Bundeswehr Takes Centre Stage at ILA 2012

September 12, 2012 defpro.com

Berlin | Under the heading of “Treff Bundeswehr” (meeting the Bundeswehr) and as the largest exhibitor at ILA 2012 (11 to 16 Sept.) the Bundeswehr will put on an extensive display of its capabilities, of combined weapons systems for example, and will use the high media attention and Open Weekend at the ILA to promote its image and attract career starters. ILA 2012 also serves as a platform for representatives of the Bundeswehr, industry and of partner nations to meet and hold expert discussions.

Inside the pavilion in Hall 3, on an area covering more than 1,000 square metres, the Bundeswehr and military aviation industry will be demonstrating its successful cooperation with customers and contractors to ensure the operational capability of all the Bundeswehr’s aircraft. Thus, at the Bundeswehr section in Hall 3 the Federal Office for Defence Systems and Procurement will be presenting new repair methods. Other key Bundeswehr exhibits include Unmanned Aircraft Systems featuring an operating console, demonstrations of a Forward Air Controller (FAC), as well as lectures on centralised air surveillance, military air traffic control, the mission control centre and the Space Situational Awareness Centre.

On an outdoor display site covering 10,000 square metres the Bundeswehr will provide information and exhibit a wide-ranging display of products. They include six fighters, plus three transporters and tanker aircraft, seven helicopters, an air defence ground-based weapons system, four Unmanned Aircraft Systems and a military hospital container. On 15 and 16 September an aircraft of the Federal Ministry of Defence (BMVg), an Airbus A319 CJ, will make an appearance at the show. Providing a close-up experience for visitors, the highlight of the Static Display will be an opportunity to walk inside an MRCA Tornado PA200 IDS (Interdiction Strike), a Nord-VFW Transall C-160D, an Airbus A310 MedEvac (Medical Evacuation) and a Sikorsky CH-53 G, all weapons systems currently in use. Visitors will also get a chance to talk to Bundeswehr aircraft crews. At ILA 2012 the Bundeswehr will be promoting itself as a modern and attractive employer, particularly in the field of pilot careers and technical jobs.

In the “career truck“, on the stand of the Federal Office of Defence Administration and at the Static Display in discussions with Bundeswehr aircraft crews, visitors will be able to obtain qualified and authentic information on career opportunities with the Bundeswehr and the defence administration. A Bundeswehr quiz with attractive prizes for the winners will round off events in this section.

As part of their joint demonstrations, at the Willfire 2012 flying displays on 13, 15 and 16 September, four Tornados, two Eurofighters, two Phantoms, a CH-53, a Transall and a Bundeswehr Airbus A310 MRTT tanker aircraft will take to the skies together for around 20 minutes in an impressive demonstration to spectators of their combined military capabilities. An EADS Eurofighter and a Sikorsky CH-53 military helicopter will be among those taking part in individual displays.