A Brazilian Air Force (FAB) held last Sunday (24) the first open gate event of 2024, welcoming the public at the Belém Air Base (PA). The event was attended by the country's new fighter plane, the F-39 Gripen, which is in the capital of Pará to carry out tests in the climate of northern Brazil.
According to the base istration, 50 thousand people participated in the event last weekend, which featured raffles, model aircraft exhibitions, shows and cultural attractions and aircraft flyovers. Even with the rain, the public got to see helicopters and transport and maritime patrol planes up close. The rappelling demonstration with a Pantera K2 helicopter from the Brazilian Army Aviation was one of the highlights of the show.
Even a veteran H-1H Huey helicopter was opened for tours. Already retired by the FAB, the model is famous for its wide use in the Vietnam War and other major conflicts.
Still, the Gripen was the big attraction. Unlike other events, the fighter did not fly into the open gates of Belém, remaining inside the Tracajá Squadron hangar. Furthermore, the event took place outside the FAB's traditional open gate season – which starts around September and runs until the following month – precisely due to the fighter's presence at the base.
Used especially in test flights, the Gripen 4100 arrived in Cidade das Mangueiras about 10 days ago, carrying auxiliary fuel tanks and air-to-air missiles, marking the first time the F-39 has been seen in this configuration. Inside the hangar, tanks, short-range IRIS-T missiles and a Meteor missile for combat beyond visual range completed the static display of the powerful plane.
About the Belém base
Located next to Belém – Val-de-Cans International Airport, BABE is one of the main FAB organizations in northern Brazil. The organization's history dates back to the 1930s, but it was only in 1944 that the base was officially created.
Belém Air Base is now home to air units of the Brazilian Air Force, Navy and Army. Through the FAB, the Netuno (3rd/7th GAv) and Tracajá (1st ETA) squadrons are there, for patrol and transport, respectively, using P-95, C-95, C-97 and C-98 planes. In 2019, the Navy activated the 1st General Employment Helicopter Squadron of the North (EsqdHU-41) at BABE, with UH-15 Super Cougar helicopters (Airbus H225M).
Finally, in 2022, it was the Army's turn to install its Army Aviation Detachment (DstAvEx) of the Northern Military Command (CMN). The unit employs HM-4 Jaguar and HM-1A Pantera K2 helicopters in its activities.
