The combat and transport helicopters at Gilze-Rijen Air Base will be temporarily grounded on Tuesday. The cause is an increased concentration of iron oxide, or rust for short, in the fuel storage tanks. Defense reports.
Because the aircraft had already been filled with kerosene before the problem was discovered, flying was not possible.
The PC-7 training aircraft at Woensdrecht Air Base are also affected by the rust-contaminated fuel. The training flights have therefore also been discontinued.
Research
How the increased concentrations of iron oxide got into the fuel tanks is being investigated. This also applies to any consequences for helicopters and aircraft. The Air Force is also looking at which actions are necessary to resume flying.