Group of Light Aircraft in the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s
In the 1970s, the Royal Netherlands Air Force had three ‘light’ squadrons equipped with Alouette III, BO-105C, L-20A Beaver and the L-21 Super Cub. The squadrons fell under command of the Group of Light Aircraft. In this report we go a little into the history of the separate squadrons during the 1970s through 1990s.
298 Squadron
298 squadron was stationed at Soesterberg Air Base with the Alouette III. This squadron came over from Deelen Air Base in September 1968. It left the Super Cubs behind for 300 squadron. 298 switched to the BO-105C in 1975. From that moment on, the squadron had 12 BO-105s and 12 Alouette IIIs. They kept that mix for four years and in 1979, 298 got a full Alouette III line-up again. The Bo-105s moved to 299 Squadron at Deelen. 298 was discontinued in 1994. Now the squadron flies with the CH-47F Chinook out of Gilze-Rijen Air Base.
299 Squadron
299 Squadron with the prestigious motto, “Light but not insignificant”, also flew the Alouette III in the early 1970s, and from this squadron demo team “The Grasshoppers” was founded in 1973. The first performance of the team was during the open day at Deelen Air Base in 1973. In 1979, 299 got the BO-105C in its inventory. The Alouettes went to 298 at Soesterberg. During the 1980s, the BO-105s were equipped with night vision equipment. In 1992, eight aircraft were severely damaged by “peace activists”. BO-105C B-46 was destroyed and five others severely damaged, including by arson. In 1996, the squadron moved to Gilze Rijen. Nowadays it has logistic tasks.
300 Squadron
300 Squadron with its motto “Our strength lies in mobility” was active in the 1970s at Deelen with Super Cub L-21A. These Super Cubs came over from Ypenburg Air Base because that base changed to a reserve status. Until 1974, the squadron also took care of the Beavers. Some of the Beavers were transferred to the base flights of Leeuwarden, Twente, Eindhoven and Volkel. 300 squadron switched to the Alouette III in 1976. That is the year the Super Cub L-21 was retired. In 1993, the Alouette III was also phased out. In 1996, the squadron received the Cougar Mk 2. The unit is now active at Gilze Rijen.
