Hof der dingen - Seaking Helicopter from Koksijde Air Base

Ah, the iconic sound of the Seaking helicopter — the sound of whirring blades paired with the dramatic music of the legendary BRT series Windkracht 10 is a core memory for many West Flemish people. 

First aired in 1997, the series gave viewers a thrilling look into the lives of the members of the 40th Squadron Helicopter of the Belgian Air Force, based at Koksijde Air Base. The series Windkracht 10 was a massive hit, featuring a star-studded cast including Wim Opbrouck (our curator), Gene Bervoets, Ann Ceurvels, Andrea Croonenberghs, Vic De Wachter, Ludo Busschots, and Marc Van Eeghem in leading roles. More than a decade after the series finale, the movie Windkracht 10 hit the big screen, keeping the legacy alive. 

The main mission of the 40th Squadron Helicopter of the Belgian Air Force? Primarily, to provide life-saving rescue operations in the skies over Belgium and Luxembourg. But the crew did so much more: from locating and rescuing drowning victims, transporting burn victims to specialised hospitals, assisting struggling ships, patrolling the coastline, supporting federal police and judicial services, to tracking down environmental offenders — they were everywhere, doing everything. 

One of the Seaking’s most heroic and memorable rescue operations took place in 1987, when they were called into action after the Herald of Free Enterprise disaster. The ferry had just left the port of Zeebrugge when tragedy struck, sinking just moments later. 

The Seaking crew was right there, helping to save as many lives as possible. Their quick response and bravery during that harrowing time became one of the most memorable chapters in the helicopter’s history — a true testament to their role as lifesavers in Belgium. The Seaking's legacy wasn’t just about saving lives — it was also a big part of Belgium’s aviation pride. For years, Koksijde Air Base was also home to one of the most anticipated international airshows, where almost every European display participated at least once to proudly show off their aviation skills. The last major airshow took place in 2011, marking the 65th anniversary of the Belgian Air Force. 

This mini Seaking helicopter is a generous gift from the production team of Windkracht 10 — a lasting memento of the series and the air base’s storied history.