Pictures Of The Week
Week 48, November 2010
Clockwise from top left:
Something of an "Eagle Fest" this week, headed by this stunning shot of an F-15E from the USAF's Strike Eagle Demo Team. Caught performing its trademark "knife-edge" pass at the Blue Angels Homecoming Show at NAS Pensacola, the aircraft was flown by Major Michael "Cash" Maeder and Captain John "Gizmo" Cox and from the 4th Fighter Wing, Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina.
Image © Krzysztof Zieliński. Canon EOS 50D, EF 300mm f2.8 L IS lens + Canon 1.4x Teleconverter
A cold, crisp wintery scene met Robert Starling this week at RAF Lakenheath, and he made great use of the still air and lovely lighting conditions to produce a magnificent set of shots, including this one of a taxiing 494th Fighter Squadron Strike Eagle.
Image © Robert Starling
We move to the other side of the globe for our third and final Eagle shot for this week, but this time an F-15J of the Japanese Air Self Defence Force (JASDF). The JASDF is renowned for their attractive camouflage schemes and colourful markings, and this immaculate example from the 305th Hikotai at Hyakuri is a delight to behold.
Image © Dino van Doorn. Canon EOS-50D + Canon EF 300mm f4 L lens
Anton Balakchiev provided UKAR viewers with a feast of rotary action from the Bulgarian Air Force, with an incredible selection of air-to-air shots of AS532 Cougars (as illustrated here) and Mil Mi-8 "Hips" conducting a training exercise over the Black Sea. Anton also provided us some mouth-watering shots of Sukhoi Su-25K "Frogfoots" in action at their home base of Bezmer, caught during a fuel stop enroute.
Image © Anton Balakchiev. Canon EOS 40D + Canon EF 100-400mm L IS lens
Chinese military hardware is high up on the wants list of many UK enthusiasts, and for the second week running, we were treated to the delights of the Chinese People's Liberation Army Air Force at the 8th Chinese International Aviation Aerospace Exhibition at Zhuhai. The incredible Xian H-6, a Chinese license-built version of the Tupolev Tu-16 "Badger" was but one of the highlights of this show, albeit on static display. Tim Laurence Maycock was keen to photograph this beast in the air however, so he returned to the airport for departures day, and his patience was eventually rewarded.
Image © Tim Lawrence Maycock. Canon EOS 1D MkII + Sigma 50-500mm lens
Steve Buckby braved the sub-zero temperatures and attended the Lightning Preservation Group's night photoshoot at Bruntingthorpe. The early winter snow on the tarmac adds to the atmosphere of this wonderful shot, and one could be forgiven for thinking we'd been transported back in time thirty years to the Quick Reaction Alert sheds at Binbrook.
Image © Steve Buckby. Canon EOS 40D + Canon EF 17-40mm f4 L lens mounted on a Manfrotto 055 tripod
Gdynia/Babie Doly is home to much of the Polish Navy's 28th Naval Squadron, which operates a mixed fleet of mostly rotary types, including ex US Navy Kaman SH-2G Sea Sprites, Mil Mi-8s and PZL W-3RM "Anakondas" as captured here in beautiful sunshine during a recent visit by Rich Pittman. Seven examples of the Anakonda remain in service, and operate in the Search And Rescue role.
Image © Richard Pittman. Canon EOS 7D + Canon EF 70-200mm f4 L IS lens
Pictures Of The Week
Week 47, November 2010
Clockwise from top left:
First up in this weeks selection is this stunning rainbow shot. Darryl captured this Croatian Airlines Airbus A320 from London Heathrow's Myrtle Avenue when a storm had just passed over and the result is fantastic indeed!
Image © Darryl Morrell. Canon EOS 7D + Canon EF 100-400mm L IS lens
An aerobatic demonstration team that hasn't been featured in our Pictures Of The Week before is the People's Liberation Army Air Force's (PLAAF) 'August 1st'. Peter travelled to the bi-annual Zhuhai Airshow in China where he found a selection of rarely seen Chinese military aircraft including this Chengdu J10S 'Vigorous Dragon'. The team was founded in 1962 and converted to the PLAAF's premier fighter in 2009.
Image © Peter Terlouw. Nikon D300s + Nikkor AF-S 70-200mm f2.8 VR lens
Moving to Lake Maggiore in Northern Italy next we find this immaculate Pilatus P-3 operated by the P3 Flyers aerobatic team from neighbouring Switzerland's Ambri airfield. Philippe took off from Sion to meet up with the P-3 which flew from Locarno. All worked out well in the end, leaving Philippe with another lovely image for his selection of air-to-air photos of Pilatus aircraft.
Image © Philippe Rey. Nikon D700 + Nikkon 24-70mm f2.8 lens
Meteor-o-logical conditions were excellent at the recent Newark Air Museum Night Photo Shoot. These nightshoots always provide some good possibilities for getting unusual shots and Keith took full advantage of the opportunity. Do keep an eye on both our forum and the Newark Air Museum's website for updates about possible future night shoots!
Image © Keith Campbell. Canon EOS 5D MkII
Lakenheath is a well photographed location on our forums and original angles aren't easy to find, but when the sunset is as good as this the decision is made easy for you. Robert's set of images made the most of the favourable conditions he had, with jellied air pouring from the exhausts and wing tip vortices both picked out against a lovely orange sky.
Image © Robert Starling
Continuing with this week's rainbow trend is this shot of Typhoon Instrumented Production Aircraft (IPA) 6 breaking hard into BAE Warton's circuit. Ian went to his local hoping for any activity at all in the lovely winter weather and he didn't have to return home disappointed.
Image © Ian Finch. Canon EOS 7D + Canon EF 100-400mm L IS lens
Gerard caught this beautiful DC-3, which has recently been restored for film work, at his local airfield of Richards Bay in South Africa. Tasked with an official photo assignment, he seemingly had every angle covered and even got to do some shooting at night, but we liked this beautifully lit shot most of all.
Image © Gerard Griessel
Pictures Of The Week
Week 46, November 2010
Clockwise from top left:
Taking pride of place this week is this up close & personal shot of a Bulgarian AF Mig-21 taking off from 3rd Fighter Air Force Base Graf Ignatievo during the recent Thracian Star 2010 exercise. During October, training sorties were flown by Bulgarian AF Mig-29, Mig-21 and Su-25 aircraft against the deployed USAFE F-16s of the 480th Fighter Squadron who are normally based at Spangdahlem AB in Germany.
Image © Anton Balakchiev. Canon EOS 7D + Canon EF 100-400mm L IS lens
How close? Taken from a J3 Cub, airborne from Sonoma Skypark, California is this fantastic shot of a Champion Citabria owned by Travis Morton. The Citabria, or "airbatic" spelt backwards, is capable of sustaining aerobatic stresses from +5g to -2g. Over 5,238 examples of this two-seat sports aircraft have been produced in the United States since 1964.
Image © Mike Shreeve. Canon EOS 5D MkII + Canon EF 24-105mm f4 lens
It's a dead heat! Looking for the finishing line is the pilot of this North American T-6G Texan in contest with the Shockwave jet truck at the NAS Pensacola (Night) Airshow, Florida last weekend. The photographer demonstrates great timing in order to capture the warbird, truck and explosion in the same frame.
Image © Peter Steehouwer (Airshow Action). Nikon D3X + Nikon 400mm f2.8 VR lens
In with the new... four Typhoon pilots from 'The Flying Can Openers' walk the line after landing at RAF Leuchars on the Friday before the September airshow weekend. During the show, the 6 Squadron Standard was paraded before the Chief of the Air Staff signalling change for this famous air defence base as it transitions from the Tornado F3 to supporting Typhoon operations.
Image © Andrew Beaumont. Canon EOS 7D + Canon EF 70-200mm f4.0 L lens
Out with the old... an atmospheric and moving image as a Harrier lands on runway 22 in the sunset at RAF Cottesmore. Many photographers on UKAR have been paying their last respects to Cottesmore and the Harrier as both, along with nearby RAF Wittering, sadly near the end of their flying days.
Image © Pete Fletcher. Nikon D300 + Nikkor 300mm f2.8 AF-S VR lens
Another photo from warmer climes - this time at Al Azraq AB in Eastern Jordan on Sunday 10th September 2006. Kevin Wills was at Al Azraq capturing 6 Sqn Jaguars taking part in Exercise Desert Cat - one of their last overseas detachments before the types withdrawal from RAF service. This Jordanian AF AH-1S Cobra helicopter was also operating as part of the same exercise and the photographer took full advantage!
Image © Kevin Wills. Canon EOS 10D + Canon EF 100-400mm L IS lens
Pictures Of The Week
Week 45, November 2010
Clockwise from top left:
To start, a very appropriate shot for this year's Remembrance Week. Steve artistically captured the silhouette of Lancaster NX611 during the only night time taxi run at East Kirby this year. Steve frames the shot against a beautiful sunset. During World War Two Bomber Command suffered more than most UK and Commonwealth forces. Bomber Command suffered losses totalling 55,000 airmen killed in action out of a total of 125,000 aircrew, which amounts to a staggering 44% death rate. When looking at such figures one must not forget the thousands more who were badly injured or who became prisoners of war. "Lest we forget".
Image © Steve Buckby. Canon EOS 40D + Canon EF 24-105mm f4 L lens mounted on a Manfrotto 055 tripod
Very much a stranger to our shores - the Rooivalk. The much maligned indigenous South African Attack Helicopter is rarely seen outside of South Africa. In Tim's well composed shot this Rooivalk hovers above a tank during the bi-annual Africa Aerospace and Defence show. The image was taken at Ysterplaat Air Force Base. Thanks for sharing such a rare type with us Tim.
Image © Tim Lawrence Maycock. Canon EOS 1D MkII + Sigma 50-500mm OS lens
Cristian proves to be a real snake in the grass or should that be 'Viper in the night' by managing to get this exclusive Viper shot. For the spotter types out there, this is actually a Dutch F-16 operating from Monte Real, Portugal, where it was participated in the air-to-surface phase of Fighter Weapon Instructor Training. The shot is beautifully lit, framing the F-16 against a rather spartan looking aircraft shelter. Thanks for sharing Cristian.
Image © Cristian Schrik. Canon EOS 1D MkIII + Canon EF 24-104mm f4 L IS lens
Casa-nova! We have all been wooed by this handsome image. This Casa transport of the Polish Air Force was shot during a training flight over rural Poland during March. The ultra-sharp clarity and vibrant colour that Krzysztof captures in this shot is complimented by the beautiful snow dusted background. Krzysztof was lucky enough to take the image during a rare air-to-air shoot from another Casa.
Image © Krzysztof Zieliński. Canon EOS 50D + 24-105mm f4 L IS lens
Phree Phabulous Phantoms! Sadly a very rare breed today, the Phantom had been a staple of many western air arms until relatively recently, now they rarely grace our skies, and that is why you want to visit Japan. Here Dino captures three of the taxiing F-4's of the 302 Hikotai, located at Hyakuri airbase. Behind the closest Phantom two others can be seen shrouded artistically in heat haze. Thanks for sharing this one with us Dino.
Image © Dino van Doorn. Canon EOS 50D + Canon EF 300mm f4 lens
Here a Puma of the Bulgarian Air Force is lit colourfully by its own red and green lights. The red anti collision light on the tail can be seen reflecting off the both the main and tail rotors producing a dynamic effect. This shot was taken during a regular night flight at the 24th Helicopter Airbase Krumovo on November 2.
Image © Anton Balakchiev. Canon EOS 7D + Canon EF 24-105mm f4 L IS lens
A great shot here by Egon as he captures an A319 on approach to Corfu. Egon had to stop at Corfu when his flight aboard a Cessna 340 stopped over for fuel and some crew rest. He was flying in the charity event - "Fly for MS" (Multiple Sclerosis). The azure blue sky, superb composition and framing really make this shot. Well done on the shot Egon, and as for the stop in Corfu, go on you've earnt it!
Image © Egon Johansen. Nikon D300S + Nikon 14-24mm lens
Pictures Of The Week
Week 44, November 2010
Clockwise from top left:
For the third time on the trot, a Swiss F/A-18 from Axalp nabs a spot in TWIP. The polar opposite of last week's high-impact, super close-up shot, Raphael made the risky decision of fitting his camera with a wide-angle lens; but what a result! The location was the Wildgaerst, a mere 300 metres above one of the shooting targets, a prime position to catch the Hornets pulling up and rolling over the top after their run-ins.
Image © Raphael Moser. Nikon D700 + 14-24mm lens
The first of this week's Harrier shots comes from Nigel Blake, who endured the deafening noise and searing heat of this magnificent aeroplane's jetwash in order to make the most of the warm autumnal light. Whether you agree with the politics behind the decision or not, it's a crying shame that the curtain has fallen on the Harrier fleet so suddenly. Shades of the much-lamented Jaguar...
Image © Nigel Blake. Canon EOS 1Ds MkIII + Canon EF 600mm f4 L IS lens
This time of year is arguably one of the best for photography. The short days ensure that the 'golden hour' occurs at a far more sociable time, and the autumnal colours have provided a beautiful background to these 'Redskin' shots from Gilze-Rijen, Holland. So, to all of you wanting to make your break into this hallowed feature: Get out with the camera and make the very best of the stunning light on offer!
Image © Alex van Noye. Canon EOS 50D + Canon EF 100-400 L IS lens
As promised, another Harrier shot - this time courtesy of our very own Trev Collins. This intrepid staffer made what was probably his last visit to the exceptional viewing area that is the 22 threshold at Cottesmore, coming away with the brilliantly composed image above. Proud line-up for inspection or funeral procession? You decide...
Image © Trev Collins. Canon EOS 40D + Canon EF 70-200mm f2.8 L lens
A masterpiece in the fine art that is slow-speed panning takes the next spot in our selection. Kris captured this Viper beginning its takeoff roll at Lask, Poland with a steady hand, making full use of the Nikon D3's superb low-light capabilities.
Image © Krzysztof Baranowski. Nikon D3s + Nikkor 500mm f4 AFS VR lens
All good things must come to an end, and this month sees the final few days of the Boeing 757 in operational service with British Airways. To mark the occasion, the powers-that-be made a running leap for the 'retro jet' bandwagon and authorised the painting up of the last airframe in the same 'Negus' colour scheme that the type wore when it entered service back in 1983.
Image © Tony Silgrim. Canon EOS 50D + Canon EF 70-200mm f4 L IS lens
