On Wednesday afternoon, the Leopold Figl Air Base – General Pabisch Air Base (formerly Brumowski Air Base) in Langenlebarn opened its doors for this year’s Open Day in glorious summer weather – and presented itself as lively as rarely before.
In front of the two hangars, where air reconnaissance, aviation technology and the Federal College of Aviation Technology presented themselves, three of the domestic aircraft were on display: among them, as a highlight, one of the new AW169B Lion, one of the modernized S-70A42 Black Hawk (-> The “Black Ace Hawk” is available in Austria) after a US cockpit upgrade and a tried and tested PC-6 Turbo Porter. The ensemble was completed by an EC-135 of the air police.
Eleven Lions already in Austria
In the numerous technical discussions surrounding the aircraft on display, it became clear that the delivery of the new AW169B is progressing according to plan – eleven aircraft are already in Austria, with the twelfth to follow soon (-> Two more AW169Bs landed in Austria). However, the first helicopter of the planned 24 AW169MA versions is not expected until after the turn of the year.
More young people in training – but bottlenecks in phase 2
One piece of good news concerns the next generation of pilots: the current flight group for basic training consists of eleven people for the first time, compared to eight previously – including another female aspirant. In view of the imminent commissioning of new systems, this increase is urgently needed.
However, the increase in training also brings challenges: there are already bottlenecks in Phase 2 training on the four DA40s in Zeltweg – formally assigned to the Air Force and Air Defense Training School (FlFlaTS) in Langenlebarn. They are reportedly considering buying in additional flying hours or changing the timing of the separation between wing and rotor.
Aerial reconnaissance: focus on successor to PC-6 “Bildporter”
There were also exciting insights into the planned procurement of manned reconnaissance platforms: The corresponding project applications have already been written, he said, and Directorate 5 – Procurement is working on the specifications. The aim is to replace the PC-6 “Bildporter” with pressurized cabin-capable aircraft with long-range performance – PC-12 or preferably the Beechcraft King Air 350/360 are reportedly the focus.
During the discussion, it was emphasized that the new platform should carry the same sensor kit as a planned MALE drone from around 2028 – a step towards more synergies and system compatibility.
Air defence: progress with modernization of 35-millimetre cannons
Two 35-millimeter Oerlikon cannons and the Mistral guided missile system were exhibited in the air defence area. For the weapons currently produced by Rheinmetall modernized guns (-> The Austrian Armed Forces are modernizing their air defence), a first command module for simulation is expected in August to enable initial training. The first fully operational systems with sensors are expected in March 2026.
Air show with crowd pullers
From 3.30 p.m., the audience was also treated to a compact but interesting flight demonstration – albeit a little too early from a photographer’s point of view, as it was still against the sun. Among other things, a winch recovery with the AW169B, the dropping of 800 liters of water from a PC-6, two overflights of the C-130K BT-CB and a solo display of the PC-7 “Turbo Trainer” were shown.
New barracks commander: Colonel Helmut Marx
At the concluding hangar party, accompanied by the Lower Austrian and Burgenland military bands, Militär Aktuell took the opportunity to introduce itself to the new “landlord”: Colonel Helmut Marx, previously with the Air Surveillance Command, is now – at least on an interim basis – in charge of both the air force and air defense school and the barracks in Langenlebarn.
Here for further army news.
