70 Years of 'Sioux in the Sky'

In 2018 the Belgian Air Force 15th Transport Wing and its squadrons celebrated their 70th Anniversary. To commemorate this occasion two of its aircraft received a special color scheme designed by the duo Peter Verheyen and Johan Wolfs, who have been responsible for the vast majority of special schemes in the Belgian Air Force over the last decades.

To mark this occasion a special photo shoot was organized for the specialized press on September 13th at the wings homebase of Melsbroek, the military part of Brussels Airport. Over a period of several hours we had the possibility to photograph both aircraft in varying light conditions, from daylight to night.

First aircraft to receive a special marking was Embraer ERJ135LR CE02 operated by the Wings 21st Squadron. The squadron main task is the transport of personnel across the globe, with the so called white 'transport fleet'. The special colors consist of a tail marking showing a Douglas C47 Dakota, the squadrons first aircraft in 1948, next to its current Embraer ERJ135/145 aircraft. The scheme is completed with the well-known 'Sioux' Indian that also can be found in the Squadrons crest.

The second aircraft that received a special coat of paint was Lockheed C130H Hercules CH10. The special paints on the C130 are the largest projects Verheyen and Wolfs have undertaken so far, and once again they nailed it. This paint does not only celebrate the 20th Squadrons 70th Anniversary, but also 45 Years of C130H Operations. 20th Squadrons main task is the tactical transport role, the transport of personnel and equipment. On the tail a stylish logo "70 Years 15 Wing / 45 Years C130 Hercules" can be found, but main point of attraction is the huge "Sioux" Indian painted on both sides of the forward fuselage. Also 20th Squadron has the "Sioux" in its Squadron crest next to the blue squadron colors. At the end of the photo shoot the on hand C130 crew fired up its engines and departed into the night for yet another training flight, giving some more nice photo opportunities.

During the photo shoot the Wings friendly neighbors from the Federal Police joined in the party and showed off one of their MD Helicopters MD902 Explorers prior to departing on a next policing mission of Belgium.

Low Approach Aviation Photography wants to thank Peter and Kristof of the 15th Wing PR Department for organizing this event.

Text & Photography : Laurent Heyligen