Air Transport (Eindhoven)
The KDC-10 is the Royal Netherlands Air Force’s largest transport aircraft, which also serves as a flying petrol station. The KDC-10 can carry sizeable quantities of cargo as well as large numbers of troops over great distances. This transport aircraft has been converted into a tanker and can thus refuel F-16s in-flight, which allows these fighter aircraft to make fewer takeoffs and landings. This not only benefits the people living in the areas surrounding the air bases, but also makes it possible to deploy the fighters more efficiently. The boom is manuvered into the proper position using joysticks. The operator keeps sight of the receiving aircraft via 3-D monitors. The KDC-10 also refuels fighter aircraft belonging to the Allies. In addition to transport and refuelling missions, the KDC-10 is also employed for humanitarian aid flights.
The C-130 Hercules is a medium-size transport aircraft with a rear loading ramp. It was designed to be able to take off from and land on primitive airstrips. The rear loading ramp enables the aircraft to load and unload goods without having to make use of dedicated ground facilities. It can be opened during flight for parachute jumps or cargo drops. These properties are of great importance for crisis management operations and the provision of humanitarian aid. Hercules aircraft are deployed for tasks such as the transport of materiel and personnel for the armed forces and humanitarian aid flights. The aircraft can also be used for medical evacuations. The arrival of the Hercules in the mid-1990s considerably boosted the Royal Netherlands Air Force’s contribution to the international humanitarian effort.
The four F-60 transport aircraft are deployed for the transport of personnel and cargo for crisis management and peace operations, and humanitarian aid. The Fokker 60 Utility is the extended military version of the Fokker 50, of which the Royal Netherlands Air Force also has two in its transport fleet. The F-50 is furnished with seats and used for carrying personnel. The F-60 is fitted with self-protection gear against infrared and radar-guided missiles and has a larger loading door. As a result, for example, two complete F-16 engines can be transported in this aircraft. The F-60 is also regularly employed for medical evacuations.
In addition to the Fokker 50, the Royal Netherlands Air Force also has a Gulfstream IV passenger jet, which is used for transporting military and civilian authorities. It is also employed for command and control, inspections, coordination and liaison flights. For this purpose the Gulfstream is fitted with additional facilities such as radio, navigation and identification equipment.
