F-16 DEMO TEAM 2012-2013
The Royal Netherlands Air Force's F-16 demo team 2012-2013 is based at Volkel Airbase.
The responsibility for providing the Air Force with the F-16 solo display shifts between Volkel and Leeuwarden Airbase every two years. Early 2012, the Leeuwarden team handed over their responsibility for showcasing the Royal Netherlands Air Force F-16 demo team to Volkel Airbase. The current team is comprised of personnel from the 312 and 313 Squadron, both of which are based at Volkel Airbase. The team consists of one display pilot, one coach, five technical specialists, and advisors. This will be Captain Stefan "Stitch" Hutten his first season as display pilot for the F-16 demo team.
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Although it looks spectacular, the F-16 demo team's show contains maneuvers that occur during normal operational missions. What makes the show special is that all of these maneuvers are smoothly choreographed together and are performed at very low altitude. During the performance, the demo pilot's body is exposed to enormous positive and negative G forces. Although Captain Hutten's body is put under these enormous stressors, it is his goal to give an accurate illustration of the F-16's outstanding maneuverability and skill set that every Royal Netherlands Air Force F-16 fighter pilot must master.
Teamwork
One Team, One Task" is the motto of the Royal Netherlands Air Force. This motto also applies to the F-16 solo display team. The demonstration team has many critical members that are need to work together in a seamless manner in order to keep the performances running smoothly and on schedule.
This year's team offers all conceivable support to the demo pilot during approximately 11 shows throughout the demo season. The display team also receives vital support from the staff and members at their home base in Volkel. What differentiates the Dutch team from other display teams is that all team members are current operational personnel in the Air Force. Not only do they perform daily operational tasks required for the demo team, but they also deploy to operations throughout the world during the demo season. This enables the team to be the most current operational representative of the Dutch Air Force
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