Beja Airbase
Template:Short description Script error: No such module "redirect hatnote". Script error: No such module "Infobox".Template:Template otherScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Beja Air Base (Template:Langx; Template:Comma separated entries), officially designated as Air Base No. 11 (Template:Langx, BA11) is one of the most important military airbases in Portugal, Script error: No such module "convert". northwest of Beja,[1] Script error: No such module "convert". north of Algarve. It is used by the Portuguese Air Force (PoAF) and has two parallel runways in the 01/19 direction, the biggest being Script error: No such module "convert"..[1] The base is home to two training squadrons, one helicopter squadron and one maritime patrol squadron.
History
.jpg){kind=link}
The base was established on 21 October 1964, originally built to serve as a training facility for the German Air Force (Luftwaffe), due to airspace limitations within West Germany.[2] The Luftwaffe operated from the airbase until 1993, during which period it was used particularly for weapons training.[3] In 1987 the Portuguese Air Force's 103 Squadron using Lockheed T-33 and Northrop T-38 aircraft was relocated from Montijo. After their arrival, the base started to host a mixed array of fixed and rotary-wing trainers, as well as maritime patrol aircraft.[2]
Between 1993 and 2018, the PoAF has operated Dassault/Dornier Alpha Jet aircraft from the airbase, which were donated by Germany as compensation for leaving the air base in 1993.[3]
Current state
.jpg){kind=link}
The base is now modern and well-equipped, employing around 1,000 personnel.[2] It comprises two parallel runways running north–south (01L/19R, 01R/19L, the largest being Script error: No such module "convert". in length and the other Script error: No such module "convert". long. A third parallel runway/taxiway supports its helicopter facilities.[2] Beja Air Base is one of the most important training facilities of the PoAF and during 2008 operated over 70,000 flying hours.[4] The first training phase comprises flying on Socata TB 30 Epsilon aircraft, which currently has 15 operational aircraft.[5] The 552 Squadron operates 5 AgustaWestland AW119 Koala helicopters tasked with tactical transport for the army, helicopter pilot training and search and rescue. The 601 Squadron currently uses 5 P-3C Orion Cup + aircraft which provide 24/7 search and rescue and anti-submarine warfare cover.[6] The 506 Squadron equiped with KC390 aircraft is task with tactical air transport operations, air refueling and firefighting.
Construction of a civilian terminal was undertaken in 2009, with this facility being aimed at low-cost carriers.[7]
Beja's runway is the only mainland Portugal runway capable of accommodating an Airbus A380. The Portuguese wet lease airline Hi Fly previously operated its A380, purchased second-hand in 2018, from Beja.[8]
Tenant units
- 101 Sqn. - TB30 Epsilon[9]
- 103 Sqn. "Caracóis" (Snails) — complementary flying training and operational transition training[5]
- 552 Sqn. "Zangões" (Drones) — tactical air transport operations and complementary flying training in helicopters[10]
- 601 Sqn. "Lobos" (Wolves) — maritime patrol squadron[6]
- 506 Sqn. "Rinocerontes"[11] (Rhinoceros) — tactical air transport operations, air refueling and firefighting
Notes
<templatestyles src="Reflist/styles.css" />
- ↑ a b Cite error: Script error: No such module "Namespace detect".Script error: No such module "Namespace detect".
- ↑ a b c d Air Forces Monthly, p. 36.
- ↑ a b Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ Air Forces Monthly, p. 38.
- ↑ a b Air Forces Monthly, p. 39.
- ↑ a b Air Forces Monthly, p. 41.
- ↑ Air Forces Monthly, p. 37.
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ Air Forces Monthly, p. 40.
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
References
- Base Tour: Beja, Portugal - Portuguese Super Base, Air Forces Monthly magazine, March 2009 issue.