Ambérieu-en-Bugey Air Base Base aérienne 278 Ambérieu-en-Bugey
Jodel D140C Mousquetaire
IATA: none – ICAO: LFXA
Summary
Airport type		Military/Civil Joint Use
Location		Ambérieu-en-Bugey, France
Elevation AMSL		823 ft / 251 m
Coordinates		45°59′14.41″N 005°19′42.40″E / 45.9873361°N 5.328444°E / 45.9873361; 5.328444
Runways
Direction	Length		Surface
	ft	m
01/19	6562	2000	Asphalt
02/20	2525	800	Turf
Source:World Aero Data [1]

Ambérieu-en-Bugey Air Base (French: Base aérienne 278 Ambérieu-en-Bugey) (ICAO: LFXA) is a front-line French Air Force (French: Armée de l'Air (ALA) base located approximately 5 km north-northwest of Ambérieu-en-Bugey in the department of Ain in eastern France.

Overview

Ambérieu-en-Bugey Air Base is a primary a depot repair and supply center of electronic equipment on board aircraft and ground telecommunication equipment and detection aids to navigation and the manufacture of simple equipment.

It also supports calibration and repair of all devices for measuring the Air Force and the manufacture and repair of security equipment, rescue and survival of pilots.

Ambérieu has two Jodel D140C Mousquetaire aircraft assigned for courier duty.

World War II

The air base was constructed during World War II as all-weather temporary field built by the United States Army Air Forces XII Engineer Command during late August 1944 after German forces were removed from the area. It was built on a graded surface using Pierced Steel Planking for runways and parking areas, as well as for dispersal sites. In addition, tents were used for billeting and also for support facilities; an access road was built to the existing road infrastructure; a dump for supplies, ammunition, and gasoline drums, along with a drinkable water and minimal electrical grid for communications and station lighting. The airfield was known as Ambérieu Airfield or Advanced Landing Ground Y-5.

It was turned over for operational use by Twelfth Air Force on 6 September. The 324th Fighter Group, which flew P-40 Warhawks from the field during September 1944, after which it moved up to Tavaux. Once the P-47s moved out, Ambérieu Airfield became a rear area support base operated by the 1st Air Service Squadron for transport aircraft moving supplies and equipment to the front.

With the end of the war in Europe in May, 1945 the Americans began to withdraw their aircraft and personnel. Control of the airfield was turned over to French authorities on 29 May 1945.

The content above was published at Airports-Worldwide.com in 2010.
We don't guarantee the information is fresh and accurate. The data may be wrong or outdated.
For more up-to-date information please refer to other sources.