On October 11, 2014, the Bulgarian Air Force (BVVS) held a large airshow at Sofia airport with the participation of all existing types of aircraft, helicopters and surface-to-air missiles. The main aim of the event, initiated by the newly appointed commander of the BVVS, Major General Rumen Radev, under the title ТОВА СМЕ НИЕ (This is us), was to promote his service publicly. And this succeeded impressively ...
Under the protection of an armed Mi-17 ...
... Cougars dropped special forces.
Even more impressive as a pair – the manoeuvrability of the C-27.
Both BVVS training aircraft, the PC-9 ...
... and the L-39, were each demonstrated in pairs and singly.
As so often: much too fast, too high and too short, and yet always nice to watch – the MiG-21 display.
The highlight of the event was undoubtedly the MiG-29 display. First a pair of a single- and a two-seater took off ...
... for an air combat demonstration, ...
... before another single-seater began its display with a spectacular take-off and repeatedly provided adrenaline rushes, also for the spectators, until the very end.
The flying displays were concluded by a formation of MiG-21, MiG-29 and Su-25.
The aircraft then taxied – many of which, including this Su-25UB ...
... and all participating MiG-21s, had received a new paint scheme – ...
... back to the flightline, where a reserve aircraft of each type – in the case of the MiG-21, 358 – was also lined up.
In the visitor area on the grounds of the transport air base at Sofia airport, further types that did not take part in the flying displays were lined up, such as An-2, ...
... L-410, ...
... An-26, ...
... An-30 and ...
... PC-12.
Besides various radar equipment ...
... all BVVS surface-to-air missile systems were on display, as already mentioned: S-125, S-75, S-300 and S-200 (from left).
Of course, one example of each of the flying types was also present, such as this Su-25.
The inscription on the MiG-29 on display refers to 25 years of service of this type in Bulgaria, ...
... while the inscription on the MiG-21 celebrates its 50th service anniversary with the BVVS.
And finally, the event gave the author the long-awaited opportunity to present General Radev with a copy of his MiG-21 book as a thank-you for many years of hospitality and support.
The author thanks all members of the BVVS involved for a memorable event, especially Major General Rumen Radev for his renewed hospitality and extensive support in advance and Ogi Stefanov for the excellent assistance.
