Pictures Of The Week
Week 52, December 2014
Clockwise from top left:
The final POTW of 2014 is started by an airframe at the beginning of its service career, this Airbus A380 (AG-APA) was the 150th to be delivered and the first delivered to Etihad Airways. Darryl's image captured the aircraft and it's stunning new livery in perfect light, making the image one that we had to include.
Image © Darryl Morrell
Barrie returns with his second POTW inclusion this month after being rewarded with plenty of activity on a visit to RAF Lakenheath on December 29th and produced another great series of images. This image takes full advantage of the setting Suffolk sun to silhouette the fence and approach lights at the bottom of the image and the majority of the landing F-15, with the exception of catching the golden light on the left tail to complete the image.
Image © Barrie May
Since the AIR14 event held at Payerne we have seen plenty of images from the show on the forum, and has become a regular feature of late in our POTW images too. Perhaps we are slightly biased towards the two British Hawker Designs, however, Daniel's image of the formation of Sea Fury and Hunter was our favourite from his selection.
Image © Daniel Rychcik
Canon EOS 1Dx + Canon EF 500mm f4 L lens & Canon 1.4x TCShots like this are proving that the dreaded US armed forces' "sequestration" woes of 2013 are fast becoming just bitter memories. Shots like this also prove that US airshows are making a marked return to former glory (as much as current USAF inventories will allow, anyway). Taken on the hallowed ground that is Nellis AFB on the outskirts of Las Vegas at the much-celebrated "Aviation Nation", Simon is on to a true winner with this fine capture. We think it's about time the F-22 demo team made another visit abroad and frequented some European shows in the next year or two.
Image © Simon Schibli
Ian received a comment about this image, taken at the Cosby Victory Show suggesting that it shows 'all the urgency of The Battle of Britain'. The event is among the smaller of those that take place throughout the UK summer season, but it is often at these more intimate events that provide the best opportunities. With the future of Peter Vacher's Hurricane MkI uncertain, the timing of Ian getting this image is even more important.
Image © Ian Garfield
Canon EOS 1D MkIII + Canon EF 70-200mm f2.8 L lensThe start of the new year is often seen as a time for reflection and our 'Golden Oldies' section provides plenty of opportunities for that. Richard captured this image at NAS Oceana in 2001 at a time when there were plenty of F-14 units still active there, alas no longer the case.
Image © Richard Collens
Pictures Of The Week
Week 51, December 2014
Clockwise from top left:
Philippe recently posted a series of images from an air-to-air shot that he conducted during the summer over lake Thun, Switzerland. The post titled 'Classic Formation' shows a DC-3 and a pair of Beech 18s, all sporting a polished metal finishes, although this finish may not be to everyone's taste, set against the picturesque Swiss landscape they are defiantly shown at their best.
Image © Philippe Rey
One of the highlights of the large Swiss contingent on display at Payerne, to celebrate the centenary of the Swiss Air Force, was the F-18 display by Captain Julien ‘Teddy’ Meister seen at multiple airshows in the UK this year as well. Chris benefited from great timing to capture the release of the flares during the display. With the illumination of the aircraft by the flares and the strong contrast between the red of the two Swiss depictions of the flag on the aircraft and the rich blue sky, we felt this image had to be included in POTW.
Image © Chris Milne
Another air-to-air shoot over water features this week with this capture over the Vistula river in Poland. However, juxtaposing Philippe's theme of classic aircraft with this example being an AW149 of AgustaWestland PZL, one of the three competitors in the Polish Armed Forces transport helicopter tender. The combination of the skill of the relativity slow shutter speed used and the interaction with the crew that this image offers the viewer made it our favourite from the set.
Image © Bartosz Bera
Canon EOS 5D Mk.III + Canon EF 70-200 f4 L lensKeith recently posted a series great images taken at night at Manchester airport, this Condor Airbus A320 being a brilliant example of the results that he achieved. The aircraft sports new titles following a period of maintenance which add to an aesthetically pleasing livery, that especially suited to being photographed at night. We also felt that the operational feel given from the viewer from the background, while not being too distracting, made this an excellent image to feature.
Image © Keith Wignall
Pentax K200D + Pentax 18-135mm lensAnother image from the 'Airliner' photography section of the forum, with the new paint scheme applied to an Icelandair Boeing 757. This image of the aircraft departing from Heathrow on December 20th, adding some colour and variety to the Heathrow regulars.
Image © 'Bestlasham'
Rod visited Nellis AFB in November for the 'Aviation Nation' event. Nellis AFB is not only home to Aviation Nation and the Red Flag exercises, but it is also the base of the USAF Thunderbirds. Rod's vision and creativity to use the sculpture of the team with the aircraft diving down above with the curve created by the smoke trail makes an overall very pleasing image.
Image © Rod McDonough
Pictures Of The Week
Week 50, December 2014
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This mouth-watering shot was taken at Volkel Air Base in the Netherlands. Joan tells us that it was organised by KNVOL (Royal Dutch Society "Our Air force") as a base visit with the objective of witnessing RNLAF night flying operations. Remarkably enough, the jets that flew then made a short stop for the photographers on the taxiway before going on their way. A credit to the RNLAF, an air arm from which we're sure the RAF could learn a thing or two.
Image © Joan le Poole
Canon EOS 600D + Canon EF-S 18-55mm lensChris braved a very cold day at Lakenheath to bring us this shot of a based F-15 Eagle; and quite the ethereal shot it is, too. Always a slightly rarer beast than their sister "E" model Strike Eagles; shots of the legacy models are always appreciated, especially of this calibre.
Image © Chris Heal
Canon EOS 1D Mk.IV + Canon EF 500mm f4 L lensThere's usually one show or another in Europe that takes the crown each year. In 2014, it was undoubtedly Air '14 at Payerne in Switzerland. Catching up with his editing, UKAR's very own Andy Evans posted this wonderful shot of the Red Bull P-38 Lightning, which is part of the Flying Bulls collection. As Europe's only flying P-38, she steals the show wherever she might be, and Payerne was no exception. Taken here on the final day, it seems like a wonderful way to conclude a fantastic show.
Image © Andy Evans
Nikon D300s + Sigma 50-500mm OS lensIraq has been back in the news recently with advances made in the early part of 2014 by IS. Seen here flying at NAS Fort Worth, presumably pre-delivery testing, is this Iraqi F-16C Block 52. Destined for the Iraqi Air Force, it seems that it will supplement an already-stretched capability in the Middle East nation. Politics aside, it's an unusual aircraft to see, and one we might not see again for some time, so it's great to be able to feature it in POTW.
Image © Dave Chng
A phenomenal shot of contrasts from POTW regular Barrie. Taken during a trip to Coningsby, it's always worth hanging around (especially in winter months) for some sunset shots. On this occasion the clouds prevented the typical opportunities, but with a fine eye, Barrie came away with this magnificent capture almost of two halves that we feel really lends itself to the silhouette of the Typhoon.
Image © Barrie May
Canon EOS 7D + Canon EF 100-400mm L IS lensThe king of the "Golden Oldies" section strikes again! POTW regular Stuart Freer shared with us some impeccable shots of the 527th AS "Aggressors" at RAF Alconbury. These beautiful F-5E Tiger IIs were once a regular sight at the Cambridgeshire base, but sadly died out as the Cold War came to a close and fatigue took its toll on the airframes. The lowest hour F-5s were sent on to the US Navy at NAS Miramar (or TOP GUN), whilst the rest were refurbished and sold on to Morrocco and Tunisia thereby closing this glorious chapter of aviation in the UK.
Image © Stuart Freer (Touchdown Aviation)
The limelight may have been on larger air arms as we move into times when centenary celebrations come around, but Montenegro also played host to a celebration of 100 years of aviation. In the small town of Cetinje over the local football stadium were, amongst others, a couple of Air Tractors in various guises, including this AT-802 variant equipped for fire fighting and one of only two in Montenegro operated by Fire Boss. It's not often we get to see aircraft from this part of the world strutting their stuff and a fine way to conclude this week's entry.
Image © Ivan Bukvic
Canon EOS 7D + Canon EF 70-200mm f4 L lens
Pictures Of The Week
Week 49, December 2014
Clockwise from top left:
We commence this week with a fine study of one of Lakenheath's finest powering through the Mach Loop. Taken by POTW regular Rick, the F-15E is somewhat regular around the Welsh Valleys and have to be near the top of any enthusiast's wish list when they make the visit, and Rick's shot shows that there really is something to be said about shooting aircraft in the autumn and winter months.
Image © Rick Ingham
Canon EOS 50D + Canon EF 400mm f5.6 L lensA shot of contrasts next, with Lew's shot of a Qantas A380 out of Heathrow. The contrasting light patterns and intensity of colours speaks for itself, to say nothing of the fantastic angle. Owning the type for a little over six years now, Qantas is well-versed in "Super Jumbo" operations, and Lew has come away with as good as one can get from the day at Heathrow.
Image © Lewis Steeper
Canon EOS 7D + Canon 70-200mm f4 L lensLong time UKARian Geoff presented to us a series of shots of a Polish Navy SH-2G Super Seasprite from it's display at Radom Airshow last year. With Poland owning just four of the classic machines basing them at Gdynia, the Seasprite is has become a very rare beast over time, despite it still being a very capable platform, and so shots like this are all the more appreciated.
Image © Geoff Stockle
Nikon D300 + Nikkor 80-200mm f2.8 VRII lens & Nikkor 1.7x TCFurther helo action this week comes in the form of Italy's latest AW-101 test flying out of AgustaWestland's facility in Yeovil prior to delivery to the Italian military. These all-black machines are reportedly destined for the Italian Air Force replacing the venerable HH-3F Pelican that was retired earlier this year in the CSAR role. As new aircraft go, these are some pretty sexy beasts indeed, and Rich has some shots he can be proud of.
Image © Rich Pittman
The old ways are the best ways, or so the saying goes. Here at UKAR we do have a soft spot for all things classic, and right there at the top of that list is the fantastic (or Phantastic) F-4 Phantom - especially when that Phantom is in the guise of an RAF machine. As the undisputed king of classic photographs, Stuart has once again had us salivating over his thread of RAF F-4s, in particular this 92 Sqn machine from Wildenrath. Rose-tinted spectacles, indeed.
Image © Stu Freer (Touchdown Aviation)
From old RAF machines to the very newest; we have the first A400M Atlas (or Grizzly, if you like) being delivered to the RAF. The long awaited machine has finally made the trip to the UK and was caught by Phil doing a couple of missed approaches at Bristol Lulsgate. The machine will now be operated by XXIV Sqn who will preform a work-up for crews, along with 206(R) Sqn performing test and evaluation.
Image © Philip Jones
Canon EOS 50D + Canon EF 70-300mm L IS lensThe curtain call this week goes to Mike, and his shots of Austrian Saab Drakens flying into RAF Waddington over (prepare to feel old) twelve years ago. How time flies. Austria now operates the Typhoon following the retirement of the Swedish type in 2005, and though the Typhoons are undoubtedly more capable, they will never match the charisma of this Saab classic.
Image © Michael Hall
Canon EOS D60 + Canon EF 70-200 f2.8 L lens