musée royal de l'armée et de l'histoire militaire Archives

McDonnell RF-4C Phantom II

The McDonnell RF-4C Phantom II was an all weather tactical reconnaissance aircraft from the United States. The first flight of the Phantom was in May 1958. This McDonnell RF-4C Phantom II is on a long term loan from the USAF museum. It was 1991 when the aircraft arrived at the Musée royal de l’armée et de l’histoire militaire or Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and Military History in Brussels.

The McDonnell RF-4C Phantom II was the unarmed tactical reconnaissance variant of the venerable F-4 Phantom II fighter-bomber, playing a crucial, though often less heralded, role in the Cold War and various conflicts. Unlike its more famous brethren, the RF-4C was designed to gather intelligence, not to engage in dogfights or drop bombs. Its distinctive elongated nose, lacking the radar of fighter versions, housed a sophisticated array of cameras, infrared sensors, and later, even side-looking airborne radar (SLAR) systems.

Despite its lack of offensive weaponry, the RF-4C was often at the forefront of reconnaissance efforts, providing critical information to commanders. Its adaptability allowed for upgrades throughout its service life, incorporating more advanced sensors and data links. The RF-4C’s contribution to intelligence gathering, though not as visible as air-to-air combat or bombing raids, was indispensable, highlighting the vital role of reconnaissance in modern warfare.

Belgian Air Force Westland Sea King

This Belgian Air Force Westland Sea King was on display at the Musée royal de l’armée et de l’histoire militaire or Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and Military History in Brussels.

The Belgian Air Force operated the iconic Westland Sea King Mk.48 helicopter for over four decades, primarily in a crucial search and rescue (SAR) role. Five of these British-built helicopters, a licensed version of the American Sikorsky S-61, were acquired in April 1975 to replace their aging Sikorsky HSS1/S58 fleet. After initial crew training at RNAS Culdrose in the UK, the Sea Kings were delivered to Koksijde Air Base in Belgium in November 1976 and officially assigned to No. 40 Squadron, receiving tail numbers RS-01 to RS-05. RS-01 is on display in the museum.

Throughout their extensive service, the Belgian Sea Kings proved to be invaluable assets for maritime SAR operations in the North Sea and beyond. They were responsible for saving 1,757 lives across 3,309 emergency calls, accumulating an impressive 60,000 flying hours. A notable intervention was their swift response to the “Herald of Free Enterprise” disaster off Zeebrugge in March 1987, where three Sea Kings rescued 30 passengers from the capsized ferry.

Interestingly, their distinctive green and sand camouflage scheme originated from a cancelled order by the Egyptian Air Force, meaning the airframes were already painted before being repurposed for Belgium.

The Belgian Air Force began phasing out its Sea King fleet in the late 2000s, they were gradually replaced by the more modern NHIndustries NH90 “Caiman” helicopters. While some of the retired airframes are now preserved in museums or for technical training, two, RS-02 and RS-04, were acquired by Historic Helicopters in the UK and are maintained in airworthy condition, allowing their legacy to continue.

Belgian Airforce Sikorsky HSS-1 Seabat

The Sikorsky HSS-1 Seabat entered service in 1955. The Sikorsky HSS-1 Seabat, a naval variant of the ubiquitous S-58 helicopter, played a significant role in the Belgian Air Force’s operations, particularly in maritime and transport duties. The HSS-1 Seabat was a robust and versatile helicopter, known for its ability to perform anti-submarine warfare (ASW), search and rescue (SAR), and logistical support missions. Its design, featuring a four-bladed main rotor and a distinctive nose-mounted engine accessible via clamshell doors, allowed for improved speed, reduced vibration, and easier maintenance compared to its predecessor, the S-55. Equipped with sonar systems and capable of deploying torpedoes or depth charges, the Seabat was a vital asset during the Cold War era for tracking and engaging submarines.

The Belgian Air Force introduced the Sikorsky HSS-1 into service starting in 1961. Initially, five French-licensed Sud Aviation-built HSS-1 helicopters were acquired to form a dedicated Search and Rescue unit, based at Koksijde. These helicopters, such as the OT-ZKD/B4 and OT-ZKE/B5 delivered in May 1961, quickly became integral to Belgium’s maritime safety and defense. Beyond SAR, two of these aircraft were temporarily assigned to the Belgian Navy for aerial minesweeping. In 1963, the Belgian Air Force further expanded its S-58 fleet by taking over seven Sikorsky S-58C helicopters from the national airline Sabena, converting them for logistical transport to support Nike surface-to-air missile batteries stationed in Germany. The HSS-1s served the Belgian Air Force for many years, with some remaining in service as trainers even after the introduction of the Westland Sea King helicopters, finally being withdrawn from use in the late 1970s and early 1980s.

This Belgian Airforce Sikorsky HSS-1 Seabat was on display at the Musée royal de l’armée et de l’histoire militaire or Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and Military History in Brussels. It served in the Belgian Airforce from 1961 to 1986. Entered the museum in 1986.

Belgian Airforce Bristol Sycamore

The Bristol Type 171 Sycamore was an early helicopter developed and built by the helicopter division of the Bristol Aeroplane Company. It has the distinction of being the first British helicopter to receive a certificate of airworthiness, as well as being the first British-designed helicopter to be introduced by and to serve with the Royal Air Force (RAF).

This Belgian Airforce Bristol Sycamore was on display at the Musée royal de l’armée et de l’histoire militaire or Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and Military History in Brussels.

Bristol Sycamore was on display at RAF London.

RAF Bristol Sycamore at RAF Cosford.

Musée royal de l’armée et de l’histoire militaire

Earlier this year I went to the Musée royal de l’armée et de l’histoire militaire or Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and Military History in Brussels. The aircraft section is quite large and contains numerous aircraft, helicopters, as well as other interesting exhibits.

Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-23BN

Earlier this year I went to the Musée royal de l’armée et de l’histoire militaire or Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and Military History in Brussels.

This Egyptian Air Force MiG-23, painted in Soviet Air Force camouflage and markings was on display at the museum.

The Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-23, known by its NATO reporting name “Flogger,” was a significant third-generation Soviet fighter aircraft that emerged in the early 1970s as a successor to the highly produced MiG-21. Its most distinctive feature was its variable-geometry (swing-wing) design, allowing pilots to adjust the wing sweep in flight for optimal performance across various speeds and altitudes, from short takeoffs and landings to supersonic dashes.

While primarily conceived as an interceptor with advanced radar and beyond-visual-range missile capabilities, it also proved adaptable for ground attack, reconnaissance, and electronic warfare roles in later variants. Despite its innovative design and widespread export to numerous countries during the Cold War, the MiG-23 faced operational challenges, including complex handling characteristics and maintenance issues, and its combat record was mixed compared to more advanced Western counterparts like the F-15 and F-16. Nevertheless, with over 5,000 units built, it remains the most produced variable-sweep wing aircraft in history and a notable symbol of Soviet air power.

Mil Mi-24 Hind Helicopter

Earlier this year I went to the Musée royal de l’armée et de l’histoire militaire or Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and Military History in Brussels.

In the aircraft displays was this former German Air Force Mil Mi-24 Hind Helicopter. Was part of the East German Air Force, and was transferred to Germany on reunification in 1990. They were retired in 1993.

The Mil Mi-24, famously known by its NATO reporting name “Hind,” is a formidable Soviet-designed attack helicopter that uniquely blends the roles of a gunship and a low-capacity troop transport.

Introduced in 1972, its distinctive silhouette, often likened to a “flying tank” or “Crocodile,” quickly made it an iconic symbol of Soviet military power. The Hind is characterized by its heavily armored cockpit, robust airframe, and stub wings that not only provide lift but also house a diverse array of weaponry, including machine guns, rocket pods, and anti-tank missiles. While primarily designed for close air support and anti-armor operations, its ability to carry up to eight armed troops in its central compartment gave it a versatility rarely seen in Western attack helicopters. The Mi-24 saw extensive combat, most notably during the Soviet-Afghan War, where its resilience and firepower made it a feared asset, cementing its legacy as one of the most successful and enduring combat helicopters ever built.

North American AT-6D Texan

I recently went to the Musée royal de l’armée et de l’histoire militaire or Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and Military History in Brussels.

The North American Aviation T-6 Texan is an American single-engined advanced trainer aircraft, which was used to train pilots.

The AT-6D is a later version and was used by the Belgian Air Force between 1946 and 1961. This AT-6D was on display at the museum.

Belgian Army Renault FT-17 Light Tank

I recently went to the Musée royal de l’armée et de l’histoire militaire or Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and Military History in Brussels.

They had a Belgian Army Renault FT-17 Light Tank on display.

The Renault FT or Automitrailleuse à chenilles Renault FT modèle 1917, inexactly known as the FT-17 or FT17, was a French light tank; it is among the most revolutionary and influential tank designs in history. The FT was the first operational tank with an armament in a fully rotating turret, and its configuration with the turret on top, engine in the back and the driver in front became the conventional one, repeated in most tanks until today; at the time it was a revolutionary innovation.

Copies and derivative designs were manufactured in the United States (M1917 light tank), in Italy (Fiat 3000), and in the Soviet Union (T-18 tank).

France still had several thousand First World War Renault FT tanks in 1940. Over 500 of them were still in service in independent bataillons de chars de combat (BCC) tank battalions in the front lines. Although adequate for infantry support, they were totally outclassed by German tanks in a mobile battle.

Unlike the French Army, the Belgian Army had withdrawn all FT tanks from front line service before World War II.

It is one of my favourite tanks, I have always had a fondness for this little tank, probably as a result of making that Matchbox plastic kit of the Renault and the Char B1 when I was young.

There was a Renault FT-17 at the Bovington Tank Museum.

As I am creating an Early War French army I got some of these little tanks for Flames of War.

Medium Mark A Whippet A347 Firefly

I recently went to the Musée royal de l’armée et de l’histoire militaire or Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and Military History in Brussels.

The Medium Mark A Whippet was a medium tank employed by the British in World War I. Developed for fast mobile assaults, it was intended to complement the slower British heavy tanks by using its relative mobility and speed in exploiting any break in the enemy lines.

This Medium Mark A Whippet, A347 Firefly, was on display at the museum, and is still in its camouflage paintwork. It still carries battle damage from when it was hit on 17 August 1918.

Though originally envisioned with a rotating turret, the production model had an armoured housing for three to four 303 Hotchkiss machine guns, which could be relocated between four gun ports. Approved in June 1917, roughly 200 vehicles were produced starting in October 1917. Unlike the large crew of the Mark IV, the Whippet managed with a standard crew of three: a commander, driver and gunner. Given the gunner was responsible for manning both machineguns (which could point forward, left, right and rear), sometimes a second gunner was squeezed in.

I do think that this tank would make for a great base for vehicles for an alternative Great War. It could be converted into a turreted tank, or a self propelled gun. One other idea is to use the models for A Very British Civil War background. There are quite a few Great War tanks that could be used for a 1920s or 1930s civil war within the United Kingdom.