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Riga: Airfield Rumbula

Rīga, Šķirotava, Рига Аэродром Румбула

For historical information only, do not use for navigation or aviation purposes!
CoordinatesN565258 E0241339 (WGS84) Google Maps
Map with location of Riga Rumbula Air Base
The history of the Cold War airfields: Riga Rumbula

General

The capital Riga is located in the center of Latvia. The Rumbula Airfield was in the southeast of the city. During the Cold War, Riga was an air base of the Soviet Air Force. Today, the airfield is closed.

During the Cold War

Use

Soviet Air Force base.

Situation

Riga Rumbula Airfield, Lativa, on a map 1973
Riga Rumbula Airfield on a map of the US Department of Defense from 1973
Source: ONC D-3 (1973), Perry-Castañeda Library Map Collection, University of Texas at Austin

Runways

  • 12/30: 2000 m

Units

Occupation by Soviet units (courtesy of "Unter dem Radar"):
  • 1945-1953: Fighter Regiment (Yak-9, MiG-15)
  • March 1946 - April 1947: Fighter Regiment (Yak-9U)
  • April 1955 - September 1979: Fighter Regiment (MiG-17, MiG-19, MiG-21PFM, MiG-21bis)

History

  • October 1957
    US agencies count about 70 to 80 fighter planes, possibly MiG-15 or MiG-17, at the airfield. (Source: CIA)
  • July 1965
    On satellite images, the CIA counted four planes at the airfield, presumably Il-18. (Source: CIA)
  • October/November 1965
    On satellite images, the CIA counted four medium straight-wing planes at the airfield. (Source: CIA)

Today

Use

Closed.

Images

The following pictures from 2016 were taken and provided by "the passenger" - thank you very much!
Gate
Gate
Aircraft Antonov An-2 at Riga Rumbula, Latvia
Broken aircraft Antonov An-2
New buildings
New buildings
Runway
Runway
Shelter
Shelter
Heavily disintegrated shelter
Heavily disintegrated shelter
Courses to the radio beacons at the outer and middle marker
Courses to the radio beacons at the outer and middle marker - for landing directions 121° and 301°, as well as direction to Riga broadcasting station at 1142 kcs
Fomer railway car as restaurant
Fomer railway car as restaurant
Gate
Gate
Shelter
Shelter
Inside a shelter
Inside a shelter
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