Istres - Le Tubé (BA125)
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ICAO Code | LFMI/QIE |
Last Validated | Mar 2012 |
City | Istres |
Position | 43°31'22"N 004°55'26"E |
Runway(s) | 15/33 |
Elevation | 82 ft |
General
Istres is a large base in the south of France which houses several interesting units with equally interesting aircraft. The airfield of Istres is used by the factories of Dassault, as an operational base for the Armée de l'Air and as a test base. The military part and the factories of Dassault are two separate parts of the airfield. Although you will be able to drive around the field, it will be done via long dirt roads, so be aware of some possible damage to your own or your rental car.
Layout
The airfield is located close to the Méditerranée, next to the village of Istres. The runway is southeast - northwest orientated and all aprons are at the east side. Going from north to south, the first apron is used by the C-135FRs, the second large apron is used by Dassault and the most eastern apron is used by the French Navy. The apron at the southeast is used by CEV/EPNER and the apron at the opposite, in the southwest corner, is used by the Mirage 2000s.
Getting There
Istres is south of the highway E80/A54 from Arles to Salon-de-Provence. Take exit 13 to follow the N569/N1569 towards Miramar and Istres to arrive at the east side, for spot 1, 2 and 3. Take exit 9 onto the N568 towards Fos-sur-Mer for spot 4 and 5.
Around the Airport

Taken from spot 5, this is an Indian Su-30 on deployment. (Frank Noort, June 2005)

Taking pics from spot 3 is possible, like shown by this French Mirage 2000. Aircraft are fairly high though. (Fred Willemsen, February 2007)
Frequencies
279.175 / 121.850 | Ground |
240.500 / 123.600 | Tower |
257.800 / 122.100 | Tower |
278.675 / 120.350 | Approach |
372.150 / 119.475 | Approach, Rhône Control |
Preserved
1101/AR | Alouette 3, with EPNER |
A133/7-HB | Jaguar A, with EC03.004 |
234 | Mirage 3B, with EPNER |
-- | Mirage 3B at depot outside base, just north of spot 1 |
36/BI | Mirage 4P, at HQ |
147/CM | Mystère 2C, preserved at gate |
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