IWHC

The main purpose of the IWHC (First Wing Historical Centre) is to evoke the history of Beanvechain air base since 1935 and especially the history of the Fighter Squadrons between 1946 and 1996.

Our small museum was able to obtain some damaged aircraft but they have been restored and are on display. Also on display are some aircraft engines and service vehicles. The Centre also remember Brustem air base as well as Goetsenhoven air base, both recently closed.

THE HISTORY OF THE AIR BASE

The official name of Beauvechain air base is "Base Charles. ROMAN".

Wing Commander Charles ROMAN died in action whithin command

Of six squadrons.

Between 1946 and 1996 the first Fighter Wing operated the following aircraft: Spitfire, Mosquito, four different types of Meteor, the Hunter, CF-IOO, F-104 and F-16.42nd Recce Squadron. operating the RF-84F, has also been located on the air base for about three year.

The first Fighter Wing started with the 349 and 350 Squadrons, both during WWII, with Belgian pilots, within the RAF.

Since 1996 elementary pilot training as well as advanced pilot training take place at Beauvechain AB. The weather service "Meteo Wing" also

moved from the Brussels suburbs to eauvechain.

ON DISPLAY

OUTSIDE

- Aircraft: Meteor, Hunter, RF-84F, F-I04G,

F-16A, Mirage V, SF-260M,Mig21.

- Diorama of an F- 104G.

- Memory hall:

The "Aeronautique Militaire"

WWII, German occupation.

The RCAF and USAAF era.

The other halls evoke a.o. the different aircraft operated by

the Ist Fighter Wing as well as the different squadrons 4th,

l0th, llth,349th, 350th and the Auxiliary Squadron.

The "Meteo Wing" in the past.

The Elementary Flying School at Goetsenhoven AB.

9th Training Wing at Brustem AB.

- Radio and Radar équipaient

- Military pigeons.

- Dioramas conceming nuclear protection, airfield defense, Air Traffic Control

- Ground support équipment and service vehicles.

-A reproduction of a Pilot's Dispersal.

- Aircraft engines: from piston to jet.

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