A number of IL-76’s have been re-engined and are now EU noise compliant. Great pics, aren’t the Netherlands Air Force KC-10’s also based at Eindhoven ? We had them passing through GLA regularly a couple of years ago, bringing troops in for NATO exercises.

Speaking of the Netherlands, I’m passing through Schipol this Tuesday, enroute to Budapest for a week’s work. KLM then Malev and vice versa on Saturday. Should be fun !

The entire fixed-wing transport fleet is based at Eindhoven. There are two F50s, two C-130s (a third one to be delivered shortly), a Gulfstream and two KDC-10s with a regular DC-10 joining in a few months(?). It is fair to say that the Luchtmacht “owns” a Aviacon Zitrotrans Il-76 since they operate two flights a week to Afghanistan and back. Arrival monday around 12:30 departure next day, and arrival friday 08:00ish and departure same day 19:00. As you may know the four F60s have been stored at Woensdrecht awaiting a buyer.

Other military operaters at Eindhoven include NATO who routinely do practise runs at Eindhoven with Geilenkirchen based AWACS and tankers.

Just a few KMs northwest of the airport on the heath is one of the helicopter low-flying areas. You are free to enter it, even when there are flight operations, but it is at your own risk. If you go there, beware for jeeps, tanks and APCs driving around.

So all in all Eindhoven can be very interesting. The operations on the heath are not really visible from the airport so either you need to go there hoping for the best, or take a scanner with you. I have not been there myself yet, but the pictures I have seen are spectacular.