31 smaldeel 'Tigers'

Belgium » Air Force

Unit Motto: In Sanguine Vinum

Nato Tiger Association Membership: Full NTA Member

History:

31 Squadron was established on October 1 1951 at Beauvechain. The same year it moved to Chièvres to form the 10 Wing
The squadron flew some 151 missions on the Spitfire XIV. The last flight on this aircraft took place on 7 July 1952. From this time there were no more aircraft assigned to the Sqn, and the pilots were divided between No 23 & No 27 Squadron.
On September 1 1953, 31 squadron was reformed, and was assigned for "Instrument Flight" on the Lockheed T-33. By that time the first F-84G "Thunderjet" arrived, and taken to the air on October 29 1953. By the end of 1955 the T-33 was taken out of service.
In this period 31 squadron was relocated several times. Finally on February 1 1955 they were Located at Kleine Brogel, where they still are today.
In 1956 the "Thunderjet" was replaced by the F-84F "Thunderstreak". On this aircraft the pilots flew a total of 37000 hours.
On July 19 1961 31 squadron Tiger took for the first time part at a "TIGER-Meet" in Woodbridge (GB)
On March 9 1964 the pilots began their conversion to F-104G "Starfighter", and this with great success.
31 Tiger Pilot "Aerts François" flew The Last Starfighter (FX-99) to Storage at Koksijde on September 26 1983. By this time the Belgian Air Force is fully operational on the F-16 "Fighting Falcon". One year later 31 Squadron won the Silver Tiger Trophy.
In September 1997 The Tigers From "Tree-One" exceeded 1000 hours in an F-16 over the territory of Bosnia.
In 2002 the squadron grew in strength when a part of their life long foe's (23 Squadron 'Devils') Joined up with 31 Squadron after their squadron was disbanded. This also resulted in the arrival of the first Mid Life Updated F-16's. The aircraft on whitch they are now fully operationel.

Past Aircraft:

• Spitfire XIV
• T-33 Shooting Star
• F-84G Thunderjet
• F-84F Thunderstreak
• F-104G Starfighter
• F-16A Fighting Falcon