Vrazhdebna Air Base

Vrazhdebna Air Base (Bulgarian: Авиобаза Враждебна, romanized: Aviobaza Vraždebna) or 16th Transport Air Base is a military air base, located on the site of Sofia Airport. The air base functions as a hub for the 16th Transport Squadron of the BAF.

Vrazhdebna Air Base


Bulgarian Air Force
Aerial image - 27 October 2007
Summary
Airport typeMilitary
OwnerSofia Airport EAD
OperatorBulgarian Air Force
LocationSofia, Bulgaria
Built1937
In use1994–present
Occupants16th Transport Squadron
Elevation AMSL1,745 ft / 532 m
Coordinates42°41′43″N 23°26′23″E
Map
Vrazhdebna Air Base
Location within Bulgaria
Runways
Direction Length Surface
ft m
09/27 11,811 3,600 Asphalt
Source: Sofia International Airport (Vrazhdebna)[1]

History

"Vrazhdebna" is the original name for Sofia Airport, used since its establishment in 1937. The name is derived from the nearby village of Vrazhdebna (now a suburb of Sofia) and is literally translated as hostile.

Although various military transportation units, have been based at the airport since the late 1940s, it was not until 1994 when a separate military unit (16th Transport Air Base) was established. Both Sofia Airport and 16th TAB carry the official name "Vrazhdebna".

Units

Until 1950 it was the hub for the 14th Air Transport Regiment, which included mostly German aircraft (Junkers Ju 52, Junkers A 35). After 1950 it was renamed to 16th Transport Squadron and was equipped with Lisunov Li-2 transport aircraft.

On some occasions Vrazhdebna Air Base also houses civilian Aviation Detachment 28 aircraft, which carry senior members of the Bulgarian government.

See also

References
  1. Information of Sofia International Airport (Vrazhdebna), airport-data.com


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