dutch-Australian unit was established, in Canberra , equipped with B-25 Mitchell bombers. It saw action in the South West Pacific Area (SWPA), which included

756-747: The Supermarine Spitfire , saw action as part of the RAF. 322 Sqn aircraft featured the British RAF roundels as well as the Dutch orange triangle. 322 Sqn was successfully deployed against incoming V-1 flying bombs. From mid-1944, during the invasion of Normandy , it executed ground attack missions over France and Belgium. In July 1944, the Directorate of Netherlands Airpower was established in London. In 1947, its Chief of Air Force Staff

810-581: The Apache aircrew with enhanced electro-optical targeting performance in all conditions. The new MW electro-optical system can identify targets at greater ranges than the long-wave system. The first Arrowhead production contract was awarded 11 November 2003. Lockheed Martin rolled out the first Arrowhead system to the U.S. Army in May 2005, and completed integration on the first Apache helicopters in June 2005. Arrowhead extends optical targeting ranges and reliability by

864-507: The Army Aviation Group operated one aircraft, the Brik , which was supplemented with three French Farman HF.20 aircraft a few months later. These aircraft were soon outdated, and the Dutch government ordered several fighter/reconnaissance Nieuport and Caudron aircraft to replace them. The Netherlands maintained a neutral position during World War I and the Army Aviation Group did not take part in any action. Instead, they focused on developing

918-529: The Arrowhead system. In February 2011 the 1,000th M-TADS/PNVS system was delivered to the U.S. Army. Lockheed Martin installed the first two Arrowhead systems on Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF) AH-64D Apaches during 2007 at Gilze Rijen Airbase in the Netherlands. The contract was awarded in April 2005, and included the delivery of 24 Arrowhead kits as well as spares, specific ground support equipment, training and two Arrowhead kit installations. In August 2009,

972-660: The Dutch Air Force manned five fully operational self-supporting Missile Groups in West Germany (1 and 2 MslGrp were initially equipped with NIKE batteries, while 3,4 and 5 MslGrp were equipped with Hawk ) and replaced by the MIM-104 Patriot Air Defence Missile System: The Dutch Air Force played a key role in ending the 1977 Dutch train hostage crisis when six F-104G Starfighters flew low over

1026-554: The Dutch Air Force this meant the establishment of an Air Defense Command for New Guinea ( Commando Luchtverdediging Nederlands Nieuw-Guinea - CLV NNG ) consisting of: The Dutch government deployed a squadron consisting of 12 Hawker Hunter Mk.4 AD fighters and two Alouette II SAR helicopters. They were transported to Southeast Asia by the Karel Doorman . One year later the Dutch government deployed another 12 Hawker Hunter Mk6 AD fighters; these aircraft carried more fuel and had

1080-675: The Dutch Army Aviation Brigade was defeated by the Luftwaffe . All of the Brigade's bombers, along with 30 D.XXI and 17 G.I fighters were shot down; two D.XXI and eight G.I were destroyed on the ground. Two G.I were captured by German forces, one of which was later flown to England by a Fokker pilot. The Douglas bombers were used as fighters because no suitable bombs were available; these aircraft were poorly suited for this role and eight were shot down and three destroyed on

1134-657: The Dutch East Indies. In 1943, 120 (NEI) Squadron was established. Equipped with Kittyhawk fighters, it flew many missions under Australian command, including the recapturing of Dutch New Guinea . In 1944, transport aircraft operated by the KNIL in the SWPA were integrated into another joint unit, 19 (NEI) Squadron . In June 1943, a Dutch fighter squadron was established in England. 322 (Dutch) Squadron , equipped with

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1188-473: The Dutch armed forces, rather than part of the Army. The Air Defense Command, ( Commando Lucht Verdediging , abbreviated CLV ) consisting of a command unit, five radar stations and six fighter squadrons, had been established. Its radar equipment as well as its air defense fighters all came from obsolete RAF stocks. After the Netherlands joined NATO another new command: Tactical Air Command ( Commando Tactische Luchtstrijdkrachten , abbreviated ""CTL )

1242-748: The Navy Air Service, Army Aviation aircrew also served with 320 Sqn until the end of the war. In 1941, the Royal Netherlands Military Flying School was re-established, in the United States at Jackson Field (also known as Hawkins Field), Jackson, Mississippi , operating lend-lease aircraft and training all military aircrew for the Netherlands. The separate Militaire Luchtvaart van het Koninklijk Nederlands-Indisch Leger (ML-KNIL; Royal Netherlands East Indies Army Military Air Service) continued in

1296-699: The Netherlands submitted a request to upgrade its 29 Block I AH-64D Apaches to the Block II configuration, including an upgrade to the Arrowhead system. A $ 212 million contract to equip the United Kingdom 's 67 AgustaWestland Apache Mk1 helicopters with Arrowhead was placed in May 2005. The contract was awarded by the UK Ministry of Defense (MOD) to prime contractor AgustaWestland, with the first two delivered in November 2008. Deliveries were to conclude in 2010. On 9 September 2008, Saudi Arabia submitted

1350-461: The PNVS. The movements of TADS can be 'slaved' to the head movements of the helicopter crew to point where they are looking. This allows images from TADS to be projected onto the crew helmet-mounted optical sights , overlaid upon their view of the cockpit and battle space. TADS contains a thermographic camera and a monochrome daylight television camera. With the improvements planned with M-TADS in

1404-498: The U.S. Apache fleet to the Modernized-TADS/PNVS (M-TADS/PNVS) standard, also known as Arrowhead. This upgrade is claimed to give a 150% performance and reliability improvement, while reducing costs through lower maintenance requirements. Royal Netherlands Air Force The Royal Netherlands Air Force ( RNLAF ; Dutch : Koninklijke Luchtmacht (KLu) , "Royal Air Force") is the military aviation branch of

1458-641: The U.S. Army and foreign military sales. Production of the Lot 3 systems was to be in Orlando and Ocala, Florida. A 2007 order for 158 units in Production Lot 4 was placed for $ 311 million by the US Army. The $ 172 million Production Lot 5 agreement authorized production of 126 Arrowhead kits and/or equivalent unit spares, foreign military sales kits and ground support equipment. With options, this would bring

1512-456: The air defense of the island Biak as there was evidence that Indonesia was infiltrating the island in advance of a military operation. The first Air Force contribution was the installation of two MkIV early warning radars on Biak and Woendi islands. The political situation between the Netherlands and Indonesia continued to deteriorate and in 1960 the Dutch government deployed reinforcements. The operations were known by name as Plan Fidelio. For

1566-486: The base remains in use as a glider field. The former USAFE side will be in use by ground units relocated from Kamp van Zeist and will be called "Camp New Amsterdam". The AF museum (Royal Netherlands Military Aviation Museum) returned to the base and will use most of the existing hangars. In 2013 the Royal Netherlands Air Force provided Strategic Airlift Support with a KDC-10 in support of French operations in Mali. The RNLAF

1620-620: The block III level AH-64D, the monochrome TV-camera is planned to be replaced with a full color camera. It also used to contain direct-view optics (DVO) which the copilot/ gunner (CPG) could see through the Optical Relay Tube (ORT). But in recently fielded models of the AH-64D the ORT along with the DVO has been removed as it was rarely used. It has been replaced in the co-pilot's cockpit by

1674-531: The complexity of the rebuilding task. As war loomed, in July 1939 the Army Aviation Group was renamed the Army Aviation Brigade ( Luchtvaartbrigade ). In August 1939, the Netherlands government mobilised its armed forces, but due to limited budgets the Army Aviation Brigade operated only 176 combat aircraft of the following types: In May 1940, Germany invaded the Netherlands . Within five days

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1728-491: The correct target and aim-point are designated. Enhanced air-to-ground communication reduces the potential for blue on blue incidents . In addition to orders from the US Army, the United Kingdom and six undisclosed international customers have ordered Arrowhead upgrades. A $ 260 million agreement for the first 55 Lot 1 Arrowhead systems was reached on 11 November 2003. First deliveries were to begin in March 2005, with

1782-500: The end of World War I the Dutch government cut the defence budget and the Army Aviation Group was almost dissolved. As political tensions in Europe increased during the late 1930s the government tried to rebuild the armed forces again in 1938 but there were many problems, not least the shortage of pilot instructors, navigators and pilots to fly the new multiple engine aircraft. Lack of standardisation and resulting maintenance issues added to

1836-602: The first Army unit equipped with Arrowhead to be fielded by June 2005. The Lockheed Martin Arrowhead team outfitted the first eight AH-64D Apache Longbows with the new day/night vision system at The Boeing Company ’s Apache production facility in Mesa, Arizona during 2005. The Arrowhead-equipped Apache helicopters departed for Fort Hood in two flights beginning June 23, and were officially delivered on 30 June 2005. The $ 247 million Lot 2 follow-on production contract for Arrowhead

1890-403: The force's capabilities. Pilot training was opened and established for ranks including officers in technical, aerial photography, meteorological and navigation flights. New airfields were built at Arnhem, Gilze-Rijen air base , Venlo and Vlissingen. Because of the war, it was difficult to procure suitable aircraft. In 1917, the situation changed and their personnel increased to 650. After

1944-502: The full sensor field of view. The VNsight upgrade ensures safer flying conditions and enhanced mission capability (especially in urban environments) by improving situation awareness in low-light-level conditions and situations where existing light sources cannot be imaged by the FLIR. It also allows the aircrew to see their own laser spot while designating targets for laser guided munition engagements, providing an extra level of certainty that

1998-476: The ground in the first hours of the conflict. In spite of their numerical superiority the Luftwaffe lost 350 aircraft in the conquest of the Netherlands, many to anti-aircraft fire and crashes at improvised landing fields in the Netherlands rather than due to action by Dutch fighter aircraft. The cost was high – almost 95% of the Dutch pilots were lost. In recognition of their actions Queen Wilhelmina granted

2052-525: The highest Dutch military decoration, the Militaire Willemsorde (MWO), to the Army Aviation Brigade collectively. Some aircrews escaped to England and on 1 June 1940, 320 Squadron and 321 Squadron were established there under RAF operational command. Due to a shortage of personnel, 321 Squadron was absorbed by 320 Sqn in January 1941. Although their personnel were predominantly from

2106-400: The long wave infrared wavelength of the existing sensor and adds significant tactical advantages. Using VNsight imagery blended with the standard M-PNVS forward looking infrared (FLIR) imagery, pilots can see lighting that was previously unviewable in low-light conditions. This includes lasers, markers, beacons, and tracer rounds, which were not accurately registered with the thermal image over

2160-529: The north of Italy, later moving south to Amendola AB. During the operations over FRY RNLAF F-16s flew reconnaissance (306 Sqn detachments from Volkel AB were in theatre throughout the operations), enforced the Bosnian no-fly zone, dropped bombs on Udbina AB (1994), successfully dropped an unguided bomb on a moving Serb tank during the fall of Srebrenica (1995), and took part in Deliberate Force later in

2214-486: The presidential elections of Afghanistan. This time the aircraft flew under the NATO ISAF flag. On 24 March 2005 the Dutch detachment transferred from Manas AB to Kabul International Airport . A detachment of six AH-64D Apache helicopters were already stationed at Kabul International Airport from April 2004 until March 2005. In February 2006 four Dutch F-16s were joined by four Royal Norwegian Air Force F-16s in

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2268-474: The project is a large-format staring array mid-wave (MW) forward-looking infrared (FLIR) sensor which uses the staring mid-wave integrated detector/cooler assembly (IDCA) used in Lockheed Martin's Sniper Advanced Targeting Pod . The upgrade is designed to complement the excellent obscurant penetration of the existing long-wave (LW) sensor with a longer-range, smaller-field-of-view MW sensor providing

2322-816: The squadron reformed in the US as the RNLAF's first Joint Strike Fighter unit. 303 Squadron ( Agusta Bell AB 412SP ) provided search and rescue within Dutch Flight Information Region ) until 1 January 2015 when the unit was disbanded. In 2015 Airbus A330 MRTT were ordered to replace two Dutch KDC-10 Tanker / Transport aircraft. The Netherlands is the lead nation in NATO initiative to replace and pool existing Tanker / Transport, including Luxembourg, Belgium (1), Germany (4), Norway (1) within EATC, in 2014 it

2376-489: The summer of 1995. Between 1994 and 1997 Dutch GCI personnel, along with Canadian GCI controllers, provided many hundreds of hours of fighter control and surveillance as integrated members of USAF/ANG Air Control Squadrons. In May 1999 during the Kosovo crisis a RNLAF F-16AM pilot Major Peter Tankink shot down a Yugoslavian MiG-29 with an AMRAAM , but the force was more recognized for its high bombing accuracy. Allied Force

2430-412: The total number of Arrowhead kits and/or systems to 785. An order for 55 Lot 6 Arrowhead systems was placed in 2009 for $ 142 million. Lockheed Martin announced a $ 260 million follow-on production contract for Production Lot 7 on 17 August 2010. By the end of Lot 7, which extends production through April 2013, over 1,000 kits will have been delivered. By 2011, 704 US Army Apaches are to be equipped with

2484-779: The train to distract the hijackers while Dutch anti-terrorist forces stormed the train. In 1992 Ypenburg Air Base closed. After the USAF handed over their section of Soesterberg in September 1994, Soesterberg then became a RNLAF transport helicopter base with 298 Squadron ( CH-47D Chinook ) and 300 Squadron ( AS 532U2 Cougar Mk2 and SA 316 Alouette III ) stationed at the base. RNLAF F-16s participated in all operations over Yugoslavia from 1993: Deny Flight , including Deliberate Force in 1995 and ending with Operation Allied Force in 1999 from two bases in Italy. Initially from Villafranca AB in

2538-556: Was also the operational debut for the upgraded F-16AM. Besides the CAP missions, offensive bombing and photo reconnaissance missions were flown. KDC-10 tankers refuelled allied aircraft over the Adriatic Sea, and C-130 Hercules transports flew daily sorties from Eindhoven AB to logistically support the operation. Dutch F-16s also dropped cluster bombs on Niš . In total, RNLAF aircraft flew 1,194 sorties during operation Allied Force, which

2592-697: Was announced that the Airbus A330 MRTT has been selected and two are ordered for the Royal Netherlands Air Force with options to eight aircraft based in adjoining countries. In 2017 the Belgian Air Component, German Air Force and Royal Norwegian Air Force confirmed orders by joining the MMF program to a total of 9 aircraft of which 5 will be based at Eindhoven Airbase and 4 at Cologne Air Base. They will carry Royal Netherlands Air Force roundels and be registered as Dutch aircraft. In November 2019 it

2646-679: Was announced that the Dutch KDC-10 tankers were sold to Omega Aerial Refueling Services . The last Dutch KDC-10 was taken out of service in October 2021. As per 2017 the Air Defence - Quick Reaction Force of two F-16 fighters are integrated for Belgian, Dutch and Luxembourg airspace and rotated between Dutch and Belgian ADF squadrons. In 2021 a Brik-II satellite was launched to provide the Royal Netherlands Air Force with intelligence regarding navigation, communication and observation of

2700-442: Was appointed. During the Indonesian War of Independence , the air force committed ground attacks and transported material and personnel. In 1948, transportation aircraft were used in support of the first Dutch airborne raid in southern Sumatra and Djokjakarta . In 1951 several non-combat functions in the Army Aviation were opened to women. On 27 March 1953 the Royal Netherlands Air Force officially became an independent part of

2754-409: Was awarded by the US Army Program Executive Office-Aviation on 26 January 2005. It authorized production of 97 Arrowhead systems for the US Army and foreign military sales customers. The U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command awarded Lockheed Martin the Lot 3 follow-on production contract for Arrowhead in June 2006. The $ 385.6 million agreement authorized production of 219 Arrowhead kits plus spares for

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2808-464: Was established. The Indonesian government claimed Western New Guinea following the end of the Second World War. The Dutch government considered the area Dutch territory. Negotiations over the country were conducted for years, but tensions grew until Indonesia broke diplomatic relations with the Netherlands at the end of the 1950s. In response, in 1958, the Netherlands deployed military reinforcements to New Guinea, including an Air Force detachment for

2862-510: Was hit hard by the Dutch defence cuts after the 2008 financial crisis. 311 Squadron was disbanded in September 2012, leaving four squadrons of F-16s, and one DC-10 transport aircraft was disposed of. In October 2014 the Netherlands Air Force joined the US and its Allies fighting ISIL, deploying eight F-16s (of which two are in reserve) to Jordan. On 31 October 2014 323 Tactess squadron (F-16) disbanded and its aircraft and personnel were merged into 322 Squadron. The following Wednesday (5 November)

2916-413: Was renamed as Army Aviation Brigade ( Luchtvaartbrigade ) in 1939. In 1953, it was raised to the level of independent operational part of the Dutch Armed Forces and renamed as Royal Netherlands Air Force ( Koninklijke Luchtmacht ). Dutch air power started on 1 July 1913, with the founding of the Army Aviation Group at Soesterberg airfield ( vliegbasis Soesterberg ) having four pilots. When founded,

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