Gary Stedman aviation photography http://gary-stedman.fotopic.net/ 49 rows en-gb 60 Lakenheath Eagles in 2009. http://gary-stedman.fotopic.net/c1777117.html Another selection of 48th Fighter Wing Eagles in 2009, including a few departures climbing out towards the camera. Thursday 5 November 2009: Another selection of 48th Fighter Wing Eagles in 2009, including a few departures climbing out towards the camera.

Enroute to the Marham families & friends day takes you straight past nearby RAF Lakenheath and the 48th Fighter Wing so a hour spent on the approach in some decent weather was time well spent. Front quarter shot of a 492nd FS F-15E. 91-0318 is one of the 48th original Eagles, and is looking a little worn nowadays. In contrast, another early jet looks quite smart. It must have had a recent touch up! Early morning blue skies with just a few wispy clouds. As usual, it soon changed. Blue fin flashs at Lakenheath mean the 492nd Fighter Squadron, the first of two former 48th FW F-111F sqn's to convert in the early 1990's. Lakenheath flies virtually all the later production F-15E's delivered to the USAF. I have heard the unit prefers the older fiscal year 91 jets it still has rather than the newer FY 96 and later jets, which are believed to not be built to the same standard. I always think that anybody starting out photographing planes cannot do any better than to spend a day on the Lakenheath approach. There's usually plenty happening and it's very easy to get some reasonable shots to build confidence, even if they're just normal landing shots. Another trip to the Lakenheath approach with varying amounts of cloud. This late build F-15E is fitted with a Sniper pod under the forward fuselage rather than the more normal LANTIRN. The 493rd Fighter Squadron's flagship landing at Lakenheath. Aircraft is a former Bitburg/Spangdahlem machine and carries two 'Desert Storm' victories achieved when flying with the 36th TFW. Not a Mig this time, but suprisingly a Iraqi Pilatus PC-9 turboprop that the pilot parachuted from in a post Desert Storm engagement. Landing on 24 at Lakenheath with the storms building behind. The 494th's marked jet catching the last of the sun before the heavens opened. 492nd Fighter Squadron Strike Eagle on the overshoot at Lakenheath. A rare occurence over the South East of the UK on a friday morning. A good clear morning that didn't cloud over to quickly. As the wind was coming out of the North East, the base switched to the less frequent 06 end. 493rd Fighter Squadron F-15C on the climb out. Shooting at the usual forestry entrance made for some fast departure shots, the trick was not to blur them. Spending a lot of my time photographing helicopters wasn't perhaps the best preparation. Aircraft departing tend to sequence high and then low and right, with these making the best photo's. Following the early F-15C's out, the darker F-15E's then came out to play. The early morning light makes for some good reflections, particulary from the E models if they bank in time before running out behind the trees. Vapour begins to run from the wing tips as this 492nd FS F-15E starts to bank right. Rather a tight crop from the original, but one of the 493rd's two F-15D's pulling up for a 'unrestricted' climbout. Climbing out of Lakenheath, this 492nd FS jet showed just a little vapour. 91-0312 outbound from Lakenheath on a clear September morning. One of the cleaner examples of a F-15E at Lakenheath taking the usual right hand bank as he comes off towards the camera. Showing more of the topside. It's quite suprising how many stencils are marked on the topsides of a modern fast jet. Lakenheath's visual circuit is towards the base infrastructure, and away from the nearby town of Brandon, so they don't normally turn a jet out to the left when overshooting runway 06. Showing the array of stores stations fitted to the F-15E. Even a hour or so makes a difference to the lighting, with much of the aircraft now in shadow. This ones a little dirty. It is also the only fiscal year 92 jet at Lakenheath. Autumn finds the light going earlier, which can rsult in some more sublte and interesting conditions now that the light is no longer as harsh. A few shots taken in the hour before dusk on a October evening. Panning around fast as the F-15E just clears the fence. The low light shows the complex undersides of the F-15E Eagle off to good effect. Into the very last light of the day. Golden Eagle as the sun sets.

Published in Gary Stedman aviation photography

]]> Thu Nov 5 2009 2009 catch up; Yeovilton, Marham families day and Lowestoft seafront show. http://gary-stedman.fotopic.net/c1758842.html A few unrelated events during the summer of 2009. I don't normally attend Yeovilton, but a offer to spend two days airside was too good to turn down. A superb line up by todays standards was scheduled, but the weather was awful, virtually ruining the show and most of the photo opportunties. Marham families day and Lowestoft are two shows I usually attend. Wednesday 23 September 2009: A few unrelated events during the summer of 2009. I don't normally attend Yeovilton, but a offer to spend two days airside was too good to turn down. A superb line up by todays standards was scheduled, but the weather was awful, virtually ruining the show and most of the photo opportunties. Marham families day and Lowestoft are two shows I usually attend.

Kennet's Seafire XVII taxiing into the static at Yeovilton. The Dutch brought six F-16's, including the colourful display jet. All RN and RAF Sea King major servicing is carried out at Yeovilton, so the yellow Search & Rescue airframes are frequently seen at the base. ZH545/Z carries markings for 22 Sqn's 50th anniversary. Westland's facility at Yeovil is only a few miles away from RNAS Yeovilton, and one of their two development WAH-64 Apache's arrived on the friday for the static park. Taxiing in with a full load of Hellfire ballast rounds. The same SeaKing now in the static park. The first two Rafale's to appear taxi back after landing. Both were Armée de l'Air aircraft. The first of several Merlin's to make the short hop up from Culdrose - this one was also heading for static. One of the rare moments when the sun came out on the friday. Aircraft is waiting for a tow truck. Sea King HC4 taking part in the commando assault practise on the friday afternoon. One major advantage that Yeovilton has had over most UK shows is that it always features a Commando Assault demonstration led by the based Sea King HC4s and Royal Marine Lynx Mk7/9's, supported by other units, including a AAC Apache, RN Harriers and even civilian operated Hunters for 2009. In total contrast to the two days spent at Coningsby the previous week, the two days at Yeovilton were mostly dark, and frequently wet! Some fantastic photographic opportunties were granted during the stay, with access to the active ramp granted by our navy escorts, yet the weather curtailed much of the photography and actual display. The stripped Sea King HC4 landing after the practise Commando Assault - the pilot appears to be taking our picture! The UK research and development organisation QinetiQ operate a single Sea King in the regular Boscombe Down three tone colour scheme. This was a rare visitor to a show. The Frecce Tricolori's ground crew preparing the MB-339A/PAN's for display. QinetiQ Sea King in the static park. Yeovilton put together a large static park of current and retired Sea King's. Landing at Yeovilton on the friday, the single French Navy Rafale joined two Armée de l'Air examples for the air day. The aircraft is carrying MICA's on the wing tip stations. The Portuguese Navy like their Lynx to show a bit of colour, this is the second one I've seen in recent years with a badge - they're clearly big Star Wars fans! With the Sea Harrier long since axed (I won't say they were 'retired'), the Fleet Air Arm relies on sharing the Royal Air Force's Harrier GR7/9 fleet. These are not based at Yeovilton, and rarely visit, but for the 2009 Air Day 'Satan' flight of four arrived for both static display and flying in the Commando Assault finale. Seen here taxiing in with canopies open, air-refuelling probes extended and ladders down after arriving on the friday. 'Satan' is a callsign used by 800 Naval Air Squadron, now based at RAF Cottesmore. The Fleet Air Arm component of the Harrier force is called the Naval Strike Wing, a rather grand title for what barely amounts to a single squadron's worth of personnel and aircraft. Now that the Afghanistan commmitment has finally ended the NSW may finally be allowed to expand to the planned two squadron force and 801 NAS may reform. Strangely, all four NSW Harriers arrived unmarked, which was completely unexpected considering that one airframe has been marked with 100th years of navy aviation anniversary markings on the fin, similar to the RN Hawks. The Navy Strike Wing have a lady Harrier pilot, which isn't that rare in the fast jet world nowadays, but I wasn't aware that there was navy female Harrier pilot. She might well be the female Harrier pilot who woke up half of Suffolk recently while transiting fast at low level to Wattisham for a overshoot late one night! The first of four Dutch F-16AM's taxiing in for static display. Shows the 20mm Cannon in the left hand wing root. I've always liked the Frecce Tricolori, they have a routine that so different to the other european display teams. It's a shame they're performance's in the UK are so rare nowadays. This was shot as they taxied out for the friday afternoon practise - unfortunately they were beaten by the weather on the show day, like so many of the other displays. It's always been a running joke about Yeovilton that they always list the Spanish Navy AV-8B's as attending, and they don't attend for whatever reason, but this year a pair did arrive for static. Both carried LANTIRN. Unfortunately, they taxied in during the worst of the weather. Note the extended nose for the APG-65 radar. This is the same standard as the USMC upgraded AV-8B+ aircraft. Taxiing out for a friday afternoon practise display. The Armée de l'Air brought two two-seat Rafale B models, for the first UK solo display by a service example. Taken during the practise display on the friday, although the Rafale was one of the few fast jets that managed to display during the show the following day. Taxiing back in after the performance. Nose on as the Frecce taxi out behind. The first of ten Aermacchi MB-339A/PAN's taxiing back across the runway. They use highest number of aircraft of any aerobatic team in the world. The Frecce Tricolori are certainly a friendly bunch, this was while taxiing in after their practise on the friday. One of the last in on the friday was a Typhoon T1 from Coningsby. They didn't remain unmarked for long though once shut down on the Yeovilton apron. One of the guys fron VASS soon appeared with some 800 NAS decals to remind the RAF who flys these Harriers once they get back to Cottesmore! Having seen Harriers marked up with FAA markings before for brief periods, I have a theory that the RAF and FAA units at Cottesmore attempt to 'adopt' Harriers when their rivals are away. Harrier GR9A waiting on the Yeovilton apron prior to departing for the friday practise display. It went unserviceable before taxiing! The spare GR9 which never recieved any Navy Strike Wing markings. Like all the visiting Harriers, it carries a baggage pod on the centreline. The French Navy E-2C 2000 was a star item, and after failing to appear on the friday it looked like it wasn't going to make it. 7AM on the saturday, it arrived and taxied to static. E-2 taxiing into static very early in the morning on the show day, rather hard shooting with a SLR in one hand, and a bacon roll in the other! Espically if you've slowed down for prop blur. They currently operate three airframes for carrier based AEW. Squirrel's launching for the Navy flypast on show day. The Royal Netherlands Air Force have put a solo F-16 on the display circuit for many years now, and although frequently challenged by the other European F-16 operators there's no real doubt they are the best solo F-16 act about. They can always be relied upon to paint a jet up with a fresh colour scheme every couple of years. Smokewinders, flares (except overland in the UK, Health & Safety don't like it...) and they don't take themselves too seriously either - a good bunch. It's strange, all those Tornado's based at RAF Marham, and the best positioned aircraft in the static is a pair of 48th FW F-15E's from just down the road, and where I'd been shooting a few earlier the same day. Despite being parked in the 'static', they decided to leave early (not a very smart thing to do), even though the event finished at 4 and Lakenheath is perhaps 20 seconds away, as the Eagle flies. At least you could get some 'crewing' up pics. Lead Eagle taxiing out of the Marham families day static. This is the wing jet marked with the badges and fin flashes for the 492nd, 493rd, 494th Fighter Squadrons and the 56th Rescue Squadron. I've yet to get a nice pic of this jet in the air! The second jet carried 494th fin flashes, but no badges or crew names. I don't know if it was intended, but both jets were only carrying tanks and targetting/navigation pods, no other external stores - not even standard training rounds. Showing the exhaust cans of the twin Pratt & Whitney F-100 engines as 01-3001 taxies out to runway 24 at Marham. The same day as the performance at the Marham families day, the Dutch Air Force F-16 also performed at the Lowestoft Sea Front festival not that far away. I was there on the second day and wondered if the flares would be allowed over the sea (surely the bureaucrats couldn't find a reason to stop that surely?!), much to my surprise, they were. I even missed it with the camera the first time. I do believe though that he did not use the flares on the thursday. This whole business of flare use by display aircraft in the UK is ludicrous, as until a few years ago they were frequently used by many solo displays and the whole Swiss display team even finished their display with them. The flares are specially designed for display use and I don't believe that the ground in the UK is more likely to burn than any other country.. Jonathan Whaley's Hunter looks good against the dark cluds during Lowestoft's seafront show. The local air ambulance also looks good against the dark skies. A rare appearance from a Lakenheath based HH-60, unfortunately it displayed a rain storm.

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]]> Wed Sep 23 2009 The 493rd Fighter Squadron at RAF Coningsby. http://gary-stedman.fotopic.net/c1729677.html These shots are the result of spending two days at RAF Coningsby while the 493rd Fighter Squadron were visiting for a week, due to their usual home at Lakenheath being out of action for a while due to runway work. The 493rd FS were hosted by 11 Sqn, one of the resident RAF Typhoon squadron's. Rather than go for some landing pics, which can be shot at Lakenheath, I decided to spend most of the time at the opposite end catching them up close as they turned off for 11 Sqn's HAS site. Due to Lakenheath's geography, it's not really possible to do that there. For once, the weather in the UK was perfect, infact if anything it was too hot! Wednesday 22 July 2009: These shots are the result of spending two days at RAF Coningsby while the 493rd Fighter Squadron were visiting for a week, due to their usual home at Lakenheath being out of action for a while due to runway work. The 493rd FS were hosted by 11 Sqn, one of the resident RAF Typhoon squadron's. Rather than go for some landing pics, which can be shot at Lakenheath, I decided to spend most of the time at the opposite end catching them up close as they turned off for 11 Sqn's HAS site. Due to Lakenheath's geography, it's not really possible to do that there. For once, the weather in the UK was perfect, infact if anything it was too hot!

Many of the resident Typhoon's have been upgraded to the FGR4 configuration. This is one of two, two-seat F-15D's on the squadron's strength. They were frequently used to take airman up for experience flights. 'DXI' still sports the Wg Cdr's pendant and coding for OC 11 Sqn, despite a recent change in command. 'QO-U' is another upgraded former F2. A 493rd FS F-15C is following behind. Taxiing back to 11 Sqn's HAS site. Photographers at Coningsby need to remember that the F-15 is about a third again bigger than the familiar Typhoon. The 493rd brought six C's and two D models, including two marked Serbian Mig-29 killers from 1999. 86-0159 here sports one victory marking. 86-0159 was one of two F-15C's with the 493rd FS showing victory markings from the 1999 Serbian war. The single Mig-29 victory marking is marked under the cockpit The Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing System is a recent addition to several US fighter types and allows for visual queing of infra-red missiles like the AIM-9X. Training variants of the AIM-9X on the outboard position and AIM-120 inboard. This is a standard fit on most training sorties. 493rd Fighter Sqn F-15C 86-0156 showing the victory markings from the Balkans war of 1999. These (and the Iraqi victories) used to be marked by national flags, but the 493rd has recently adopted the style used by other USAF F-15 units. The 493rd Fighter Squadron is due to loose several jets in the near future and reduce down to about 18 operational airframes. This reduction is inline with the gradual phasing out of many of the USAF's F-15C/D fleet. They currently operate the newest batch of F-15C/Ds in the USAF. Rear quarter shot as 86-0156 taxies back. A second two-seater taxiing in after a sortie and having been flown single seat. Taxiing in after a Joint RAF/USAF sortie during Exercise Yankee Import, ZJ928/QON is one of several RAF Typhoons previously stored as a parts source that have recently put back into service. I was at Coningsby the day this jet arrived on delivery from BAe at Warton in July 2006. Typhoon's quickly accumulate dirt when in daily use. ZJ928 looks relatively clean. During a short lull in the exercise, a recently delivered Typhoon conducted a fast taxi run down the runway, ending with a test of the breaking chute at the end. The Typhoon towing the chute was one of the recent Tranche 2 jets that have been delivered this year. Some have gained 3 Sqn codes, but no other markings. Happily, the Typhoon streaming the chute turned right at the runways end and taxied past the onlookers. Turning away from the fenceline. Right rudder applied. The Typhoon pilot turns to drop the chute on the grass. A brief burst of power and the chute is blown out before the Typhoon taxies back to the HAS site. With the power a Typhoon possess, it's a good job only a little was applied, or we would have been blown off our ladders! 'Delta Bravo' is still showing the QRA intercept silhouette's as it taxies back to the HAS site. Unfortunately, in a exercise where the guests have jets marked with actual victories, 11 Sqn's QRA interception markings can't really compete! Another upgraded older jet. A FGR4 turning the corner. It still seems quite rare for the full set of stores pylons to be fitted. This jet is lacking two of the four that can be attached to each wing. Strangely, while 11 Sqn are flying mostly jets marked for 3 Sqn, the opposite was the case. A two ship from 3 Sqn taxiing back. ZJ935/DJ is carrying the name of a US exchange pilot. Second jet in the flight is fitted with a LITENING targeting pod on the centreline. One of two armed QRA jets taxiing back to the two designated shelters. These had launched shortly before hand, catching me out without the step ladder in position. Unlike previous QRA departures I've seen, these was no delay in taxiing and take off. With the Typhoon, the RAF finally has a fighter that can quite comfortably compete with the F-15 in sheer performance, something that the old Tornado F-3 was nowhere near capable of doing. The F-15 seems to be the only one's who do it. At Lakenheath you see it all the time, on the overshoot they pull back the stick, bring the nose up, and then slowly roll the aircraft over to the side. The difference at Coningsby is that you can get a shot of it, unlike at Lakenheath. Taxiing back to the Coningsby HAS site, this 3 Sqn marked Typhoon shows the nose mounted infra-red sensor turret off to good effect. ZJ945/QO-F is one of the recent Tranche Two deliveries that are slowly arriving at Coningbsy, although some of the early aircraft have been diverted to Saudi Arabia. It is believed that the 4/5 of these jets marked with 3 Sqn codes, but carrying no markings are intended to equip 1435 Flight in the Falklands later this year, as they are due to retire their Tornado F-3's. The 493rd Fighter Squadron is due to loose several jets in the near future and reduce down to about 18 operational airframes. This reduction is inline with the gradual phasing out of many of the USAF's F-15C/D fleet. They currently operate the newest batch of F-15C/Ds in the USAF. Although the weather was virtually perfect for both days, the second day was noticeably clearer, with less haze in the background. 'Havoc' flight of four returning to the Coningsby overhead. Flights were lead by either 11 Sqn or the 493rd. Lead ship in 'Havoc' section breaks right into the Coningsby visual circuit. Two 11 Sqn Typhoon's (actually carrying 3 Sqn marks) lead in two 493rd FS F-15C's. The eight deployed Eagles were parked amongst 11 Sqn's Hardened Shelter Complex while at Coningsby. Another FGR4 turning the corner at the 25 end. Taxiing in after a Joint RAF/USAF sortie during Exercise Yankee Import, ZJ928/QON is one of several RAF Typhoons previously stored as a parts source that have recently put back into service. I was at Coningsby the day this jet arrived on delivery from BAe at Warton in July 2006. This is why the 493rd's deployment to Coningsby was so popular amongst enthusiasts, it's easy to photograph these Eagles most days landing at Lakenheath, yet due to the bases geography, decent photography on the ground is next to impossible - not so at Coningsby, which is very accessible for photographers. 493th F-15D turning off and looking straight at you. Two 493rd FS Eagles taxiing back to the shelters. I expected the stern shots to be lost due to heat haze givne the hot weather and exhaust hesat so was a bit suprised when these came out ok. The hosts taxiing in. By the fourth day of the exercise it looked like the crews had got used to the photographers on top of their step ladders waiting for them as they turned off and taxied in. The second mixed flight of the day slowed down on the runway and joined up nose to tail before slowly taxiing past the audience. The last Eagle cycled the speed brake a few times - good bloke! Very impressive to see these operating from up close. You can see them daily at Lakenheath where three squadrons of F-15's make up the 48th Fighter Wing, but not from this close. Speed brake cycling back. ZJ923/QO-E is yet another early jet upgraded, like several Typhoon's, this airframe has spent much of it's time as a grounded spares source before being placed back into daily use. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe the aircraft pictured here has a claim to fame that no other can equal. F-15C 86-0156 downed two Serbian Mig-29's with two AIM-120 shots on 26th March, 1999. I'm not aware that any other simultaneous mulitple air-to-air missile engagement has taken place. Like several other F-15s at Coningsby that week, '156 looks lile a rudder has recently ben replaced without the squadron's fin stripe being added.

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]]> Wed Jul 22 2009 Colchester Military Festival 2009 http://gary-stedman.fotopic.net/c1728029.html A little known event outside of the local area, which is usually held annually although it was not staged in 2008 due to 16 Air Assault Brigade's committment to Operation Herrick. All major trades of the army are on display to the public, and the various arenas are used for demonstrations by historical re-enactment groups. On the aviation side, examples of the Lynx and Apache are usually on static, and the Lynx is also used in the role demo by 16 AAB. Sunday 19 July 2009: A little known event outside of the local area, which is usually held annually although it was not staged in 2008 due to 16 Air Assault Brigade's committment to Operation Herrick. All major trades of the army are on display to the public, and the various arenas are used for demonstrations by historical re-enactment groups. On the aviation side, examples of the Lynx and Apache are usually on static, and the Lynx is also used in the role demo by 16 AAB.

The Lynx AH7 on static was pulled out early. This was one of three that came down from Dishforth on the friday The crowd are still quite close as the aircraft lifts. This was 'Outlaw 3', with the other two remaining at Wattisham. Although the image is not as sharp as it could be, a slow shutter speed was set to get as much movement in the blades and tail rotor as possible. I can only guess that one of the other two had gone unserviceable so this aircraft was needed for the Red Devils and 16 AAB rope assault demonstration. The arena is quite small, and unlike demo's at airshows, they really are right on top of the audience, which is quite impressive when two Lynx are dropping para's up close! The Apache crewing up towards the end of the festival. Although I've been closer to running Apaches several times before, it's always impressive to see these depart such a enclosed area with a crowd watching. The crew were from 656 Sqn, now with 4 Regiment although they're one of the two former Dishforth units that came South a few years ago. With the images a little out of order, this is the final goodbye as the crew circle Abbey Fields before departing to Wattisham. ZJ218 is fitted to the latest specification, five point HIDAS and has been fitted with the M-TADS turret. The crew indicated the aircraft had recently come back from Herrick, although it looked in remarkably good external condition compared to some others I've seen. Crewed up, rotors running and with sight and 30mm trained right. Lifting, with the grass thrown about. At least this year they hadn't cut the grass just prior to the show! The classic nose on shot.

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]]> Sun Jul 19 2009 Wattisham: from inside and out. http://gary-stedman.fotopic.net/c1691365.html This gallery is the latest to feature images from all types photographed in and around Wattisham airfield. It includes shots taken during several visits inside the base during 2008 and later which are not in the Apache walkround gallery. I'm grateful to the Army Air Corps and Wattisham airfield for taking the time out from their very busy schedule to host these visits. Saturday 2 May 2009: This gallery is the latest to feature images from all types photographed in and around Wattisham airfield. It includes shots taken during several visits inside the base during 2008 and later which are not in the Apache walkround gallery. I'm grateful to the Army Air Corps and Wattisham airfield for taking the time out from their very busy schedule to host these visits.

A nice catch in the some good weather was the early evening arrival of two navy 'Junglies' for a quick fuel stop, arriving as 'Navy Yankee Formation' Both aircraft turned out to be HAS6CR conversions, of which only five exist. These were surplus ASW HAS6s converted to a basic HC4 standard to supplement the dedicated HC4s in the transport role. All five aircraft are assigned to 846 Sqn at Yeovilton and carry the codes 'ZA-ZE'. A quick turnaround had the aircraft refuelled in about 20 minutes with rotors running. The trailing aircraft caught the light nicely as it passed over the fenceline. Local SAR Sea King departing while the Navy version's refuelled. 'Gunship 1' in the circuit at the 05 end. The TADS is rotated to one side. which seems to be quite a common angle often seen. The same aircraft just over the fence. Followed a few minutes later by 'Gunship 2', another landing were the pilot in the rear cockpit has his hands raised. Looking towards the sun a little more, and these dark aircraft reflect a little more light. It's a little known fact that the army operate a small number of fixed wing Islanders for light transport and surveillance, similar to the RAF Islanders, although perhapsd not in such a covert role. Although frequent visitors to Wattisham, this was the first time I've caught one with the camera. Following a few minutes behind the Islander, one of 22 Sqn's HAR.3A's on a long PAR approach. Many thanks to the armourers for a interesting demo of some of the small arms the guys are trained on. I've seen the GPMG many times but this was the first time I've handled one. Pic shows one of the professionals holding the GPMG in the correct stance. Thanks guys and good luck on your deployments. The apron at Wattisham. Most of the operational birds remaining had departed on a exercise the previous day but there was still a few flying. The Apache in the foreground was clearly not a flyer but was on the ramp for a test run. ZJ182 taxying out for departure. The aircraft are not allocated to a specific squadron or even regiment but are generated as and when required. Some markings would be nice though. A nice combo, one in the hover over the runway with another parked on the apron. A few seconds later. 3 Regiment kindly towed a airframe out of the ready hangar for a quick photoshoot in the lovely weather. ZJ226 was one of the Apache's I photographed on the 05 approach one evening the previous week. The business end of the beast. The Apache at it's imposing best. This is ZJ226, a Wattisham regular. After the visit I went back outside to the usual spots and just caught this one overshooting as he passed the moon. Nice! Early evening and one of my favourite places, the field at the end of 05. ZJ230, 'Army Air 306', was the last one back for the day. Just caught the tail end of a spirited display by a 4 Regiment crew over Wattisham. It looks like the AAC have added the WAH-64 to the Blue Eagles team for 2008 and the routine is being practised at regular intervals. Passing through was Spitfire XVI G-OXVI who performed a quick run over the field. This Apache is returning from a 7 Battalion REME airtest. Given the addition of new panels onto a dusty airframe, it looks like this one has recently returned from active duty overseas. They're getting less and less camera shy by the day! Army Air 312 hovering over the North Eastern corner of Wattisham airfield late this wednesday afternoon. Finally in some good weather as well. After a few minutes of watching each other I got the TADS on subject routine - it's been a while since the AAC have made my car a target! These were probably the most comfortable Apache shots I have ever taken at Wattisham as I'm still in the car shooting out of the drivers window while stopped on the road around Wattisham perimeter. The pilot in the back cockpit seems to be quite interested - probably knew he was going to be plastered all over the web! The airframe is ZJ231, only two more AH's were delivered after this one to the British Army. This picture has finally convinced me that the AAC does not have enough HIDAS kits (defensive aids) for all 67 airframes, as other pictures taken of this aircraft show the system fitted previously, but not here. A not so common up the stern shot as the crew rotate on the spot before taxying to the apron. ZH543 coming out for a local training sortie. Not a very good pic, infact with the conditions it's pretty awful but it illustrates such a good story it had to be posted. The two Chinooks departing here ('Vortex 570 Combine') were advised when arriving for a quick refuel that they would probably have to wait, as the two Apache's behind were also to be refuelled for a further sortie ('Slayer 1+2'). The seemingly one (?) available fuel tanker, visible behind, refuelled the Chinooks first, rotors running. This didn't seem to go down well with the lead AH, who complained that they would not have time to fly the sortie if delayed for to long. Things deteriorated even further when, after refuelling the wokka's, the tanker broke down!! At that point I expected 'Slayer 1' to really loose his cool, but after a long wait when it became clear the tanker wasn't going to be fixed anytime soon, the sortie was scrubbed. Quite entertaining listening to all this but a little worrying if the AAC at Wattisham have one operational fuel bowser - almost makes Lakenheath and Mildenhall look professional.... Taken during a second visit inside Wattisham in September 2008. This cab was nicely placed for viewing and photography. There's quite a few shots on here of the Search and Rescue flight apron at Wattisham from the fenceline. This is the first from the other side. Sea King HAR3A ZH544 sits at 15 minutes readiness. A spell of bright weather for a change in the UK. Late on a friday afternoon and the final Apache airborne for the day caught during a few circuits over Wattisham. A crew from 4 Regiment, the co-pilot/gunner is waving as the aircraft turns on the overshoot. This is the very first Apache airframe delivered to the Army Air Corps. Ironically, I'd closely examined this airframe 24 hours before, during a visit inside Wattisham, infact I'd even pulled grass out of it! As the pilot is pointing out to the camera, a Union flag has been taped to the back cockpit, it certainly wasn't there a day earlier! One of a pair of AAC Apaches that had just been unloaded from another An-124 that arrived on friday afternoon. The aircraft had followed the usual route of Davis-Monthan to Gander and then Wattisham. Middle of the afternoon on the same day that the latest exercise detachment returned and Wattisham was finally busy again. Taken from the lights on the 23 approach, 'Camelot 1' pulled down and away from a standard approach and deliberately passed low infront of the camera. A nice touch. Many thanks to the crew for manoeuvring into a perfect position during their approach to Wattisham. This aircraft is fitted with the training laser mod on the left hand side of the forward fuselage as the full powered version is deemed to be to powerful for use in the UK during training sorties. My first evening walk around to the 05 approach for 2009 brought a rare appearance of a RAF Merlin into Wattisham this week. 'Vortex 748 was a quick fuel stop before heading home to RAF Benson. The aircraft was a Merlin HC3A, one of six aircraft originally ordered by Denmark but bought by the MoD on behalf of the RAF at short notice to bolster support helicopter numbers. Unfortunately, they are quite different to the existing HC3 airframes so will not deploy overseas, but will be retained in the UK, mostly for training. A second Merlin Squadron (no 78) was recently formed and the whole fleet is pooled between 28 and 78 squadrons, the side visible here shows the 78 sqn badge, where as 28's is carried on the other side. For the Wattisham Apache fleet, it's been a very slow start to 2009. Flying hours (never exactly high before this year anyway) are certainly well down at the moment. Landing on runway 23, 'Army Air 306', was the first M-TADS fitted aircraft I have photographed in the air. The second aircraft that arrived a few minutes later was also a modernised airframe being flown by a 3 Regiment crew. The upgrades will take a few years to complete on the whole fleet, so there will still be many Apaches flying in the older configuration like this one. A 4 Regiment crew running down the Wattisham runway to the mid point, before taxiing to the apron. 'Army Air 456' returning to the field after a short airtest. The orange cable is connected to a strobescope fitted on on the forward avonics bay which is carried on a 'track & balance' flight to determine blade position following removal. The ILS calibrator making one of several low-level runs down runway 23. For the first time, the aircraft also calibrated the other end, now that a ILS system has also been installed. 3 Regiment Apache crew turning for the grass too the side of runway 23, as the calibrator was working at the time. They seemed a little suprised to see some one there. Sea King landing at a practise emergency following a tight turn. Aircraft is actually landing on the 23 threshold at Wattisham.

Published in Gary Stedman aviation photography

]]> Sat May 2 2009 Heathrow during Christmas 2008 http://gary-stedman.fotopic.net/c1691279.html After a gap of 18 months I made a return to photographing civil airliners at Heathrow. Partly because there is not any real military traffic to photograph during the holiday season, and also because I'd seen some nice dawn shots recently when arrivals were coming out of the West. These are the results of two visits to the 09L approach. Saturday 2 May 2009: After a gap of 18 months I made a return to photographing civil airliners at Heathrow. Partly because there is not any real military traffic to photograph during the holiday season, and also because I'd seen some nice dawn shots recently when arrivals were coming out of the West. These are the results of two visits to the 09L approach.

Taken shortly after dawn, this BA 777 is the first arrival I photographed. The rich low light casts a golden reflection on the undersides of the Virgin A340-600. A wide angle is certainly needed when you're this close to a stretched A340-600. The shorter version, the A340-300, also flown by Virgin Atlantic. BA seem to be a major user of the Boeing 777 nowadays. This was one of many arriving. This A310 is flown by Biman Bangladesh Airlines and is one of three operated. Another 777 appearing out of the mist, this time operated by Continental. The Continental scheme is quite subtle compared to some, but is well done. This airframe was formely marked in a one-off special colour scheme. The 757 is gradually disappearing from the BA fleet, as they are replaced by newer Airbus models. Another favourite appears out of the mist, which was a problem on this otherwise clear day; a Quantas 747. Not such a common sight as they used to be, but the BA 747 is a British icon. Probably soon to be replaced by the A380 on the Australia - UK run, it was nice to catch a Quantas 747 while they were still regulars into Heathrow. Another favourite scheme on a 747. Cathay Pacific looking good in the clear winter light. Not one I'm familiar with, but showing Middle East Airlines on the side of this A330. Virgin Atlantic 747 also arriving in the mist. Their colour scheme is certainly one of the best. As I'm not familiar with Heathrow's regular traffic, I'm not aware of how common Iran Air aircraft like this A310 actually are. Coming in out of the last of the fog, the A380 was the one type I really wanted to catch, and in December 2008 there was only a single daily flight by Emirates. When Heathrow is operating out of the West, all landings go into 09L and the runways do not switch, unlike when landing on the 27's - Except the A380 apparently goes into either! As this was my one chance to get one on this trip and in such perfect light, I was relieved when it turned up on 09L. The beast certainly requires a short lens. Since these were taken, both Singapore and Quantas have started A380 flights into Heathrow. I don't know why, but this Turkish Airlines 777-300 was the one aircraft that the local Heathrow enthusiasts were keen on photographing. The added winglets enhance the already graceful lines of the 757, in this case, a Icelandair example. The distinctive livery carried by Air India aircraft looks impressive on this 747-400. Delta 767 inbound on 09L El Al was another 747 operator I wanted to photograph at Heathrow if possible, so was quite pleased when this turned up. I believe that Delta have now merged with Northwest so this colour scheme may vanish at sometime in the near future. The El Al 747-400 from the side. This is one colour scheme that you cannot afford to have a dirty airliner in! Etihad are a rapidly expanding airline. The Airbus A330 is the mainstay of their growing fleet. It seems strange to see the Russian flag carrier Aeroflot operating Western aircraft like this A320. The rich golden colours that are the Etihad scheme look good in winter light. Alongside Virgin Atlantic, Qatar also fly the long A340-600. The last of the 747 operators I wanted to see was Air New Zealand, who also obliged with a rather worn looking 747-400.

Published in Gary Stedman aviation photography

]]> Sat May 2 2009 2009 at Mildenhall. http://gary-stedman.fotopic.net/c1681478.html The usual mixture of images taken over the weekends and late afternoons at RAF Mildenhall. After a slow start for 2009 the base appears to be picking up gradually as we head into spring. Monday 13 April 2009: The usual mixture of images taken over the weekends and late afternoons at RAF Mildenhall. After a slow start for 2009 the base appears to be picking up gradually as we head into spring.

'Rama 31 & 32' blasted out of RAF Mildenhall at midday on a saturday in January 2009 after diverting in during the early hours of the friday morning following yet another aborted air-to-air refuelling sortie with a Mildenhall tanker. Not that there will be any complaints from the local enthusiasts. 'Rama 31' showing four 'burners as it powers away from Mildenhall. The two Bone's were rotating to the Middle East when they diverted into Mildenhall when unable to refuel due to turbulence the day before. Stray B-1s have gone into Mildenhall several times in the last few years. 'Rama 32' shows tail markings as the marked aircraft for the 28th Bomb Squadron at Dyess, Texas. The crews would probably have been rather suprised at the crowd of enthusiasts that had gathered to watch their anticipated departure. They didn't disappoint, keeping it very low on rotation with a 30 second spacing. One of these days, we'll get the weather as well! It's a pity the light was not any better, as both aircraft carried interesting noseart. The stern of 'Rama 32' as he powers away following the lead ship into the gloom. With these two outbound, we can expect a couple to return stateside shortly and on recent form, there's bound to be at least one divert into Mildenhall. There's hope for a sunny pic yet! The 22nd ARW seem to like RAF Mildenhall, as their KC-135's seem to draw a majority of the transport flights into the base. There always seem to be at least one turn up on a saturday, even if nothing else arrives. For the second saturday running the South East had some decent sunlight, so true to form RAF Mildenhall has a quiet weekend, A fortnight earlier and two B-1s would have been beautifully lit! The 7th SOS is the other component squadron within the 352nd SOG and also flies five C-130 aircraft, but this time the heavily modified and very expensive MC-130H variants. These are designed for low level, covert penetration of enemy airspace and deploying special forces teams. 67th SOS/352nd SOG MC-130 on the overshoot at Mildenhall. The squadron operates five MC-130P aircraft as part of the 352nd Special Operations Group, one of two resident flying units at RAF Mildenhall. MC-130P 69-5825 (yes, they're that old!) landing on 29 at Mildenhall during some fine weather on a friday afternoon. The rudder and outboard engine show evidence of recent replacement. While waiting at Mildenhall on a quiet friday afternoon, 'Tarnish 21' called up for a few circuits, which was quickly granted. RAF fast jets are very infrequent visitors to the USAF at Mildenhall. This shot caught the underside strobe light. The 'Tarnish' callsign is used by British Aerospace test pilots, with each pilot being allocated a specific number. The perfect, clean paintwork and lack of any stores indicates that this aircraft has just completed a overhaul by the BAe facility at nearby RAF Marham, and is undergoing a post overhaul test flight by a civilian BAe crew. The small window just behind the RAF roundel indicates this airframe is a GR4A - which is a GR1A upgraded to the current specification. The 'A' designation indicates a camera package in the nose, as these airframes were originally intended to operate in the recce role, alongside the standard GR4, although they retained the full external weapons capability and the operating squadrons were dual roled. With the introduction of the external RAPTOR pod the internal cameras are now not supported in RAF service - any GR4/GR4A can operate in the recce role with RAPTOR. One of the MPRS fitted KC-135R's from the Mildenhall based 100th Air Refuelling Wing. It's not always a good sign when you arrive here for a trip out and find the 100th on local circuits - usually means it's going to be quiet, although yesterday afternoon that thankfully was not the case. It's always nice to see guard and reserve KC-135's over here with their slighty more colourful markings. Arriving as 'Reach 131', this was another KC-135R transport flight. Tennessee ANG KC-135R arriving on runway 11 at Mildenhall. 100th ARW jet just hopping over the fence. Strangely, I believe that the 100th does not use the MPRS system as the crews are not trained in it's operation. When required, a 'drogue' adaptor is fitted to the boom. Which is rather odd considering that as the forward deployed tanker unit in Europe. they would have more demand for the 'drogue' system of refuelling than any other USAF tanker unit. Another nice KC-135R arriving a hour after the Tennesse ANG example. Tinker AFB is more familiar as the home of the USAF E-3 fleet. but also operates a reserve unit of KC-135R's. It may be my imagination, buit AFRES/ANG KC-135's always look a shade darker than their active duty counterparts. First time I've been able to photograph a USAF C-130J. Although the US services have bought modest numbers of J models for specialist roles, relatively few have been acquired for standard airlift units. This example arriving as 'Reach 215' at Mildenhall is a stretched C-130J. A nice catch early on a bright sunday morning at Mildenhall. I rarely manage to catch C-17s in decent light, and have never caught any from the more obscure units, so this was a welcome change. 'Reach 850' is from the Alaskan based 3rd Wing at Elemendorf, and wears tactical codes as the 3rd Wing is a combined PACAF unit operating F-15s, F-22s, C-17s, C-12s and E-3s. The Elmendorf based C-17 flew a very high visual approach onto runway 29 at Mildenhall this morning - the highest I've ever seen by any type and landed well down the runway, although stopping quickly is hardly a problem for a Globemaster! The crew had requested a overhead visual run in and break and were clearly unaware of Mildenhall's strict noise abatement rules on sundays - only straight in and full stop landings are allowed and may have been caught unawares. They then further upset Mildenhall ATC by taking the wrong runway turn off! They must be like buses! I don't get to shoot a C-17 at Mildenhall for nearly a year, and then two turn up a few minutes apart! Unlike the Elmendorf crew that preceded them, this crew from the 62nd Airlift Wing at McChord flew a more standard approach onto runway 29. With the early morning sun at about the 7 o'clock position, it would have been better if they had arrived on runway 11, but I'm not complaining! Unlike the Alaskan example, this C-17 has the defensive aids fit, the sensors can be seen under the unit badges. Don't think I've photographed this 352nd SOG MC-130H before, either that, or the nose art is new. Caught in partial light whilst undertaking yet more of that favourite pastime of the Mildenhall based units - circuit practise! Also on the circuit alongside the C-12 was one of the two RC-12s that have been here on TDY for nearly a month now. The medium grey colour scheme does not stand out well - paint them white please! I think it would be a safe bet to say that the crews of these RC-12K Signals intelligence (SIGINT) tasked aircraft are not used to being photographed too much so their daily flights out of Mildenhall have been of quite some interest to local photographers. While they've been here they have been photographed visiting Prestwick in Scotland, which I would think would not be a regular stop when operating out of their normal base in Germany - you can't help wonder who or what they're actually listening into! This US Army utility C-12 has been operating at Mildenhall as part of the TDY from the 1st Military Intelligence Battalion normally based in Germany. References list this aircraft as either a C-12T or U model, and I've no idea which (if either) is accurate. Seen here whilst on circuits on good friday as 'Argus 68'. Only partial light on this approach, which was a shame as he dropped the wing slightly giving a better angle. The long engines nacelles of all C-12 variants doesn't make them a good type to photograph.

Published in Gary Stedman aviation photography

]]> Mon Apr 13 2009 Revised Apache AH1 walkround and detail image collection http://gary-stedman.fotopic.net/c1648365.html This folder replaces the earlier 'close up' collection and includes all the shots from that folder re-edited for better quality along with many newer images. It is intended to be a reference for modellers attempting to research the unique details of the Army Air Corps WAH-64, a type that doesn't appear in the public eye in close up to often. I'm led to believe that no accurate model kit exists of the WAH-64, just a couple of re-badged US AH-64 kits that ignore the differences of the UK variant, so I hope these pics will help those intending to build a accurate WAH-64. Dates, locations and airframe numbers will be added where required to the images. Tuesday 3 February 2009: This folder replaces the earlier 'close up' collection and includes all the shots from that folder re-edited for better quality along with many newer images. It is intended to be a reference for modellers attempting to research the unique details of the Army Air Corps WAH-64, a type that doesn't appear in the public eye in close up to often. I'm led to believe that no accurate model kit exists of the WAH-64, just a couple of re-badged US AH-64 kits that ignore the differences of the UK variant, so I hope these pics will help those intending to build a accurate WAH-64. Dates, locations and airframe numbers will be added where required to the images.

To start with, a couple of old, poor quality images of one of the first AH's delivered to the Wattisham units. Of note is the missing Mast-mounted Longbow radar and four external fuel tanks on the stub pylons - the only time I have seen these fitted to AAC Apaches. As of early 2009 (over three years after these images were taken) the external fuel tank has not been seen in use with AAC Apaches, and I believe may have only flown in early trials. US Army units no longer carry any external tanks during combat sorties, the practise of carrying a single tank to increase endurance having been dropped in favour of a extra internal tank in the 30mm ammuntion magazine. The following series of close up images show ZJ203 at Abbey Fields, Colchester in July 2006. Starting at the front we have the forward avonics, both cockpits and the underslung 30mm cannon. Moving to centre of the airframe and onto the stub pylons with stores, engine nacelles and rotor head. Further aft and another angle of the engine nacelles and rear stowage bay. The strobes appear to be particularly powerful on a UK Apache. Rotor head and mast-mounted radome. Unlike the US army, all the UK D models are fitted and I have yet to see a aircraft operating without a radome fitted. Rear fuselage and tail rotor asembly. Note the position of the aircrafts serial number (ZJ203). Centre fuselage and stores pylon again to the full height. Inital planning in the deployment of AAC Apache's called for a air-to-air anti-helicopter role with tip mounted Starstreak missiles. This has not been pursured and with other priorities now appears to have been dropped for good. This image shows drill rounds of the two externally carried waepons used by AAC Apaches; AGM-114 Hellfire anti-armour missiles and CRV-7 unguided rockets, the later are carried within the 19 round pod. The pod is the same type as used by other air arms for the US 2.75 Overall view of ZJ203 on the pad at Colchester in 2006. The aircraft was configured in the then current operational standard with HIDAS fitted. HIDAS (Helicopter Intergrated Defensive Aids System) sensor antenna in close up. This is the front nose fit, further sensors are mounted on the aft fuselage. Aircraft are not always fitted and the suite appears to move between airframes quite frequently. The Apache's imagining sensors are all located in the nose. The Target Designation Sight unit (TADS), Pilots Night Vision Sensor (PNVS) and Electronic Warfare antenna - not forgetting a wirecutter! The M230 30mm Chain Cannon is aligned with the gunners helmet sight. The CRV-7 pod is usually carried on the outboard pylon with the quad Hellfire rails inboard. A single collective training missile (CTM). Another unique feature of the WAH-64 is that they are powered by RTM322 engines (as fitted to RAF/RN Merlins) which provide greater power than the standard GE T700s fitted to other AH-64s. Currently however, this extra power is not actually available to the crew as the gearbox is not rated for the extra power. Close up of the complex rotor head. Flare dispenser and various HIDAS associated antenna fitted to the rear fuselage. The hand holds fitted behind the rear cockpit that were used to great effect by 9 Regiment and the Royal Marines during the Jugroom Fort rescue in 2007. Strobe light and speed and direction sensor that is freely mounted. IR suppressed ducted exhaust. Chaff dispenser fitted one side only. This is a standard multi-national fit. Tailplane and the highly subdued serial number so much appreciated by number collectors! Rear view of the unloaded CRV-7 70mm rocket pod. With the front cap removed the pod is identical to US rocket pods. Both cockpits from the rear. The front seat is for the gunner/co-pilot and the rear is for the pilot - both have flight controls. In 2006 photography inside the cockpit was forbidden, this has since changed. Open panel showing detail inside the engine bay. Another low down view of ZJ203 at the 2006 Cochester military festival - the only public display of a AAC Apache in that year. The AAC have since placed a Apache display on the airshow circuit. This was the 37th of 67 Apache aircraft delivered to the AAC and arrived at Wattisham for 3 Regiment in November 2005. CRV rockets arranged infront of the aircraft. ZJ203 crewed up and about to depart Abbey fields. Just prior to rotors turning, which managed to cover the photographer in the freshly cut grass. Departing the Colchester Military Festival and kicking up the grass. PNVS, TADS and the 30mm are rotated right. ZJ173 was the aircraft on display at Colchester the following year. As can be seen on the nose it lacked the HIDAS fit, although mounting positions can clearly be seen. A more restrained display in 2007, with only minimal stores on view and the TADS ball rotated inwards for protection. 2008 and hangar 5 at Wattisham showing ZJ209 undergoing maintenance. Rather more intact with the main hatch to the engine bay open. The UK Apache is unique in being fitted with the Rolls Royce RTM322 engines (same powerplant as the Westland Merlin). The opposite end of the airframe. As is usual practise, the TADS ball is rotated inwards when not in use. Our hosts said that the AAC would field the updated M-TADS next year. Close up of the same airframes tail. Notice how roughly the serial number has been touched up. A closer view of the same airframe. Until quite recently the AAC would not allow close up photographs of the avionics bays open although these restrictions have largely vanished now. A close view of ZJ223's Hellfire racks and CRV-7 pods. The other side of the same airframe when photographed in hangar 5 at Wattisham in May 2008. Another view of the Hughes M230 30mm chain gun underneath the nose of the Apache. In common with US Apache units in Afghanistan, the 1200 round ammo bay has been reduced in capacity to fit a extra fuel tank for longer ranged operations as endurance is deemed to be more important intheatre. Another view of the Longbow Fire Control Radar on the Apache mast head. Outside on the main apron at Wattisham and ZJ191 is undergoing a ground run. Note from the discoloured frame work on the rear cockpit, the aircraft has recently been used for 'bag' training. ZJ226 after having been pulled out of hangar 4 for photography. The main hangars at Wattisham used to be allocated to a particular unit before the squadrons standardized on the Apache. now they vary depending on the aircrafts maintenance state. ZJ166 in hangar 5 in September 2008. This was the very first of 67 airframes built to the AH1 specification and was produced by Boeing in Mesa, along with seven other aircraft before production switched to Westlands in the UK. The TADS ball on ZJ166, also rotated inward. I was a little suprised that by September the last part of the aircraft that had remained off-limits to photography was no longer restricted. I had to ask a couple of times just to make sure! This is the front cockpit on ZJ166 and is the gunners/co-pilot position. Photographing the rear pilots cockpit was a little more difficult given the added height and the low steps. With two high profile books recently published giving details of AAC Apache operations in Afghanistan it was becoming rather hard to justify the previous obsessive secrecy concerning the Apache force at Wattisham. High shot looking down on the cockpit of another Apache. My thanks to the guides, SSgt Wharmby and Major Fennema (on a three year posting from the 101st AAD, USAR and whose spouse is a superb aviation artist), 662 Sqn, Army Air Corps and their parent unit, 3 Regiment for another excellent visit. Looking back through hangar 5 with 4 visible behind. Apaches are generally parked in the hangars nose in.

Published in Gary Stedman aviation photography

]]> Tue Feb 3 2009 Mildenhall/Lakenheath in 2008. http://gary-stedman.fotopic.net/c1642958.html Further shots taken at RAF Mildenhall and Lakenheath in 2008. Many of these shots will have been taken over the week or late afternoon's during the summer. Mildenhall still remains a very quiet airfield, with most transiting US aircraft venturing further afield. Saturday 24 January 2009: Further shots taken at RAF Mildenhall and Lakenheath in 2008. Many of these shots will have been taken over the week or late afternoon's during the summer. Mildenhall still remains a very quiet airfield, with most transiting US aircraft venturing further afield.

Grand Forks KC-135R inbound to Mildenhall on a saturday morning. Another saturday morning and another KC-135R, this time a Air National Guard example from Alaska. Aircraft shows interesting nose art in this close shot. Following a few minutes behind the Alaskan KC-135R was this Ramstein C-21, calling 'Space 01'. I eventually found out that callsign is assigned to the general in command of Air Force Space Command. A bright saturday morning and a ANG KC-135 coming off the other end. Seemingly as regular as a airline, if nothing else turns up on a saturday, a McConnell KC-135R always comes into Mildenhall. This was quite a suprise during a sunny saturday at Mildenhall today. A C-32B, calling 'Hertz 72' inbound on 11 for a very quick turnaround before departing less than a hour after arriving. Although you don't want to jump to conclusions (that can be left to the media), and after doing some research into the aircraft's history, you cannot help but wonder what this aircraft was doing. The C-32B on final approach into Mildenhall. The only visible indication of ownership is the national flag on the rear fuselage, and the serial it displays; '24452', which is presumably meant to indicate the aircraft is listed as 02-4452, a completely out of sequence serial for a FY02 airframe. Two of these are apparently listed as being with the 227th Special Operations Flight at McGuire AFB, a unit subordinate to the ANG tanker wing based there. The flight's task is published as supporting US Foreign Emergency Support Teams (FEST) operating overseas. Both of the C-32Bs used to fly on civilian registrations for the DoD, which have since been cancelled. Photo's on the web show these aircraft at various european airports, and this one is quoted as having visited Mildenhall (no pics) once before. A interesting puzzle, but if they really intend on keeping a low profile, then coming into a UK airbase on a lovely saturday lunchtime was not the best thing to do - this aircraft has probably been photographed more times today than in it's entire prior existence! There must be a rotation of Alaskan ANG KC-135Rs flying transport sorties across the pond at the moment, as this was the second I've seen in les than month. This one has the AAC style 'AK' codes on the fin. Ramstein C-21s from the 76th Airlift Squadron are frequent visitors, flying VIPs around europe. Unlike RC-135's and most of the KC-135's remaining in service, the USAF has not re-engined the E-3 fleet, even stranger when you conside the RAF and the French Air Force E-3s were delivered with CFM-56s. The old. smoky TF33s can be seen here as 'Shuck 85' arrives on 11 at Mildenhall. Arriving late in the afternoon, the glossy light grey scheme in use on USAF E-3s reflects the light on the fuselage. 'Shuck 85' a few seconds from touchdown. The majority of the fleet is based at Tinker AFB, in Oklahoma. I've often seen one of these parked on the RC-135 ramp at Mildenhall, but have been lucky enough to photograph one before. At last. The Open Skies treaty allows for unhindered over flights of all signatories territory by other nations surveillance aircraft, providing the aircraft meet the treaty requirements. The USAF currently uses a pair of OC-135s for this duty. Also very lucky to get such a gorgeous contrast, nice white upper works contrasting against the dark storms clouds that were ever present on this saturday. One of several Travis C-17As deployed to Mildenhall at the moment arriving back after a sortie. This jet still carries the 'Lets Roll' artwork on the nose although as a 2006 Fiscal year jet it is relatively new. With the temporary airbridge at Mildenhall in full swing, civil transports under contract are arriving daily from the US, while the deployed C-17s from Charleston and Travis are then tasked with transferring the cargo at this end of the airbridge. FedEx MD-11s are just one of the many types seen at Mildenhall in recent weeks. One problem with using a powerful lens like the Canon 100-400 L is that you cannot zoom back when the subject comes in close. The kit lens in most recent Canon DSLRs is a cheap 18-55 EF lens, which for the rigours of aviation photography is not really up to the job, partially because of its slow focusing and it's annoying habit of 'hunting' at the wrong moment. I needed a better lens, espically as a lot of my photography is conducted on the well known 'mound' at the 29 approach end at Mildenhall, where heavies like the C-17 and even the KC-135 are too close to frame with a 100mm lens on a digital conversion. I have just acquired a 28-135 IS USM which plugs the gap perfectly and this C-17 was the first subject taken with it. The quality compares well with the other C-17 (Travis markings) shot on the 100-400 L lens from a nearby location a hour earlier. One of a very few C-17s arriving at Mildenhall that I've managed to photograph. I tend to get them in the dark or something goes wrong with the exposure. Charleston C-17A 03-3124 landing on runway 29 at Mildenhall. The 28-135mm lens allows you to follow a heavy all the way in from the mound at Mildenhall, something I could not do on a 100-400. The cloudscapes on this day made a wonderful backdrop, and most unusually did not get in the way at the wrong times. I couldn't resist putting another one in of this Charleston C-17A arriving at Mildenhall on saturday afternoon. Cropped this as little as possible to show the storm clouds that day. From Arizona to the UK, and arriving just as a heavy hailstorm passes overhead, this Arizona ANG KC-135R surely lands in different weather to what it left behind. A very lucky shot this, as the sun briefly appeared for just a few seconds at exactly the right time. Grand Forks KC-135R's are common visitors when performing transport flights backing up the dedicated transport types. Taken on a new short range lens, bought specifcally for close range work at Mildenhall, when the 100-400 would not give a wide enough angle for the above shot. The first of two Ramstein C-21 Learjets to arrive at Mildenhall one saturday afternoon. The type photographs well at this angle. Second Learjet a little while later. USAF reserve C-130H arriving at Lakenheath on a saturday afternoon, which is quite unusual. The first standard US transport C-130 I have photographed for years as I always seem to miss them. Another rare combination is a RAF C-130 landing at Mildenhall on a bank holiday monday. The aircraft made several paradrops over the disused Scunthorpe airfield. 10 Louisiana Air National Guard F-15A/C's arrived at Lakenheath for a short overnight stay before departing to Hungary for a exercise. Unusually, no two seat B or D models were amongst the Eagles, which consisted of five of each A and later C variants. The C models were former Kadena based 18th Wing jets from Okinawa. Not suprisingly, the sun was mostly absent from the early evening arrival on runway 06 at Lakenheath. Being a Air National Guard unit, the 122nd Fighter Squadron carry more flamboyant markings than the regular USAF. Three external tanks and a training AIM-9X round were the standard fit. This jet also shows tail markings for the 159th Operations Group. Predictably, the sun started to appear as the last jet landed! A single KC-135R was the only arrival on a quiet thursday afternoon. This airframe shows tail markings for the recently defunct 19th Air Refuelling Group and has been reassigned elsewhere. Another quiet day with just another single KC-135R, this time from one of the usual units seen at Mildenhall. The black tail strip shows Fairchild. 494 FS jet with the brake out just over the fence at Lakenheath. Not very often recently have we had a sky like that. Another dirty looking 494th FS jet. A gentle bank onto runway 24 at Lakenheath for this 492nd FS F-15E after returning from a quick local sortie. This late production two-seat F-15E is on the break overhead Lakenheath. The 48th Fighter Wing operates three squadron's (two E's and a C/D sqn). Ironically, the day this was taken, the local press led with a story speculating they might finally be on the move away from the UK. Another E model on the turn. The 48th only generally flies a few sorties on a friday morning, and this was one of eight out early today taking advantage of the unusually good weather. I was hoping speculation that the ANG F-15s currently in europe were dropping in this morning enroute home was accurate. Unfortunately not. No tanks on this 492nd F-15E landing at Lakenheath. Quite harsh lighting at this time of the year. A little better at this angle. The best shot yet I've got of a HH-60 from the 56th RQS at Lakenheath. Having spent some time during the last two years trying to catch a good, bright shot of one of these monsters returning Apache's to Wattisham airfield, it was a welcome suprise to see this beastie arrive at RAF Lakenheath. Several An-124 flights have been seen into the USAF base next door at Mildenhall but haven't heard of one into Lakenheath for a very long time. The pic shows the Volga-Dnepr An-124 just hoping over the main road (which must have caused a few suprises) onto 24 at Lakenheath.

Published in Gary Stedman aviation photography

]]> Sat Jan 24 2009 Visits to Joint Force Harrier at Cottesmore. http://gary-stedman.fotopic.net/c1588157.html I've been meaning to get up here for quite a while now. Cottesmore has a good reputation as a friendly and very accessible airfield for photography, but is also known be very quiet with little activity from the based Harriers while the Afghanistan commitment is ongoing. A friday morning is also not the best time to visit a RAF station but activity was quite good considering. Wednesday 1 October 2008: I've been meaning to get up here for quite a while now. Cottesmore has a good reputation as a friendly and very accessible airfield for photography, but is also known be very quiet with little activity from the based Harriers while the Afghanistan commitment is ongoing. A friday morning is also not the best time to visit a RAF station but activity was quite good considering.

First departure of the morning, this 4 Sqn marked jet rolling on the Cottesmore runway. Same jet after landing and taxying out to runway 22 again. Gives a idea as to how close to the fence the taxiway is. Not many twin-sticks are flying at the moment, as most of the survivors are ungoing conversion from T.10 to T.12. This was possibly the only example flying with the Cottesmore units. Besides practise bomb carriers the aircraft is completely clean of stores. The '02' code on the fin shows this was the second Harrier II built for the RAF, and has therefore been upgraded from GR5 to GR7, and finally to GR9 standard. It also carries the new lighter grey scheme. Another 4 Sqn jet taxying out with drop tanks and the BOZ chaff adaptor rails fitted on the AIM-9 Sidewinder pylons. Returning to the hover over the 22 threshold before landing on. The fence that curves around the taxiway allows for some early morning straight down the nose shots. Later on, the sun moving to the left prevents this. The new colour scheme looks nice, but it is a pain to photograph against a bright sky, which is presumably what it's meant to do! Waiting at the hold short. Cottesmore certainly is a nice place to take pictures. The two-seater returning, this was the only jet seen in 1 Sqn markings during the morning. Close up while holding. Pilot wouldn't wave unfortunately. Not noticed at the time was the Sniper targetting pod under the fuselage. The Harrier fleet have used the old TIALD pod for some years but now have acquired this far more modern pod which is rarely seen in the UK. Whichever pod is fitted, it's under the fuselage in place of one of the ventral strakes which is also where the gun pods would have been if the MoD had been capable of competent procurement. ZD348/26 is the last of the GR7 variants still flying. The aircraft is carrying LGB mission marks from service with the Harrier detachment in Kandahar. When carrying out a conventional rolling landing at Cottesmore, the Harriers pass only a few feet over the low fence. This is certainly a place to be careful when visiting. 'Striker 16', a Harrier GR9 from 20 Sqn at nearby Wittering on the approach. Although Cottesmore houses all the UK's operational Harrier units (both RAF and FAA), the small training unit, 20(R) Sqn is still the only flying unit based at RAF Wittering, which is only a few miles away. How this odd arrangement escapes the MoD bean counters (Cottesmore is hardly too busy to take the whole fleet!) has been a mystery for many years. Just at the point of tuchdown. Harrier passing over the top showing how dirty the undersides can become on this type, as well as all the various stores stations. A Slingsby Firefly from the Joint Elementary Flying Training School at nearby RAF Barkston Heath on the Cottesmore approach. Second visit on another friday morning. This Wittering based T12 is taxying out for a runway 23 departure at Cottesmore. Back seater is in a good mood. A clean GR9A going up for a short airtest over the field before returning. With several new panels and no markings this looks like it's just out of overhaul. Upon returning to the overhead for some hover work I can see why it's in for overhaul. It's recently completed a tour of Afghanistan with the deployed squadron at Kandahar. A close up of the nose. After some research it looks like the two rows of bombs depict the ground and airburst versions of the standard UK 540lb freefall bomb, while the other insignia depicts the two variants of CRV-7 unguided rockets. Paveway LGB/GPS guided bombs are also in use intheatre but this airframe lacks those markings. I've backed off for a more normal shot on the last approach. From his comms on the radio, sounded like the aircraft was being flown by a USMC exchange pilot. Although unmarked the aircraft is being operated by 4 Squadron, which was the only unit at home on the friday morning I was there. This GR9 has the full set of 4 Squadron markings. The aircraft are in the standard training configuration for UK sorties. This is one of the best aspects of photography at Cottesmore. If they're landing from the East, you can walk right around the edge of the field to the very end of the runway beside the lights, and they'll clear the fence by a few feet - literally! This is one of the airfields where you do not stand on the fence under the approach...

Published in Gary Stedman aviation photography

]]> Wed Oct 1 2008 Warbirds 2008: Rougham airshow and Duxford Flying Legends. http://gary-stedman.fotopic.net/c1578087.html The little known show at Rougham is one of the best kept secrets on the UK airshow scene. Given some decent weather, the opportunites for photography here are superb. It also happens to be my nearest annual airshow. 2008 saw some decent weather for the most part. In contrast Duxford Flying Legends was plagued by grey skies, a visit to photograph the visit of US based B-17 'Liberty Belle' earlier in the week prior to the Legends show ended in frustation when the photographs were, for the most part, unusable. Saturday 13 September 2008: The little known show at Rougham is one of the best kept secrets on the UK airshow scene. Given some decent weather, the opportunites for photography here are superb. It also happens to be my nearest annual airshow. 2008 saw some decent weather for the most part. In contrast Duxford Flying Legends was plagued by grey skies, a visit to photograph the visit of US based B-17 'Liberty Belle' earlier in the week prior to the Legends show ended in frustation when the photographs were, for the most part, unusable.

Returning to her temporary home for her european tour, 'Liberty Belle' on finals at Duxford after a visit to the former USAF base at Bentwaters. Her colour scheme is such a contrast to the Duxford based B-17 'Sally B'. Historic Aircraft Collection's Hurricane XII taxying out for a practise display at Duxford late on a thursday afternoon prior to the weekend's big Flying Legends display. What a time to mess your photography up! Some lovely early evening light as she taxied in, and what I expected to be some gorgeous close up pics as well. After I'd left Duxford, I found a smear on my close up lens had made virtually every shot unusable. This one has been salvaged as much as possible. By far the biggest collection of warbirds at Duxford (and the UK) is The Fighter Collection, who own a airworthy, Wildcat, Hellcat and Bearcat. The Wildcat carries Royal Navy markings, is which service it was called the Martlett. Here landing at Duxford on the thursday prior to the Flying Legends show. French registered (F-AZKU) P-40 at Duxford for the warbirds show about to depart. This is a new one on me, as I can't recall seeing it before. Another shot from that gorgeous thursday afternoon that has been repaired as much as was possible. This was one of the few times I never looked at the images on the camera until I got home - what a time to do that and not notice the error! Unfortunately the actual Flying Legends show was far too cluttered to get the shots again, and the weather was nowhere as good. Still, the opportunity to shoot three B-17s in the same line up was a chance not to be missed. Add some WWII actors and kit and crop the picture to remove most of the modern backdrop and finally edit the image in black & white and hopefully it's pretty convincing as 1944. For the record we have the French 'Pink Lady', 'Liberty Belle' and the resident 'Sally B', which unfortunately was only fitted with three engines! Nope, the weather was nowhere near as good. 'Liberty Belle' was joined by two local P-51D's for the show on sunday. This may well have been 'Pink Lady's' last trip across the channel to a Duxford show as the aircraft is becoming to expensive to operate. Visiting Norwegian DC-3 looked good with it's silver finish. Three Stearmans arriving prior to the Rougham airshow. It's actually a vic of three, but the nearest had to get chopped off as I couldn't zoom back far enough with the 100-400. A Fournier RF4D performing at the Rougham show. The strange shape of a Pilatus P2 taking off at Rougham. Don't know why, but I've never really liked the look of these. Maybe because it seems strange that the a piston engined trainer could be converted into a turbo jet trainer (the Jet Provost). At least it caught the sun nicely. Three quarter scale SE5A replica taking part in a Great War dogfight. While the port side of the aircraft carries 100 Sqn markings and the codes, 'HW-R', the starboard side shows the markings for 550 Sqn and it's codes 'BQ-B'. Two hours before the start of the 2008 Rougham airshow it was still overcast and raining hard, yet it clearly just in time to catch some good pictures.The best thing about the show is the top side banking passes usally seen at the corner of the crowdline. At last - a decent shot of the BBMF Lanc showing the 'Phantom of the Ruhr' markings to good effect. Alister Kay closed last years event with a quite stunning performance in MH434, this year he brought the OFMC's P-51. Unsuprisingly, the display was a little more subdued. I'm all for good low-level displays, but last years show closing performance was a little too scary! Two P-51D's were present this year, both looking good in the sunlight. Another one of a P-51, but I like the artwork that can't be seen on the other shot. It seems like the few Me-108's flying on the circuit as destined to always play the part of the airshow baddie. It was planned that two would be here for the show, but the other airframe was damaged the weekend before during a wheels up landing, thankfully, with no injury as is supposedly repairable. The trees behind Rougham's grass runway always makes for a nice backdrop. It really is one of the most delightful places to take pics at! Take off for the OFMC P-51D. OFMC Mustang performed a series of high speed passes but would not catch the light right. This was the best I could get. I believe a first. For 2008 Rougham got a flypast by the Red's as they passed through. A added bonus was the unusual 10 ship formation as red 10 was also present. Coming from behind the crowdline, the stormy skies made for a interesting sky scape. It was a spot of luck that the single pass was directly overhead. Yes, it's them again. Wattisham's SAR flight can always be relied upon to make a brief call at their local show as well. Apparently, the aircraft had gone 'tech' in the morning while on a job, but still managed to make a belated flypast down the crowdline. ZH544 has been with the flight for nearly a year and must be due for a change over soon. At least the weather was a little better this year. In 2007, they flew past in the middle of a rain storm. Our local, Suffolk based aerobatic pilot, Nigel Willson put in his usual appearance at Rougham with his yellow and white Yak. Topsides showing his sponsors. I suppose I shouldn't complain as the sun was about for most of the day, but why o why, couldn't it have hung around a little longer? BBMF Spitfire IX Mk356 has lost the old standard colour scheme this year in favour of the silver scheme worn by a Italian based aircraft for fighter-bomber duties in 1944. Would have looked lovely with a little sun....!

Published in Gary Stedman aviation photography

]]> Sat Sep 13 2008 Recent visits to Marham and the 2008 base families day. http://gary-stedman.fotopic.net/c1577958.html A long overdue update of shots from RAF Marham. These include a few from the 2008 families day but mostly are shots from the approach at either end. Still not the easiest place to take pics and just as quiet as it's always been. Maybe the planned replacement of the Afghanistan Harrier detachment in 2009 by Tornado GR4's will mean a increase in flying as the squadrons train for the changeover. Saturday 13 September 2008: A long overdue update of shots from RAF Marham. These include a few from the 2008 families day but mostly are shots from the approach at either end. Still not the easiest place to take pics and just as quiet as it's always been. Maybe the planned replacement of the Afghanistan Harrier detachment in 2009 by Tornado GR4's will mean a increase in flying as the squadrons train for the changeover.

2 Sqn are celebrating their 95th anniversary this year, so a Tornado GR4 at Marham has been painted up to give them a special marked jet, all four GR4 squadrons at Marham now have one. Jet is on the 24 approach. What the powers that be seem to want the RAF Tornado GR4 fleet to look like in the future. Hopefully, as has frequently been the case in the past, some form of insignia will return. One of the six new Merlins acquired from the Danish order and diverted to the RAF to meet the critical shortfall of rotary transport assets. At the time of the photo this was the only one to have flown and did a single overshoot at Marham on this friday morning before returning to RAF Benson where it will become part of 78 Sqn, now reforming in the UK. The nose is different on these HC3A's compared to the standard RAF HC3. ZA597/063 shows evidence of recent swapping of panels with another airframe. Another GR4 from the same flight turning in sharply onto the 24 approach. Lead ship in "Rocket" flight on the bank and inbound to RAF Marham. This jet shows the typical configuration of RAF Tornado GR4s at the moment - completely blank besides the new style tail code which is specific to the airframe rather than a sqn code. The colourful days are on the way out. The last of a flight of three Tornado GR4s returning to Marham. "Rocket" was the callsign, so indicated a flight from 31 Sqn, one of four GR4 units at the Norfolk Tornado hub. "Rocket 3" actually shows markings for 617 Sqn at Lossiemouth in Scotland and is one of very few GR4s in RAF service to retain any markings at all. This was a friday in Norfolk of contrasting weather. Bright sunshine followed by very heavy showers which threw some interesting lighting up for photographing Tornado's. On this November morning several 13 Sqn jets were returning from a exercise at Kinloss. A few minutes after this shot it became very wet! Two GR4's shot against the changeable weather on a Friday morning in November. The light is reflecting nicely off the tail of the 31 Sqn special jet. The large store under the fuselage (but always carried offcentre on one of three fuselage stations) is a RAPTOR pod, the next generation in recce pods for RAF Tornados. Although it has been in use for several years, the pod has not - as yet - proven to be very reliable and has not, I believe, been formally cleared yet for widespread service. Taken on a very cold and bitter November morning on 06 at Marham. Tight visual circuits at Marham seem to be the normal at either of the runway. A 13 Sqn Tornado GR4 turning tight onto 06 at Marham on a cold November morning. Several of the Marham Tornado's retained 13 Sqn markings despite the majority of the fleet going unmarked in recent times. Perhaps a stand is being made by this unit and this daft order is quietly forgotten about. 06 approach at Marham on a friday morning. A gaggle of 13 Sqn GR4s arrived, returning from exercise 'Neptune Warrior' in Scotland. This one pulled a few circuits tight, showing it's top sides off. The very changeable light on this stormy day brought out some nice colours. As well as four frontline Tornado GR4/4A squadrons. Marham is also home to the joint RAF/BAe Tornado engineering flight which carry's out major depot level servicing of RAF GR4s. Stripped of stores and markings and looking clean, this airframe is returning from a post servicing test flight. Tarnish is a BAe callsign used by BAe crews at both Marham and Warton. A new aerial under the rear fuselage is a bit of mystery though... According to my info, Dominie XS712 was delivered to the RAF on the 28th August, 1965 and with it's sisters on 55(R) Sqn will have to do quite a few more years as yet. Based at the RAF college of Cranwell, these conduct non-pilot aircrew training for the RAF and are maintained by Serco. This one was photographed landing at Marham for a brief friday lunchtime visit. 55 Sqn used to be one of the two Victor tanker Sqn's stationed at Marham for many years. Another jet showing markings for one of the Lossiemouth units. In this case, 12 Sqn. While 617 Sqn, the famous 'Dambusters' operate a group of unmarked and unanimous Tornado GR4s up at Lossiemouth, what looks like the only jet still left in complete 617 Sqn markings is being operated by the Marham based GR4 sqn's. Unusually, many of the Tornado's were operating without wing tanks - a configuration rare for RAF GR4s. The short duration sorties were probably local ACM missions. Another ACM configured jet. A strange mix of markings here, the Bat emblem represents Marham's 9 Sqn, while the format of the codes suggests 15(R) Sqn from Lossiemouth. I last saw and photographed 2 Sqn's anniversary bird late last year so it's nice to see it still marked up and more importantly clean! Coming in as 'Spartan 1', the jet is carrying a TIALD pod on the centreline. RAF Tucano taxying into the small static park at the Marham families day. Went for a bit of prop blur. A pretty standard looking GR4 at the Marham families day, supposedly set up for kids to sit in the cockpit although I don't remember that happening. Originally started with a single Bo.105, the East Anglian Air Ambulance service now uses two BK 117s for a comprehensive coverage of the East Anglian counties. My first opportunity to see Vulcan XH588 flying since being restored to flying status. Unfortunately, the facing sun and short display routine didn't allow for much of a chane to get a good shot. This is the best of a bad bunch. Second jet was a little more typically marked, meaning next to nothing. First two jets back on a brief visit in September were a Rafair flight of two - including 9 Sqn's Tornado anniversary aircraft - returning from overseas, complete with baggage pods. Although no longer used on the frontline, the TIALD pod is still used for training purposes and is fitted under the fuselage on this jet. ZA370 is a GR4A, although the designation means little nowadays as the internal camera fit (window behind the roundel) is no longer operationally used, the Reconnaissance Airborne Pod for Tornado (RAPTOR) seen here offset under the fuselage is the usual replacement, although another smaller pod is also in use - formerly used by the defunct Jaguar force.

Published in Gary Stedman aviation photography

]]> Sat Sep 13 2008 Coningsby 2008 trips. http://gary-stedman.fotopic.net/c1577905.html Pictures from the first two visits in 2008 to the old favourite. A few changes to the Typhoon fleet here have taken place since my last visits in late 2007 although there seems to be a gradual slow down in the working up of the Typhoon fleet now that a deployment to Afghanistan is no longer imminent. The FGR4 variant is now becoming quite common. Saturday 13 September 2008: Pictures from the first two visits in 2008 to the old favourite. A few changes to the Typhoon fleet here have taken place since my last visits in late 2007 although there seems to be a gradual slow down in the working up of the Typhoon fleet now that a deployment to Afghanistan is no longer imminent. The FGR4 variant is now becoming quite common.

The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Dakota was the first movement early in the morning shortly after my arrival at Coningsby. She's on the ORP and swinging around for departure. First Typhoon flight of the day, with 'Razor' on the southern taxiway heading for runway 25. This new RAF anniversary logo 'sticker' has started to appear on many aircraft in recent months, including some absurd examples like underneath the extremely large 'Royal Air Force' text on C-17s! It's appearance on frontline fast jets (even OCU aircraft) seems out of place. By all means apply a special paint job, but a tacky looking sticker?? If rumours that the Typhoon's skin is so sensitive that repaints are a definite no, then leave the logos to MacDonald's please. Turning onto runway 25, ZJ930/AA is departing for some general handling before heading into Waddington Airshow - well, that was the plan anyway! 17 Sqn's lead jet showing a rare example of a Typhoon launching in afterburner. The airframe was the first block 5 aircraft delivered and is carrying a full (although hardly operational!) load of Paveway laser-guided bombs. Heading for the RAF Benson families day, the 11 Sqn twin stick T1 taxies past the fenceline from the shelter compex. Another jet heading for the weekend show at Waddington, this 41 Sqn Tornado GR4 is sporting TIALD and Brimstone missiles under the fuselage. 29 Sqn's twin sticks are still going strong, despite looking rather dirty at times. Many have gained the RAF 'branding' logo under the roundel. The bosses jet from 11 Sqn landing back after a short early morning sortie as a two-section, callsign 'Havoc'. The first time I'd caught a 11 Sqn FGR4 landing with the infra-red sensor turret on the good side. This is one jet that has avoided me so far and has become quite a celebrity. ZJ932/DB was the jet photographed against a Tu-95 amidst great publicity during a QRA sortie last year. Returning on 25 at Coningsby and showing off the Lightening targetting pod as well as the six LGB's and two ASRAAM's. After flying a local sortie the aircraft was due to recover to Waddington for the weekend airshow but came back when they could not fit him in - a good bonus. The block 5 upgraded aircraft with a inital air-to-ground capability can be identified by the large infra-red blister on the left hand side of the forward fuselage. Strangely, not all nationalities recieving Typhoon's will have this capability; the Luftwaffe has deleted this sensor from all it's aircraft. 11 Sqn F2 heading out from the shelter complex for it's second sortie of the day. One of the frequent visitors to the Coningsby circuit from nearby Cranwell can be seen overshooting behind. The Typhoon T3 is the twin stick version of the upgraded FGR4, and ZJ815/AY is the first aircraft to be delivered to that standard and no others have been upgraded yet, only single-seat F2's to FGR4s. Second shot of ZJ815/AY. The stores pylons inboard of the fuel tanks are not a common sight yet, although as the air-to-ground role becomes increasingly important will probably be seen more. A small number of Islanders are operated by the RAF as the Northolt Station Flight. A unassuming name that hids the clandestine surveillance role these aircraft are believed to undertake. Using a RAF transport 'Ascot' callsign, this Islander CC2A has been flying daily missions out of Coningsby for several weeks now. The new dual-role block 5 FGR4 standard is also a upgrade that has started to appear on on some of the earlier F2 airframes, of which this is one of the first to reappear at Coningsby from the BAe plant at Warton. Another 0f 41 Sqn's Tornado GR4s arriving back. Unfortunately not carrying anything unusual. A close up of the nose of ZJ932/DB shows four silhouettes. At first the two Tu-95 'Bear' marks were added following last year's intercept and recently a pair of Tu-160 'Blackjack' markings were also applied following a second QRA intercept. The FGR4 upgrade at Warton takes a long time, so the sqn's are understrength while as many as 6/7 airframes are away for the update. 'Typhoon 55' turning onto runway 25 at Coningsby, heading for the Waddington airshow at the second attempt. Gives a good view of all the stores. My second visit a few weeks later. Unfortunately it was the middle of the typical summer leave season so very little flying took place. Luckily, there was a few visitors. Somebody clearly enjoys their job - note the backseater. 'Nugget 1' was one of a pair of Hawks assigned to the RAF Centre of Aviation Medicine that are based down at RAF Boscombe Down. Here caught on approach to RAF Coningsby on a very quiet morning. The second CAM Hawk, flown single seat landing on runway 25 at Coningsby. It's always the way. The same jets seem to fly every day, while the more elusive one's sit in the shelters all the time - or worse, get reduced to a spares source in the main hangars and never fly! The latest Typhoon FGR4 update to be delivered back to the RAF at Coningsby from the BAe line at Warton. ZJ917/QO-G turning on the 07 threshold at Coningsby. The first jet of a 3(F) Sqn four ship back late that afternoon, QO-G is loaded with ASRAAM practise rounds, wing tanks and a rare capture of a Lightening III targeting pod being carried on the centreline. The same jet taxying off as a standard F2 rolls out behind. Given the state of the paint finish, and the fact that ZJ917 has only recently returned from a long stay with BAe at Warton, they clearly don't bother to repaint or even clean the jets! With the sun having gone around late in the afternoon, the best opportunity for pics was up the step ladder down at the opposite end to catch the returning flights as they rolled out. Apparently they don't like the Typhoon's foreplanes to be called canards - RAF crews think it sounds far to French! It's usual practise to rotate these forwards to brake the aircraft during rollout, then back to normal while taxying and after shut down rotating them forwards again! Another Typhoon F2 at Coningsby on the main runway. These were taken as far down the runway as I thought possible, given the heat haze on such a hot day. The liney's at Coningsby certainly seem to be a cheery lot! Mind you, they probably think this is a rather strange hobby! FGR4 also shot down the runway with the distinctive IRST showing. The green tinge from inside the cockpit is the Head Up display. This jet is quite new, being one of the last FGR4's delivered to 11 Sqn yet looks a bit worn, with the code already peeling off and several patch's showing primer through. Not the easiest of shots to judge with the heavy heat haze. 11 Sqn are responsible for working up the air-to-ground capability of the Typhoon FGR4 variant. This example is fitted with a Lightening targeting pod on the centreline station. Turning off and into the Southern taxiway loop which leads to both of Coningsby's shelter complexes.

Published in Gary Stedman aviation photography

]]> Sat Sep 13 2008 Duxford May show & Biggin Hill 2008 http://gary-stedman.fotopic.net/c1540581.html Two early shows from the 2008 calender. Duxford was the usual season opener and Biggin Hill is the first show which the RAF commit to with the majority of it's displays acts. Sunday 6 July 2008: Two early shows from the 2008 calender. Duxford was the usual season opener and Biggin Hill is the first show which the RAF commit to with the majority of it's displays acts.

First appearance by the RAF Typhoon for the 2008 season. Like last year, it displayed in the murk Golden Apple's F-86A turning out at Duxford. One day I will get a good topside pic of this aircraft. Three Spitfire's finishing up the opening May show at Duxford. A MkV leads two MkIX's, one a two-seater. Contrasting weather showed the various colour scheme's to good effect. As is the norm at a Duxford show, the last item on the prgramme was warbird beat-up of the airfield. Two of three Spitfire's running in. Historic Aircraft Collection's Spitfire banking over. Old Flying Machine Company MkIX Spitfire landing after the display. The Grace two-seat MkIX also landing. Finally, the HAC MkV Spitfire landing also landing after the display. Over the Biggin Hill show and the RAF Chinook lifting for it's first appearance of the day, as a taxi for The Falcons parachute team. The OFMC used to be a major force in UK based warbirds for many years, with a large jet and WWII collection at Duxford, The tragic death of Mark Hanna some years ago, the transfer of much of their operation to New Zealand and the recent death of Ray Hanna has seen the collection reduced to just the two aircraft seen here in the UK. P-51D 'Ferocious Frankie' and Spitfire MH434 during some very tight formation aerobatics at Biggin Hill. Bright blue skies - not that common for yet another air show season in the UK! Powering through the smoke from the pyrotechnics that announced it's arrival on the UK airshow scene, the British Army Apache has finally arrived, hopefully for good. It has made a number of minor appearances at shows since it entered service in 2000, but this year looks like the first time it will appear at most of the major events. The 30mm cannon is demonstrated to the crowd. It seemed that the Apache was the most anticipated and talked about act at the Biggin Hill Air Fair yesterday - it's easy to forget how rare they are around the UK when they're over your house virtually every couple of hours! Four inert blue Hellfire rounds make up the stores on the lower pylons. These were all taken during the newly revamped Blue Eagles display. The four Gazelles have been retired so it's now a duo of the Lynx and Apache. Side slipping down the crowdline, showing off the 30mm chain gun and TADS sight combination to good effect. Pitching forward. AAC Apache in reverse. ZJ219 is flown by 673 Sqn at Middle Wallop, the Apache conversion unit and the only AAC Apache unit not based at Wattisham. Their training aircraft generally lack the HIDAS operational fit. Exiting stage left.... Not that common at UK shows much nowadays, which means it's been a while since I've seen a Mirage 2000 display. I'd forgotten how good these are as a display aircraft, even though they perhaps lack the manoeuvrability of, say a F-16 or next generation fighter, they make up for it in presence and power. A superb display at Biggin Hil by the Armée de l'Air. Sea Hawk WV908 is flown by the Royal Navy Historic Flight. The aircraft has had a eventful history, having been grounded several time for quite serious repairs. The Navy helicopter display team, 'The Black Cat's' brought a pair of unmarked HAS.3s to Biggin Hill, rather than there display aircraft. The second Lynx HAS.3. I found it difficult to get a sharp picture of the pair as they performed there routine. A little better. Always a difficult shot to get this. Given the depth of field required for both helicopters, you have to use a very slow shutter speed. As is the norm, 4 FTS at Valley have painted a Hawk in a flash colour scheme for the show season. They've gone slightly more flash than normal because of the RAF's 90th Anniversary year. XX325 departing at Biggin Hill. This Dc-6 is from Air Atlantique at Coventry and put on a spirited performance for such a large aircraft.

Published in Gary Stedman aviation photography

]]> Sun Jul 6 2008 Typhoon! QRA and Italian Tiffie's at Coningsby. http://gary-stedman.fotopic.net/c1508085.html Two days back-to-back upto one of my favourite haunts at Coningsby. Finding two available days which promised at least reasonable weather in the summer of 2007 was going to be difficult but the prospect of a small detachment of Italian Air Force Typhoons was to much to resist. A massive bonus was the launch and recovery of the two armed QRA aircraft from 3 Sqn on the second day, barely a few weeks after standing up. A further visit on a cold, but clear day in October saw the QRA jets returning following a practise scramble. Saturday 10 May 2008: Two days back-to-back upto one of my favourite haunts at Coningsby. Finding two available days which promised at least reasonable weather in the summer of 2007 was going to be difficult but the prospect of a small detachment of Italian Air Force Typhoons was to much to resist. A massive bonus was the launch and recovery of the two armed QRA aircraft from 3 Sqn on the second day, barely a few weeks after standing up. A further visit on a cold, but clear day in October saw the QRA jets returning following a practise scramble.

11 Sqn were aggressively working up with daily training flights despite only operating a small number of aircraft. 'DD' was the latest to have been transferred in. Holding short of runway 26. The two Italian Typhoon's were expected late in the afternoon and it was rather suprising they found a small gap in the cloud cover that had built up. Both aircraft were carrying IRIS-T infra-red missiles the Italian's have recently introduced into service. The missile is in a simiar class to the RAF's ASRAAM. 'Rampage' on the taxiway for the mornings first departure's. A year on from first photographing this jet, 'QO-Y' still has not had the righthand side fin decal removed and corrected. Early morning and the first flight taxies out in lovely sunlight. Nice to see that ZJ923 is still flying and has had the tyres changed since my last visit. Another bonus. ZJ910 was the very first single-seater F2 produced for the RAF but was held back by BAe for lighting strike trials and had only just been delivered to Coningsby. I saw this airframe at Warton still in rebuild in November 2006. A few jets now carry twin tanks as a permanet fit. A close up of live ASRAAM infra-red missiles under the wings of one of the QRA jets that launched. A partial view of the active radar AIM-120A/B missiles under the fuselage. The aircraft has supposedly - according to the MoD - deployed with the newer AIM-120C, which is noticeable externally by the smaller fins and can be seen on 493rd FS F-15Cs at Lakenheath. As well as being the older model, they also look rather beaten up! Taxying for departure, ZJ936/QO-S is in the Q fit. Both aircraft departed quickly and returned a few hours later. Another bonus was the lead Typhoon in 'Monkey' flight. ZJ930/AA is the new block 5 jet that was recently delivered having replaced the earlier aircraft with the code. 'Monkey 1' lining up with the second jet behind. Apparently rarely seen locally, but has been out every time I've visited since being delivered. ZJ814 is the two seater assigned to 3 Sqn. 41 Sqn Tornado F3 returning. A few F3s are still based at Coniingsby for trials work. New 29 Sqn F2 operating with 11 Sqn returning. ZJ930 landing. The most noticeable feature of the new block 5 standard is the blister forward of cockpit which contains the infra-red sensor turret, called PIRATE. in time, all earlier airframes should be updated. 'Monkey 2', the other, non IRST aircraft from 17 Sqn landing. 41 Sqn also have several Harriers on strength. Aircraft was also the first I saw in the three fuel tank configuration which still doesn't require a afterburner take-off. 3 Squadron Typhoon overshooting at Coningsby after returning from a Quick Reaction Alert sortie. Four AIM-120A/B active-radar missiles can be seen under the fuselage as well as four ASRAAM infra-red missiles on the outer wing stations. These are live rounds. QRA aircraft landing. Suprisingly, both did several overshoots before staying down. The second QRA launch followed behind. Given the chance, I went for the close up of the live ASRAAM and AMRAAM missiles during one of the overshoots. I've seen a few of these shots straight down the runway and wanted to try it with several Typhoons on the runway. Timing is critical as the forward canard is usually flipped back during roll-out. A close up just caught before the canard is flipped back. Italian Typhoon in the overhead break. The Italian Typhoon's stayed for three days and flew just the one sortie with 29 Sqn. This was the lead aircraft returning from the mixed flight with a friendly backseater! First IAF Typhoon taxying back to the 29 Sqn flightline in the early evening flightline - superb! It looks like a badge has recently been removed from the fin. These pics show that the Italian aircraft are painted a slightly darker grey than RAF aircraft. Spanish airframes are similarly finished. This was probably the best time of the day to photograph the visitors. The QRA jets had launched before I arrived. This is the first on the overhead before landing. It was accompanyed by a USAFE C-21 out of Ramstein which I guess was acting as the simulated 'target'. The same jet recovering on 08 in the very low early moring light. Further around and showing off the live ASRAAM and AMRAAM rounds. ZJ931/DA landing was the first Typoon delivered to 11 Sqn. Only the later jets delivered carry the wing tanks and extra pylons. DXI was the first block 5 on the unit and is marked for OC 11 Sqn. Two further Typhoons can just be made out turning inbound in the top right hand corner. Clos eup of a jet over the field as power is added and it powers away into the circuit. Begining to look a little tatty now, the lead jet on 29 Sqn, ZJ911 needs some touching up on its paint work. One of 29's fleet of two-seat T1s also arriving. 'Tiger 66', a Royal Navy Merlin HM1 landing at the main apron for a quick visit. This was a long range shot heavily cropped in. Another block 5, landing at the 08 end unfortunately hides the nose mounted IR sensor turret from view. Keeping the bank on duringa tight circuit, the single-seat T1 assigned to 3 Sqn arrives. the second QRA jet landing some time after the first had arrived. Showing some slight heat haze from the aircraft infront, this the bosses Typhoon from 11 Sqn with the distinctive sensor (called 'PIRATE') mounted on the nose.

Published in Gary Stedman aviation photography

]]> Sat May 10 2008 Antonov An-124's at Wattisham, 2007 and 2008. http://gary-stedman.fotopic.net/c1492373.html The second weekend of June, 2007 saw the surprise appearance at Wattisham of a pair of Polet Airlines An-124's returning 3 Regiment Apache's from training in the USA. This was by far the largest aircraft to ever land at Wattisham and the first heavy airlifter since two visits by RAF 99 Sqn C-17's some years ago. Word reached the local enthusiasts quite early on, despite inital disbelief that it would actually occur, and a fair crowd gathered for both arrivals. In April 2008, a second Antonov arrived on a wednesday morning bringing back another batch of Apache's from Arizona. Carrying Antonov design bureau markings, this departed on the friday afternoon. Sunday 13 April 2008: The second weekend of June, 2007 saw the surprise appearance at Wattisham of a pair of Polet Airlines An-124's returning 3 Regiment Apache's from training in the USA. This was by far the largest aircraft to ever land at Wattisham and the first heavy airlifter since two visits by RAF 99 Sqn C-17's some years ago. Word reached the local enthusiasts quite early on, despite inital disbelief that it would actually occur, and a fair crowd gathered for both arrivals. In April 2008, a second Antonov arrived on a wednesday morning bringing back another batch of Apache's from Arizona. Carrying Antonov design bureau markings, this departed on the friday afternoon.

The first arrived on the friday lunchtime during heavy rain which stopped just as the aircraft landed. It was somewhat suprising that the crew did not divert with such a low cloud base. The crew seemed rather confused after landing on 23 and did a 180 taxied back upto the 23 end, doing another 180 and taxing back to the 05 end and parking on the 05 ORP. This is the nose door lifting to allow the three Apache's to be unloaded. Parked the friday evening after unloading and even a little sun appeared! After having arrived as 'Polet 800' on Friday, the aircraft departed Saturday morning as 'Polet 803' for Brize Norton. Shot from some distance away from the 23 end at minimal range, the sheer size was obvious. Luckly, the weather was a lot better as well! Overhead at about 2,000 ft, the An-124 turned North a few moments later. A second flight by a different aircraft was expected on the sunday, although the weather had turned again. 'Polet 802' also routed from the USA, via Gander, Canada. The final moments before disappearing behind the fenceline into Wattisham. The two flights were returning Apache's and equipment from 663 sqn's exercise in the US. Hopefully, now it's been demonstrated, there will be more flights into Wattisham. After being parked on the end of the 05 threshold like last year, the An-124 backtracked for a 23 departure. With the sun straight down the runway, a straight down the throat angle seemed the best to go for. Being empty, the Antonov climbed out quickly. If you need to hire one, phone, email and fax details are visible under the nose! The aircraft departed inbetween heavy hailstorms so there was a lot of moisture in the air and was lucky to catch some vapour from the upper surfaces. Departing on 05 at Wattisham late this morning after the fog had cleared. The Volga-Dnepr aircraft was heading for Berlin. This time the climb out was a lot lower than previous attempts.

Published in Gary Stedman aviation photography

]]> Sun Apr 13 2008 2007 Airshows: Duxford autumn show and Rougham airshow. http://gary-stedman.fotopic.net/c1409018.html Two shows that in 2006 gave good opportunities for photography. Rougham is one of the best places in the UK to get some close action with warbirds and the last Duxford show of the year brings some nice lighting in the afternoon - if the weather obliges. Rougham 2007 was very much a washout with it raining throughout the day and Duxford suffered from cloud (usually at the wrong moment). Friday 16 November 2007: Two shows that in 2006 gave good opportunities for photography. Rougham is one of the best places in the UK to get some close action with warbirds and the last Duxford show of the year brings some nice lighting in the afternoon - if the weather obliges. Rougham 2007 was very much a washout with it raining throughout the day and Duxford suffered from cloud (usually at the wrong moment).

One of a pair of Stearman's taxying in after it's display. Peter Teichman's P-40 taking off for it's display. Nigel Willson's Elmsett based Yak-52 taking the top corner of Rougham. Alistair Kaye landing in the OFMC Spitfire MkIX. His later display was 'spirited' to say the least! Both Stearman's turing the corner. Due to a slight misunderstanding, it took Rob Davis two attempts to perform his display but it was worth the wait. Given the awful weather, the best opportunity for photography was during departures. Denny Dobson returned to Rougham again in his striking Extra 300. Autumn display at Duxford and one of the 'Black Cats' duo departing to Mildenhall prior to the flying display with the Belgian F-16 display pilot. During the display. The team operate one each of the major naval Lynx variants. The earlier HAS3 and the FLIR turret equiped HMA8 (commentary please note - not HAS8). HAS3 passing the crowdline. Lack of sunlight made it difficult for photography so only arty shots were really worth showing. BAF F-16AM in burner and on the turn at Duxford. Duxford sometimes lacks variety in it's displays, partly because they have several shows a year and also because of the shrinking number of acts on the circuit. To offset this to some degree, interesting formations are flown. BAF F-16AM, P-51D and Spitfire XVIII. The final break towards the crowdline was one of the moments of the 2007 airshow season. Where was the sun? Ten minutes later it would have been fine!

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]]> Fri Nov 16 2007 2007 visitors to Lakenheath http://gary-stedman.fotopic.net/c1388174.html Photos taken during visits to Lakenheath in 2007. Amongst the highlights so far, have been the deployment of the A-10A's from the 81st Fighter Squadron as their regular base at Spangdahlem, Germany had closed due to runway repairs. A deployment of Turkish Air Force F-16s to Alaska in July also stayed overnight. September saw the Swedish Airforce deploy a number of JAS-39C/D Gripens for a weeks long exercise with the 493rd FS and their F-15C/Ds. Saturday 13 October 2007: Photos taken during visits to Lakenheath in 2007. Amongst the highlights so far, have been the deployment of the A-10A's from the 81st Fighter Squadron as their regular base at Spangdahlem, Germany had closed due to runway repairs. A deployment of Turkish Air Force F-16s to Alaska in July also stayed overnight. September saw the Swedish Airforce deploy a number of JAS-39C/D Gripens for a weeks long exercise with the 493rd FS and their F-15C/Ds.

Straight down the nose on runway 24 and a late afternon arrival. Little closer and a few details can be made out, including the 30mm GAU-8 in the nose. From here onwards, it's a case of duck and turn... ..hopefully catching the back end before is goes behind the fence. Later on in the evening sun from the other side and the aircraft marked for the 81st FS is one of the singletons to arrive. Glinting in the sun. Second jet back caught the sun earlier. I do like the maps pushed forward in the cockpit. Outboard on the right hand side we have a AIM-9L or M model Sidewinder with a AGM-65 Maverick inboard of that. This is the typical training loadout that can usually be seen. I waited a long time that evening for 'Tahoe' flight to return and wasa rather suprised when they came down the ILS in pairs. At least it made for a more interesting sequence of shots. Straight down the side. The second pair arriving, found out later on that this flight had been down to Salisbury Plain. Close up of one of the second pair just before going down behind the treeline. 24 Hours later and the weather was far less kind, which was real shame as they decided to do some pattern work. Not good quality as it was shot at long range but a interesting angle. Closer as they go over the top. Nice Warthog angle as it disappears over the fenceline. One of several Turkish AF F-16C/Ds that arrived at Lakenheath on a saturday morning enroute to the US for a exercise. The markings were quite nice and all the aircraft carried LANTIRN targetting pods on the intake station. The D model caught the sun just at the last moment - unlike the three KC-135Rs that also arrived at the same time. It took three trips upto Lakenheath in one week to finally catch the Gripens in some sunlight. One of the two-seat JAS-39D variants returning in the early evening. Followed by a single-seat JAS-39C. The C/D variants are a next generation model over the original A/B models introduced, which are now stored for sale overseas if buyers can be found. Operating under callsign 'Knight' this early evening return at the 06 end of Lakenheath caught just enough light for these pics. Some of the over airframes were carrying LANTIRN targeting pods under the centreline but these two only carried wing tanks. The opposition returning. 'Pistol' flight from the 493rd FS turning in and catching the late light. This was the first time I had tried to photograph down the 06 end at Lakenheath, and the light was lovely. These F-15Cs were fitted with the usual wingtanks and AIM-9X training rounds usually carried by the type. Also working Mildenhall at the time was this NATO E-3A. As Mildenhall decided to close it's runway for a while (painting!?) it was passed over to Lakenheath tower at the same time as the other flight returned - with the usual comedy routine one expects from Lakenheath/Mildenhall ATC!! Another type that looks good in evening light. A bright friday morning in November and the 48th decides to take the day off! Another NATO E-3 was the only visitor, working both Lakenheath and Mildenhall approaches. Pity it wasn't the specially marked E-3 that NATO was flying in 2007. High overshoot.

Published in Gary Stedman aviation photography

]]> Sat Oct 13 2007 Wattisham follow up gallery http://gary-stedman.fotopic.net/c1358042.html A follow on from the previous Wattisham residents and visitors gallery. From early 2007 all further pictures from my local base will go here - unless something warrants it's own special gallery! I haven't concentrated on Wattisham too much this year for several reasons. Many of the operational residents have been away for much of the first half of the year. Apaches, far more than most types need good sunlight to produce even a half decent picture and the base security force seem to have fallen back into their old ways again making it difficult to spend anytime on the fenceline without being pestered - apparently AAC operations are a secret.....?? Tuesday 28 August 2007: A follow on from the previous Wattisham residents and visitors gallery. From early 2007 all further pictures from my local base will go here - unless something warrants it's own special gallery! I haven't concentrated on Wattisham too much this year for several reasons. Many of the operational residents have been away for much of the first half of the year. Apaches, far more than most types need good sunlight to produce even a half decent picture and the base security force seem to have fallen back into their old ways again making it difficult to spend anytime on the fenceline without being pestered - apparently AAC operations are a secret.....??

At last! Finally, a chance to get up and photograph some of this years visitors. BAe 125 from 32 Sqn at Northolt departing on a friday afternoon. Followed, a few minutes later by a circuit from the Delta Jets owned Folland Gnat. In May 2007, most of the residents at Wattisham were away with little activity so visitors are most welcome. 'Army Air 954' arriving from Dishforth on transfer. No stores are being carried on the pylons. 22 Sqn's Sea King HAR3As are still heavily worked. This is the airframe with the Ipswich crest on the forward fuselage. Hercules from Boscombe Down landing on 23 while carrying out two days of parachute jump trials. A first, I believe, for Wattisham as 'Nato 03' takes advantage of the low tempo of operations at Wattisham to practise a few overshoots. Weather was not conductive to taking pics. Local Apache flight returning on runway 23 to Wattisham. This airframe has the latest sat phone mod on the nose for deployment to Afghanistan. Where as this one has just the defensive aids that have been back fitted to much of the fleet. More AH's returning two days later. How I wish these things would photograph better. A better angle and the more unusual pure Hellfire rail combination. I gather there is a shortage of CRV rocket pods (like everything else!) so many aircraft not deployed to Afghan are not fitted. A unusual sight on a friday morning was the appearance of the Met office BAe146 operating over Wattisham for several hours while the army were quiet. Airframe is actually the BAe146-300 prototype that was acquired to replace the old RAF C-130 Hercules that was used in the role before it was withdrawn. This may be the first time a F-16 has been seen at Wattisham since the Phantom's left. But on the same friday that the AAC held a parade following the final transfer of Apache's from Dishforth, 'Tiger 19' did a single overshoot before disappearing. The pilot sounded American although the F-16 is a Belgian example. Not taken in the best of weather - as usual. A walk around to the 05 approach late one monday afternoon found this Apache in the hover. A few turns allowed a decent angle through the fence as Army Air 454 went through a air test. The TADS in the nose is rotated inwards when not in use. Having only taken my long lens, meant if anything, it was too close. The crew are from 656 Sqn, one of the newly arrived sqn's from Dishforth. A angle not seen that often - straight up the stern as the Apache air taxis back for departure. 'Gangster 1' over the fence at about the same time. A little attention yet again from the gunner through the TADS in the nose. Second aircraft from Gangster section after the overshoot. Despite appearances, not taken on the approach but directly overhead as AA 454 spirals in during auto-rotation training. Same aircraft with a high speed run towards the field at the end of the airtest. RAF Hercules were also operating from here the same week. 'Judgement 1' landing on 23. The C-130J is one of the few with the AAR probe. Second aircraft in the flight. Army Air 317 on the 05 approach a week later. The aircraft has dual controls so I suspect the pilot is holding the overhead rails to allow the gunner/co-pilot to fly the approach. Still holding in the overhead. AA317 conducted several approachs. ZJ222 on a airtest out of 7 Battalion as AA605. The aircraft has spent virtually it's entire service live to date in storage at Shawbury. AA318 catching the early evening light while on a PAR shorlty afterwards. Notice the distinctive shading on the front of the CRV pod - evidence of recent use? Section of Apache's taxing out for a rolling departure infront of 22 Sqn's hangar. Empty Apache over the runway Side stepping to the right during hover checks. Sea King HAR3A in the background. This sequence was taken at some distance from crash gate 2. Directly inline, but with the TADS skewed to one side. Colour is rich because of the late afternoon sun. 'Sierra 125' turing Northwards on the Wattisham circuit. A late November afternoon gave a nice tone to the bright yellow SAR scheme. Apache on the hover shortly afterwards in the last of the light. 'Navy 808', a Jetstream from RNAS Culdrose arriving on a navex during a grey November afternoon... ...followed a few minutes later by 'Navy 809'. Both left the following morning. First Wattisham pics of 2008 on a friday afternoon. Army Air 460 taxying out for some checks. A nice gesture, he taxied out to the hover infront of the spotters usual home at crash gate 2. In the hover, on a bright, cold friday afternoon. Apache then side slipped to the left along the fenceline. This is the classic nose on Apache shot. Catching the low light. A late friday afternoon, lovely light at Wattisham and not a lot happening. 'Sierra 125' taxying out from the SAR dispersal to the main runway. The Royal Air Force came into being on the 1st April 1918, and is the worlds first independent air force to celebrate its 90th birthday. Several flypasts were carried out over the UK today in celebration with the main formation consisting of the Red Arrows and four Typhoons overflying many airfields before performing a flypast over central London at 1PM. The formation overflew Wattisham at exactly 12:43 today before heading for London. A little cloudy but a good guess as to where to go with the camera. Directly overhead and heading straight for the Wattisham control tower, the two outboard Hawks have added smoke, also out of sight to the left is the fifth Typhoon (a airspare). 17 minutes later they were directly over central London.

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]]> Tue Aug 28 2007 Summer (??) 2007: Marham approach and the base families day & 2007 Lowestoft Seafront Festival http://gary-stedman.fotopic.net/c1339264.html A mixed bag for what was supposed to be the height of summer in 2007. A few shots taken on Marham approach during a rare couple of hours sunshine in the last week of July and the base families day later that same week for which I had obtained a ticket. The following day saw my annual visit to Lowestoft seafront for their eleventh show. My annual report on this event at Air-Scene UK had come to the attention of the organizers and I was kindly invited to the commentary position to photograph this years show. Thursday 2 August 2007: A mixed bag for what was supposed to be the height of summer in 2007. A few shots taken on Marham approach during a rare couple of hours sunshine in the last week of July and the base families day later that same week for which I had obtained a ticket. The following day saw my annual visit to Lowestoft seafront for their eleventh show. My annual report on this event at Air-Scene UK had come to the attention of the organizers and I was kindly invited to the commentary position to photograph this years show.

Late July on the Marham approach and a rare couple of hours sunlight. Nice to finally catch the 31 Sqn anniversary jet in some light, although a single recovery would have been better. A quick swap over and a fairly decent picture is the result. It looks like it's been washed recently. This was also the first RAF GR4 I've seen with a lightening pod fitted, the target pod is being introduced to Tornado and Typhoon aircraft. At last! A spot of luck. The new 2 Sqn anniversary jet followed shortly afterwards. Aircraft has only recently been painted and now gives Marham a marked jet for each of their four sqns - that is, if they are able to hang onto them! Aircraft had a problem and landed fast with no overshoots so one pass only. Two squadron have also retained a few other aircraft in their old markings. Given it's new fin top code, 2 Sqn have added their emblem to where the old aircraft leter code had previously been carried. Still surviving from last year, 'BE' has full 14 Sqn markings and has the old TIALD targeting pod under the fuselage. Brimstone AGM's mounted on triple racks under a Tornado GR4 The RAPTOR recce pod is carried offset on the left hand fuselage station. The next jet carried three Paveway LGBs. It's not that common to see three loaded at the same time. Two 100 Sqn Hawks were operating during the families day and as they were not part of the display I can only think they were at Marham on routine ops. It was fitting that the jet with the Tornado 25 years anniversary markings led the six jets off. The planned nine jet flypast and airfield beat up was reduced to six jets launching. At the least the constant rain led to some spectacular departures. Second jet in the usual grey scheme. Followed by the 13 Sqn jet that is still carrying it's anniversary markings.... ....gear coming up... ...and a low level departure. 'Miss Demeanour' is quite unmistakeable and was taking part in the first day of the Lowestoft Seafront Festival. The flypast, which was down to four but made a nice silhouette as they went over - no silly, miles away from the crowdline here. The four Tornado's in the flypast then landed - note the thrust reversers. After which the final pair beat the place up with a old fashioned 'airfield attack'. The last two formed up before landing. After which the Tornado Anniversary aircraft was taxied over for closer inspection by the guests. I set this up at Lowestoft quickly with the hope of catching Andy Robbins (Red 10) looking at the team out to sea - this is the one that went wrong! Looks like this rig in Lowestoft harbour is the best place to watch the action from close up! Not quite as good as last years rolling shot but not too shabby. Lowestoft harbour is full of interesting landmarks - one year, the cloud base was lower than the windmill! The Red Arrows angling in from the sea Coming straight at the crowd. The cross over shot. Very rare in that I followed the one in front. A regular visitor is the Dutch Air Force Search-and-Rescue AB412 working with the local Lowestoft RNLI lifeboat. Another Extra from Ultimate High at Kemble. The wing walkers new colours and sponsors were on show. They're now called Team Guniot. Chris 'Mags' Magolita from The Blades trying his hand at a bit of footie! Flying from Marham again on the second day as well, 'Miss Demeanour' unfortunately missed the sun when it mattered. A shame, as that colour scheme is as photogenic as they come. I was waiting for the topside pass but the sun just would not co-operate. Fore Extra 300's from The Blades coming straight at the pier. Close up of one of the teams aircraft. The serials are all a play on their companies name - Excel Aviation. No 'Black Cats' RN Lynx duo, only a single HAS3 which still managed to put on a good demonstration of the aircraft's performance. All three of Richard Grace's Cassutt Racing aircraft made it to Lowestoft despite one having broken a prop the day before. Duxford's Catalina was there again this year in it's striking white colour scheme which was worn by a locally based 8th AF unit during the war - not the USN as widely believed. Denny Dobson and the familiar yellow Extra.

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]]> Thu Aug 2 2007 Waddington and Coningsby visits in 2007. http://gary-stedman.fotopic.net/c1325087.html Further Typhoon shots at RAF Coningsby although unfortunately the first day I was able to visit in 2007 was the day after the Jaguars of 6 Sqn disbanded so I unknowingly photographed my last Jaguar's in 2006. Having missed the 2007 Waddington due to cancellation on the Sunday I made a two day visit the following week to shoot the Indian Air Force Su-30 detachment. As has become a poor joke in 2007, the weather was not the greatest so the images are not of good standard. Hosting the delegation from India was the Tornado F-3s from 25(F) Sqn, deployed from Leeming for the duration. Friday 13 July 2007: Further Typhoon shots at RAF Coningsby although unfortunately the first day I was able to visit in 2007 was the day after the Jaguars of 6 Sqn disbanded so I unknowingly photographed my last Jaguar's in 2006. Having missed the 2007 Waddington due to cancellation on the Sunday I made a two day visit the following week to shoot the Indian Air Force Su-30 detachment. As has become a poor joke in 2007, the weather was not the greatest so the images are not of good standard. Hosting the delegation from India was the Tornado F-3s from 25(F) Sqn, deployed from Leeming for the duration.

The 1st of June, and ironically the day after 6 Sqn's Jaguars were disgracefully withdrawn was the first day I could get to Coningsby this year. As it was a friday and most of 29 Sqn were in Cyprus I was doubtfull how much activity was likely - I was pleasantly suprised! The 29 Sqn jet from the previous pic is about to pull a vertical climb out in the background as a 3/11 Sqn flight taxi out. Still in the early stages of forming, 11 Sqn were still operating alongside 3 Sqn during training sorties. Aircraft from both units are in this flight about to depart. The previously departed 29 Sqn T.1 returning. I was later contacted by the passenger who was having a 'jolly' for some pictures. Wing tanks are becoming a regular fit on the more recently delivered Typhoons. I suspect the aircraft stay in te configuration in which they are delivered. The most recent Typhoon to be issued to 11 Sqn although it is a transfer from 3 Sqn rather than a newly issued aircraft. The store attached to the outboard ASRAAM rail is a new fit and was not carried when I last visited in November - I believe it is the latest RAF data link pod for training. At least the recent deliveres have the 3 Sqn badge applied the correct way around. 11 Sqn's lead jet, which was a new delivery from BAe Warton. After also initally getting their markings wrong (I always thought unit history was a source of pride with RAF squadrons?!), the Typhoons now carry 11 Sqn's traditional insignia. This is the second 'QO-W', following a transfer to 11 Sqn. ZJ937 was also the newest Typhoon delivered at the time of the photograph. 'DA', back again in the circuit as part of 'Havoc' flight. This day was one of the very few sunny days of 2007! Coningsby approach is one of the best for approach photography. Three out of four 11 Sqn Typhoon's photographed on one first was a good result and made the trip up well worthwhile. 11 Sqn are supposedly to be the first Typhoon squadron to become truly multi-role although their jets are currently to the same standard as the interceptor configured jets of 3 sqn. 'QO-S' is also a recent delivery. 3 Sqn, as of July 2007, have taken over the Southern QRA commitment at Coningsby from detached Tornado F-3s. Hopefully, I'll catch fully armed Typhoons on future trips. A nose on shot of the twin tank configuration. ZJ923 (QO-E) has a strange history. Delivered during the middle of last year, it appeared to become a 'hangar queen' and never flew until shortly before this pic was taken, nearly a year later. Perhaps unsuprisingly, it looks like it was about to grounded for a little longer as just after these shots were taken it burst two tyres on landing! A suprise visitor was the Rolls-Royce Spitfire, PS853. A former BBMF aircraft, it is appearing with the BBMF at several shows in the units anniversary year of 2007. 41 Sqn only flew the one Harrier GR9 during the day. 25 Sqn F3 coming down the Southern taxiway. 25 Sqn had detached from Leeming to operate with the Indian Su-30s. The old 11 Sqn anniversary jet is still flying after disbandment of that sqn at Leeming. It still carries the black fin although the markings have been removed. On thursday morning there was still a little sunlight left and this Indian AF Su-30 was one of the first departures. Unlike F3s, power is not a problem! The first of a eventual five Sentinels for 5 Sqn ws very active over the two days. Further aircraft should be delivered this year. Six Su-30s of two slightly different models were deployed for the exercise to Waddington. All the aircraft have thrust vectoring engine nozzles. F3 waiting for its Su-30 companion from the other dispersal. The aircraft appeared to depart in pairs with the F3s waiting for their Indian counterparts at the end of the taxiway. Su-30s look good from any angle but the nose on shot is something special. 100 Sqn also deployed a couple of Hawks from Leeming. The Flankers were flown clean with only a single AA-11 practise round on the outboard station. Shot from near the lights over the road. Standing straight on the approach at Waddington is not a sensible thing to do as the approach is at head height here! By the afternoon, sunshine was becoming very rare. This Flanker shows a little light. Strangely, light wasn't a problem when the F3s came back! Slightly out of focus, but over the two days, good shots of the Su-30s in the air were rather rare. 25 Sqn's markings have always seemed rather restrained compared to some. The sqn disbands in March 2008. The same jet moments later. The sqn is not expected to reform and is yet another that will disappear for good. Waddington doesn't have many residents and the seven Sentrys of 8/23 sqn's are the largest flying unit. Sentry's operated in their figher control role during the exercise with some Indian personnel onboard. Late on the friday afternoon, heavy crosswinds prevented this Sentry from getting in despite several attempts and he eventually diverted to East Midlands.

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]]> Fri Jul 13 2007 Biggin Hill Air Fair 2007 http://gary-stedman.fotopic.net/c1306699.html A return to a event I last visited back in 2001. This was the first show this year in which the new RAF 'role demo' was to be demonstrated, and it was keenly anticipated. Despite a few minor faults it did live upto it's billing and should be further developed at venues later in the year. The superb weather of that weekend deserted Biggin Hill for much of the sunday, which seemed to be the only cloudy location in the country on that day! Monday 18 June 2007: A return to a event I last visited back in 2001. This was the first show this year in which the new RAF 'role demo' was to be demonstrated, and it was keenly anticipated. Despite a few minor faults it did live upto it's billing and should be further developed at venues later in the year. The superb weather of that weekend deserted Biggin Hill for much of the sunday, which seemed to be the only cloudy location in the country on that day!

The 90th anniversary markings of 100 Sqn add a dash of colour to a standard gloss black HAwk. The two Tutor's present for the solo display parked on the flightline. Three Leuchar's based Tornado F-3s were present for the RAF role demo, two in 43 Sqn markings. Not that common on the Uk airshow circuit nowadays, it was nice to see the Buchon from Duxford. Local air ambulance made a couple of flights down the crowdline. Not sponsored by Virgin by any chance? The Utterly Butterlys are gone, long live Team Guniot! The same team, just new sponsors. Caught the angle well, just missing some sun. I think I prefer the old colours better. Finally, the Typhoon and Spitfire duo in some sun, even if the wingwalkers have left smoke everywhere! It's quite difficult to get these two close together in the air, this is the best yet. After a few flypasts as a duo, the Typhoon performed a full solo display. Afterburners lit and a fast flypast. The moment of touchdown after the display. ZJ911 is the second F2 built and the first delivered to the RAF. Royal Naval Historic Flight Sea Fury on it's take off role. One of the 43 Sqn Tornado's went back North during the afternoon to Dundee for a flypast before returning to Biggin Hill. It was rather suprising that one of the three deployed to Biggin went all the way back to a venue very near to tehir home base of Leuchars! The Chinook solo is always worth watching. Interesting backdrop to landing after the performance. Newlt repainted BBMF Hurricane landing after the BBMF display. The RAF role demo proved to be rather difficult to photograph, with much of the action being high and distant and the sun facing the crowdline. One of the Marham GR4s that flew direct passing through the pyrotechnics. At the end of the demo, four Tornados, two F3s and two GR4s finished off with a run and break.

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]]> Mon Jun 18 2007 BBMF day at Duxford. http://gary-stedman.fotopic.net/c1277464.html A one off event to introduce the memorial flight on its 50th anniversary year was held at Duxford in early May prior to the usual airshow season. All the flights aircraft (including the two Chipmunks) were present, along with a original BBMF Spitfire now operated by Rolls-Royce and the 29 Sqn Typhoon display also performed for the first time this year. Saturday 12 May 2007: A one off event to introduce the memorial flight on its 50th anniversary year was held at Duxford in early May prior to the usual airshow season. All the flights aircraft (including the two Chipmunks) were present, along with a original BBMF Spitfire now operated by Rolls-Royce and the 29 Sqn Typhoon display also performed for the first time this year.

The old and the new together over Duxford. This is the BBMF MkIIa which is the oldest flying Spitfire in the world. Unfortunately, the overcast was at it's worst during the morning. The first two Spitfire's taxying out along the Duxford crowdline. The flights Mk IX is leading. Being tail draggers, the pilots will weave to either side they can see forward. One of the two PR XIX's on the flight was next, BBMF Dakota is displaying in the background. The Mk IX from the side..... .....and the Mk XIX wearing the high altitude blue scheme. The remaining Fighters of the BBMF taxying out with the Lancaster bringing up the rear. PZ865, a Hurricane MkIIc leads the flight out. This was actually the very last Hurricane built and is currently wearing a night intruder colour scheme. The other Hurricane with the BBMF shows the more usual day fighter colour scheme. The taxiway at Duxford allows for some close shots as the aircraft taxi out. I slowed the shutter down as slow as I thought possible to get some decent blur on the blades of the Lancaster. The Lancaster is rather too large to allow a full frame shot as it taxies past. Looks more like a Manchester here! As usual, the sun was missing so these side shots look a little faded despite some photoshop work. The BBMF's modern style fighter pilot helmet look a bit 'odd' in a WWII fighter. Paired departure on the 'hard' at Duxford. BBMF Lancaster at it's closest point. The Mk IIa retains it's 603 Sqn markings this year but has changed its aircraft code to 'L'. The formation that was a first. The five Spitfires and two Hurricanes that are the seven current fighters with the BBMF in the air together. Usually one or more of the Merlin powered fighters are down with the engines required by the Lancaster. The Lancaster is not the easiest aircraft to photograph without direct sun, given its mainly black colour scheme. The new nose art can be seen here.

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]]> Sat May 12 2007 2006 and 2007 visits to Lakenheath. http://gary-stedman.fotopic.net/c1273865.html Ipswich Aviation Society paid a long arranged visit to the 48th Fighter Wing at Lakenheath on the 5th May 2006. It's been many years since I've been inside Lakenheath as they no longer hold any form of public airshow (with the loss of Mildenhall there's a idea) so the chance to photograph from inside the fence what I've been doing from the outside for many years was too good to miss. The trip was a little lacking on the aircraft front but was a interesting chance to see the bases facilities from the inside. A second visit inside Lakenheath with another local aviation society was coming up short with numbers so the opportunity for a further visit in 2007 was also snapped up. Also taking place on a friday we were lucky that flying carried on later into the afternoon and some further opportunities were available that were not on the first visit, with thanks to the 492nd FS who were our hosts for the day. Monday 7 May 2007: Ipswich Aviation Society paid a long arranged visit to the 48th Fighter Wing at Lakenheath on the 5th May 2006. It's been many years since I've been inside Lakenheath as they no longer hold any form of public airshow (with the loss of Mildenhall there's a idea) so the chance to photograph from inside the fence what I've been doing from the outside for many years was too good to miss. The trip was a little lacking on the aircraft front but was a interesting chance to see the bases facilities from the inside. A second visit inside Lakenheath with another local aviation society was coming up short with numbers so the opportunity for a further visit in 2007 was also snapped up. Also taking place on a friday we were lucky that flying carried on later into the afternoon and some further opportunities were available that were not on the first visit, with thanks to the 492nd FS who were our hosts for the day.

The memorial park inside the base is a fine reminder of the 48th Fighter Wing's history at Lakenheath. The garden is kept, as one would expect, in a superb condition. Despite showing 65-777, the F-4 is actually 63-7419, a early C model - the first version of the Phantom to fly in USAF service. F-15A (a model that was never actually based at Lakenheath) 74-0131 represents the current fleet. Next to the memorial park is a Spitfire I replica and a quite moving memorial to the Battle of Britain. It was quite nice to see this dedication on a USAF facility. Although one of my fellow IAS members would never speak to me again if he reads this - the F-100 has never really appealed to me, but as another former 48th mount, it does look good on the plinth in these conditions. To think I nearly didn't bother shooting it! Many thanks to the Lakenheath fire department - in particular this airman for wearing all this kit on what was the hottest day of the year so far. Us Brits tend to think that Americans are far more used to hot weather but this guy was in this for just a few minutes and was soaked with sweat when he emerged. Now I know nothing about fire engines - but these looked impressive. Again, many thanks for rolling them all out for us. Little tip - judge the wind direction prior to taking a shot like this - I'm now about to get rather wet! This is what the 48th Fighter Wing is all about - the F-15E Strike Eagle. 97-0221 is the 492nd FS's marked jet. These detail shots were very difficult to get as the one jet we were allowed near was parked in a dark HAS! Not really the best conditions for photography. This is the right hand wing root and showing the 20mm M61 cannon (the same gun fitted to US fighters for 30+ years!) and the wings Statue of Liberty emblem. Right hand pylon; in this case, only fitted with a instrumentation GPS pod for ACM exercises. Left side has a AIM-120B AMRAAM, the standard medium range active-radar missile in use by US air arms and many allied countries. The later C variant has smaller rear fins for internal carriage in the forthcoming F/A-22. The quality on these detail shots is not good as it was really pushing the limits of both the camera and my experience of photoshop! The tail of 97-0221 shows the '492nd FS' highlight effect. Despite a appearance to the contrary, our hosts insisted the aircraft had just emerged from the paintshop! The Hardened Aircraft Shelters at Lakenheath are apparently gaining dedication boards. The one housing 97-0221 is dedicated to the crew of the 48th TFW F-111 that were lost on the 1986 Libyan raid, along with their callsign. Looking in from the outside, '0221 is seen in it's HAS. Suprisingly two F-15s will fit in each one, as was seen during the visit. On a friday afternoon Lakenheath has finished flying for the week so the opportunity to photograph 'live' aircraft is not possible but there's a few sitting outside. 91-0309 sitting in the afternoon sunlight after a morning flight. It takes a little gentle pressure to get the base hosts to divert from a normal PR visit to appease a bunch of fanatical aviation enthusiasts. To get permission to photograph even one other jet than the one planned takes some time! Despite the fact that approach shots, as seen on this website - can be obtained from the outside! Looking at the Lakenheath apron on a friday afternoon. The F-15 on the right has just taxied in. One of the 492nd FS jets on the go after a approach. The 492nd hosted the visit and were training for a deployment to Iraq in May. Same jet landing shortly afterwards. The cable can be seen behind. Nose coming down..... ...and rolling out after landing. One from the 494th with cable in the foreground. Looking from the tower towards the 06 end and with Mildenhall in the distance and a F-15 on finals that can just be made out. A long zoom shot at the touchdown point on runway 06. Heat haze seemed to be a factor in the soft appearance on this shots. Final jet of the day rolling out. The HAS we visited this time around contained two F-15s, including the 492nd's marked jet from the previous visit.

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]]> Mon May 7 2007 Heathrow on Good Friday http://gary-stedman.fotopic.net/c1251177.html My first trip to photograph civil heavies for many years - and what better place for them than London Heathrow. These were shot initally on 27R from a industrial park followed by the famous Myrtle Drive after the switch to 27L in the afternoon. Captions are a bit basic as I'm not really knowledgeable on airliners but the sheer volume of traffic makes for a lot of practise! Monday 9 April 2007: My first trip to photograph civil heavies for many years - and what better place for them than London Heathrow. These were shot initally on 27R from a industrial park followed by the famous Myrtle Drive after the switch to 27L in the afternoon. Captions are a bit basic as I'm not really knowledgeable on airliners but the sheer volume of traffic makes for a lot of practise!

Kuwait Airlines Airbus A340. TNT 737. Air India 747-400. Note the pattern on the windows. First Virgin 747-400 of the day. 'Lady Penelope' looks like it's showing a revised colour scheme on the rear fusuelage. Gulf Air Airbus A330 (?), I believe this was a specially marked up jet. Aer Lingus Airbus A321. A airline I wanted to see, Air New Zealand Boeing 777-200. Iberia, Spanish Airbus A321. Obviously Italian, and I guess another A321 TAP are obviously Portugese. Airbus A319 I think. Olympic Airlines 737-400. What looks like a normal British Airways 757. Note the insigna on the rear fuselage. This one carries the winning entry in a BBC Blue Peter contest for children. Air Canada A330. I believed this was a new colour schem. The next aircraft inline was also a Air Canada Airbus. Not sure what Airbus model it was, a A320? A British Airways 747-400 - one of many that operate from here. Romanian Boeing 737. Another common British Airways type at Heathrow, a Boeing 777. BMI are another British airline with regular flights at Heathrow. Airbus A319's are the usual types. Another BA 777 landing. Virgin 747-400 in the more familiar colour scheme. This one is called 'Cosmic Girl'. The normal BA colour scheme on a 757. American Airlines colour scheme seems very old fashioned but is quite distinctive. Another British Airways 747. The really long Airbus A340-600. United 777, for some reason these don't photograph well. One of the nicest colour schemes about, Emirates 777-300. Iceland Air Boeing 757-200. Still more BA 747's. This is certainly colourful, Air Jamica A340. A better pic of a Boeing 777. One I hoped to get, a Air New Zealand 747-400. Didn't know this one before hand, a Egyptian A330. Another nice one, Qatar Airways A330. Cathay Pacific A340.

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]]> Mon Apr 9 2007 Further Mildenhall photo's from 2007. http://gary-stedman.fotopic.net/c1212367.html Further Mildenhall shots from early 2007 onwards. Many of these will have been taken on a saturday as at this time of year it's next to impossible for me to get out anywhere further during the week and this is the only base that will regularly operate on a weekend. Even so, it's very much a hit and miss affair with often next to nothing happening. Luckly, a early success was the capture of a flight of Polish F-16's departing on the final leg of their delivery flight. Sunday 18 February 2007: Further Mildenhall shots from early 2007 onwards. Many of these will have been taken on a saturday as at this time of year it's next to impossible for me to get out anywhere further during the week and this is the only base that will regularly operate on a weekend. Even so, it's very much a hit and miss affair with often next to nothing happening. Luckly, a early success was the capture of a flight of Polish F-16's departing on the final leg of their delivery flight.

Another cold saturday morning on the mound. McConnell based KC-135 on finals. On final approach in the clear skies. The heavy winds during the week were still causing problems and a number of aircraft made late missed approaches. Resident 100th ARW '135 on the 23 approach. A few seconds later. The next tanker landing caught windshear and the left wing dropped... ....followed by the right, the crew reported a large drop in airspeed. Second approach was better. Another 100th ARW tanker landing, the third on that Saturday morning. First of the three to go. Rumour has it they swapped runways because the army of photographers who had gathered that saturday morning expected a 29 departure like their accompanying tanker. The second of the trio was a two-seat F-16D model. Like some other recent export sales, the Polish twin sticks have a enlarged spine for a increased electronic warfare role. The spine can be seen clearer here. In hindsight I think I preferred the take-off from the other end as they were still quite low when went past us. Makes you wonder why they bothered to play games as Mildenhall should know by now they are not going to intimidate enthusiasts. The final Viper on departure. I shot about 20 on each climb out yet only a couple had the aircraft full frame and sharp - they came off fast! The nearest shot before I lost them. The smaller pod is not a fuel tank but a baggage pod for the pilots gear. Ohio Air National Guard KC-135R arriving at Mildenhall. It appears to carry a badge on the forward fuselage. A little while later another tanker on the 29 approach. Yet another McConnell AFB jet. 100th ARW tanker turning onto 29 on a friday afternoon. One of two tankers on the circuit. The weather was variable. On approach. All current 100th ARW tankers carry nose art. Until recently, each airframe carried a different badge but now all show the same. Another C-17 Globemaster arriving from its trip across the Atlantic. This one is from the 62nd AW at McChord AFB. Rather than being shot from the mound, this was shot from the roadside in Mildenhall town as it turned up unexpected. A rare opportunity to catch a C-5 Galaxy, in this case a C-5B from Travis AFB. Grand Forks based KC-135R inbound on another friday afternoon. This is another jet with wing tip mounted drogue pods. He was actually a emergency divert and landed on three engines after departing Germany. Another Special Operation Group MC-130 in the circuit. C-21 Learjet based in Germany with a smart tail stripe. This KC-135R is from the Seymour-Johnson based reserve unit. Back in 1996 I visited this unit as it was forming. Note the 'First in flight' tail stripe honouring the Wright Brothers flight in North Carolina. Air National Guard C-130 turning onto runway 29 at Mildenhall. Shot from the far side at long distance - hence the stopped props. Canadair Challenger on approach into Mildenhall. This is a Federal Aviation Administration aircraft and carries very restrained markings. The FAA is the American equivalent of our own CAA. It was believed the aircraft was in the UK for calibration of the USAF bases landing aids and had been to Fairford that afternoon. Second time I've caught this 100th ARW tanker inside a month. Don't they fly any others....? Another visiting C-130 on the way home. Turkish Air Force C-130 inbound to Mildenhall late on a sunday afternoon. Unfortunately, the sun was right at the six o'clock position so the angles are not good. Another C-17 inbound to Mildenhall. A McChord based Globemaster this time. One of several 100th ARW tankers on the circuit at Mildenhall on a misty friday afternoon. The next one, at one point there was five KC-135R's in the circuit. And the next one! Finally! The 100th's flagship finally caught in some sun. A close up of the fin showing the extra markings. Note the matching serial. Following morning and a MacDill based tanker arriving on the 29 approach. A very lucky catch, although I didn't know it at the time. A USN P-3C orion arriving a short time later. The underslung pod was a unknown at the time. New 100th ARW tanker in shortly afterwards. The same Orion departing later after a quick refuel. The pod is known as a Littoral Surveillance Radar System. Apparently this was the first time a Orion had been photographed outside the US fitted with the pod. The pods had been seen fitted to rare, unmarked civilian operated Orions out of Dallas Love Field in the USA. Stories circulate these are actually operated by the CIA. At first it was thought the markings were bogus but now it is believed this is the real USN Orion 161132.

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]]> Sun Feb 18 2007 Final Coningsby visit in 2006 http://gary-stedman.fotopic.net/c1184980.html Early November saw my final trip upto Lincolnshire for 2006. 3rd of November was also the date that the resident Typhoon units planned to fly a diamond nine of F2s for a photoshot which would include a overflight of the base. Unfortunately, a series of camera failures at the worst possible time meant I shot just the one image of the flypast!! Sunday 14 January 2007: Early November saw my final trip upto Lincolnshire for 2006. 3rd of November was also the date that the resident Typhoon units planned to fly a diamond nine of F2s for a photoshot which would include a overflight of the base. Unfortunately, a series of camera failures at the worst possible time meant I shot just the one image of the flypast!!

Cranwell based Beech 200 King Air overshooting at Coningsby. This is the airframe marked with the 45 Squadron anniversary tail. Four 3 Sqn F2s return in the overhead while a heavy passes overhead. Catching a strobe on a jet is always nice, although pure chance. Nice clear winter skies are perfect to shoot in. The Sqn CO's jet was one of the four returning. Fuselage tanks are standard fit now. The last Typhoon from 6 Sqn Jaguar's were also up in the clear morning. This Jaguar is not fitted with any AIM-9 training rounds on the overwing pylons. Lead jet from a 493rd FS pair overshooting. 48th FW Eagles seem to like Coningsby. Second jet from the rear. Followed by a pair of E's from the 492nd FS, also based at Lakenheath. 17(R) Sqn's single T1 also returning. The mailed fist of the sqn has been toned down considerably since the unit operated Tornado's. The F2 that followed approached rather low - this is the only shot were it is not behind the trees. The 41 Sqn Harriers often pull a tight circuit which is quite nice for the photographer. Further around with the wing still dipped. Best shot of a 41 Sqn GR4 to date. Still looking good after all these years, 6 Sqn Jaguar on finals. Two shots showing a Jaguar cleaning the gear up as it overshoots.. .. nose wheel up first. 'Venus 1 & 2' were a pair of Tucano's from Linton which arrived on a navigation exercise. ZJ808 on the normal angle for a approach into Coningsby. The second jet got it rather wobbly on finals, presenting it's underside to the photographers. The second Tucano from Venus flight. This image was seen at Airliners.net by the student pilot in the front seat who contacted me for a large copy of the image. The first of two 41 Sqn F3s landing. Closely followed by the second. The tail really is white then! Totally different colour shows at this angle. Nice when a F3 also banks over. Nicely posed as it bases low over the road and fence This is why I went back to Coningsby on a friday. six 3 Sqn, two 17 Sqn and a single 29 Sqn (no centreline tank) F2's in a nine ship diamond. Unfortunately, right after this shot the camera lost power for a few moments - sods law! A single T1 was also sent aloft as a photo ship - see the camera being held by the backseater? Touchdown! The first section returning in the overhead. Followed by the second section. One of the 3 Sqn jets over the fence and moments from touchdown. One of the new 17 Sqn birds landing in the fading light.

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]]> Sun Jan 14 2007 East Coast Tour May 1996 http://gary-stedman.fotopic.net/c1149218.html Back in 1996 I spent 10 days on the East coast of the US touring military airfields. The tour organier had arranged access to several of the bases we visited. These pics were all taken on a old Olympus OM10 (my first SLR) and have been scanned from small 6x4 prints so the quality is nowhere near up to modern standards. Wednesday 29 November 2006: Back in 1996 I spent 10 days on the East coast of the US touring military airfields. The tour organier had arranged access to several of the bases we visited. These pics were all taken on a old Olympus OM10 (my first SLR) and have been scanned from small 6x4 prints so the quality is nowhere near up to modern standards.

F-14B Tomcat straight down the nose. Returning fron the Tomcat solo display at the 1996 Andrews AFB Airshow. Kneeling crowd centre! Slight deviation from the US trip but these few were taken at Gielbstadt Airfield in Germany which was home to a unit of US Army UH-60 Blackhawks. Taken on a weekend a few were parked outside during the visit. The ESSS gives the Blackhawk a totally different look. Most were standard UH-60A's but one was equipped with the External Stores Support System, fitted with auxillary fuel tanks. USMC Cherry Point was a highlight. These are taken in one of the EA-6B unit hangars. Strange what difference 10 years can make; Foreign national taking pictures inside a US military airfield of modern EW aircraft with panels open and with our guides blessing - try that now? While visiting the North Carolina memorial one evening at Wilmington I was astounded to see the type 42 destroyer HMS Southampton dock across the river! All that way to find a Royal Navy warship. Although closed in the early evening, this is the entrance to the museum ship. The USS North Carolina is preserved by her named state at Wilmington. The battleship was the first of the modern fast battleships that the USN built and was commissioned just pre-war and was in the Atlantic on December 7th, 1941. Glenn L Martin Airport in Baltimore, Maryland is home to a ANG wing operating a squadron of O/A-10As and C-130E's (now J models). A full ramp visit was arranged although the temperature was in the high 90's. All the units O/A-10As had undergone the recent LASTE upgrade. Several aircraft were on the ramp and most carried some external stores, including the ALQ-119 ECM pod on the outboard station. No access was granted to MCAS Beaufort unfortunately so a few photographs were shot from the fence, much to the bemusement of the base security. The US obviously did not have much experience with enthusiasts back then. F/A-18D on finals. MCAS Cherry Point was a different matter all together though. The base is home to the Harrier units stationed on the East coast and included the AV-8B training unit. These AV-8Bs were the original variant without the APG-65 radar in the nose. The jets were clean besides AIM-9 and MER pylons. This Harrier is from the USMC Harrier conversion unit, which is based at Cherry Point. Another early model AV-8B No external stores are being carried by this AV-8B The AV-8B+ was fitted with surplus radars removed from early production F/A-18s which were then replaced with a later model. They give the Harrier a more useful bad weather/night capabilty. If only the RAF had been able to afford to do the same! Conversions were slow as even the US could not afford a complete fleet wide upgrade. I lost count of how many Harriers were on the base but probably more than the entire RAF fleet! Suprisingly, it seemed fairly straight forward to gain access to USMC and USN units, even when located on USAF bases. Andrews AFB is home to a number of USN/USMC units including a USNR C-130T squadron. Access to the USN reserve EA-6B unit, VAQ-209 was not granted but as they shared the ramp with the other units photographing them was relatively straight forward. I think the reserve P-3C unit was VP-68, which was actually in the process of being disbanded during 1996 The first unit we had full access to was VMFA-321, a marine reserve squadron that flew early F/A-18A's. On their flightline was a colourful Phantom F-4S in the units former, colourful markings. When asked, the units guide said it was not a flyer. Straight down the nose of a VMFA-321 F/A-18A The units modern, toned down colours. VMFA-321 was disbanded in September 2004. VMFA-321 has actually deployed to the UK and RAF Leuchars several times since it operated Hornets although I had never seen them. These F/A-18s were actually some of the oldest still in operation All the jets on the ramp were quite clean with no stores except training AIM-9 rounds and centreline tanks. VMFA-321 were a small friendly unit and placed no restrictions on photography. Back to Cherry Point, and this AV-8B+ is fitted with Triple Ejector Racks. 10 days in the US was great fun, just a shame modern digital equipment wasn't available back then.

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]]> Wed Nov 29 2006 More from 2006 at RAF Coningsby. http://gary-stedman.fotopic.net/c1139181.html After my first visit to Coningsby for over ten years in July 2006, I made several trips later on in the year to photograph as many of the residents as possible, espically as the Jaguars were on borrowed time. I can't get enough of this base. A varied selection of fast jets based and a large number of visiting types overshooting, easy access at both ends of the runway, and no problems with the base or locals that I'm aware of. What's not to like!! I just wish it was a little closer. This album contains pictures taken on a further visit in October, aided by the purchase of a tall step ladder for shooting over the fence. More Typhoon's had arrived for the first frontline squadron and a few Tornado's from Lossiemouth wee also on detachment. Friday 17 November 2006: After my first visit to Coningsby for over ten years in July 2006, I made several trips later on in the year to photograph as many of the residents as possible, espically as the Jaguars were on borrowed time. I can't get enough of this base. A varied selection of fast jets based and a large number of visiting types overshooting, easy access at both ends of the runway, and no problems with the base or locals that I'm aware of. What's not to like!! I just wish it was a little closer. This album contains pictures taken on a further visit in October, aided by the purchase of a tall step ladder for shooting over the fence. More Typhoon's had arrived for the first frontline squadron and a few Tornado's from Lossiemouth wee also on detachment.

Lossiemouth based Tornado GR4 landing at Coningsby, shows 14 Squadron markings. Another Lossiemouth GR4, this time in 12 Squadron colours, both were missing the virtually always fitted wing tanks. Two 3 Squadron Typhoons about to roll at Coningsby. QO-H from 3 Squadron returning. Adding to a trend started by 617 Squadron, they have also applied their old wartime codes to the aircraft. ZJ924 is amongst the newest Typhoons delivered to the RAF. One of several Tornado F3s on the strength on 41 Squadron (the FJ&WOEU), also based at Coningsby. Making use of Coningsby approach is a 4 Squadron Harrier from nearby Cottesmore. Coming out of 6 Squadrons HAS site, a two-seat Jaguar T.4 taxies out. There's actually two T4s - the squadron has three, the last in RAF service. The old Jaguar's share the Coningsby HAS's with the new Typhoons of 3 Squadron. There's actually four Typhoons heading out and staright for the camera. The more common Jaguar GR3A By pure chance, caught another new Typhoon F2 on delivery from BAe at Warton, that's two in three visits and was actually the next one in numerical order although another had been delivered since my July visit. ZJ929 was, as usual, unmarked but was issued to 3 Squadron shortly afterwards as their tenth jet. One of the Jaguar T4s landing. Coningsby is good for photographs whichever end they are landing from. With the Wg Cdr's pendant under the cockpit, this F2 is marked as the boss of 29 Squadron's aircraft. As well as the pilots name, 29 Squadron groundcrew names are also marked on the nose wheel door. It has two crew aboard, but they are often flown by a single pilot when the sortie calls for it. The third of the Lossiemouth Tornado's present that day, also showing 14 Squadron. Standard Jaguar GR3 returning home. One of the two-seaters that departed earlier returning. Note that the T4s do not carry overwing AIM-9 rails Expecting him to come down the approach, was caught out when the based Harrier GR9 came straight overhead. Three of the four 3 Squadron Typhoons returning in the overhead. For some unlnown reason, digital SLR cameras don't like Typhoons as they seem to appear This is the one that flew in the morning. Another problem with Typhoons is the tone of grey blends in with cloud very easily making it difficult to get contrast on photographs. Mind you, thats probably what they intended! The Harrier coming around again. 41 Squadron have three, and this one shows a specially marked tail. Strangely that tail is pure white, yet shows up as grey in my shots! The memorial flights Dakota was operating all day and carried out numerous approachs, but only one in the sun! XX112 is the oldest Jaguar still flying with the RAF. Further under the approach, which is very low over the road. This one has a TIALD pod on the centreline. No code on the nose wheel door, but carrying Practise bomb dispensers this time. Caught passing over the road and just before vanishing behind the fence. Early morning return for a two seat T.1 Most Typhoons from Coningsby fly with one or two training ASRAAM rounds under the wing. Down the nose. Typhoon's look good from all angles. Wingtip vortices streaming, the first flight from 6 Squadron returns. Many years affter the fleet went all grey, external fuel tanks still show the old grey/green colours. Carrying a TIALD pod on the centreline, this Jaguar also shows evidence of recent attention to the forward fuselage. A pleasant suprise was the arrival of this Tornado F3 from 25 Squadron at RAF Leeming. Close examination of the pic shows live AMRAAMs under the fuselage and ASRAAMs under the wings. 25 Sqn maintains the Southern QRA at Coningsby with three deployed jets. The three two-seaters on 6 Sqn are still quite busy. A couple of F3s are also operated from Coningsby for trials with 41 Sqn. Tucano's from Leeming like the Coningsby circuit.

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]]> Fri Nov 17 2006 Duxford in 2006: May show, September Spitfire and Autumn show combined collection. http://gary-stedman.fotopic.net/c1110603.html The combined collection of the three shows that I attended at Duxford in 2006. The May season opener and the September shows were not blessed with the best of weather. A varied selection of modern and vintage aircraft were present at both shows. In 2005 the Autumn show was the first event I attended with the new digital SLR camera so it's now been a year of digital photography. This year boasted a more impressive line than ever before including the French national display team, The Patrouille de France and the Belgian F-16 solo. At the third attempt this year it was also the first I've attended in decent weather! A few of these shots were taken on the saturday prior to the show when I popped over to catch some of the practise routines. Sunday 15 October 2006: The combined collection of the three shows that I attended at Duxford in 2006. The May season opener and the September shows were not blessed with the best of weather. A varied selection of modern and vintage aircraft were present at both shows. In 2005 the Autumn show was the first event I attended with the new digital SLR camera so it's now been a year of digital photography. This year boasted a more impressive line than ever before including the French national display team, The Patrouille de France and the Belgian F-16 solo. At the third attempt this year it was also the first I've attended in decent weather! A few of these shots were taken on the saturday prior to the show when I popped over to catch some of the practise routines.

The newly delivered East Anglian Air Ambulance, this BK117 will replace the existing Bolkow 105 although it is hoped that support can be raised to operate both aircraft over East Anglia in the future. Sally B on the way out. Despite the insurance difficulties the B-17 trust faced last year, the B-17 is expected to play a full part in this years airshow season. A little closer. Overhead Duxford and just below the cloudbase. Sally B shows the serial and codes for 'Memphis Belle'. One of four Chipmunks displaying as 'The Red Sparrows'. taxi shots such as these were probably the only decent pictures that could be obtained during the show. Dragon Rapides usually conduct pleasure flights prior and after most Duxford shows but this one was taxying out as part of the display. The Royal Navy Historic Flight Seafury has recently reappeared on the display circuit after a lengthy overhaul. RN Sea King HC4 from Yeovilton departing to pick up the Tornado crew from Cambridge (went tech so never flew) and the two F-15E crews from Lakenheath that opened the display with a couple of flybys (no decent pictures!). The WSO from the male crew (the lead jet was an all female crew) was one of the two aircrew who hosted the walkaround the Lakenheath HAS a few weeks previously. It was 50/50 whenever the much anticipated Typhoon display was going to occur although in the end he made it through from Coningsby. Although given the conditions the display was conducted in, good photographs were always going to be impossible, the afterburners do actually stand out better! Unsuprisingly, there was also rather a lot of moisture in the air. These Typhoon images lack quality, but do show some character. Follow that! He tried, but wasn't really in the same class. The Tucano was the last act before the flying display was abandoned - there's always later in the year. Golden Apples early F-86A on the static line. This really needs a sunny day, when it really stands out. One of the Yak 52 team arriving. Sally B parked at her usual position on the flightline prior to the show starting. Thought I'd try something a little different. The newly restored Mk V Spitfire on the flightline although it had not flown yet, test flights are expected within a few weeks. Same aircraft, showing the Desert Airforce markings and four 20mm cannon wing. And from the nose! Duxford's connections with the local USAF usually come up trumps with a flypast. Two 492nd FS F-15E's on the flypast. Not the best conditions to photograph them! 'Bluto' was once again in the back seat of one of the jets and as they're planned afterburner climbout was cancelled due to the cloudbase, we got a couple of wing waggles. The underside. As these guys are not qualified display pilots, they're restricted to quite limited routines. Air Atlantique's Canberra is not a Duxford regular so it was nice to see it. The RAF has just retired it's last three a few months ago. USN duo. The only Hellcat outside the US and one of several UK Corsairs. The Hellcat taxying in after the routine. Parts of the actual aircraft the markings depict were used in the rebuild of this Hellcat. I researched this aircraft back in my modelling days. Followed by the Corsair, which is showing Fleet Air Arm insignia. Newly restored late mark Seafire taxying out with some added tail weight. This was the Spitfire to fly as conditions worsened so much that the planned mass Spitfire finale was cancelled. Seafire and Sea Hurricane duo flypast. Probably the first time such a pair has flown together for many years. Upto date now and the RAF Tornado GR4 crew from 15 Squadron decided to bring 12 Squadron's anniversary jet down from Lossiemouth to Cambridge to fly. Another modern jet that looks so much better in the good weather. Quite rare this year as at many displays the GR4 has gone unservicable and it was begining to get rather embarrassing. Only bringing one jet (instead of a more usual two) doesn't really help either. One of two Harvard's starting up. Anna Walker taxying the Harvard out. She can normaly be seen flying a selection of vintage aircraft from Duxford. The RAF Tucano display crew brought three aircraft to fly a solo routine! Doubt very much the the RAF could find three available Tornado's over a weekend! Two 100 Squadron Hawk's were sent down from RAF Leeming. The solo Hawk routine is unusual in that it is shared between two bases and two units. 208 at Valley also have a display pilot. A busy Duxford. Sally B's memorial flypast over a spooling up Chinook with the F-86 ready to depart on the runway. Just as dramatic as at Waddington a few months ago. just not in quite so good weather! The RAF Chinook landing. The final act before the show was abandoned. Golden Apple's Sabre charging through. Followed by another Duxford resident, the Grace Spitfire T9. P-51C and P-51D duo getting airborne for a pairs practise. Unfortunately shot into the sun. The Pat's performed a full practise demonstration on the saturday as well, much to the suprise of several visitors to the museum. Four of their eight Alpha Jets just prior to the break. Two more down the display line. The actual Sunday display and P-51C Although display aircraft often cut the corner at this end (thats why photographers go there!), this was the closest I've seen as the P-51 came straight at the bank. Blurred, but a indication of how close he was, not enlarged or cropped!! The next P-51 of the three was a little further away on take off. B-17 After that impressive take off,

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]]> Sun Oct 15 2006 Wattisham; 7th September 2006 - Czech Air Force 410 Flight arrives! http://gary-stedman.fotopic.net/c1078005.html These really ought to be in the visitors folder but I thought better of it given the subject matter and quality of the images. I'd been given a indication a few weeks previously that these would drop in to Wattisham enroute to the Leuchars Airshow that coming weekend, although the actual arrival time wasn't known and the tip off was confidential. After waiting six hours I was just about to give up on them when 'Czech Airforce 410' was heard talking to Watttisham approach. Both the weather and sun was good, and the Czech's were kind enough to make a run in and break, giving two approachs with the camera - very nice! Saturday 9 September 2006: These really ought to be in the visitors folder but I thought better of it given the subject matter and quality of the images. I'd been given a indication a few weeks previously that these would drop in to Wattisham enroute to the Leuchars Airshow that coming weekend, although the actual arrival time wasn't known and the tip off was confidential. After waiting six hours I was just about to give up on them when 'Czech Airforce 410' was heard talking to Watttisham approach. Both the weather and sun was good, and the Czech's were kind enough to make a run in and break, giving two approachs with the camera - very nice!

Running in low level as a pair on 05 at Wattisham. You don't see this very often! The exact designation of the the 'Hind E' operated by the Czech Airforce is Mi-24V. A earlier variant is also in service. Running in low and with the undercarriage retracted, unfortunately the break was over the airfield. These images will just have to do! Showing the Mi-24s extended stores wing and the ferry tanks fitted for the journey. Also the chin turret containing a 12.7mm machine gun - the E model was the last version with this fit. After the break the Czech's turned in on finals nicely, sun glinting off the forward fuselage. They really choose the best time of day to arrive! Nice emblem under the cockpit. I'm guessing that the dark features on the side of the rear fuselage are chaff/flare dispensers. I don't remember seeing this on photographs of Hind's in Soviet service during the cold war so assume it's a recent upgrade. Slightly flared approach by the Hind as it passes over the fence at Wattisham (very low as well). The visitors were being hosted by 662 Squadron, AAC that night before the short hop to Leuchars the following morning. The Mi-17 Hip transport following in behind in a rather more flatter approach. Despite the same pleasing colour scheme, the Hip didn't show up quite as well. The Mi-17 hovered over the fenceline for a few moments while the Hind taxied in. I believe this is the first time both types have been to Wattisham.

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]]> Sat Sep 9 2006 Rougham Air Display 2006 http://gary-stedman.fotopic.net/c1059659.html My first Rougham Air Display for quite a few years. Back in the days when this was a small scale fly-in I used to marshall visiting light aircraft here but the event has grown into a fully fledged air display in my absence. Rougham has a priceless advantage over most other shows - it has 'L' shaped dog-leg to it's display line which means the aircraft will bank over and turn the top corner. For photographer's, this gives some superb shots as many of the display aircraft will pull around tight. Even the more restrained and careful acts (like BBMF and 'Sally B') seem to let loose a bit here - much to the photographer's delight. Monday 21 August 2006: My first Rougham Air Display for quite a few years. Back in the days when this was a small scale fly-in I used to marshall visiting light aircraft here but the event has grown into a fully fledged air display in my absence. Rougham has a priceless advantage over most other shows - it has 'L' shaped dog-leg to it's display line which means the aircraft will bank over and turn the top corner. For photographer's, this gives some superb shots as many of the display aircraft will pull around tight. Even the more restrained and careful acts (like BBMF and 'Sally B') seem to let loose a bit here - much to the photographer's delight.

Howard Cook in a former RAF Chipmunk. Howard is locally based at Bury St Edmunds and sometimes flys as the leader of a four ship of Chipmunks called 'The Red Sparrows'. Also a quite rare sight on the UK airshow circuit, is a Slingsby T67 Firefly. The aircraft is operated in the markings of the former Hong Kong Auxilliary Air Force. Tiny Cassutt air racers. One of these was flown by Caroline Grace's son. A Yak 52. Various variants, in both single and two-seat versions are flying privately in the UK. Taken in the rain (of which there was plenty!) ZH543 is new on the SAR flight at Wattisham. Two days earlier, this airframe had returned to Wattisham from a training flight with a PAN (emergency) call, the wheels wouldn't come down and lock. Upon returning the ground crew manually cranked the wheels down and locked them while it was in the hover. Little bit of honesty here - I've never liked the T-28 and I don't know why. That said, in a day of good displays this guy was probably the best with a series of fast, top-side passes. Another Rarity, a Fiat G46 taking off from Rougham's grass runway. A very typical Italian colour scheme which modellers must love! Normally - and quite understandbly - that most careful of performers, even 'Sally B' presented some pleasing angles as she banked around the top corner. By this time the sun was becoming a rarity, yet came out for 'Sally B' just at the right time. Even the BBMF got in on the act, this was there arrival pass before the split - there won't be many shows were you can get this angle. The blue undersides of AB910 against a grey sky as it twists around the display line at Rougham. BBMF Spitfire V AB910 wears the wartime desert scheme of Wg Cdr Ian Gleed, who as is RAF tradition with Wing Commanders, carried his own initals as the Spitfire's code. Of all the Spitfires flown both privately and by the BBMF, this is by far my favourite, just a shame there wasn't just a little more sun. Painted in the striking colours of a night intruder Hurricane, PZ865 looks superb as it goes around the Rougham dog-leg.

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]]> Mon Aug 21 2006 Colchester Military Festival & Lowestoft Seafront Airshow http://gary-stedman.fotopic.net/c1035283.html Two local events a few weeks apart. I've never been to the Colchester Military Festival before and infact, had never heard of it until a few days before hand. I had no idea what to expect but found it great fun with a large collection of re-enactment groups and displays from virtually all Army trades. The static Apache display is covered elsewhere so this folder contains images from 16 Air Assault Brigade's open day. Lowestoft Seafront Airshow celebrated it's tenth anniversary this year and I've attended everyone to date. I have mixed feelings about this, as a free event it deserves to be supported but as a photographer it has become increasingly frustrating as the display line is pushed further and further seaward every year. I suppose the 2002 crash of the GR.7 did not really help regarding this but extreme measures appear to have been taken. Still, it's another good day out. Friday 28 July 2006: Two local events a few weeks apart. I've never been to the Colchester Military Festival before and infact, had never heard of it until a few days before hand. I had no idea what to expect but found it great fun with a large collection of re-enactment groups and displays from virtually all Army trades. The static Apache display is covered elsewhere so this folder contains images from 16 Air Assault Brigade's open day. Lowestoft Seafront Airshow celebrated it's tenth anniversary this year and I've attended everyone to date. I have mixed feelings about this, as a free event it deserves to be supported but as a photographer it has become increasingly frustrating as the display line is pushed further and further seaward every year. I suppose the 2002 crash of the GR.7 did not really help regarding this but extreme measures appear to have been taken. Still, it's another good day out.

The Red Devils dropping out of the sky, can I convince anybody they did a HALO jump out of the jet? Three strapped together until the last moment. Despite the best attempts by goverment to prevent it, the UK military are still world beaters in some areas - we field the deadliest MBT, manned by the finest crews worldwide! Challenger II on display. Shooting the re-enactment arena was not easy; these are the Union and Confederates lined up after the American Civil War display. I've no idea how they do it, but looks quite hard! Static shot of the 3 Regiment Apache. More pics in the other album. What's this? A self portrait (and thats the only one there will ever be!) in the optics of the Apache TADS. Another weird one? Looking straight down the 120mm gun tube of a Kings Royal Hussars Challenger II. Troops from the Parachute Battalions based at Colchester as part of 16 AAB ready to rope in to the arena. This was performed very close to the crowdline and looked impressive. It was also quite a drop! Giving the crowd a wave after the drop before heading back to Wattisham. 654 Sqn Gazelle departing the static park. The Lynx AH7 folllowed the Gazelle, dipping his nose infront of the crowd that had gathered to watch. He should have put on sunscreen!! Starting up but still plugged in. Now lifting, as is the grass.... ....by now the grass is everywhere! A few turns and training the 30mm around for the crowd. Lowestoft Seafront Airshow and one of the easier aircraft to photograph; the plane sailing PBY or Catalina. no water landing I'm afraid. The BBMF break after their first pass. Desert Air Force Spitfire MkV catching the sun. The Dutch Air Force regularly display a PC-7 in the UK with the added effect of smoke tanks under the wing. Nothing wrong, just Sally B demonstrating two damaged engines. The RAF Harrier and Lowestoft have a unique relationship since one went swimming a few years ago. The distance the display is from the crowdline can be seen. Closer in, and in the hover. At a more normal airfield display the aircarft would be a lot closer. Matt Elliot bringing the show to a standstill. Taken a max zoom - the Typhoon in the vertical. Not quite as close as Waddington a few weeks before hand. A very fast pass! Didn't realise this would come out quite as good as it did. Just right time, right place. Pity the sun had gone though. Pretty close.

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]]> Fri Jul 28 2006 Coningsby: Premier RAF fast jet station http://gary-stedman.fotopic.net/c1033406.html I've been planning to return here for quite a while now, as my last visit was over ten years ago when Tornado F3s were the main resident. Quite a lot has changed. A few F3s remain with the FJ&WOEU and Southern QRA but the base has recently been refurbished to become the inital Typhoon operating location with the Operational Evaluation Unit, Operational Conversion unit and first frontline sqn forming during July 2006; Add the BBMF and the last remaining Jaguar sqn that moved here when Coltishall closed and you can see that the airfield is not another Marham and is very active. An added bonus is that Coningsby has always had a reputation for having a good relationship with aircraft spotters/photographers and access all around the airfield is relatively easy and trouble free. The BBMF hangar is even open most days to public visits. The first batch of pics were taken on 25th July 2006 and a second visit followed a week later. Wednesday 26 July 2006: I've been planning to return here for quite a while now, as my last visit was over ten years ago when Tornado F3s were the main resident. Quite a lot has changed. A few F3s remain with the FJ&WOEU and Southern QRA but the base has recently been refurbished to become the inital Typhoon operating location with the Operational Evaluation Unit, Operational Conversion unit and first frontline sqn forming during July 2006; Add the BBMF and the last remaining Jaguar sqn that moved here when Coltishall closed and you can see that the airfield is not another Marham and is very active. An added bonus is that Coningsby has always had a reputation for having a good relationship with aircraft spotters/photographers and access all around the airfield is relatively easy and trouble free. The BBMF hangar is even open most days to public visits. The first batch of pics were taken on 25th July 2006 and a second visit followed a week later.

A nice early morning visitor arriving prior to Coningsby launching was this Italian Piaggio P180. The types unusual 'pusher' design can clearly be seen. Being located near Holbeach range, Coningsby tends to have a lot aircraft practise overshoots. Marham based Tornado GR4 powering away. 6 Squadron moved from Coltishall in April after that base closed down and now operate from one of Coningsbys HAS complexes. Without tanks, and just practise bomb carriers fitted on the outboard and centre stations, the Jaguars were making the short trip to Holbeach and back again quickly. 6 Squadron were not actually planned to be at Coningsby at this time, having returned from a deployment to Cyprus the previous week early as Akrotiri needed the space with the ongoing Lebanon evacuation. The squadron flew over 18 sorties during the day, which for a single RAF fast jet squadron was quite impressive - the entire Marham Tornado wing doesn't seem able to achieve those sortie rates. Also noteworthy was how clean these 30 year old Jaguars were. Inside their final year of service, these Jaguars were immaculate. A couple of two-seat Jaguar T4s are still flying although no further conversion courses onto the Jaguar are planned. This one is being flown single seat. It's always nice when something slightly different comes off! There's a lot of contrails visible in the Lincolnshire skies and by sheer chance 3 Squadron are the first frontline squadron to form on single seat Typhoon F2s, having given up their Harrier's at Cottesmore to the first RN Harrier GR7/7A squadron. As of late July 2006, 3 Squadron were still forming, with about six aircraft on strength although more are delivered at regualr intervals. The squadron is expected to have a limited operational capability by year's end. The new style squadron codes are in honour of the codes worn by 3 Squadron fighters during World War 2. The squadron colours also appear to honour a certain Norfolk football team! 'EM' appears to have lost part of its 'Flying Canopeners' badge. 'QO-W' as Shooting through the fence, two Typhoon T1s lining up on runway 07 for departure. 17 Squadron, the OEU operate the one two-seater seen here. This was the first second batch T1A with slight improvements over the earlier production aircraft. ZJ811 is also carrying a centreline tank, which has recently been introduced on the Typhoon fleet. Most of 29 Squadron's fleet of two-seater's consists of early T1s although these are gradually going back to Warton for upgrade. 'BE' shows the usual markings carried by 29 Squadron Phantom, Tornado and now Typhoons - all these having been flown by the unit from Coningsby. ZJ800 'BC' was actually the very first production standard Typhoon destined for RAF service, although not the first actually delivered. 'BG' is the most recent early airframe to return from upgrade at Warton. Another T1 flown single-seat. By chance, ZJ928 was delivered unmarked, yet had apparently been marked in 17 Squadron codes and colours less than 24 hours later! 'BJ' is one of the more recent deliveries to 29 Squadron at Coningsby. The pods on the wingtips will contain, when fully deployed and developed, a towed radar decoy. Two-seaters were the first to be delivered, but recent deliveries have been mostly the single-seat F2. ZJ920 is one of four F2's current on 29 Squadron. 17 Reserve Squadron are a former Tornado GR1 Squadron, that disbanded when RAF Germany wound down. The gauntlet - with colours toned down - has returned on Typhoons. Several of the OEU Typhoon's are on long term detachment to the USA for exercises on the advanced ranges located there. Rumours abound that they have beaten the best the USAF can throw at them - including F/A-22s! A single 33 Squadron Puma made a brief stop at Coningsby inbetween fast jet sorties. ZE449 has a rather interesting history - it was never intended for RAF operation and was delivered to Argentina prior to 1982. The airframe was captured on the Falklands and was returned to the UK, brought upto the RAF Puma specification and put into RAF service. Another Marham Tornado on the overshoot. 6 Squadron flew further sorties in the afternoon to the East coast ranges. 'ES' carries the usual overwing AIM-9 rails and training rounds. It is currently planned to retire the final Jaguar squadron at some point next year although there remains the possibilty of a extension. When it does finally go, 6 Squadron will become a future Typhoon squadron. With 6 Squadron flying at such a high tempo and the Typhoon fleet working up, Coningsby has become a very active airfield. The only shot through the fence that came off, 'QO-W' leads out two more 3 Squadron Typhoons as Returning late afternoon, and the sun has unfortunately gone around, The third 3 Squadron jet. Hopefully, on my next visit I'll see more of them. Not seen on the first visit, 41 Squadron or the Fast Jet & Weapons Operational Evaluation Unit to give it it's full name was active the following week. This was the first time I had photographed a Tornado in 41 Squadron marks close up. Didn't notice it at the time, but look closely at the Navigator - he's photographing back! A few moments later, departing down the runway in afterburner. Late production Typhoon T1 taxying out for the runway. Coningsby was using the other end on the second visit. Didn't see this 29 Squadron F2 on the visit the previous week. It's the CO's aircraft. Traditionally RAF squadrons mark the CO's aircraft with a small pendant under the cockpit and beside the name. Although this doesn't mean he's flying it. 'BZ' departing. In this light configuration the Typhoon does not use (or even need) afterburner, unlike the Tornado previously. Another 29 Sqn F2 landing. Unfortunately the weather wasn't quite as kind on my second visit. CO's aircraft returning later. Two ASRAAM's make up the only external stores being carried.

Published in Gary Stedman aviation photography

]]> Wed Jul 26 2006 Waddington Airshow 2006 http://gary-stedman.fotopic.net/c1015954.html The airshow I look forward to the most during the year. It's not a near impossible slog like RIAT but is still big enough to attract most of the major UK displays. A few years ago the event reached a peak in international participation and managed to retain a enthusiast friendly approach to photography. Standards have unfortunatley declined sharply in the last two years and the 2006 event had virtually no overseas participation in the flying programme and little in the static park. While hoping for a return to form for 2007 the 2006 show was blessed with superb weather. Saturday 8 July 2006: The airshow I look forward to the most during the year. It's not a near impossible slog like RIAT but is still big enough to attract most of the major UK displays. A few years ago the event reached a peak in international participation and managed to retain a enthusiast friendly approach to photography. Standards have unfortunatley declined sharply in the last two years and the 2006 event had virtually no overseas participation in the flying programme and little in the static park. While hoping for a return to form for 2007 the 2006 show was blessed with superb weather.

The RAF Merlin and Chinook displays have taken rotary displays to a new level, catching the sun on bank. The loadmaster was waving with some England gloves (never mind the World Cup!). Getting a good shot with the sun on the airframe was difficult as the sun was yet to go round. Two of the few overseas aircraft in the flying programme were the New Zealand P-3/757 duo who appeared to have travelled the most distance. All was not how it appeared however, they were actually in the UK for a maritime exercise and had made the short journey from Scotland! The Kiwi P-3K models are rather old now but in the hands of a energetic pilot can certainly be thrown around. Despite not perhaps being noted for aviation, both Kiwi crews know that airshow photographers appreciate at least one good topside pass! RAF - please learn from their example!! Introduced last year, it was good to see the FRA Falcon duo back with their tight formation flying with biz jets! Virtually all the FRA Falcon crews consist of experienced, former military pilots. Close of one of the two FRA Falcon 20s. The ECM pods which are used on their 'day' job can be seen mounted under the wings. The memorial flight with two Spitfires rather than a Hurricane as 2006 is the 70th anniversary of the Spitfire. The Blades are the newest of the UKs growing number of civilian aerobatic teams. They use new Extra 300s with the latest in hi-tech video equipment and three of the four pilots are former Red Arrow pilots. The RAF Typhoon F2 display was hotly anticipated by all. The one shot I totally, desperately, wanted at any cost!! If this was the only good pic I got from the show I would have taken it as a worthwhile day. As it turned out, it wasn't and I even managed to get a sharp one of the fast (and I mean fast!) pass. No, catching the moon was not intentional! It does make for a interesting picture though. Further round, showing the afterburners to good effect. Two of the sqn's groundcrew are named on the nose wheel door which looks rather odd when closed. ASRAAM training rounds are still carried Final fast pass with burners lit. These shots would have been impossible with the old lens and shows the capability of a image stabilized lens to its best. One of the two RN 'Black Cats' Lynx's pulling over the top. A more normal angle for a helicopter. The rounded nose of the earlier HAS.3 has a more streamlined look than the turreted HMA.8 The two Lynx's rotate around each other.... ....for a full 360 degrees crowd centre. A study of one of the two HAS3s. The equipment by the cabin door is a hardpoint for Stingray torpedos or Sea Skua missiles. The final bow to the crowd. If given the chance, always try for a topside on a helicopter as it gives a interesting angle. One of several two-seater Spitfires in the UK. This angle gives the impression that there isn't actually a pilot onboard. The RAF suffered a number of technical issues at the show - this was meant to be the static C-130J but the flyer went 'tech' prior to the show so they were swapped just before the saturday morning. Then, this one landed with a single engine failure! It was only to be expected that the Chinook crew would try and upstage the Merlin! Turned round now, the Chinook from the front nose down... ....and rolling right. Watching this brought back memories from my Chinook flight a week before! Lights on, and a nice angle as the Chinook slides sideways along the crowdline. The badge celebrates 25 years of Chinook service with the RAF and brings a nice spot of colour to a gret airframe. Yup....they had to do the England hand thing as well - but in vain. Empty, the Chinook is very manouverable and probably did beat the Merlin for the rotary accolades at the Waddington show. The two-seat Spit left for another appointment before the show ended. The second heavy from the Royal New Zealand Airforce, the 757 was even more impressive than the P-3K. Coming straight at the Waddington crowd and with the undercarriage coming down. The undersides show how clean the Kiwi's keep their aircraft, both the 757 and the P-3 were immaculate. Sun glinting of the upper surfaces, the RNZAF demonstrate how to fly a airliner slow and graceful - it was show stopper! Power on, nose up and climbing away. The perfect side profile as the 757 keeps slow with the nose up. And, the topside pass.....thank you! The RAF display team - 'The Red Arrows'. In their trademark 'diamond nine' formation. The perfect formation flying that they are renowned worldwide for. The blue skies at Waddington contrasted well with the red Hawks and white smoke. Topside of one the two Synchro aircraft after the cross-over. A bomburst by five of the Red Arrows. The underside of the other Syncho Hawk.

Published in Gary Stedman aviation photography

]]> Sat Jul 8 2006 June 2006; Exercise 'Southern Dawn' and 4 Regiment, AAC families day at Wattisham and a flight in a RAF Chinook! http://gary-stedman.fotopic.net/c1003724.html As these three events are closely linked in location and time I've grouped them together. Southern Dawn is another in the series of deployment exercises linked with forthcoming deployments to the Middle East, with 9 Regiment aircraft and RAF Chinooks deploying to Wattisham for a two week period. 4 Regiment also held a small families day with AAC and local RAF displays during the mid point weekend and the following day, through a rather rushed and fortunate series of events I flew with one of the deployed RAF Chinooks during a short flight over STANTA and Thetford - great fun. Monday 26 June 2006: As these three events are closely linked in location and time I've grouped them together. Southern Dawn is another in the series of deployment exercises linked with forthcoming deployments to the Middle East, with 9 Regiment aircraft and RAF Chinooks deploying to Wattisham for a two week period. 4 Regiment also held a small families day with AAC and local RAF displays during the mid point weekend and the following day, through a rather rushed and fortunate series of events I flew with one of the deployed RAF Chinooks during a short flight over STANTA and Thetford - great fun.

4 Reg Lynx inbound to the field. During the exercise the based aircraft were operating as normal. Same aircraft a moment later. And from the side! AA310 tracking me with the TADS. Two RAF Chinooks deployed at the start of the exercise and operated from the FARP at Wattisham. ZA714 lifting after refuelling and fitted with a minigun in the left hand hatch. 9 Regiment aircraft deployed down from their base at Dishforth and operated from outside 7 Btn. 4 Regiment held a families day during a saturday over the exercise period. The 'Blue Eagles' helicopter display team were the main event. Operating a single Lynx as well as four Gazelles, the Lynx still carries the TOW tubes which have been removed from all other AH.7 airframes. One pair of Gazelles during a crossover. The Blue Eagle Lynx performs a solo routine which demonstrates the aircrafts superb performance. Blue Eagles taxying in after the display with the crowdline behind. Sioux from the Army Historic flight that were next up. Wattisham's RAF tenants were also involved, with one of 22 Sqn's Sea King HAR.3As performing a routine. Rolling in after a fast pass... .... and performing a SAR demo. 4 Regiment don't have the Apache yet, so a 3 Regiment crew performed for the crowd. Gun trained on the crowd! ZJ174 landing after the display. Several 4 Regiment Gazelle's and Lynx were performing pleasure flights for families. Landing after the displays, this Wokka is returning from exercise tasking. Another 4 Reg Lynx following the Chinook in with a cabin full of happy passengers! The following sunday evening and a fortuitous chain of events saw the opportunity of taking a ride in one of the deployed Chinooks over the STANTA battle area! ZA674 was to be the airframe (which had not been seen at Wattisham during the week) and was also in it's war fit. Coming into Watton airfield near Thetford which is often used during exercises. Having watched a lot of Chinooks in recent months, it seems SOP to have a crewman looking forward from the cabin during landing. The Chinook was due in at 7:30 in the evening and arrived bang on time! Rather than land on the runway the aircraft came down on the track just outside the gliding school hangar. With such a large, powerful aircraft, alot of grass tends to be thrown around. Either a M60 or GPMG (my small arms knowledge is rather lacking!) is fitted to the rear ramp. From the nose in the evening sun and showing the other MG fitted on the front access door. Another angle. Parked and shut down with some lucky passengers boarding. I'd asked the loadmaster if the ramp could be kept down during the flight for a few shots - low level somewhere near Thetford! There's not a lot of time or room to set any planned shots up so it was a case of shoot away and hope! As I expected, they kept it low and tight with plenty of tight turns - everybody kept there stomach intact though. One of the many training camps in the STANTA complex. After landing back at Watton the aircraft didn't shut down and departed quickly. Departing.... .....and a final wave from the loadmaster. A enjoyable experience and many thanks to 611 VGS for letting me tag along - the photo's are coming! During the exercise, photographing Apache's during the early evening sun brought good results. ZJ178 landing at the 05 end and keeping low. 'Hangman 2' was next back that evening - a new callsign for 3 Regiment? G-SUFF decided to come right over my head while waiting for 'Hangman' flight. 'Hangman 1' followed no2 back by about 20 minutes. I really do like this sequence due to the lighting on the fuselage. Although not strictly central to the exercise, 3 Regiment seemed to be flying their Apaches at a very high tempo during the two weeks. 'Ascot 640' departing the same evening. This C-130 landed twice during the late afternoon/early evening while collecting parachutists and proved elusive to get a decent picture as he kept swapping ends! Note the prop effect which sometimes happens. Next one in the sequence and if you look at the bottom of the image you can see a airliner - presumably outbound from Stansted. XV220 is a 'long' C-130K or C3 by RAF standards. Lunchtime the day after with a Apache down the 23 approach.

Published in Gary Stedman aviation photography

]]> Mon Jun 26 2006 Southend Airport/Airshow May 2006 http://gary-stedman.fotopic.net/c974406.html Southend is one of several coastal towns in the UK that holds a annual seafront airshow. The advantage it has over most of the others is that the town also operates a small commercial airport just a few miles away from the seafront from which most of the aircraft are able to operate. Quite sensibly, the airport authorities know a opportunity when they see one and open the airport for public viewing for a modest fee! I'd never done Southend before so didn't know what to expect and came away rather impressed! Monday 29 May 2006: Southend is one of several coastal towns in the UK that holds a annual seafront airshow. The advantage it has over most of the others is that the town also operates a small commercial airport just a few miles away from the seafront from which most of the aircraft are able to operate. Quite sensibly, the airport authorities know a opportunity when they see one and open the airport for public viewing for a modest fee! I'd never done Southend before so didn't know what to expect and came away rather impressed!

Essex use a EC.135 as their Air Ambulance. Both Sufffolk and Essex use the same model for police duties. The Bournemouth based Sea Vixen making a rare airshow appearance. The Red Bull sponsorship and colour scheme was greeted with disgust by the hard core enthusiasts when it first appeared some years ago but has gradually been accepted in recent years. No Tornado F3 on the display circuit this year so Lossiemouth GR4s will be seen quite often at shows this year. 15 Squadron jet looking a little poorly. RAF Hawk in the normal 208 Squadron markings. This was the 'spare' jet at Southend. The nicely marked display jet for the year (there's actually two of them!) in the line up at Southend. It's become traditional to mark the RAF display Hawk for that years airshow season. Same aircraft but taken low down on the nose. It may be noticeable that some of these shots are not taken from the crowd but on the actual flightline itself. Many thanks to Roger for arranging a brief tour of the active airfield. This final shot of the display Hawk was taken from the top of the Typhoon's access ladder which was rather idealy placed - you gotta take advantage of what you can! The aircraft that ladder is required for! The single seat Typhoon F2 at its first ever flying display. This is the first season the F2 will be used although at the two prior displays (including Duxford the week before) in 2006 the two seater T.1 was still flown. The second Typhoon was still a T1 as the RAF does not have that many F.2s in service yet. From the nose with canard in the parked position. The 'Black Cats' pair of Lynx HMA8s were flying ATC cadets on local flights as well as their display routine. RAF C-130J parking outside the terminal. This was taken at full wide-angle and was rather close! You can't get away from them at any UK airshow - and this time there's four of them! The Utterly Butterly Stearmans. The Twin Pioneer had marginally better conditions to fly in than at Duxford the weekend befor. Pleasure flights on a pair of Jet Rangers were available. Here they come, love them or hate them they do get a lot of attention.... ....can't imagine why!! They will take guests up apparently if you want (and are stupid enough!) to do something different. Sally B making one of her rare flights away from Duxford. It nearly came off completely sharp! I must get a better lens. While Roger and myself were on our flightline walk we tried to get a flight with Navy crew in the Sea King for some photos of the seafront - nearly came off! To see a Hercules taxi out along a very small taxiway is quite impressive. The aircraft is carrying the Falcons parachute team to the seafront for the finale. The full RAF memorial flight made it to Southend from Coningsby but the Lancaster went 'tech' on landing and did not display. BBMF Hurricane II taxying to the runway. Aircraft is painted in a interim nightfighter/intruder colour scheme. The new kid on the block. Typhoon F2 ZJ921/BW from 29(R) squadron with Matt Elliot at the controls following the C-130 out. Holding short at Southend, the RAFs newest and most impressive display aircraft waits its turn. Before knocking the aircraft through their own ignorance, the media ought to notice the sheer 'presence' the Typhoon has with the public. It is on a par with the The Red Arrows. I've seen the aircraft display several times now over the last 2/3 years and it is still breathtaking. I've no idea what they are (answers please?) except they're pushers and they carry German registrations but they certainly turn the eye. I took about 12 shots as Matt Elliot came back low and fast, this is the sharpest!

Published in Gary Stedman aviation photography

]]> Mon May 29 2006 3 Regiment at Woodbridge in May 2006 http://gary-stedman.fotopic.net/c956238.html 3 Regiment deployed most of the units new Apache's alongside it's older Lynx during exercise 'Crimson Hurdle' in early May as a major test of it's readiness prior being declared operational on the new aircraft. Parked amongst the old HAS site at Woodbridge next to Rendlesham forest, the fine weather and late evening sunset made for some interesting shots. I was lucky enough to have one of these images published in the local East Anglian newspaper on the 20th of May. Saturday 13 May 2006: 3 Regiment deployed most of the units new Apache's alongside it's older Lynx during exercise 'Crimson Hurdle' in early May as a major test of it's readiness prior being declared operational on the new aircraft. Parked amongst the old HAS site at Woodbridge next to Rendlesham forest, the fine weather and late evening sunset made for some interesting shots. I was lucky enough to have one of these images published in the local East Anglian newspaper on the 20th of May.

Several Apache's were parked facing the fence and were ideal to photograph in the late sunshine. Looking right down the nose. flying had finished for the day although the protective covers had - thankfully - yet to be added. Parked beside one of the shelters that once housed 81st TFW A-10s. CRV rocket pods and Hellfire racks are the usual external stores. Sun starting to go over deepest Suffolk. A poor quality re-production of this shot was published in the local newspaper ten days later. A little experiment with the sun through the rotor head - if only they had waited another half hour before putting a dirty great cover over the TADS in the nose! Given the opportunity I had to try out all angles - sun through the blades was next. A vibrant sky and sun behind the sinister image of a Apache was a shot I'd wanted ever since they appeared in the Suffolk skies and not one that can be obtained at Wattisham without access. Although not flying, these will do for the moment! 3 Regiment, any chance of setting it up..??!

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]]> Sat May 13 2006 Visits to Mildenhall. http://gary-stedman.fotopic.net/c914181.html RAF Mildenhall is a few miles away from Lakenheath and is the only other USAF airfield in the UK that permanetly operates aircraft. Activity here has gradually wound down since the end of the cold war with a single Air Refuelling Squadron with KC-135Rs and a Special Operations Group with a mixture of C-130 variants and MH-53 helicopters remaining as the only residents. Transiting aircraft are quite rare nowadays, most go straight to Europe or stop at other UK airfields, including civil airports with Prestwick in Scotland as a common example. Unfortunately for photographers, the base has acquired a terrible reputation amongst US crews for operating a awful ATC service and it's ability to lose flightplans has become quite legendary - more than one transiting crew has been overheard saying they will never return! The two bases ability to control their aircraft in UK airspace and follow NOTAMs - as is required - is none to special either! Wednesday 5 April 2006: RAF Mildenhall is a few miles away from Lakenheath and is the only other USAF airfield in the UK that permanetly operates aircraft. Activity here has gradually wound down since the end of the cold war with a single Air Refuelling Squadron with KC-135Rs and a Special Operations Group with a mixture of C-130 variants and MH-53 helicopters remaining as the only residents. Transiting aircraft are quite rare nowadays, most go straight to Europe or stop at other UK airfields, including civil airports with Prestwick in Scotland as a common example. Unfortunately for photographers, the base has acquired a terrible reputation amongst US crews for operating a awful ATC service and it's ability to lose flightplans has become quite legendary - more than one transiting crew has been overheard saying they will never return! The two bases ability to control their aircraft in UK airspace and follow NOTAMs - as is required - is none to special either!

These were taken on a poor afternoon back in October 2005. This is the standard markings for the 100th Air Refuelling Wing. US Navy C-9 used in the transport and ambulance role. The non-standard 'D' carried on the tail is to honour the B-17s of the 100th Bomb Wing which was based at nearby Thorpe Abbots. The 352nd Special Operations Wing at Mildenhall operates around 8 MC-130H Hercules aircraft within one of its three squadrons. Most USAF aircraft refuel from the boom at the rear but this is not compatiable with US Navy and RAF air-refuelling methods without a attachment. A small number of Mildenhall's KC-135Rs have been fitted with drogue's under each wing so that both methods can be used on the same flight. October 2005 saw the deployment of one of two NASA WB-57 Canberra aircraft for some atmospheric sampling flights. The Canberra has a incredible wingspan and carries a crew of two and operates at upto 65,000 feet. The two Canberras operated by NASA are expected to fly for many years and may return to the UK in the near future. Taken from down the well known Folly road, a 100th ARW KC-135R at dispersal, complete with matching engine covers. Another from the same unit showing a different line in engine covers. The same airframe seen above while on approach is photographed six months later at rest. After spending most of a Good friday waiting for any traffic even a USAF C-130 is welcome. Espically when it turns out to be a Pacific Air Forces C-130H from Elmendorf in Alaska passing through on the return leg from Iraq! Pretty standard shot from the 'hump' (if you know Mildenhall, you'll know where I mean!) of a pretty standard 100th ARW KC-135R - only rare in the fact that the sun actually showed for a few minutes! Not as common as they once were, a RC-135U from the 55th Wing at Offut AFB landing at Mildenhall. The unit used to maintain a permanet detachment here during the '90s but it seems to have been withdrawn. All the RC-135 variants were re-engined with CFM-56s in recent years to bring them upto KC-135R standards. C-20H (actually a Gulfstream IV 'biz' jet with a military designation!) operated by the USAFE from Ramstein in Germany. 58-0100 (Yes, they really are that old!) is a KC-135R that has recently been acquired by the 100th ARW following deep servicing. To tie in with the units designation, the 100th ARW logo is displayed on this jet only. The C-20 coming around for another approach into Mildenhall before returning to Ramstein. C-12 arriving at Mildenhall from Germany. The C-12F is from a US Army unit based at Wiesbaden. The aircraft is 84-0165. Coming in on 11 at Mildenhall and taken from 'johns' field. 69-5825 shows the underwing refueling drogue and basket system used by the type. The 67th Special Operations Squadron flies five MC-130Ps within the 352nd SOG. MC-130P from the Mildenhall based 352nd Special Operations Group. The MC-130P is mainly tasked to refuel inflight the MC-130H which is also operated from Mildenhall by the 352nd SOG. KC-10A Extender on take off roll at Mildenhall. The type is a combined tanker/transport type frequently used by the USAF to support fighter deployments worldwide. Close up of the usual nose art applied to Mildenhall's 100th ARW tankers in honour of the units predecessor, the 100th Bomb Wing. Been wanting to capture one of the RC-135 variants in the sun (unlike the one above!) for a while - this is why. They look goregous! Beautiful in the sun and well worth waiting most of the day for it to come back from a morning launch. The same RC-135V while flying multiple approachs. Like all RC-135s it's detached from the 55th Wing at Offut AFB. The large block behind the nose is a powerful side looking radar used for observation (spying I suppose!) over long distances. It's exact capability is not advertised. MH-53M Sea Stallion from the 21st Special Operations Squadron inbound to the airfield. 21st SOS MH-53s are not easy to photograph so to catch one in good light on the runway centreline was a nice bonus. The MC-130H is the other C-130 variant flown by the 352nd SOG out of Mildenhall. This one is overshooting. Caught on the bank as it lines up, a C-130 on the appraoch. As well as it's fleet of specialist C-130's, the 352nd SOG operates a anicent C-130E as a Taken from the famous Mildenhall mound at the 29 end. One of the MC-130H special ops aircraft in the fading light. 100th ARW KC-135R following the MC-130 in... ....and reflecting the light nicely as passes over the field. Thursday afternoon a week later and for a hour os so nothing happens, then The tail markings give this KC-135 away as having come an awful long way to get to the UK - Hawaii! The tanker is from the Hawaii Air National Guard. Compared to the local KC-135s, the colour appears rather darker as well as being quite clean. To think I nearly went home befor it turned up. In comparison, one of the based KC-135s a few minutes later. At last! My first digital C-17 Globemaster. a 305th Air Mobility Wing example from McGuire AFB. This is a 2004 production airframe and was supposedly routing back from Moscow. The closeness of the mound and my minimum 100mm zoom combined with the bulk of a C-17 means I have to wait until the aircraft has passed by before shooting the late afternoon sun reflecting. Nice visitor on a Saturday was this KC-135R from the 22nd ARW at McConnell AFB. Quite rare for a US based 135 is the underwing drogue attachments. This is what you want to see coming straight at you shortly after arriving at Mildenhall on a saturday morning - ANG C-5A on finals! Then you realise its actually to big to take side on from the mound at the 29 end!

Published in Gary Stedman aviation photography

]]> Wed Apr 5 2006 Lakenheath in 2005/6. http://gary-stedman.fotopic.net/c899584.html The first of several galleries to feature the F-15's from RAF Lakenheath. This covers the 2005/6 period and contains images mostly shot on the 24 approach, which is the most accessible area to photograph. At it's peak, Lakenheath was one of the busiest stations in the UK, with almost daily visits from other NATO air arms. Those days are long gone, although the 70 plus F-15's of the resident 48th Fighter Wing still provide plenty of photo oportunities. A few visitors are also included. Wednesday 22 March 2006: The first of several galleries to feature the F-15's from RAF Lakenheath. This covers the 2005/6 period and contains images mostly shot on the 24 approach, which is the most accessible area to photograph. At it's peak, Lakenheath was one of the busiest stations in the UK, with almost daily visits from other NATO air arms. Those days are long gone, although the 70 plus F-15's of the resident 48th Fighter Wing still provide plenty of photo oportunities. A few visitors are also included.

The typical 24 approach shot into Lakenheath. F-15C 86-0156 is also typical of the configuration flown by the 493rd FS jets. The usual central fuel tank has been dropped (not literally!) in favour of the wing stations. 86-0160 also shows the configuration, completed by AIM-120 and AIM-9X drill rounds on the left wing station. Finishing off with the stores, the right pylon (right side) is fitted with the recently added exercise data link pod. That's just about everything the well equipped F-15C flies with on routine training from Lakenheath! Straight on side shot at Lakenheath. Many of these end up with the top of a bus or truck at the bottom as the Brandon road is just outside the fence. My favourite angle, but only worth going for with a low sun to bring out the underside. Not quite sure what the centre mounted pod is yet; best guess is ECM training equipment but am open to offers? A pair of 493rd F-15Cs in the overhead. When first deployed in the early 70's, the F-15 was nicknamed, 'The flying tennis court' due to it's large size for a fighter. 84-0044 is one of two F-15D's on the 493rd FS's strength. On friday afternoons these two jet's will often take non-aircrew up for a reward flight. Unsuprisingly, I'm told the RAF do not have a similar incentive programme! The F-15E is flown by the other two squadrons within the 48th FW. This jet is from one of the last batches delivered to the USAF, being part of the 2000 fiscal year order. Red fin flash and the Black Panther badge on the intake show this E model is assigned to the 494th FS. Not as hard as you might think to get this, just steady nerves and patience! The best of the nose on shots to date. This one actually made it onto airliners.net, which, trust me, is not easy! Informed feedback from a couple of USAF pilots has the left hand engine shut down due to the position of the nozzle. I didn't notice this at the time as I may have thought rather differently about standing under a F-15 on one engine! Four ship of F-15E 'mud hens' over the top. Not a easy shot as the camera's autofocus has trouble catching the split second before the jet goes behind the fence. After the nose on angle - and if quick enough - you can try the stern shot. This is far more difficult, as it's shooting towards the sun late in the afternoon. The cleaner F-15C from the underside. Recently I dropped the camera and ran for it when somebody got it wrong and was far, far to low - good job no double decker on the road behind me! Taken on the 23rd of December, the last flying day before Christmas, the weather was awful so went for some unusual angles. Somebody was enjoying themselves prior to Christmas! Nose wheel comes up as the jet goes around. Looks like this jet has flown some live missions during deployments with the various LGB symbols on the nose. Another stern quarter taken in terrible weather two days before Christmas. With some editing the images are still reasonable. Unlike the RAF, the USAF fly inbetween Christmas and New Year. Not seen is the couple of inchs of snow on the ground. Supposedly going to Ramstein in Germany, this jet came back with a fault that required the emergency equipment out on the field. Thanks to Tom McGhee for the use of his far superior lenses! F-15C devoid of any fuel tanks. The back end of an F-15C on the 24 approach into Lakenheath. Caught on the break into the circuit at lakenheath, this F-15D is pulling condensation from it's upper surfaces. Same jet a few moments later during the Eagles final approach. Also caught in the overhead pulling wingtip vortices as the pilot pulls a tight break. 86-0167 caught at the more usual angle for the Lakenheath approach. And from the rear quarter. Late afternoon winter sunlight can throw up some nice colours. Another jet showing some nice reflections. Not to common, but a pairs approach. One jet (usually the far one) will overshoot. Routine image of a 493rd FS jet. Notice the pilot is wearing the new helmet sight associated with the AIM-9X carried under the wing. The missiles seeker head will cue to where the pilot looks. As another jet passes, the sun reflects of the different colours and surfaces.... .....enhanced further as the camera pans with the aircraft. 493rd FS marked jet in afterburner on runway 24. These were taken from the car park viewing area through the fence. Fitted with twin tanks, this jet will take some time to rotate. Two 492nd Eagles side by side on the runway. First jet rolling. 84-0001 was the first upgraded C model jet delivered to the USAF. Part of the radar warning reciever appears to be missing at the tip of the left fin! Two F-15Cs on the break into the circuit 86-0178 is from the final batch of C/D models delivered to the USAF. KC-135R from the 100th ARW based next door at Mildenhall - they can often be seen on the circuit at Lakenheath. F-15E's carry the AIM-120 on the outboard rail which is the opposite configuration to the F-15C. A new favourite. Shot on a borrowed 300mm fixed lens, this F-15E is caught while rolling out onto final approach. Also shot from right under the approach. Actually shot through the fence and over the airfield. Seconds from touchdown.... ..... and down. F-15E with the airbrake deployed. Friday mornings at Lakenheath can be fairly rewarding. It's not often you see a midget for a WSO! A few seconds later and the same jet. Not quite sure whats the matter with the WSO.

Published in Gary Stedman aviation photography

]]> Wed Mar 22 2006 801 Naval Air Squadron's Sea Harrier F/A.2s http://gary-stedman.fotopic.net/c890892.html Taken during a media day that 801 Naval Air Squadron held at Yeovilton on the 14th of March, barely two weeks to disbandment and the withdrawal of the few remaining Royal Navy Sea Harrier's still flying. Poor weather - as usual - marred the display but it was a wonderful chance to photograph the Sea Harrier operating for the last time. Tuesday 14 March 2006: Taken during a media day that 801 Naval Air Squadron held at Yeovilton on the 14th of March, barely two weeks to disbandment and the withdrawal of the few remaining Royal Navy Sea Harrier's still flying. Poor weather - as usual - marred the display but it was a wonderful chance to photograph the Sea Harrier operating for the last time.

Omega - the last of the Royal Navy Sea Harriers Ladder fitted, Sea Harrier awaits it's pilot ZH812/005 is loaded with tanks and CAIM-120A training rounds Four of the few remaining 801 NAS sea jets were to be used during the demonstration. The Sea Harrier weapon of choice - the Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile, the AIM-120A. With the airframe going out of service it will now, I assume be passed onto the RAF for use on Tornado F3s. The F3 is now, supposedly fully AMRAAM capable although they still do not appear to carry the weapon unless on a photoshoot, QRA aircraft still use the obsolete Sky Flash for some unknown reason several years after it was released that the update programme was complete! Lt Chris Roy is the very last pilot to convert to the RN Sea Harrier. First jet taxying to the active runway with the other three waiting. With no 30mm Aden cannon's fitted on the fuselage the Sea Harrier has a unusual look to it. 801 NAS still had a USMC Harrier pilot on a exchange posting. Final jet rolling. RN Jetstreams were also doing circuits. One of two remaining T.8s following the F/A.2s out. The day after these were taken one was due to be withdrawn. Sea Harriers are not the only jets operating from Yeovilton. Two RN Hawks taxi out behind the the SHARs If I was going up in a Hawk I'd be pretty pleased as well! One of the two Hawks that, in turn, followed the T8 out Given the poor weather, the diamond four flypast was no doubt as difficult to fly as it was to get a decent photograph! Into the hover, and very close to the photographers. This is loud enough from a distance at a airshow - even with ear defenders this close it's overwhelming! Surely the best angle to photograph any Harrier, whatever the variant. The best shot from the several hundred taken that morning. 002 starts it's roll for the ramp.... ....and is on it's way! After landing and backtracking for the ski-jump. Each of the four pilots took a turn. Very impressive to see four Sea Harriers take the Yeovilton ski-jump at very close quarters so near to the squadrons demise. Unlike some visits to some military airfields in the past, 801 at Yeovilton did not come up with endless health & safety rules. They just trusted the photographers to keep out of trouble - which everybody did. The navy certainly is the way to go. Backtracking after landing for the ski-jump, 004 on the nose. The bow to the audience was a dead cert! They really were rather close!!! In the hover and moments from touchdown. Taxying in at the end of a superb hour of non-stop action playing to the photographers. Four-fifths of the remaining SHAR pilots with 801 NAS. Only the boss is missing. Many thanks for such a enjoyable hour and its a shame that a year later 801 NAS has not reappeared as planned with GR7/9s. By now it seems likely the squadron will not reform whatever the 'plans' are!

Published in Gary Stedman aviation photography

]]> Tue Mar 14 2006 Marham in 2005/6 http://gary-stedman.fotopic.net/c887433.html Soon to be the only RAF fast jet airfield in East Anglia (would we have believed that twenty years ago!), Marham is a large airfield and it's future appears to be largely secure due to the bases forthcoming role as a major 'hub' for Tornado operations and servicing. The 24 approach is quite good for photographs although the rest of the field is difficult at best and the base does not like photographers down on the perimeter fence. Still, with some planning (and luck) good results can be obtained. Saturday 11 March 2006: Soon to be the only RAF fast jet airfield in East Anglia (would we have believed that twenty years ago!), Marham is a large airfield and it's future appears to be largely secure due to the bases forthcoming role as a major 'hub' for Tornado operations and servicing. The 24 approach is quite good for photographs although the rest of the field is difficult at best and the base does not like photographers down on the perimeter fence. Still, with some planning (and luck) good results can be obtained.

Not Wattisham but Marham. One of four Wattisham based Apaches that did overshoots at Marham during one friday. A Tornado with real identity issues - just out of major servicing, the jet is showing markings for 9 Squadron at Marham, but displays a code for 15 Squadron at Lossiemouth. Another 3 Regiment Apache at Marham. It seems Marham is a favourite of the Apache crews at Wattisham for approachs. One of 39 Squadrons shrinking fleet of Canberra PR9s overflying the 24 approach. These are expected to be withdrawn in 2006. Same aircraft on the approach, displaying mission markings behind the canopy. XH135 from the back on the way into Marham. 13 squadron GR4 with the usual combination, of external tanks, AIM-9 rails, Sky Shadow and BOZ chaff pods. Two practise bomb carriers are on the fuselage stations. Tornado's are gradually losing the black painted radome in favour of a grey scheme which I think is a improvement in their appearance. Tornado GR4 showing markings for 617 sqn. Slightly out of date with the squadron insignia as 'The Dambusters' are based at Lossiemouth and this jet is flying with the Marham squadrons. Someday the RAF may, hopefully soon, have a majority of its jets in the correct markings! During tight circuits you can get a good picture as the Tornado rolls out onto the final approach. 2 Squadron GR4A on the approach into Marham. Student piloted Hawk from Valley turning onto the approach during the late afternoon...... .....passing overhead.... ..,,and into a late winter sky. Powering away into the sun for a few more circuits. Over the top into a gorgeous sky. The final approach into the setting sun. This effect is natural and has not been edited into the image with photoshop. I discovered later on that the female student overheard on the radio was sent solo on gliders by a uncle who teachs at a RAF gliding school - prints were sent! Marham Tornado returning in the last light of the day. Taken on a awful late November afternoon during a snow storm, this Marham GR4 retains the markings it acquired during the Iraqi invasion of 2003. Friday afternoon, its freezing and snowing but they're still flying (and I'm still out with the camera!), Tornado at Marham overshooting with a single engine in reheat. First visit to Marham in 2006 and it's actually quite busy, all the more suprising when you consider it was the first day after Easter! GR4 partially marked for 2 Squadron. Taken from directly inline with the runway, a RAPTOR equipped Tornado lines up. Showing the rather subdued markings for 15 sqn at Lossiemouth, it looks like the usual mix up of airframes is still the rule. A very heavily loaded 'DB' from 31 sqn lining up. 'AF' appears to be coded for 9 sqn at Marham but lacks unit markings. The Sky Shadow ECM pod that was formally carried on the outboard station appears to have been replaced by twin BOZ chaff pods. Just to prove me wrong, this one has full 9 Squadron markings (no code) and Sky Shadow. 12 Squadron aircraft lining up with Brimstone on the centreline. Two GR4s on hold. The first plane in the flight had hit a bird upon departure and the remains where being cleared off the runway. Now rolling! 'DB' returning with a full load. As well as the usual tanks and BOZ/Sky Shadow stores, this jet has four ALARMs on the shoulder stations and twelve of the new Brimstone anti-armour missiles in four triples underneath. Despite years of delays, Brimstone is now entering service with 31 Squadron. Same jet seconds later showing another angle of the ALARM and Brimstone configuration. Another visit to Marham on a grey July day and more Tornado's are losing their markings. 'AF' is supposedly with 9 Squadron. A little bit of sun crept through. This 2 Squadron jet was the first one I'd photographed at Marham with the new, dreaded coding system on the fin. The numbers are ok (although a silly waste of time/money as the aircraft already carry a airframe specific serial), but it's the planned removal of all squadron markings that is such a short sighted move, although like so many times recently, it probably won't last very long anyway. KC-135R from Mildenhall on a overshoot, one of two while I was there. Polish Navy M28 Bryza dropping in as it was in the UK for Waddington Airshow. Not as rare as you might think as one of these (usually always this one!) seems to attend every major UK airshow - many spotters don't believe it ever leaves the country! Afternoon sortie, and '006' is flying again. Like the USAF F-15s at Lakenheath, Marham sems to select airframes for the days planned sorties and flys the same ones throughout the day (although, being Marham, not on anywhere the same scale!). The backseater on the second jet was not RAF aircrew but a airman on a experience flight. I only know this because his brother was standing beside me photographing him! 'DO' (assuming 31 Squadron aircraft but hardly seems to apply nowadays!) is in the new lighter grey overall scheme and carries Paveway LGB and TIALD designation pod - pity the weather wasn't better. Rather bright in the morning light. 2 Sqn GR4A in the old colours on finals. This Tornado is fitted with one clean and one dirty drop tank. This crew were rather wobbly on finals but sorted it out in time. Caught the top side strobe light on this one. A long zoom is needed to catch the turn onto finals sometime. NATO E-3A overshooting at RAF Marham during a friday lunchtime. Straight down the Marham approach. This Sentry carried out several approachs at RAF bases during the day. NATO operates 17 E-3As (the 18th was lost in a fatal accident) from Germany although they are deployed were needed throughout the member states. The 'bump' on the fuselage side is a recent modification and contains sensors/radar equipment that is kept fairly quiet. 14 Sqn jet on the overshoot.

Published in Gary Stedman aviation photography

]]> Sat Mar 11 2006 Wattisham from the F-4 days (sob!) http://gary-stedman.fotopic.net/c887268.html These are scanned from prints that are getting on for twenty years old. The image sizes are smaller to hide some of the shortcomings. For anybody local to me who needs old prints scanned into their computer and doesn't have the equipment to do so I'd recommend a certain supermarket on the first retail park heading into Ipswich from Stowmarket. Their photography department is a pleasure to work with and would be helpful to anybody taking any digital or film photography for processing. Many thanks. I hope to add more here as I get others from a large collection scanned. Saturday 11 March 2006: These are scanned from prints that are getting on for twenty years old. The image sizes are smaller to hide some of the shortcomings. For anybody local to me who needs old prints scanned into their computer and doesn't have the equipment to do so I'd recommend a certain supermarket on the first retail park heading into Ipswich from Stowmarket. Their photography department is a pleasure to work with and would be helpful to anybody taking any digital or film photography for processing. Many thanks. I hope to add more here as I get others from a large collection scanned.

This memorial to both the USAAF and RAF personnel that were based at Wattisham during the 1939-1945 war was erected opposite the layby at crash gate 2 in 2005 and overlooks the current operational airfield. Since this was taken, two flagpoles have been added. One of my all time favourites. Taken when I was seventeen and on my first SLR camera - a Olympus OM10. I had no idea about photographic technique at the time but wanted this shot so just stopped the camera down and hoped for the best. I was amazed - it worked. A 74 squadron F-4J on the Northern taxiway heading for the 23 runway. I believe this was taken in 1987 during the practise for a families day, and when frontline squadrons put up formations for these events. I do remember that the lefthand aircraft (ZE358/H) crashed with the loss of the crew a few weeks later while low-level in Wales. The standard shot you could get from the taxiway during the F-4 days. The problem was being to close and needing a wideangle lenses! In RAF service we tended to forget that the F-4 was designed as a naval aircraft! One of the very first shots I took on the OM10. For roughly the first year (1985) 74 Squadron's jets did not have the famous black tail (with one exception!) Later on they all gained the black fin and some were re-painted in the standard RAF three-tone grey scheme in place of the bluish grey that they arrived in. Taken from the 23 approach and the exact same spot that I now shoot Apache's. Besides a massive new fence behind me, not a lot has changed! One F-4J in each of the schemes adopted during the types short service life. Good pics on the ground of 56 Squadron aircraft were hard to get as they rarely came North side. This was taken at the 1989 open day. It was the first to be painted with a red tail and soon the whole sqn would follow for the remainder of its time on F-4s at Wattisham. Norwegian F-16B during a 1987 sqn exchange with 74 sqn. Four F-16A's also took part. All were from 338 Skv. On the Northern taxiway photography was fairly easy. Visits during exercises were also quite common. Four CF-18s operated with 74 sqn during a 'Mallet Blow' ground attack exercise in 1987. The 1st Canadian Air Group used to consist of three CF-18 squadrons but was disbanded shortly after the end of the cold war. Seen here is the false canopy that all CF-18s carried on the underside. Power coming on, two 56 Squadron F-4M's start their take off roll from the 23 end. 'D' and 'N' are about half way down the Wattisham runway. From Crash Gate 2 there was complete and unobstructed view across the whole airfield. XV400/D from Crash Gate 2. Being based at the Southern HAS complex meant they were infrequent visitors to the public side of the field. XT893 ended up in the North Sea off Flamborough Head in 1989! I always thought that 56 Squadron's restrained markings did look quite good! For some reason that I never found the answer too, 56 Squadron favoured the two supersonic wing tank fit while 74 often fitted only the larger subsonic central tank. Two 74 jets on the hold. From a distance the ex-USN F-4J was completely smoke free while the Spey engined jets left a slight trail - although nothing like a USAF of Luftwaffe F-4! Not a very common fit, but this jet is seen with the Suu-23 20mm cannon pod - apparently, not the most accurate of guns! Standard markings and configuration for a 56 Squadron F-4M during the 1980's at Wattisham.

Published in Gary Stedman aviation photography

]]> Sat Mar 11 2006 Out and about http://gary-stedman.fotopic.net/c887173.html Most of these folders will be aviation or military related - it's just my hobby! This will be for some of the other stuff I've shot which I think might be of interest. Saturday 11 March 2006: Most of these folders will be aviation or military related - it's just my hobby! This will be for some of the other stuff I've shot which I think might be of interest.

This daft hedgehog could not understand it was a nocturnal creature and kept wandering around the garden during August! Ok, so it's still a aviation pic but as it was taken from the back of the Toys R Us carpark in Ipswich I'm putting it in this folder. The flypast for the Lord Mayors Show in November 2005 heading down South on a saturday morning. Three vic's of Three Tornado F-3s, the tenth spare has broken away seconds before this was taken. These two were shot as just a experiment on a freezing cold Boxing day night at my local church. Setting up a tripod and the camera was not the easiest thing I've ever attempted! This image was sent to the local paper for their country gallery and was quite chuffed when published on Saturday 4th March. Just a straightforward sunset shot taken from the house. One from the garden that just had to be taken as a storm clears towards Wattisham. Bury Model Flying Club hold a annual model flying day at Rougham. A nice idea this - if only it had of happened on the full size Concorde. Unfortunately, the following day Concorde suffered a crash landing, will it be back next year? Taken in the failing light while walking back from Woodbridge after photographing AAC Apache's. This is the infamous 'East Gate' from UFO folklore. Shot on the quiet at work, the ducks from the river bank. First sunset picture with the new lens. The quality of the image is a lot better and no lens flare. Not a perfect shot as it lacks clarity, but the moon shot on a tripod from the back garden. Another sunset from the garden. Yet another visitor to the garden; Mogwi, the neighbours cat.

Published in Gary Stedman aviation photography

]]> Sat Mar 11 2006 Duxford Autumn airshow 2005 http://gary-stedman.fotopic.net/c886774.html The various warbird collections based at the Imperial War Museum at Duxford are displayed at several airshows each year. The autumn show is generally the last major show of the UK season and attracts a reasonable number of participants from elsewhere. Saturday 11 March 2006: The various warbird collections based at the Imperial War Museum at Duxford are displayed at several airshows each year. The autumn show is generally the last major show of the UK season and attracts a reasonable number of participants from elsewhere.

Not the more common late 'E model, the UK's only resident flying Sabre is a rare early 'A model. Two 4 FTS Hawks were painted in a rather in-your-face colour scheme for the 2005 display season. Not sure if I liked it though but it was certainly eye catching. RAF also brought a short J model Hercules from Lyneham - another RAF base due for the chop! The navy 'Black Cats' usually operate a pair of Lynx's on the display circuit during the year. HMA.8s were brought to Duxford rather than the more common HAS.3s Same airframe. Not the most streamlined of helicopters, is the HMA.8! Shooting the Duxford flightline towards the sun is not easy on the best of days, throw in the early morning fog and you can get a interesting result if lucky. The Duxford Tigercat. The lighting worked well on this Hurricane, my favourite shot from the day. The Duxford based Historic Aircraft Collections Mk XII. The other aircraft from the 'Merlins over Malta' project of 2005. The beautiful Spitfire LFV Another recent restoration that has been added to the Duxford fleet, this P-51D wears the markings of a aircraft flown from the base during wartime. The Fighter Collections P-51C always stands out from the rows of 'bubble canopy' P-51D's. Not normally my sort of thing, but a mass of Yak 50/52s make a nice shot if angled right. Underside of the C-130J You can always distinguish a J from the earlier model as it's not fitted with tanks underwing. The 'Black Cats' during their routine. The second Lynx shows a 'cat' marking behind the cabin. Bit of a press the shutter and hope shot - yet it worked! The RAF Hawk display. Black aircraft do not tend to photograph well at Duxford due to the sun (when it's out!) being in your face. Not a shot I would have tried prior to digital photography. But combine a elevated position, good lighting and the no worries of expense that comes with digital and you've got nothing to lose! The blue painted Spit. Supposedly painted that way in 1942 to blend in with the USS Wasp's deck. I'm a big historical naval buff and I can't remember hearing that but will take HAC's word for it as it looks so good. The HAC LFV turning in behind Caroline Grace's two-seater which is also Duxford based. Not the full complement of Duxford cats, just the Bearcat and Tigercat. Another angle that worked out. I do like the 'Guns Loaded' chalked on the nose - a nice touch. Two Spits pulling out of a dive. Ray Hanna in his well known MkIX - MH434. Sadly, nobody who was at Duxford for the Autumn show of 2005 was aware they were watching the final display by the greatest Spitfire display pilot of all time. Ray Hanna died on the 1st of December 2005. Duxford based MkXVIII with the late teardrop canopy and pointed tail.

Published in Gary Stedman aviation photography

]]> Sat Mar 11 2006 Jaguars at RAF Coltishall http://gary-stedman.fotopic.net/c886736.html RAF Coltishall in Norfolk had long been the home to the remaining RAF Jaguar squadrons. As one of the many cutbacks forced upon the country's armed forces in 2004 was the annoucement that the station would close in 2006 and the one remaining Jaguar unit would serve it's final year at Coningsby. Coltishall has always maintained a enviable reputation as the most photographer friendly airfield in the UK, with easy viewing and no obvious heavy handed security restrictions. In fact the base attempts to accommodate us as much as is possible and will be greatly missed amongst the UK aviation photography community. Little work has been done on the infrastructure at Coltishall in the post war years and the base was the last surviving fighter station from the summer of 1940 to still operate fast jets. Some of these images were taken in November 2005 and the final group from the flypast at the Coltishall's closing parade on the 1st April 2006 (not a inspired choice by somebody). Saturday 11 March 2006: RAF Coltishall in Norfolk had long been the home to the remaining RAF Jaguar squadrons. As one of the many cutbacks forced upon the country's armed forces in 2004 was the annoucement that the station would close in 2006 and the one remaining Jaguar unit would serve it's final year at Coningsby. Coltishall has always maintained a enviable reputation as the most photographer friendly airfield in the UK, with easy viewing and no obvious heavy handed security restrictions. In fact the base attempts to accommodate us as much as is possible and will be greatly missed amongst the UK aviation photography community. Little work has been done on the infrastructure at Coltishall in the post war years and the base was the last surviving fighter station from the summer of 1940 to still operate fast jets. Some of these images were taken in November 2005 and the final group from the flypast at the Coltishall's closing parade on the 1st April 2006 (not a inspired choice by somebody).

The classic Coltishall look from the 22 end. T4 on the move while a GR3A waits. Jaguar T4 now lining up. Same aircraft now ready to go. Shows 'FX' for 41 Squadron despite no insigna. Two GR3As on the way out. Overwing AIM-9 rails give the single-seat Jaguar a distinctive look. 'FB' of 41 shows the squadron colours in the sun. Carries a practise bomb dispenser on the centreline. With both Jaguar's side by side, the pilot of 'FN' applies power.... ....afterburner comes on. Both aircraft are now rolling. Unlike some aircraft, the Jaguar relies on the afterburner greatly as it is woefully underpowered. More than one has come to grief at the end of Coltishall's runway with tragic results. Coningsby's FJ&WOEU Jaguar visting the types main operating location. The jet is completely clean of stores. One T4 and two GR3As returning in the overhead. The classic Coltishall Jaguar shot! Same jet passing in front..... ....and finally over the threshold and with the caravan behind. The T4 recovering as well. Already disbanded, this Jaguar still shows markings for 54 Squadron, the first of the operational Jaguar squadrons at Coltishall to disband earlier in the year. The sign of things to come. 'FC' has been stripped clean as it's heading for storage at St.Athan - probably never to return to flying status. 'FC' leaving for the last time? Another stripped down jet, this time with 6 Squadron markings. Afternoon, and the sun has gone in, but it's still a good place to get pictures. 6 Squadron jets departing in the afternoon. Diamond 9 of Jaguars on the final day as the base stands down. A mixture of 6 and 41 Squadron jets although 41 from this date is no longer a Jaguar operator. Passing overhead and heading for the parade on the airfield. The Jaguars flew from RAF Coningsby. The end. Unlike Coltishall, 41 Squadron still has a future. The Trials unit (FJ&WOEU) has taken over the 41 Squadron identity and a example of each type overflew the parade as well. It seems strange to see Tornado's and Harrier's in markings associated with Jaguars for so long.

Published in Gary Stedman aviation photography

]]> Sat Mar 11 2006 Wattisham open day 2005 & visit to Ipswich by HMS Grafton. http://gary-stedman.fotopic.net/c886418.html Two small local events form 2005. 3 Regiment held a small open day at Wattisham on the 23rd of July to introduce the new Apache to the locals. A few visitoring aircraft were also present. Also in July, the type 23 frigate, HMS Grafton returned up the river Orwell to her adopted town of Ipswich for it's last public visit prior to being de-commissioned and sold overseas (Chile was then the current favoured buyer) in early 2006. Friday 10 March 2006: Two small local events form 2005. 3 Regiment held a small open day at Wattisham on the 23rd of July to introduce the new Apache to the locals. A few visitoring aircraft were also present. Also in July, the type 23 frigate, HMS Grafton returned up the river Orwell to her adopted town of Ipswich for it's last public visit prior to being de-commissioned and sold overseas (Chile was then the current favoured buyer) in early 2006.

Grafton's HMA8 Lynx on the stern. The FLIR turret is rotated back for protection. Aircraft is loaded with a Sea Skua anti-ship missile, and a old fashioned depth charge is on display alongside the more normal anti-submarine weapon of choice, the Stingray torpedo. Taken from the bow and looking back, Vickers Mk8 4.5 inch gun dominates. Notice the ships crest on the barrel cap. From the bridge and looking forward, 32 vertical launch tubes for Sea Wolf Surface-to-air missiles. It's still not known if this system will be released to the Chilean's. Leaving after the visit, Grafton passes under the Orwell bridge. Would have been a interesting photo from the DHL lorry! Passing the onlookers, Grafton heads for the sea. ZJ184 was the static Apache on the apron, with a load of demonstration rockets and Hellfire missiles. Nose on, the TADS sighting system can be seen clearly, as in flight it's usually rotated inward for protection. A suprise was the static appearance of the Bf 109E that the locally based Hawker Restorations have been rebuilding to flying condition. The airframe is powered by a genuine Damiler-Benz 601A engine. The Suffolk Police Air Support Unit are the other major flying unit operating from Wattisham with their EC.135 which is usually tucked away in it's HAS when not operating. In the hangar were several Apache's on display, in various configurations. This one minus a burnt out and very expensive Longbow radar! The four fuel tank ferry loadout has yet to fly in UK service, although common overseas. Caroline Grace and her two-seat Spitfire are well known on the UK airshow circuit, but rarely this close. Caroline is the only qualified female Spitfire display pilot in the world. Somebody had the foresight to park her ML407 besides the 109E - a little piece of planning that often gets overlooked at airshows. Low down angle with rockets and Hellfires displayed infront. Shows the 30mm cannon and ammunition well. At the time the aircraft was still unflown and was doubtful to do so prior to shipping to its US buyer - damn! The open day was a rare chance for the public to get close to the WAH-64D. Much criticised by the UK press, it surely is too much to expect for them to comprehend that the aircraft itself is excellent, the usual MoD procurement mis-management is where the fault for the bad press lies.

Published in Gary Stedman aviation photography

]]> Fri Mar 10 2006 Exercise 'Herrick Eagle' Jan/Feb 2006 (Wattisham) http://gary-stedman.fotopic.net/c886362.html A major readiness exercise for 16 Air Assault Brigade took place during early 2006. In part to prepare for the partial deployment of the brigade to Afghanistan during the year. Although Wattisham helicopters will not be deployed the base still played a major part in the exercise and involved numerous RAF visitors. Friday 10 March 2006: A major readiness exercise for 16 Air Assault Brigade took place during early 2006. In part to prepare for the partial deployment of the brigade to Afghanistan during the year. Although Wattisham helicopters will not be deployed the base still played a major part in the exercise and involved numerous RAF visitors.

A perfect saturday morning at the mid point of the exercise, bitterly cold and using the 05 end where the car has to be dumped and you walk - but worth it when after a few minutes three RAF Chinooks arrive bang on time! Given the light and some good timing some nice results can be achieved in the low sun. ZH776 is one of the later HC2A Chinooks and unlile the ill-fated HC3s ordered at the same time is actually in service Crewman seemed a bit suprised to find somebody standing in the middle of a field on a cold saturday morning! The Chinook is from 27 Squadron, whose badge can be seen below the rear rotor. Lynx XZ212 was one of the Dishforth birds deployed for the exercise. Aircraft carries a mount for a GPMG by the cabin door. Skids could do with a bit of a clean! Another Dishforth visitor, ZJ228 was airtested on the saturday, allowing some slow approach shots - probably the best I have achieved on the type to date. UK Apache's use a different rocket to other nations, the Canadian CRV-7 which is also in RAF service and is contained in a different pod. And the rear, ZJ228 is upto date with the various bumps associated with the defensive avonics. Parking by 7 Battalion prior to refuelling at the FARP. Impressive angle for a Chinook, but it caught the sun wrong. Refuelling at the FARP, which was quite nicely placed for photography down by the old Northern HAS site and right by the fence. Now finished, The Chinook departs. Quite a impressive sight being that close. Just catching the sun right as this Chinook lifts from parking to refuel at the FARP, if you look closely you can see how much grass has been thrown into the air. Late the following sunday afternoon, six 9 Regiment Apache's returned to the FARP, coming in out of a nice sky. While waiting their turn at the FARP, a couple of the crews turned and played to the camera - thank you! Air taxying always looks quite impressive. Only the wonders of photoshop was able to bring these dark aircraft out into a decent pic in the late afternoon. Although sunlight was largely absent, the brightly lit skies gave the images a nice backdrop. Coming in from behind the trees, suprised the pic worked so well. While waiting for the FARP, this crew also played to the camera - notice the gunner in the front seat is looking and the 30mm cannon under the nose has trained with him! They then pulled around and lifted above the fence for one of my favourite shots to date - taken with little available light, of a dark aircraft against a grey sky, thank you photoshop and also the crew!

Published in Gary Stedman aviation photography

]]> Fri Mar 10 2006 Wattisham residents and visitors http://gary-stedman.fotopic.net/c886267.html Photographs taken in and around Wattisham airfield will be the mainstay of this website. Firstly; and probably the main reason is that it is my 'local', being just a couple of miles away. Yet it is also one of the least well photographed currently active military airfields in the East of the country, certainly since the RAF handed the field over to the Army Air Corps in the early 1990's. The airfield is home to two AAC regiments flying a mix of helicopter types and a Royal Air Force Search & Rescue flight. The arrival of the long awaited Westland WAH-64D Apache in numbers during 2005 has put this long forgotten airfield back in the minds of enthusiasts for the first time since the mighty Phantoms left in 1992. Decent photography can be achieved here, as I hope to demonstrate with this website, but it requires a lot more patience and planning than at a regular fixed-wing station and local knowledge is a must. If anybody is planning a visit then I would recommend the Wattisham site linked below and maintained by Tom McGhee - it provides good spotting information or alternatively email me direct. Friday 10 March 2006: P