Łask 2013-06-23
Łask military airport.
Geographic coordinates: 51.551N 19.181E. Elevation 193 m. Continuation of the article from 2012.
10 Fighter Aviation Squadron and 32 Air Base.
As a result of structural transformations, and above all the accession of the Republic of Poland to NATO, on December 31, 2000, the 10th PLM was disbanded. In its place, the 10th Fighter Aviation Squadron and the 32nd Air Base were established. The date of establishment of these units is January 1, 2001. The newly created units were subordinated to the 3rd Air Defense Corps with headquarters in Wrocław, and after its dissolution, to the 2nd Tactical Aviation Wing with headquarters in Poznań. This was based on the Decision of the Minister of National Defense of October 3, 2000, concerning organizational changes in the Air Force and Air Defense.
On January 1, 2001, the 10th ELT (tactical air squadron) was formed. The Squadron was ready for action on March 31, 2001. Until 2003, the Squadron was equipped with MiG-21 aircraft, later with PZL TS-11 Iskra training and combat aircraft, and from autumn 2008, with modern Lockheed Martin F-16 multi-role aircraft. The 10th ELT was a unit designed to combat air, ground and surface objects and perform other operational-tactical and reconnaissance fire tasks.
The 10th ELT unit inherited the traditions of the 10th PLM. In December 2000, it was subordinated to the 2nd Tactical Aviation Brigade. The squadron still had MiG-21 MF fighter planes, whose service life was coming to an end. Until January 2003, it kept a duty pair in combat readiness, participating in the NATINADS combat duty system.
A few words about the base number (32. BLot). When, in the 1990s, there were discussions regarding the accession of the Republic of Poland to NATO, it was known that, apart from benefits, there were also obligations. One of them was the possession of 60 modern multi-role combat aircraft by the Polish Military Aviation. It was necessary to build three modern airbases for them, which would meet NATO standards. The Ministry of National Defense decided to carry out a deep modernization of three existing airports (bases). The choice fell on the following airports; Krzesiny, Łask, Powidz. They received new numbers accordingly; 31, 32, 33. This numbering exists until now (2012), although transport planes are stationed in Powidz. The reason for this was the purchase of 48 multi-role combat aircraft, not 60 copies. (Poland was allowed to include MiG-29 aircraft acquired from the German army into our firepower). All F-16 Hawks were grouped into three squadrons; 3rd, 6th, 10th ELT and 2 bases; 31st, 32nd BLot.
The 32nd Air Base was established on January 1, 2001. The main task of the base was to secure the training of independent air squadrons, in particular the 10th ELT permanently stationed in Łask, as well as to secure the activities of allied forces. The 32nd Air Base functioned within the structures and played an important role in the implementation of the tasks facing the Air Force and Air Defense, which changed its name to the Polish Air Force.
In 2001, 38 founders and sponsors funded a banner for the 32nd BLot, whose godparents were E. Dziuba-Tuszyńska and J. Pieniążek. In the period 2001-2003, the base was under the command of the 3rd KOP (Air Defense Corps) Wrocław, then under the 2nd BLT (Tactical Aviation Brigade) Poznań, renamed in 2009 to the 2nd SLT (Tactical Aviation Wing).
Until 2003, the tasks were performed using MiG-21 aircraft. Since 2003, pilots have been preparing to accept new multi-role aircraft, the F-16 Jastrząb type. The main forces of the 10th ELT underwent training in the USA and Poland, at the Krzesiny Airport.
Adaptation of the Military Airport in Łask for the needs of NATO in 2003 was a great success. The unit was responsible for securing the training and combat operations of air squadrons both in the defense system of the Republic of Poland and in the air defense system of the North Atlantic Alliance. The main role in the 32nd Air Base is played by three squadrons: command, security and technical. The forces and resources located in the command squadron were used to ensure the continuity of command and flight insurance, as well as the protection and defense of the 32nd Air Base.
When in 2003, the MiG-21 aircraft were withdrawn from the equipment of the Air Force, for the next four years the squadron operated PZL TS-11 Iskra training and combat aircraft. Using these machines, she conducted training activities.
10 ELT – MOD decisions.
Decision No. 94/MON of the Minister of National Defense of April 10, 2003 on taking over the flag and heritage of the 10th Fighter Aviation Regiment by the 10th Tactical Aviation Squadron in Łask and establishing the annual Feast of the 10th Tactical Aviation Squadron. In connection with the disbandment of the 10th Fighter Aviation Regiment, in order to preserve the military traditions of this branch, pursuant to the Act of February 19, 1993, on the emblems of the Polish Armed Forces (Journal of Laws No. 34, item 154 and of 1995, No. 150, item 731), art. 2 sec. 1 of the Act of July 30, 1992, on establishing the Polish Army Day (Journal of Laws No. 60, item 303) and the provisions of Order No. 1/MON of the Minister of National Defense of January 2, 1991, on inheriting and cultivating the tradition of arms Polish (Dz. Rozk. MON item 1) the following is agreed: 1. The banner of the 10th Fighter Aviation Regiment is handed over to the 10th Tactical Aviation Squadron in Łask. 2. 10th Tactical Aviation Squadron: 1) takes over the heritage and honorably continues the traditions of the 10th Fighter Aviation Regiment, namely: a) 10th Fighter Aviation Regiment (1944-1945), b) 2nd Fighter Aviation Regiment (1946-1962), c) 31 Combat Training Regiment (1957-1962), d) 10th Fighter Aviation Regiment (1963-2000); 2) celebrates the annual Feast on September 23.
The decision of the Ministry of National Defense was incomplete. In our opinion, the decision should look like this; By decision No. 94/MON of April 10, 2003, the 10th ELT inherited the traditions of the following units: – 10th Fighter Aviation Regiment (1944 – 1946). – 2nd Fighter Aviation Regiment (1946 – 1963) Czyżyny. – 31st Fighter Aviation Regiment (1951-1958) Łask. – 31 Air Training and Combat Regiment (1958-1963) Łask. – 2nd Fighter Aviation Regiment (1963 – 1967) Łask. – 10th Fighter Aviation Regiment OPK (1967 – 1991) Łask. – 10th Fighter Aviation Regiment (1991 – 2000) Łask.
On March 23, 2004, the duties of the Base Commander were handed over. Responsibilities were handed over by its first Commander, Col. Dipl. pilot Dariusz Pacek, and took over Lt. Col. Dipl. pilot Adam Świerkocz. The base is closely related to the region in which it is stationed. The command and staff maintain contacts with the authorities, administrative, social and cultural institutions, schools and workplaces in the region.
Lockheed Martin F-16 Jastrząb.
Since 2003, when the decision was made that the modern F-16 Jastrząb multi-role aircraft would be based at Łask Airport, the airport has undergone a huge modification. For several years, a deep modernization of the infrastructure was carried out here, consisting in the construction of new shelters and hangars, the modernization of the runway, the air traffic control tower, the military fire station, the flight simulator building and various types of storage rooms. All these facilities and other buildings create comfortable working conditions for the technical, security and insurance staff, and of course for the pilots and controllers themselves. The entire effort and considerable financial resources that were spent on the renovation of Łask Airport are definitely visible. The very location of the airport puts it at the forefront of military airports in the Republic of Poland. The adaptation of Łask Airport to accept the F-16 Jastrząb cost taxpayers about PLN 840 million.
In 2004, the 1st Aviation Picnic took place at Łask Airport. On September 10, 2005, the II. Air Picnic. In 2005, 10 ELTs participated in the "Clean Hunter", "Fruit Fly", "Orlik" and "Zefir" exercises. On September 9, 2006, the third International Łask-Buczek Air Picnic took place at the 32nd Air Base. At the static exhibition, numerous guests (according to the police report, the event was visited by over 60,000 people) in addition to a large number of Iskier (from 10 and 3 ELTs) could also see the Hawk T.1A from 100 sqn RAF, representing the German Luftwaffe Tornado IDS from JBG 31, 2 based on a daily basis in Spangdahlem F-16 CJ (with 22 FS 52 FW USAF), as well as MiG-21 UM once operated by 10 ELTs, and previously by 10 PLM. Visitors could also see a pair of Su-22 M4 with 7 ELTs and M-28 B with 13 ELTs.
Unfortunately, the show part of the picnic was more modest than in the previous year. The show of White and Red Sparks was canceled because one of the planes had a technical failure. Only one Iskra demonstrated in the air in a solo show, piloted by colonel pilot Wojciech Krupa, commander of the 31st BLot Krzesiny, and at the same time the pilot of the Żelazny team and the Polish Champion in aerobatics in 2006. There was also no solo show of the MiG-29 aircraft. However, the viewers had the opportunity to see the An-26 transport aircraft from the 13th ELTr arriving at the Airport, whose days in the Polish Army were coming to an end. Sightseeing flights were a huge success. The event was accompanied by additional attractions in the form of various artistic performances that lasted until late in the evening.
From October 1, 2006, the commander of the 10th Tactical Air Squadron was Lt. Col. Dipl. drink Darius Malinowski.
In 2006, modernization works at the airport were well advanced. The base was developing and it was known that in the next 5 years it would need about 600 new specialist-soldiers. At the beginning, the demand for 167 people, highly educated specialists, has already been reported. Personnel were sought among former soldiers of the conscript service (reservists), as well as among the personnel of other aviation units. In addition to the typical aviation specialty, experts in radiolocation, anti-aircraft defense and security of military facilities (also airport guards) were sought.
So about 600 new families will need housing. This presented a difficult task for the Polish Army and the authorities of the City of Łask. By the end of 2006, three new blocks (for PLN 17 million) were put into use, inhabited by 100 families. In the following 2008, two more blocks were completed (for PLN 13 million), inhabited by another 64 families. In order not to paralyze the development of the Base, the Army also took into account the temporary rental of apartments in the vicinity of up to 50 km. Despite the difficulties with locating the next blocks of flats, they will be built anyway, because problems are there to be solved.
2008 year.
On October 3, 2008, at 32 BLot, a reception ceremony was held for F-16 Jastrząb aircraft, which have been stationed at Łask Airport since that day. The ceremony was attended by Undersecretary of State in the Ministry of National Defense Zenon Kosiniak-Kamysz, Commander of the Air Force Lieutenant General pil. Andrzej Błasik, commander of the 2nd Tactical Aviation Brigade, Brigadier General drink Włodzimierz Usarek and the management staff of the 32nd BLot and 10th ELT., Tadeusz Płoski, the Field Bishop of the Polish Army, and the commander of the 2nd Tactical Aviation Brigade, Gen. Włodzimierz Usarek. They arrived in Łask by plane Jak-40 nb 044.
At 11:00 am, the first celebrations began. The representative company and the orchestra of the Polish Air Force as well as students from Dęblin presented themselves. Before the arrival of the Hawks, White and Red Sparks demonstrated in the air. Unfortunately, the Sparks show was reduced to only one low pass with a spray of white and red fumes.
The first three F-16s appeared at 12:14. The pilot of the aircraft was the commander of the 10th ELT, Lt. Col. Dipl. pilot Dariusz Malinowski. The next two planes appeared at 12:15 and the last four at 12:16. The pilots flew over the airport on boosters, followed by a go-around and approach to landing. And so, at 12:17, the first Polish F-16 C nb 4064 landed at Łask Airport. It was followed by the landing of another eight F-16s. After landing, 7 aircraft taxied on the RWY (the taxiway was busy) to take their places on the apron.
This part was followed by official speeches by the guests from Warsaw and the blessing of the planes by the Field Bishop of the Polish Army, Lieutenant General Tadeusz Płoski (the Bishop was killed in the Smolensk attack on April 10, 2010). Refreshments with military pea soup and a tour of 32 BLot were prepared for official guests. The celebrations ended around 4:00 pm.
A total of 9 F-16 aircraft flew to Łask. In version C there were seven aircraft with tactical numbers: 4060, 4064, 4065, 4066, 4067, 4068, 4069 and two aircraft in version D with tactical numbers: 4085 and 4086. Ultimately, the unit (10 ELT) received 16 aircraft, the main the task was to perform aerial reconnaissance using DB-110 pods. For several weeks, F-16 Jastrząb 3rd ELT and 6th ELT were also stationed in Łask, which are constantly based at the Poznań-Krzesiny Airport. The reason for their visit was the renovation of the DS and DK surfaces in the Poznań base.
On September 5, 2009, another Aviation Picnic took place at Łask Airport. It was the fourth such event, the aim of which was to maintain the beautiful aviation traditions and to present the Polish Air Force. The picnic began at 10:00 am with a field holy mass. The biggest attraction was the most modern multi-role combat aircraft F-16 Jastrząb in the Polish Air Force, stationed at the 32nd Air Base. Picnic participants also saw artistic performances by foreign and local groups, as well as: modeling shows, amusement park, catering and exhibition stands, games, competitions with prizes, presentations of Fiat, Toyota and other car models, fashion show, dance with fire , a fireworks display and a bicycle show.
The main attractions of Saturday’s event were the official unveiling of the over 2-meter model of the F-16 aircraft and the demonstration of military equipment and equipment at the base. According to the organizers, throughout the day the military event will be accompanied by sightseeing flights conducted by aeroclubs from Częstochowa, Łódź, Wrocław and Piotrków. Unfortunately, no flights of F-16 aircraft or other military machines stationed in Łask were planned.
Picnic plan: 10:00 – Holy Mass for the units of the Graces Garrison; 10:00 – Autumn shooting of the Łaski Brotherhood of Fowler Shooters; 12:00 – Official opening of the picnic by the Commander of the 32nd Air Base; 12:20 – Unveiling of the F-16 aircraft model and a dynamic demonstration of military equipment; 12:00 – 20:00 – Accompanying events, including: band performances, amusement park, static exhibition of historical and currently used aircraft; 14:00 – Shooting competition for the Cup of the Commander of the 32nd Air Base; 17:30 – Awarding of prizes to the participants of the competition; 18:00 – Concert by Kasia Kowalska; 20:00 – ceremonial end of the picnic by the Commander of the 32 Blot.
32nd Tactical Air Base.
On 01/01/2010, by order of the Ministry of National Defence, as a result of reforming the 32nd Air Base and 10 ELTs, the 32nd Tactical Air Base was established. It plays an important role in the defense system of the Republic of Poland. It is a unit with new structures that meet NATO requirements. The first commander of the 32nd BLotT was Colonel pil. diploma Darius Malinowski.
On January 5-6, 2010, a delegation of the 22nd USAF Tactical Squadron from Spanghdal (Germany) visited the 32nd Tactical Air Base in Łask on a working visit (site survey). This squadron, equipped with A-10 and F-16 aircraft, is one of the most experienced squadrons of American aviation. All pilots have completed at least one combat mission in Iraq or Afghanistan, and the pilot’s flight time is in the range of 250-300 hours. The visit was aimed at coordinating the logistical and operational aspects ahead of the Squadron Exchange exercise. These exercises will take place in Łask and were planned for the turn of May and June 2010. Representatives of the American side were impressed by the professionalism and efficiency of action presented by Gracious soldiers.
By the decision of the Ministry of National Defence, the commander of the 32nd Tactical Air Base was appointed Col. drink Dariusz MALINOWSKI. The induction ceremony took place on January 8, 2010. on the parade ground of the base, where Col. MALINOWSKI reported the assumption of duties to the Chief of Air Force Training, Maj. Gen. drink Anatol CZABAN. The submission of the report was preceded by the ceremony of handing over the banner of the 32nd Air Base.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by Vice-Chairman of the Senate’s National Defense Committee Senator of the Republic of Poland Mr. Andrzej OWCZAREK, representing the Air Force Commander Chief of Air Force Training Maj. Gen. drink Anatol CZABAN, Commander of the 2nd Tactical Air Wing Brig. Gen. drink Włodzimierz USAREK, Deputy Commander of the 2nd Tactical Air Wing, Col. pil. Dariusz MIKOŁAJCZYK, MA, US air attache Colonel Mary E. PETERSON and representatives of local authorities, representatives of the police, fire brigade, commanders of friendly units, soldiers, military employees, military retirees and members of associations. There was an honor guard and a military band.
All gathered were greeted by the Chief of Air Force Training Maj. Gen. drink Anatol CZABAN and the commander of the 2nd Tactical Air Wing, Brig. drink Wlodzimierz USAREK. Also speaking was Col. pil. dr Władysław LEŚNIKOWSKI, former commander of the 32nd Air Base. Addressing the gathered, Col. MALINOWSKI said: “This is a special day for me. Taking command of the 32nd Tactical Air Base is a great honor and honour, but also a challenge and a huge burden of responsibility. I am taking over a modern unit, perfectly commanded. Today, however, new tasks await us. The time has come to prepare for combat operations in the defense system not only of Poland, but also of NATO.
On April 8-11, 2010, 32 BLT took part in international air maneuvers (exercises). The KC-135 air tanker of the French Air Force took part in the maneuvers. There were also Swedes and Belgians. The main task was to learn and improve aerial refueling carried out over the Pomeranian Lake District. France at that time had a fleet of 14 KC-135 machines.
As part of the flight training at the airport in Łask on May 5-12, 2010, squadron exchange exercises were to take place – the 52nd Combat Wing of the St. from Spangdahl (Germany) and the 32nd Tactical Air Base in Łask. The Americans landed in Łask, but none of the planned exercises took place. Rainy and stormy weather and another cloud of dust completely thwarted the plans of the pilots. Unfortunately, the crews could exchange views and experiences only on the ground. The exercise plan looked very impressive. Three F-16s from the 52nd Wing were to participate in the Squadron Exchange program, which, together with the crews of four Polish F-16 Block 52+, were to improve interoperability during joint missions. The program also included air fights of the BFM type (Basic Fighter Manouver consisting in training defensive and offensive maneuvers as part of the fight against a single opponent (1 v 1)) and ACM (Air Combat Manouver) – consisting in the joint cooperation of a pair of planes in the fight against the opponent (common defending and attacking the enemy – 2 v 1) and – intercepting air targets (Tactical Interception). Four air missions in mixed groups were planned for each day. It was the first exchange of squadrons of this type with the participation of Polish and American F-16s on Polish territory.
On August 13, 2010, on the parade ground of the 32nd Tactical Air Base in Łask, a ceremony was held on the occasion of the Polish Army Day, on August 15. The ceremony was honored by the presence of the Vice-Chairman of the Senate Committee for National Defense, Senator of the Republic of Poland Andrzej OWCZAREK, Starost of the Łask District Cezary GABRYJĄCZYK, Deputy Mayor of the Town and Municipality of Łask Janina KOSMAN, District Commander of the State Fire Service junior brigadier Piotr RUDECKI, Chief of the Poviat Police in Łask insp. Jerzy KRYSZTOFIŃSKI, Chaplain of the Grace Garrison, Fr. can. Lt. Col. Krzysztof MAJSTEREK, President of the Association of Polish Army Soldiers Lt. Col. Longin GANDECKI, President of the "Military Family" Association Zofia SOBANTY, Head of the Military Administration of Barracks Andrzej SABELA as well as soldiers and civilian employees of the 32nd Tactical Air Base and employees of the Military Administration of Barracks.
On August 28, 2010, the Łask – Buczek 2010 Air Picnic was organized at the Airport. The attraction was undoubtedly the restored I-22 Iryda nb 0406 aircraft. , Częstochowa, Wrocław, Łódź. Balloon flights. Modeling shows. Aviation equipment exhibitions: a static exhibition of historical and currently used aircraft (Iskra, Iryda, Orlik, Mi – 2, Su-22, MiG – 21, MiG – 29 and F-16) and an aerial photography exhibition of the JETzone portal showing aircraft and helicopters of the Air Force and the Navy, photographed from the ground and from the air. Exhibition of the Polish Army Museum: memorabilia related to the pilots of the Polish Armed Forces in the West (items left after the fighter aces – W. Urbanowicz and S. Skalski, elements of uniforms and aviation equipment from the Battle of Britain period, a German MG 81 machine gun, retrieved from a shot down over England German plane, original box with a set of tools for the Polish pre-war fighter plane PZL P.11). Demonstrations of the Military Police, Police and Fire Brigade equipment. Presentation of famous car brands, SKODA, FIAT, TOYOTA, VOLKSWAGEN . Freestyle motorcycle riding show. MONDEO Poland club rally. 13.00 – Artistic performances on stage: Cabaret CUDOKI, Beata Binek, bands BOGORIA, BLAC RADIO, KASANDRA, MUODZI. Fun games, competitions with prizes on the stage. Amusement park. A wide range of gastronomy and exhibitors’ advertising stands. 18.30 – Concert of the star of the evening "URSZULI". 21.00 – Fireworks show. In addition, on the day preceding the celebration of the Aviation Day, ie on August 27, 2010 (Friday) the following will take place at Plac Lotników Łaskich: 19.30 – Holy Mass. for the 32nd Tactical Air Base in Łask. 20.15 – Appeal of Remembrance.
On Friday, September 10, 2010 Maj Gen. Jon ABMA Chief of Staff HQ ACC Ramstein visited the 32nd Tactical Air Base. The visit was related to the STARTASSESS assessment, which is ending at the 32nd Tactical Air Base. The general took part in the briefing of the Chief of the Control Team, summarizing the STARTASSESS assessment, attended by representatives of the TACEVAL Division, key personnel of the Air Component and representatives of the Air Force Command, 2nd Tactical Air Wing headed by the Commander – Brig. drink Włodzimierz USAARK and the 32nd BLotT.
On September 17, 2011, another festival was organized at the Airport of the 32nd Tactical Air Base.
Łask Airport infrastructure.
The airport is located approximately 5 km south-east of Łask. It is situated between roads No. 44 and No. 483 in the village of Brodnica. Geographical coordinates 51.33.06 N, 19.10.44 E, at an altitude of 193 m (627 ft) above sea level. It has a strip with a concrete surface, dimensions 2,500 m x 60 m, with an orientation of 11/29.
The owner of the airport is the Air Force of the Republic of Poland. User: Military Unit No. 1158. Address; st. 9 Maja 31, 98-100 Łask.
Base area 752 hectares. Airport Code – EPLK. Contact; Commander / Commander T: +48436770600, 0606; F: +48436770709, MIL TWR T: +48436764920, MIL ARO T: +48436764971, F: +48436764006, MIL APP T: +48436764066. Frequency: Approach 124.425, Tower 133.075, Afis 128.5.
DS (RWY). With dimensions of 2,500 m x 60 m, direction 11/29 (107 degrees / 287 degrees). Area 150,000 square meters. Concrete surface. After renovation in 2007, it is one of the most modern in the Republic of Poland. It has full lighting. It is equipped with security zones behind its doorsteps. It is capable of accepting any aircraft. Łask Airport has such favorable conditions that it is possible to build a second DS parallel to the existing one.
PPS. Łask airport is equipped with five PPS. The CPPS measures 350m x 60m and covers an area of 21,000 square meters. In the eastern part there are two more PPS. One with dimensions of 410 m x 80 m and an area of 32,800 square meters. The second one with dimensions of 170 m x 60 m and an area of 10,200 square meters. There are two more PPS in the western part. One with dimensions of 150 m x 100 m and an area of 15,000 square meters. The second with dimensions of 150 m x 60 m and an area of 9,000 square meters. In total, all PPS have an area of 88,000 square meters. To this you could add the planes in front of the hangars.
Łask Airport has one main lane with a width of 20 m and a length of 2,550 m. In addition, there are other lanes with a width of 10 m to 20 m. Their total length is about 4,200 m.
Control tower.
Actually, the airport in Łask has two MMBs. The older one on the dune is rarely used anymore. The newer one is practically equipped like typical civil airport towers. We have weather information, RVR readings, radar imagery, approach light system control panels and radio stations, including these additional cryptographic transmissions. There is also a position here, which is occupied by a pilot supporting his colleagues during flights. The service in the tower is provided around the clock. And as its operators declare, you can contact them when necessary, if only to find out what the weather is like in the vicinity of the airport.
On the lower floor, in a separate room, the radiolocation station operators sit, who have several antennas at their disposal, used depending on the needs. Their role is to guide aircraft in the airport area – they are an intermediate link between the Tower and the OAT controller.
Hangars.
Łask Airport currently has three hangars. Two older ones and one modern one designed for servicing F-16 Jastrząb aircraft. Importantly, the hangars are not set in one line and are located at some distance from the main taxiway. This extends the distance that the aircraft must be transported from the parking planes, but increases security in the event of an armed conflict. The first hangar at Łask Airport was erected at the end of the 1950s. It measures approximately 40m x 20m. The second hangar measures approximately 50m x 30m. The newest one is 45m x 35m.
Shelter-hangars.
For the operation of F-16 Jastrząb aircraft in accordance with NATO standards, 16 individual shelter-hangars were built. These are heavy hangars, made of modern materials. They are not, like the old Polish shelters-hangars, covered with a layer of earth. These facilities are constructed in such a way that the aircraft engine can be started inside. They have dimensions of 21 m x 25 m x 8 m (10 pieces) and 21 m x 40 m x 8 m (4 pieces). They are large enough to accommodate much larger combat aircraft in the future. Even the F-22. Theoretically, one hangar – one plane. Practically the smaller hangar holds two planes. The same shelter-hangars were built at the Krzesiny Airport. And what’s important; at the Łask Airport and at the Krzesiny Airport, the location of the shelter-hangars is the same, north-western.
Schono-hangars built in Łask are the first facilities of this type at this airport. MiG-21 aircraft and previous fighters used individual parking stands, which were surrounded by earth embankments at the beginning of the 1970s. The staging area was located in the eastern part of the airfield.
The airport has an ILS system, a working NDB radio beacon and a TACAN system.
Simulator building.
In the simulator building there is a simulator of an ejection chair – a catapult, which has an adjustable overload coefficient. The task of this simulator is to consolidate the appropriate habits necessary for safe catapulting in conditions of real danger. The automatic catapult in the F-16 aircraft itself checks whether the pilot has followed the instructions properly before leaving the cabin. If even one of the ejection conditions is not met, the ejection will fail. Young pilots with experience, in the initial phase of training, pass the "catapult" test much more often than other pilots, at least once every 3 days.
The flight simulator is a modern device controlled by a computer and having all the cabin devices just like in real life. All stages of flight are trained on it; take-off, aerial refueling, anti-aircraft missions, anti-ground missions, landing. Behind the fingers of the practicing pilot is a control panel for controlling another object involved in the exercise; air tanker or enemy aircraft.
In addition to typical airport facilities (building simulators, parachutes and others), the base also has extensive military facilities. Among them can be mentioned; a barracks building, a car park, a fuel and lubricants depot, an arms and ammunition depot, boiler rooms, guardhouses and numerous warehouses.
Łask Airport also received a new fence with an electronic security system. Generally, the entire airport has been fenced with a new fence. In addition, there are separate and additionally fenced zones. Many fences are double, i.e. built of two fences with a buffer space of about 10 m between them.
Garrison Church.
MILITARY PARISH GARRISON CHURCH, PW. ST. RAFAEL THE ARCHANGEL. There was already a chapel in this place in the 15th century. In 1666, the present church was built. It has also served other denominations in the past. It is now a garrison church. Chaplains: Fr. Capt. ZIELINSKI, Rev. Major RADZIK, Fr. Major SŁOTWIŃSKI, Fr. Lt. Col. DIY.
Other military units associated with Łask.
27 AIR AND TECHNICAL BATTALION 1948-1956 (JW 1881). 47 AIRPORT SERVICE BATTALION 1947-1973 (JW 3143). 23 FLIGHT COMMAND SQUADRON 1966-1972 (JW 1221).
Commanders of the 10th ELT (JW 1457):
Lt. Col. Dipl. drink Krzysztof Szubert (January 1, 2001 – July 2003). Lt. Col. Dipl. drink Dariusz Malinowski (July 2003 – February 2004). Lt. Col. Pil. Bogusław Skrabut (IV.2005 – December 2006). Lt. Col. Dipl. drink Dariusz Malinowski ( December 2006 – 2010 ). In 2010, the 10th ELT was incorporated into the structures of the 32nd BLot.
Commanders of the 32nd BLot (JW 1158):
Col. pil. D. PACEK 2001-2004 Col. pil. A. ŚWIERKOCZ 2004-2006 Col. pil. A. PALUSZYŃSKI 2006-2007 Col. pil. W. LEŚNIKOWSKI 2007-2009.
Address ul. 9 Maja, 98-100 Łask, tel. 043-6764830.
Written by Karol Placha Hetman