site last updated:
02/24/2008

Article from The Warsaw Voice

Czech Military Airbase Ready for NATO.

An emergency "hook and cable" landing system for NATO jets has been installed at the 4th Tactical Airbase in Caslav, meaning that from now on military jets equipped with the hook, such as the Mirage 2000, the F-18 and the MiG-29, can make emergency landings at the base.  The equipment is the first of its kind to be installed in a former Warsaw Pact country.  "It's the first step for preparing the airbase for integration with the NATO infrastructure," said Czech airforce commander Landislav Klima.

Representatives of firms involved in the project unveiled the system to airbase commander Vladimir Ficenec on Sept. 28.  "This airbase is currently capable of accommodating most types of Western aircraft in case of brake failure or in an emergency," said Ficenec, adding, however, that Caslav's own jets were unable to use the system.

The new system is produced by the Czech firm Bohemia T.T.W. in cooperation with the French company Aerazur, and fulfills the requirements of all airforces, not just NATO.  Klima said the system may attract foreign buyers.  Omnipol will be handling exports.

Information Source: http://www.warsawvoice.com.pl/PL-iso/v519/NewsInBrief.html

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