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TDPU 2005

Introduction
By Piet Luijken

The TDPU, which stands for Tactical Discussion and Procedure Update, is a NATO exercise in order to discuss tactics, experiences and opinions on a certain subject. The aim is to standardize procedures and create an improved coorporative attitude between NATO squadrons. The TDPU 2005, which will be held at Florennes, Belgium, will focus on the datalink ( Link 16 ) procedures and possibilities. As the hosting unit 350 Smaldeel has a Air Defence tradition and role, and has received the newest updated F-16AM/BM's with Link 16, the TDPU will be used to learn and teach Link 16 capabilities in a air-to-air combat battle scenario. For that reason, this week will coincide with a Fighter Meet, also organized by the 350 Smaldeel, which will offer a multitude of foreign aircraft, from NATO and PfP countries, as duelling partners.
 
TDPU 2005   11/07/2005-15/07/2005   Florennes, Belgium
Air Force/Unit Type of Aircraft Serial/Code Role Arrival Departure
KLu/323 sq F-16AM J-204 TDPU/FM 28/06/2005 15/07/2005
KLu/323 sq F-16BM J-210 TDPU/FM 28/06/2005 15/07/2005
RDAF/Esk 726 F-16BM ET-210 TDPU/FM 11/07/2005 15/07/2005
RDAF/Esk 726 F-16BM ET-614 TDPU/FM 11/07/2005 15/07/2005
RDAF/Esk 726 F-16AM E-606 TDPU/FM 11/07/2005 15/07/2005
RDAF/Esk 726 F-16AM E-603 TDPU/FM 27/06/2005 15/07/2005
RDAF/Esk 726 F-16AM E-609 TDPU/FM 27/06/2005 15/07/2005
BAC/350 sm F-16AM FA-57 TDPU c/s TDPU/FM based 15/07/2005
BAC/350 sm F-16AM FA91 TDPU/FM based 15/07/2005
BAC/350 sm F-16AM FA92 TDPU/FM based 15/07/2005
BAC/11 sm Alpha Jet 1B+ AT18 special c/s static 14/07/2005 15/07/2005
RNoAF F-16AM 658 TDPU/FM 27/06/2005 15/07/2005
RNoAF F-16BM 689 TDPU/FM 27/06/2005 15/07/2005
AN/11F Super Etendard 13 static 13/07/2005 14/07/2005
AN/11F Super Etendard 25 static 13/07/2005 14/07/2005
AdlA/EC03.004 Mirage 2000N 325/4-CC TDPU/FM 11/07/2005 13/07/2005
AdlA/EC03.004 Mirage 2000N 360/4-CB TDPU/FM 11/07/2005 13/07/2005
AdlA/ET00.064 C-160R R210/64-GJ transport 12/07/2005 13/07/2005
AdlA/ET00.064 C-160R R213/64-GM transport 12/07/2005 13/07/2005
AdlA/GRV00.093 C-135FR 737/93-CI fly-by 14/07/2005 14/07/2005
NATO/ NA&EWF E-3C LX-N90448 TDPU 11/07/2005 15/07/2005
SLW F/A-18C J-5006 FM 11/07/2005 15/07/2005
SLW F/A-18C J-5008 FM 11/07/2005 15/07/2005
SLW F/A-18D J-5236 FM 11/07/2005 15/07/2005
Lw/JBG 32 Tornado ECR 46+33 static 14/07/2005 15/07/2005
Lw/JBG 31 Tornado IDS 45+56 static 14/07/2005 15/07/2005


Compiled by Piet Luijken with thanks to www.350squadron.be and Scramble MB

Last update: 03/08/2005

Abbreviations:
TDPU = Tactical Discussion and Procedure Update
FM = Fighter Meet
TBC = to be confirmed
c/s = colour scheme


Photos
Especially for this TDPU exercise, this BAC F-16AM was decorated with some tail-art, showing all the participants, like the AWACS and the Hornets,but also the purpose of this exercise: updating all radar pictures with Link 16, hence the lightning strikes coming from the AWACS.

Aircraft F-16AM - FA-57 - BAC
Picture taken at: Spot 3
Camera: Canon EOS 20D
Lens: Sigma 50 - 500 mm
Picture: Dirk Voortmans
Date 11/07/2005

Three of the more interesting participants were the Swiss Air Force Hornets. The Swiss send two single seat Hornets and one dual to Florennes to act as Red Force in the TDPU exercise.

Aircraft F/A-18D - J-5236 - SLW
Picture taken at: Spot 3
Camera: Canon EOS 20D
Lens: Sigma 50 - 500 mm
Picture: Dirk Voortmans
Date 11/07/2005

One of the aspects of the TDPU exercise was to train with the newest updated F-16's, being the M4 version of the Mid Life Update. With this version it is possible to employ the JDAM GPS guided bombs, as shown here under the wing. For targeting purposes, the enhanced LANTIRN AN/AAQ-14 Sharpshooter pod is visible at the right side of the air inlet, just behind the drop tank.

Aircraft F-16BM - J-210 - KLu/323 sq
Picture taken at: Spot 3
Camera: Canon EOS 20D
Lens: Sigma 50 - 500 mm
Picture: Dirk Voortmans
Date 11/07/2005

The main player in the TDPU exercise has to be the Link 16 capable AWACS aircraft. With the radar picture constantly updated and transmitted to the Link 16 capable aircraft, including the M4 MLU F-16's, the purpose for the fighters is to remain unnoticed untill missile launch.

Aircraft E-3A - LX-N90448 - NATO/NAEW&CF
Picture taken at: Spot 3
Camera: Canon EOS 20D
Lens: Sigma 50 - 500 mm
Picture: Dirk Voortmans
Date 12/07/2005

With the M4 MLU modification, the Norwegian Falcon's are now able to carry the newest short range missile, the IRIS-T. You can see the missile under the wing, while a AMRAAM is mounted at the wingtip. More high tech is placed at the right side of the inlet where the Pantera target pod is placed.

Aircraft F-16BM - 689 - RNoAF
Picture taken at: Spot 2
Camera: Canon EOS 20D
Lens: Sigma 50 - 500 mm
Picture: Kelly Lambers
Date 12/07/2005


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