Hradčany Soviet Air Base
The area around Hradčany was first used by the German Military in 1938, in 1945 the Wehrmacht turned part of the land into a field airport and was used by Messerschmitt Me 262; the world’s first operational jet powered aircraft. Operations were hampered towards the end of the war by bombing raids.
After WWII all the German speaking inhabitants were expelled from the country and in 1946 the Czechoslovakian closed the area and established a Military base and was used until 1968 when sole control was given over to the Soviet Army. The airbase was to host the 236th bomber-fighter squadron and part of the 131st air division and to accomadate this the runway was expanded to 2,800 metres; one of the largest in Europe. Over 40 hardened aircraft hangers were built and these houses 44 MiG-21’s and Mi-24 helicopters.
After the fall of the communist party (1989) Soviet troops began to leave the area under negotiation; the last soldier left in 1991. The same year the area the district lost its military status and became open to the public.
Sadly since then nothing much has been done with the former airbase, plans have been put forward that include a cargo terminal and a Rolls Royce engine testing facility but the authorities seem to be unwilling to take these any further than the idea stage.
The site has been extensively looted mostly during the early 1990’s but is still a good wander round for those interested and in our case became a good place to spend the night after a hard and long day (even if a little cold!)
After WWII all the German speaking inhabitants were expelled from the country and in 1946 the Czechoslovakian closed the area and established a Military base and was used until 1968 when sole control was given over to the Soviet Army. The airbase was to host the 236th bomber-fighter squadron and part of the 131st air division and to accomadate this the runway was expanded to 2,800 metres; one of the largest in Europe. Over 40 hardened aircraft hangers were built and these houses 44 MiG-21’s and Mi-24 helicopters.
After the fall of the communist party (1989) Soviet troops began to leave the area under negotiation; the last soldier left in 1991. The same year the area the district lost its military status and became open to the public.
Sadly since then nothing much has been done with the former airbase, plans have been put forward that include a cargo terminal and a Rolls Royce engine testing facility but the authorities seem to be unwilling to take these any further than the idea stage.
The site has been extensively looted mostly during the early 1990’s but is still a good wander round for those interested and in our case became a good place to spend the night after a hard and long day (even if a little cold!)
