Pictures Of The Week
Week 31, July 2016
Clockwise from top left:
These two airframes haven't made too many public appearances, much to the chagrin of most of us in the community who were more than keen to see them in the flesh and a real disappointment as they're really rather good schemes. A lucky few, however, got to take part in this incredible photoshoot, and while we'd have loved to be up there taking part in "Omen flight", it's fantastic that there are pictures of the two special schemes together for posterity. Sadly, it seems likely that the 47 special scheme has already gone into the shop for repainting...
Image © Liam Daniels
The International Air Show at Bucharest has a lineup of eastern hardware to make any western enthusiast drool, but for Peter one of the stars was the final act of the show. Maybe not such a rarity to our eyes, nonetheless a sight of a C-27 doing a flare dispense at night (at half nine in the evening!) is a truly incredible sight and this image caught it fantastically. Seems unlikely that we'll see something like that in the UK, so it might be best to make the trip to Romania for it. There's plenty more in that set which might convince you!
Image © Peter Terlouw
Belgium has operated the SIAI-Marchetti SF.260 since 1968, and it has provided sterling training service to the nation ever since. The national aerobatic team, the Red Devils, are equipped with the type and routinely perform abroad in promotion of their country. However, here they are seen in preparation for the country's National Day flypast and look very smart indeed lined up on the apron. The Diables Rouges put on a very competent and tight display and are often underappreciated, to the point that while writing these captions it turned out that they don't even have their own Wikipedia article.
Image © Vincent Pirard
An aeroplane that needs no introduction. Definitely one of the most charismatic aircraft ever built, the Warthog paid a visit to RAF Lakenheath at the beginning of the month, coming from the Indiana ANG 163rd FS 'Blacksnakes', and suitably painted up with snake faces on the noses! Particular noteworthy with these aircraft is the absolutely enormous centreline fuel tank, used for long distance transits. They're usually not seen with them as they aren't combat-suitable. For all the umming and uhhing about the future of the A-10, they're still getting about quite a bit and we're not complaining!
Image © Matt Varley
It's sometimes difficult to stand out amongst the many RIAT threads that anually take over the airshow photography section of the forum post-Fairford, but Chris' thread certainly does that - some bold angles and editing techniques combined with some original compositions makes for a great viewing, and this shot of the Apache and it's warload is unlike any other we've seen from RIAT 2016.
Image © Chris Shaw
We've had the Thunderbolts, now here is the Lightning! Definitely one of the oddest designs to come of the the War, the P-38 is a rare sight over Europe these days but there are a few still knocking about over North America. It was undoubtedly one of the most capable aeroplanes in service with the US and was greatly feared by its adversaries. Much like the Spitfire, it was in production from the beginning of (US involvement in) the War until the end - the only US type to be so.
Image © Jeffrey Wilson
The Airbus A400M display has consistently been a favourite at RIATs since it started - it's phenomenal to see an aircraft of that enormous size and bulk being thrown around like a fighter. As a result there are some great photographic opportunities to be had that defy the mass of the aircraft, and this close up is full of action and movement. The RAF has, to date, taken delivery of eight Atlases and has already sent them abroad on deployment. This year's RIAT saw the first participation from a foreign in-service A400M, arriving from the Luftwaffe.
Image © 'Dr Cake'
Pictures Of The Week
Week 30, July 2016
Clockwise from top left:
With the RAF celebrating its centenary in 2018, it's utterly staggering to think that for over half of its lifetime, it has been served by the faithful and reliable workhorse that is the Hercules. It is therefore only appropriate that the RAF sought to commemorate this fact, by adorning the tail of one of Lockheed's finest. Top spot this week goes to POTW-regular Rich Pittman, who provided this exceptional shot of the workhorse demonstrating that much-loved reliability and ruggedness practicing natural surface landings.
Image © Rich Pittman
Second up is an incredibly rare catch this week. In September 2015, the Royal Thai Army ordered a single CASA C295W (the "W" variant equipped with winglets, as is shown here). That incredibly rare machine was caught on its delivery flight to Thailand, as it stopped off in Malta. The striking colour scheme and sterling conditions lend themselves to the image, and we would be utterly wrong not to feature it in this week's line up.
Image © Alistair Zammit
Well, RIAT has come and gone, and sadly, for those of us who only attended the Gloucestershire airshow, we never got to witness the complete USAF Heritage Flight of F-22, F-35 and a P-51. Bittersweet it is, then that not only has Kevin produced the goods on all three machines in formation at Langley Airshow in April this year, but in excellent weather too! Be sure to click on the image to be taken to his thread, which is full of CONUS hardware, including rarely seen Langley-based T-38s.
Image © Kevin Bell
The jury's still out on how changed airshows are this year compared to last year, but for the discerning military spotter/photographer in all of us, 2016 has been, and continues to be, an absolute bumper year for interesting movements in the UK. Adding to the list of machines visiting these shores were these A-10s of the 442ndFW out of Whiteman AFB visiting RAF Leeming for Exercise Jaded Thunder. Ian really produced the goods with his pin-sharp shots of these machines which are much-missed from European skies.
Image © Ian Tate
It's easy to place doubts in a prop-team. The Swiss Air Force PC-7 team must hold some sort of award for most underestimated team on the European circuit. Everyone who witnesses their display of precision, elegance and poise is left smiling. We're lucky to have such a team so close by. Danny's shot from East Fortune really caught our eye. The green backdrop contrasts well with the reds and whites of the PC-7s as they perform their display.
Image © Danny Bowie
Danielle Hughes, of the Breitling Wingwalkers' fame is now based in Switzerland, and as of this year is a display act of her own right. Simply known as "Danielle Wingwalker", she performs a more expanded routine than we've come to expect from her Rendcombe-based colleagues, including climbing within the Stearman's two wings. Phillippe Rey, one of our favourite air-to-air photographers, posted a great and unique set of images from a photoshoot with Danielle back in June.
Image © Philippe Rey
Last, but by absolutely no means least this week, we would have been hard-pressed not to include one of Tim's shots of the magnificent MiG-21 in Croatian hands at the Croatian International Air Show at Varazdin. Wearing a national special scheme to end all national special scheme, it's hard to miss the beast. The jets in the air arm's service are currently being upgraded in Ukraine, and normally wear an overall grey scheme, but this particular twin-stick model was adorned in Croatia's national colours several years ago.
Image © Tim Beach
Pictures Of The Week
Week 29, July 2016
Clockwise from top left:
We can't think of a time when we have had three Kazakhstan Air Force visitors to UK shores. Even Borat couldn't manage that! The An-72 is one of the most unusual aircraft we could hope to see and such a rare example makes it all the more special.
Image © Matt Varley
When any airfield, particularly a famous military airfield, reaches its century milestone it deserves a special event. North Weald was no exception and armed with his trusty 70-300mm lens UKAR Big Cheese Mk.II, Dan went for a little ramble around the aircraft on show including this lovely shot of new North Weald resident, 'Miss Velma'.
Image © Dan Butcher
Canon EOS 50D + Canon EF 70-300mm IS lensBrrrrtt! Is a sound that has been missing from bombing ranges around the UK for far too long. Arriving at RAF Leeming as part of a major exercise were the Warthogs of Whiteman AFB. Chris was on hand to catch their arrival.
Image © Chris Proctor
The specially painted Chinooks have been elusive during this years airshow season having failed to appear at any military airshow. Kev managed to hunt down the 28 squadron anniversary example during a visit to the Devon countryside. We're a little jealous to say the least.
Image © Kevin Wills
If there was ever an aircraft we have been guilty of taking for granted it was PA474. Over the past 18 months the drone of four Merlin engines gently flying around the countryside has been sorely missed. It warms our hearts to see her flying again and it was only fitting that Michael's shot of one of the first flights made it into this weeks Pictures of the Week.
Image © Michael Hallam
A relatively unknown event is the annual FlyParty hosted by the Historical Aircraft Group Italy which this year bought together some rare and interesting types. One special formation was of two classic jet trainers, the MB.326 and the Jet Provost. Luckily Giorgio was on hand to record the moment!
Image © Giorgio Varisco
Rounding off this weeks images is the gorgeous Mustang named 'Janie'. John caught this rarely photographed angle as the aircraft departed a recent open day at Hardwick. A gathering of UK Mustangs is long overdue.
Image © John Bilcliffe
Pictures Of The Week
Week 28, July 2016
Clockwise from top left:
India is the world's last operator of the SEPECAT Jaguar, a type sorely missed on these shores. Much has been made of their recent attendance at Red Flag Alaska (along with some other tasty Indian hardware) and some incredible pictures of them have come out of it. Alaska seems like an especially picturesque location for these jets and Ivan was lucky enough to get close up and personal with these beasts. Those wanting some more Jaguar action in their lives have to hope they'll see some Indian machines at some point, but they've got a fair few years left in them yet.
Image © Ivan Voukadinov
Brazil's newest military aircraft, the KC-390, was one of the stars of this year's Farnborough show having made the long journey over from South America (via Portugal). Definitely a rare catch for now, it's hoped that we'll get to see more of this interesting machine over here in future years. After FIA, it made a journey to Aero Vodochody in Prague, where some of the components are made. It already has some international success with orders from Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Portugal and the Czech Republic as well as its home nation of Brazil.
Image © 'Bestlasham'
Though not a common sight on the airshow scene, the Oil Spill Response Limited's 727 display is probably one of the most popular and we're very happy we have it around. Thought it wasn't the most...advanced...item appearing at this year's Farnborough it was a pretty powerful display indeed and Chris' shot gives a good sense of the spectacle of seeing an airliner thrown around the sky. The demonstration also included a simulated spray from its dispersal rig (seen in the image at the back of the aircraft).
Image © Chris Parsons
Farnborough's first day was a total wash-out, with parts of the showground even becoming flooded! Torrential weather wrote off the show for most but Tommy was smart enough to make the most of the conditions and grabbed this fantastic and gloomy image of Boeing's F/A-18F sitting in the downpour. Very atmospheric indeed - but in service it's standard fare for the Super Hornet which has to be able to operate in all conditions.
Image © Tommy Boxall
One of the newest additions to the British warbird scene is this Hawker Sea Fury FB11 G-CBEL, now owned by Richard Grace and making its return after a number of years undercover. Marked up as the Sea Fury prototype SR661, it made its first major appearance of the year at Flying Legends in July and looked absolutely outstanding in its naval camouflage. With luck we'll see this beauty out and about more on the circuit. In these troubled times for the airshow scene it's refreshing to see this, and other, warbirds turning up and strengthening the industry.
Image © Gareth Horne
The Pakistani Air Force's first appearance at RIAT in a good few years was spared no effort from the air arm, who went all out on painting the aircraft up especially for the air show. It definitely stood out on the static line, but it wasn't just for show - the aircraft was opened up and the crews were with their machine from the moment the gates opened to the moment they shut, showing people around, answering questions and promoting their country. The country only has 16 Hercules so it's astonishing that they put this airframe in the shop for a whole month to paint it up just for RIAT - with the tail being done by just one man!
Image © Rich Pittman
Night photography is naturally quite challenging, especially when shooting moving aircraft. Radleigh has always enjoyed this challenge and we've seen some fantastic shots from him here before. This A380 looks very majestic and almost eerie in the fading evening light, heightened by the interesting light distribution over the body. This is definitely a shot that requires a great deal of practice to achieve!
Image © Radleigh Bushell
Pictures Of The Week
Week 27, July 2016
Clockwise from top left:
Britain's most famous fighter lives up to its name in this fiery shot from our own Dan Butcher. We've all tried to catch this moment on startup when the machine breathe fire and growls, but it can be rare to pull off a shot as nicely composed as this. Another of Old Warden's specialities is capturing shots like this with the aircraft parked so close to the crowd. Spitfires look fantastic from any angle you'd care to name but it's great to see something different like this - you can't beat a Merlin engine!
Image © Dan Butcher
Canon EOS 50D + Canon EF 100-400mm L IS lensFrom what some would call the most beautiful fighter in the world to easily one of the ugliest, the F-35B nevertheless made quite a storm when it debuted at RIAT this July. However, Fairford and Farnborough weren't the only destination for the trio of Bs, as they made visits to the country's newest carrier, HMS Queen Elizabeth, at Rosyth and performing a display at RAF Marham as well, as seen in the picture. Though not the RAF machine that was in the country this summer, it was still a great "first taste" for the base and the local residents to see their future inhabitants. Hope they've stocked up on earplugs...
Image © Rob Howard
Looking slightly more attractive is the A version, three of which also made the journey over from the States from the US Air Force alongside their STOVL brothers. Though not performing a full display in the show, those who attended the Park and Views on the Wednesday were treated to quite a few low and fast passes overhead by an example, giving us a first taste of how loud that particular machine can be. You can see in the picture the very distinctive vortices created by the wingtips, which seem much fuller than most other types.
Image © Tom Jones
Back to beauty now with possibly the best looking fighter jet still in service. It's been surprising to see how much the Ukrainian Air Force's Su-27 Flanker has been getting around to airshows on the continent this year, given that the country is somewhat at civil war. Those who were able to see it perform at Denmark's Air Show at Skrystrup Fighter Base weren't complaining, however, as it rocked the Danish skies with a powerful and punchy display. Plenty of vapour and some rather nice reheat cones give us a taste of this machine's power and beauty in Søren's photo.
Image © Søren Nielsen
Another aircraft we just love to see is the Mirage 2000, and few have been as sought after as this year's RAMEX Delta lead aircraft in the Escadrille Layfayette centenary scheme. Talk about going all out on a paintjob! The magnificent work is shown off in the fantastic topside picture from Florennes, with RAMEX doing what RAMEX does best. Sadly this year sees their last ever season, and in fact by the time you read this they've already performed their final public display. They will be hugely, hugely missed.
Image © Andrzej Rogucki
An elusive visitor to these shores turned up a few weeks ago. While everyone was busy packing for RIAT some were able to make it across to Birmingham Airport to catch this Egyptian C295 which stayed for the weekend. Radleigh chose a risky location in the hopes of catching these shots, but it paid off as we can see in this cracking photo. It might not be as sunny as the crew are used to but it looks good to us! The Egyptian Air Force is actually has the biggest fleet of C295s in the world, though this will soon be eclipsed by India.
Image © Radleigh Bushell
Yeovilton Air Days are known for being difficult for flying photography being, as it is, a south-facing crowdline. But this can all change in the last hour of the show when the world-famous Commando Assault Demo sees the Fleet Air Arm's steeds take to the air laden with marines and equipment, and with pyrotechnics galore the photographic opportunities can be really quite spectacular, as we can see in Edward's photo. Few backdrops seem as dramatic as a big, thick cloud of black smoke!
Image © Edward Luckett