King Philippe takes new army helicopter for a spin

Belgium’s King Philippe yesterday visited the Beauvechain Air Base, where he conducted a nearly one-hour flight with one of the Belgian Army’s new helicopters of the type NH90, reports Knack.be. The king, who previously followed a training course as a fighter pilot, sold his helicopter but retains his pilot license by making regular flights in France.

King Philippe was welcomed to the air base by defence minister Steven Vandeput and high military officers led by General Gerard Van Caelenberge. He was wearing a flight suit with the name tag HM King Philippe (His Majesty King Philippe), for the first time since his accession to the throne in July 2013.

The king looked at a number of aircraft used at the air base, including the military jet pilot trainer Marchetti, an Agusta helicopter and the brand new NH90. The aircraft are part of a €300 million order placed in June 2007 for eight new aircraft at the Beauvechain Air Base.

The king showed off his pilot skills during a nearly one-hour flight with the NH90, which was developed in response to NATO requirements for a military helicopter capable of operating in naval environments.