Unlike in 2007, 2008 and 2009, the author's "unofficial" visit to Batajnica on March 25 and 26, 2010 was not really a success. The appearance of a Lasta 95 in Iraqi colours and an aerobatic display by the Orao in a special colour scheme were no substitute for the MiG-21s, which did not fly on those days.
As on every visit so far, several G-4 Super Galebs flew in several waves.
A big surprise was the appearance of the Lasta 95 in full Iraqi colours. At times the aircraft also flew as a pair with the blue Lasta prototype.
The Yak-40 in Serbian colours made several approaches.
The Orao showed a complete aerobatic programme with a pull-up into the vertical right after take-off and about 15 minutes of turning manoeuvres east of the airfield. It was probably training for a later public display.
204. Avijacijska Baza Batajnica (Serbia) 2010
From November 2 to 4, 2010, the author then again had the opportunity for an official visit to Batajnica. As in previous years, there was a pleasing picture – several hours of flight operations with various types.
The first take-off was made by a MiG-21bis from the QRA – armed with R-60 missiles.
While a Gazelle flew circuits on one side of the base, the An-26 circled on the other.
Both the Lasta prototype and production aircraft for the Iraqi Air Force flew several times.
MiG-21bis 17407 took off several times for training flights.
Post-flight check on the MiG-21bis.
Circuit training with touch-and-goes by An-26, ...
... G-4 Super Galeb ...
... and UTVA-75.
These six Super Galebs had been ferried from Montenegro to Batajnica only a few days earlier. At the time of the visit they still carried Montenegrin markings.
On the third day of the visit there was dense fog in the morning. Therefore ...
... both the UTVA-75 ...
... and the MiG-21s stayed on the ground.
At the farewell the fog had disappeared again and the gate guardian shone in the sun.
