AeroBimbleReports

Wattisham Airfield Army Air Corps Visitors Open Day - 9th March 2011

2011-03-15T20:36:00.007Z

Three times a year, the Army Air Corps at Wattisham Airfield hold visitor open days where invited members of the public and groups of aviation enthusiasts are escorted into the camp for a briefing in one of the hangars into the equipment used and operations carried out by the AAC at the former home of the Royal Air Force at Wattisham in Suffolk.

With the departure of No. 56 Squadron flying the McDonnell Douglas Phantom FGR2 in July 1992 and No. 74 Squadron with its F-4J(UK) and FGR.2 Phantoms in October 1992, RAF Wattisham was stood down as an RAF base on the 31st October 1992. In March 1993 the Army Air Corps moved in and Wattisham Airfield is now part of the 16th Air Assault Brigade, based at Colchester, and home to 3 Regiment, AAC, 4 Regiment, AAC, flying the Agusta-Westland Apache AH1 helicopters, along with 7 Air Assault Battalion, Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers and 132 Aviation Supply Unit, Royal Logistics Corps. The RAF is still in residence at Wattisham with a pair of Sea King HAR3A Search & Rescue helicopters of B Flight, No. 22 Squadron and situated near the threshold of runway 23. Based in the Northern HAS Site is the Suffolk Police Air Support Unit flying a Eurocopter EC.135.

The coach we were in pulled up at Gate 1 to Wattisham Airfield just after one o’clock. We were directed to park to one side as civilian personnel and vehicles for the visit were still being booked in. Following a Land Rover of the Army Regimental Police, the convoy snaked around the station roads and parked up between 1 and 2 hangars. We were given a brief outline of the afternoon events by the Apache pilot in-charge and as the hangar visit was due to start at two o’clock we had the opportunity to view the aircraft collection of the Wattisham Airfield Museum. With an Army escort on board, the coach made its way to the southern end of the airfield. We passed the rather large and sprawling 7 Battalion REME building, where the Apache is repaired and maintained, and then turned left into the South Hardened Aircraft Shelter area that used to be home to No. 56 Sqn. We exited through a side gate onto the airfield perimeter road and drove passed the end of Runway 05 as we headed towards the Northern HAS area that used to be home to No. 74 Sqn.

We pulled up out side one of the HAS shelters that had its steel reinforced doors open to be greeted just inside by a Hawker Hunter FGA.9 stripped of all its paintwork. XG194 was delivered to the RAF in October 1956 and was one of 22 Hunters that had an all over black colour scheme and known collectively as the Black Arrows. XG194 was the lead aircraft when flown by Air Commodore Roger Topp, Commanding Officer No. 111 Sqn at RAF Wattisham, who performed a 22 aircraft loop at the Farnborough Air Show in July 1958. In 1991, this aircraft was painted up for training purposed to represent a Warsaw Pact aircraft that had defected, with a Soviet style camouflage and red star on the tail and other cosmetic changes to make it more representative of a Sukhoi SU-22 FITTER. After serving its purpose, it was left outside for many years at North Luffenham until November 2009 when it was transported to the Wattisham Airfield Museum. XG194 is to be returned to its all black colour scheme and has been named ‘Blackjack’ by the museum after the ‘Blackjack Red One’ call sign used by AC Topp during the record breaking loop at Farnborough.

Also in the HAS was the nose of former EE Lightning F3/XP743 in the markings on No. 56 Squadron. Delivered to the RAF in February 1965 it was struck off charge in January 1975 and sold for scrap. The nose was saved and spent its time with No. 351 Squadron Air Training Corps, Burton on Trent, before arriving at the museum in 2009. There are also two Army Air Corp Aerospatiale SA.341 Gazelle AH1 helicopters on display. XX380 is the more complete airframe and was delivered to the AAC in November 1974. In January 2005 went to RAF Shawbury for storage and in July 2008 was moved to Wattisham for display purposes. XX444 was delivered to the AAC in April 1976 and is less than complete. Apart from several aero engines there was also an outer wing panel of a Phantom lying on the ground and a Phantom tail fin that had at one time been attached to XT974 of No. 111 Squadron propped against the side of the shelter.

Following our visit to the museum it was back to No. 2 hangar and a well-earned comfort break, once we found the toilets. The visit proper started at two o’clock when we were all called together at the chairs that had been set out in front of a soft top lorry that had its side screen rolled up and a projector screen set up inside. We had a short briefing, with Powerpoint slides, on Wattisham, the history of Wattisham and why and what the Army Air Corps were doing there. Basically AAC Pilots are trained to fly the Apache at Middle Wallop and come to Wattisham to learn how to fight in them.

With over 100 guests from various groups and societies on the visit, we were split up into manageable parties to view the various displays set up around the hangar with about 10 minutes allocated to each display then we all moved around one. Our little group started out at the small arms display where two versions of the SA80 assault rifle were available to ask questions about and to handle along with a General Purpose Machine Gun and a couple of side arms. We then moved on to aircrew clothing and survival equipment that is supplied and maintained courtesy of the Royal Air Force. After our allotted time it was on to the Tea Bar where for a modest donation, hot and cold drinks and an assortment of cakes were provided. Raffle tickets were also being sold for charity for a couple of teddy bears and there were also some AAC/Apache related books and DVDs for sale. Back at the lorry, an Apache pilot was giving a briefing, with more Powerpoint slides, on daily routine, flying etc having recently returned from a tour in Afghanistan.

It was outside now as No. 22 Squadron, RAF had parked up one of their specially marked '70 Years Of Life Saving' Sea King helicopters with the aircrew on hand to answer questions. Back inside the hanger the 10 minutes allocated to each display was beginning to fracture, as everybody wouldn’t be able to make it around the hangar before four o’clock deadline. The groups had the opportunity to split up and go see whatever they wanted to.

I missed out the Fire Section Display and the Communications Tent and made straight for the two Apache helicopter at the far end of the hangar. ZJ169 had canopies open and access panels dropped and was loaded with weapons on the stub wings with a couple of AAC armourers on hand to explain what was what and how it was used.

Across the hangar floor from it was ZJ222 that had engines removed and panels missing and steps leading up for cockpit access with a couple of REME engineers on hand to explain the intricacies of keeping an Apache helicopter serviceable. The afternoon tour finished around four-fifteen with us all seated together again at the lorry for a debrief, but without a Powerpoint display this time, and a question and answer session before the winners of the raffle tickets were announced.

A very informative afternoon and it was nice to get up close to a pair of Apaches without barriers around them but difficult to photograph as the ‘Visitors’ would invariably wander into shot, right in front of you, even though you were holding a camera to your face. Patience was the order of the day with a bit of a wait till they moved on or find something else to photograph and come back. Although there was white light in the hangar, it was still a bit dark inside but easily compensated for in processing by shooting in RAW using a Sony A550 with a Sony 11-18mm wide angle lens attached to the front and hand holding the camera with shoulder brace fixed. Manually adjusting the ISO between 400 & 800 to keep image noise to a minimum and shutter speeds at 1/10 and above and control the aperture for depth of field.

The visit was arranged by the Force Development Squadron at RAF Wyton as part of our ongoing MOD Training and Development plan.

RAF Northolt Night Shoot VIII – 20th January 2011

2011-02-19T22:37:00.000Z

Once again RAF Northolt played host to a gaggle of aviation photographers as it held the first night shoot of the new year on a glorious, if a bit cool, evening towards the end of January. Unfortunately the majority of the small collection of invited Royal Air Force aircraft slowly dropped out leading up to the evening due to being re-tasked or mechanical problems but the night shoot was saved by the French and Martin-Baker.

At Northolt the dispersal is split in two. One part is used for civilian Business Jets and the other by our hosts No 32 Squadron. We are usually not allowed to photo anything in the Biz Jet area but this evening was an exception as a Swedish AF Gulfstream and a Danish AF Challenger that had been visiting the station were preparing to depart.

From the Military Air Transport Flight School, Avord AB in central France, the French Air Force sent a twin turboprop Embraer EMB-121AA Xingu 095/YM(121095) which are used in the training role for transport and for the French Navy, maritime patrol aircraft crews.

What more than made up for the lack of airframes for me was the chance to photograph at night the all black Martin-Baker Gloster Meteor T7(MOD)/WA638, normally based at Chalgrove Airfield, Oxfordshire. This is a hybrid aircraft with the body of a T7 and the rear fuselage of an F8, to overcome ‘snaking’ at high speed, and originally know as a ‘Meteor 7½’. This aircraft is probably the oldest Meteor flying in the world having been delivered to the RAF in November 1949 and WL419, the silver & dayglo Meteor T7(MOD) also used by Martin-Baker, delivered in August 1952

No 63 Sqn RAF Regiment put in an appearance with their ‘Big Boys Toys’ in the shape of a Jackal, the sandy coloured one, and a Panther control and command vehicle and the Fire Section had their big red MFV 2 on display again.

During the night shoot a 32 Sqn HS125 CC2 and an Agusta A109 helicopter returned to base with the helicopter sitting for a few minutes with rotors turning for the benefit of the photographers.

Another excellent evening out despite the no shows. Many thanks to Phil, Lee and the volunteers for their time and organising the night shoot and the Station Commander, Group Captain Tom Barrett and the rest of the personnel at RAF Northolt for putting up with us all again and look forward to Night Shoot IX sometime in March.

Further images can be seen at the ‘More Northolt VIII Photos’ link on the right.

Royal Air Force Museum Hendon – 15th January 2011

2011-01-17T19:26:00.001Z

With a night photo shoot taking place at RAF Northolt on the 20th January, what better place to brush up my skills on long exposure photography than the rather dark interior of the original World War One Belfast Truss hangars and the even darker Bomber and Battle of Britain halls of the Royal Air Force Museum at Hendon. Since my last visit, the hoardings have been taken down from around the Grahame-White Watch Tower and there have been a couple of new aircraft arrivals and as the museum was closed for the week previously for the annual spring cleaning, hopefully some dust free aircraft.

The first thing you notice on entering the site is the grey coloured ex Royal Air Force of Oman Hawker Hunter FR.10, that used to sit in the long grass by the side of the Grahame-White Factory, is now mounted on some poles as a gate guard opposite the main museum entrance. It was originally built for the RAF in 1956 as an F.6/XF426.

Having obtained a tripod pass from reception in the main entrance to the Milestones of Flight building, I headed back outside towards the Grahame-White Factory. To the right there is a new building in the form of the relocated Grahame-White Watchtower, originally built in 1911, now attached to the G-W Factory. When officially opened to the public in the spring of 2011, it will house exhibits about the history of Hendon Aerodrome and the upper floors will recreate Claude Grahame-White’s original offices.

GRAHAME-WHITE FACTORY

One thing I like about the G-W Factory is that some of the aircraft on display tend to be moved around from time to time and are in a different position from my last visit. This trip was no exception as some had been moved to allow access to the far wall as there is now a long shed, built in keeping with the period, behind the brick built Watchtower. Although not open to the public yet it can be viewed from inside the G-W Factory. At the moment the Sopwith Tabloid and the yellow Bleriot XXVII along with a few engines are on display. Normally I go for low level shots but with wide-angle lens and the camera pointing upwards, it tends to induce lens flare from the ceiling mounted lights. For this visit to the Museum I had a wander around with the camera fixed on the tripod at eye level, which I haven’t tried in a long time.

MILESTONES OF FLIGHT

Still no Milestones in there and there are still 3 civilian registered aircraft taking up valuable space and two of which had nothing to do with the Royal Air Force.

BOMBER HALL

Taking up temporary residence in the Bomber Hall, is Percival Prentice T1/VS618(G-AOLK) looking somewhat lost parked in the space left by the Wellington which is now at Cosford. I last saw this Prentice in the Michael Beetham Conservation Centre at RAFM Cosford at the start of last year when it was still in its civilian markings. The Fairey Battle 1/L5343 is now back together again but still parked up against a wall with blue ceiling supports in front of it spoiling the view from the public side. Very much like the Royal Aircraft Factory FE2b/A6526 parked opposite to it. One thing I did notice was that there seemed to be more lights on than usual although still pretty dark inside.

HISTORIC HANGARS

A new addition to the central area between the two hangars is PANAVIA Tornado F3/ZE887 of No 111(F) Squadron, RAF Leuchars. When serving with 43(F) Squadron at Leuchars in 2008, ZE887 was given a black painted fin and spine and tail codes of GF for the Squadrons Latin motto ‘Gloria Finis’ (Glory Is The End) and the words ‘Fighting Cocks’ on top of the fin and was used on the air show circuit. Following the draw down of the F3 fleet, ZE887 was transferred to Treble One Squadron in 2009 and on the 4th March 2010, made its final flight. In September 2010, after having parts removed to keep the rest of the F3 fleet flying, ZE887 was moved by road to St Athan and finally arriving at Hendon on the 18th October 2010. Supermarine Spitfire Vb/BL614 has now been given more prominence as it’s displayed in its own space in front of the Phantom and Tornado.

BATTLE OF BRITAIN HALL

The one building that can really test your night shooting skills especially when it can be that dark inside that the Auto Focus can find nothing to focus on. ‘Top Tip’ – Shine a torch on subject so Auto Focus can see something to focus on, press shutter release part way for Auto focus to focus and then all the way for shutter release and then turn off the torch. If you’re not sneaky enough though, be prepared for a tap on the shoulder by a member of staff and told not to do it again. Fortunately for this visit the film show that they have every half-hour was not taking place and the seating area was taped off. To compensate, they nearly had all the lights on and I think it’s the first time I’ve managed to photograph the port side of Supermarine Spitfire I/X4590 and the rear fuselage of Heinkel He111H-20/701152.

A new addition to the BoB Hall and positioned next to the Sunderland is Sea Plane Tender ST206. This type of tender would have been used in the 1930s to ferry passengers and crews out to flying boats at rest on the water. This particular type of launch was developed by TE Lawrence, of Lawrence of Arabia fame, into a fast response rescue boat from a British Power Boat Company design when he joined the RAF Marine Section and using the name TE Shaw in 1925.

THE TECHNICAL PHOTOGRAPHY BIT:

When I travel down to London on the train then the underground I like to travel light. I use a smaller camera bag and less kit and I generally carry a lightweight tripod. This time I used my larger and slightly heavier aluminium tripod. The disadvantage of the lightweight tripod is that as my Sony A550 doesn’t have a mirror lock and when the shutter is released the mirror flips up causing a slight shake, which the lightweight tripod can sometimes exaggerate. Even when outside, the slightest breeze can easily shake the set up. To overcome this problem, I generally don’t fully extend the legs which then give extra rigidity to the tripod but which in turn limits the height you can take photos from. I was shooting in RAW so I could have extra control when processing the images with the ISO fixed at 200 and using a Sony 11-18mm wide angle lens with the ‘Steady Shot’ turned off and using a remote shutter release cable. I had the camera set on Manual and using Aperture settings of between F8 & F11, so I could get good depth of field, and setting the shutter speed myself so I could either lighten or darken the image depending on the artificial light that was available. I was using the histogram on the live view screen to ensure an even curve so as not to blow out the shadows or highlights.

Further images can be seen at the ‘More RAFM Hendon Photos’ link on the right.

Harrier Swansong ~ 9th December 2010

2010-12-28T14:08:00.002Z

The 15th December 2010 is now firmly etched in the minds of aviation enthusiasts throughout the United Kingdom as an Icon of British aviation made its final flight that day. Following an announcement in May 2010 of a Strategic Defence and Security Review, to be published later in the year by the newly formed Coalition Government, it still came as a bit of a shock to most people when it was announced on the 19th October that the 79-strong BAE(Hawker Siddeley)/Boeing Harrier fleet of single seat GR.9’s and twin seat T.12’s were to be one of the casualties of the Defence Review with early retirement and would ultimately cease flying by the end of 2010. To mark over 41 years in service, the Joint Force Harrier based at RAF Cottesmore in Leicestershire and RAF Wittering in Cambridgeshire, were going to go out in style with a mass flypast.

For the final day, plans were made for a 16-ship farewell flypast around the country. The route would be starting at RAF Marham then to RAF Wyton and after flying over RAF Wittering, the Home of the Harrier, would be heading up the A1 corridor overflying airfields along the way as far north as RAF Scampton before returning for the final time to RAF Cottesmore. As is the way with best-laid plans, the British winter had arrived early with what has turned out to be earliest and worse winter weather covering the United Kingdom in the last 30 years. Although there was flying by No IV(R) Squadron at RAF wittering, 15 miles up the road at RAF Cottesmore, heavier snow and lower temperatures had all but grounded the main Harrier fleet of No 1(F) Squadron, RAF and No 800 Naval Air Squadron. As the big day was approaching, practice and rehearsals had to be postponed and there was a serious threat that the flypast would not take place.

I had the unique opportunity and privilege of being a part of the only group of photographers invited, on very short notice as it turned out, to visit RAF Cottesmore during the final two weeks of the drawdown of the Joint Force Harrier. There was forecast to be a break in the winter weather on the 9th December so on a dark, cold freezing morning and well wrapped up against the winter elements, I caught the train for the hour long journey from Huntingdon to Peterborough and then on to Oakham. The nearest train station to RAF Cottesmore. After a short taxi ride, I was standing at the main gate to Cottesmore under a wall to wall blue sky with the bright morning sun slowly creeping above the horizon. We had a start time of 09.00.

We were to photograph a rehearsal for the 16 Harriers taking part in the final fly past the following week. The plan was to cover the departures and return of the Harriers. Close up. The plan didn’t quite work out as planned. As we gathered at the main gate, rumour had it that the runway temperature was below minimum for safe operations, declared ‘Black’ in military terms, despite the clear blue sky. When our chaperone from Air Traffic Control arrived she confirmed the conditions and was not hopeful that anything would fly at all from Cottesmore that day. There was to be a change of plan and as we didn’t know what it would be yet, our first port of call was ATC who were our hosts for the day. As we were being plied with tea and coffee in the crew room of the control tower our Flight Lieutenant minder was on the phone trying to see who at Cottesmore would be up for a short notice visit for a group of photographers. A Lieutenant from the Royal Navy popped in and said that the Harriers would be flying at Wittering that afternoon and he would be escorting us over there after lunch. At least we would get to see some flying. Back at Cottesmore, a new plan was forming. No 800 NAS came to the rescue and said we could have a look around their hangar.

Despite there being no flying, they still had Harriers out on the snow and ice covered ramp undergoing minor maintenance and engine runs. As there was no flying, I think the question was asked if we could have a wander over. The Flt Lt went to check and permission was granted. Despite wearing non-slip boots, it was still a bit treacherous under foot as we slipped and walked between the Harriers over the crunchy ice covered snow. I was more worried about damaging the camera if I fell than injury to my self.

The doors to No 1(F)Sqn hangar were open and from the pan you could see the red and white tail of the special painted Harrier. Again the Flt Lt made enquiries on behalf of the group. After a briefing on what we could and couldn’t photograph by the 1(F)Sqn ‘Aunty’; we had access to the hangar for a wander around. There was a group from 1(F) Sqn Association having a tour around the hangar as well, so apart from the tail, it was a bit difficult to photograph the marked up Harrier due to the people around it.

After a quick lunch in the SPAR shop car park at Cottesmore we set off in convoy, following the RN Lt for the 20 minute trip down the A1 to RAF Wittering. Having parked up outside the MT hangar we had a leisurely ramble up a snow covered grass incline toward the taxiway that led from the dispersal to the 26 end of the runway. I had a look around and was not in a really good position as I was hoping to get some underside approach type photos. I wandered back down the slope to a big green emergency generator container and became Billy Nomates as I stood all-alone by myself. I got the type of shots I wanted though.

We had arrived at RAF Wittering as 4 Harriers of the second wave of eight aircraft were taking off. By 14.45, the first wave had returned and could be seen approaching the airfield in formation from the north. After a run and break there were lots of approaches, rollers, fly-bys, hovering and nose bowing. I headed back to the main group as the first of the Harriers were starting to park up on the dispersal. There was a repeat performance when the second wave returned a short time later.

As the last Harrier flight of the day, a T12, rolled passed us, the sun had just finished setting below the horizon. When all eight Harriers of No IV(R) Squadron were on the ground, parked up and shut down, we then had access to the dispersal for a wander around. There was also going to be a mini night shoot but as a bit of fatigue and cold, turned out my thermal socks were not as thermal as advertised and I was developing what has turned out to be a head cold, had set in I gave that a miss and settled for the warmth of the hangar.

It wasn’t until the 14th December with a relatively warm day and clear skies with bright sunshine, that all 16 aircraft took to the air for what would be the one and only practice flypast of the route before the final flight the next day. As they flew over RAF Wyton, where I work, I managed to capture the moment on my point and shoot camera. Unfortunately, as it turned out, the weather on the 15th had resorted to type and with low cloud and rain covering RAF Cottesmore along with most of the southern part of the flypast route. The 16-ship formation was cancelled and so the 14th was my last ever sight of Royal Air Force Harriers in flight.

Acknowledgements:

Although there was a block ban on any on any visits by enthusiasts and photographers inside RAF Cottesmore during the weeks leading up to the final event, we as a group are extremely grateful to Group Captain Gary Waterfall OBE RAF, Station Commander RAF Cottesmore and Force Commander Joint Force Harrier for allowing our group access on what turned out to be an excellent and very special visit. Many, many thanks to my two chauffeurs for the day, and to all the service personnel at RAF Cottesmore and RAF Wittering who went out of their way to accommodate a group of photographers interrupting their work routine at a very difficult time for them.

RAFM Cosford – 17th November 2010

2010-11-27T21:42:00.005Z

Twice a year at the Royal Air Force Museum, Cosford, the doors to the Michael Beetham Conservation Centre are thrown open to the public. This is an opportunity for a look at the work of the engineers, apprentices and volunteers that support the conservation and restoration of aircraft and equipment that are on display in the RAF Museums both at Cosford and Hendon. As the November opening is usually a week before my birthday, I treat my self to an annual visit and duly headed cross-country by train from Cambridgeshire to the West Midlands.

The weather forecasters nearly got it right again. It was supposed to be torrential rain all day but it was just steady drizzle, enough for me to dig out my waterproof jacket, but it was accompanied by a cold and cutting wind. At a steady pace, it’s about a 12-minute walk from Cosford station to the Museum along a road that has no footpath. I was somewhat surprised to see the museum car park full, with visitors cruising around trying to find a vacant slot, and a long line of parked coaches. Turned out there was a ‘reunion’ of some description going on, a seminar taking place in one of the conference rooms and there was what appeared to be a schools event, which was not advertised on the museum web site, taking place in Hangar 1. More on that later.

MICHAEL BEETHAM CONSERVATION CENTRE

Having purchased a guide book or two in the Visitors Centre, I made my way back outside into the wind and rain and walked past the Dutch Neptune and dodging the puddles, made my way around to the rear of the Test Flight and War Planes hangars and headed towards the green concertina doors of the MBCC. A series of traffic cones and tape funnel you towards a side door. Just inside the entrance, I was asked by a lady with a clip board how I knew about the opening and I parted with £1.50 for another guide book on the work currently taking place inside the conservation centre.

The reconstruction of the Sopwith Dolphin is looking very nice now. Parts from two aircraft, C3988 & D5329, are being used to create one airframe and any components that can’t be sourced are being meticulously crafted to original specifications.

Another recent arrival in the workshop is Supermarine Spitfire Mk XIX/PM651 that I had last seen in the RAFM Storage facility at Stafford. Over the years this aircraft has been used as a spares source, mainly to keep the BBMF Mk XIX flying, so has a lot of components and parts missing that need to be replaced.

Based on previous visits, not a lot appears to be happening with the Handley Page Hampden TB.1/P1344. Most of the restoration work is actually taking place inside the rear fuselage pod and on component parts rather than the outside. At the moment there is no completion date for this aircraft.

The fuselage and detached wings of the recently arrived Vickers Wellington B.X/MF628 from Hendon were taking up most of the floor space and drawing a good crowd of people around it. Some of the fuselage fabric had been removed to reveal the geodetic construction and interior details.

TEST FLIGHT & WAR PLANES HANGARS

Following lunch in a rather packed restaurant in the Visitor Centre, I made my way through the Test Flight aircraft to the War Planes Hangar as I had a request to photograph some detail shots of the Me.163 and Spitfire 1 on display in there. With those photos in the bag, or on the card as it is now, I then just had a general walk around both hangars trying to come up different and unusual angles from my previous visits.

NATIONAL COLD WAR EXHIBITION.

It was back outside into the cold, the wind and the rain as I crossed over the car park to the newest and largest building in the Museum and home of the National Cold War Exhibition. As nothing new had been added or taken away with regards to the exhibits, I just had a wander around with the camera taking opportunist shots as I came across them.

HANGAR 1

Hangar 1 was a bit of a mess as during the morning there had been a schools event-taking place. There were tables and chairs all over the place with Museum staff slowly clearing them away. There was just too much clutter to get any decent chair and table free photographs. Having read that it had returned, I had a bit of a hunt around and eventually found James May’s ‘Airfix’ 1:1 scale Spitfire, parked next to the Comet. The model had been away for some maintenance and strengthening so it could go on permanent display. I went up onto the elevated walk way and took a few overall shots before calling it a day and headed back down to the station, with it still raining, and home.

A plus point with the weather, it didn’t snow while I was there like it did the previous year.

Further images can be seen at the ‘More RAFM Cosford Photos’ link on the right.

IWM London. The Atrium ~ 6th November 2010

2010-11-08T18:32:00.001Z

Nothing special but with the 2010 air show season completed, and with the prospect of job hunting at the start of 2011, I thought it best to try and get in a few museum visits (apart from Duxford) for some record shots while I still have the time and more importantly, finances.

With a trip into London on the 6th November I started out in the morning by heading south on the underground from Kings Cross, with a change at Piccadilly Circus, and under the Thames to Lambeth North Tube Station. I can’t remember the last time I was in a Tube station that has a lift instead of escalators. It’s about an eight-minute walk to the Imperial War Museum from there. When I returned to Lambeth North, there was a big queue waiting in the entrance hall to take the lift down to the platforms so I took to the stairs. Big mistake. It’s a long way down on a spiral staircase.

My last visit to the IWM London was in 2005 when I didn’t have a DSLR let alone a wide angle lens. They are still doing bag searches, as I remember from my last visit, at the entrance. For this visit I just stayed in the Atrium and photographed the aircraft in the Large Exhibits Gallery, rather than cover the whole museum, as I would be heading north for Kensington and the Science Museum later on. Unfortunately I couldn’t get to the very top balcony of the Atrium for the high look down shot I was after. There is building work-taking place for a new exhibition that will open in a couple of weeks. The museum was quite packed and there was an assortment of tables scattered around and between the exhibits, with displays of wartime organisations, products and memorabilia. As well as the general public and veterans with their medals proudly displayed on their Regiment/Squadron blazers, there were groups of uniformed Army and Navy cadets wandering around. I didn’t notice any RAF cadets.

The Imperial War Museum was officially reopened, in its current location, in July 1936 by the soon to be crowned King George VI. The genesis of the museum dates back to the Great War, which was still being waged at the time, when politicians decided in 1917 that a National War Museum should be established to collect, store and display material and equipment from what was later to become known as the First World War. Established by an act of Parliament in 1920 the museum was to be named the Imperial War Museum and was opened by King George V in June 1920 at the Crystal Palace.

The remit of the museum was later expanded to include the soon to be fought Second World War. The museum closed to the public with the start of the blitz on London in 1940 and the building used for a variety of war related activities. The Naval Gallery took a hit from a Luftwaffe bomb in January 1941 and apart from a few ship models damaged by the blast, the greatest loss was to a Short Seaplane that had fought in the Battle of Jutland, which was damaged beyond repair. The museum opened again to the public on a limited basis, due to the bomb damage, in 1946 and wasn’t fully open until 1949.

In 1953 museum policy was expanded again to cover all military operations, past, present and future, that Great Britain and its Commonwealth nations have been involved in since 1914.

The museum was closed to the public again in 1986 while extensive redevelopment took place throughout the museum with new galleries and exhibition space created inside the main building. Before it was covered over, the Atrium of the Large Exhibits Gallery was once the open courtyard to the Hospital. The floor of the courtyard was strengthened to take the weight of larger exhibits and additional viewing balconies and floors added around the walls. The Queen opened the new look Imperial War Museum in June 1989.

Further images can be seen at the ‘More IWM London Photos’ link on the right.

Elvington Night Shoot ~ 16th October 2010

2010-10-27T16:36:00.022+01:00

On a cool, late October evening the Yorkshire Air Museum echoed to the sound of hushed voices and the clicking of camera shutters. A large group of aviation photographers were taking advantage of a unique opportunity to attend another night photo shoot at the former RAF Elvington airfield just a few miles to the south east of York.

The museum was having a busy weekend starting on the Saturday with ‘Cold War Thunder’, a presentation by former aircrew and preservation groups on the Lightning, Buccaneer and Phantom in RAF Service. During the evening the night shoot took place followed on the Sunday by the ‘Thunder Day’ with fast taxi runs out on the extended runway by the Nimrod, Victor and Buccaneer.

This would be the first opportunity to photograph Nimrod MR2/XV250, under flood lit conditions, following its arrival on the 13th April 2010. The night shoot also included two Buccaneers, S2/XN974 and the recently repainted S2B/XX901 and Lightning F6/XS903 alongside the restored and repainted Hurricane FSM. A long term resident in the shape of Victor K2/XL231 ‘Lusty Lindy’ was positioned out on the airfield ready for the ‘Thunder Run’ on the Sunday.

Although there were intermittent rain showers on the trip up from Doncaster to Elvington, the sun was still shining when my brother parked his car in the museum car park around four o’clock that afternoon. We sought out Ian and James, two of the museum volunteers, to say hello and also to Andy and Martin who are regular enthusiasts I bump into at other night shoots.

After the pleasantries, I made a start photographing some of the aircraft parked outside as they were being lit by the setting sun. I had my camera on the end of my mono pod and held up high for a slightly different angle. Settings I generally leave on AUTO and let the camera do all the working out for aperture and shutter speeds. I started with the aircraft on the pan and then the Nimrod before making my way to the aircraft parked outside the hangar that were to be used for the night shoot. At this point it was trying to rain again so made for the inside of the hangar and the exhibits there.

By now the sun was touching the horizon and dusk was falling and I had changed my camera from the mono pod to a tripod for the long exposure shots. Ian and James and the rest of the museum volunteers were setting out and turning on the portable lights. There was to have been a briefing in the Elvington Room, next to the NAAFI, before the start of the night shoot . This didn’t appear to take place although I'm reliably informed that one did. Instead my brother and I went into the NAAFI to get something to eat.

Following a big plate of chips, beans and beefburger washed down with a can of Coke, and very reasonably priced at £4.50, It was somewhat darker when we left the warmth of the NAAFI so made a start on night shooting. I set the camera on Aperture Priority with the ISO fixed at 200 for noise free images. 200 is the lowest setting on the Sony Alpha 550.The flash was turned off and shutter release cable attached. As I was using my lightweight travel tripod I didn’t extend it to full length so as to maintain stability during the long exposures. Fortunately the A550 has a tilt screen on the back, so I just flipped that up and could easily see what the camera was looking at. I was using Aperture Priority in the low double figures and in the dusk F/10 gave a shutter speed of about 15 seconds and in the dark F/11 gave me 30 seconds.

Towards the end of a very enjoyable evening some one must have upset the rain gods as the heavens opened and a shower started. Fortunately nothing heavy so I placed a small towel I carry over the camera and fired off a few more shots before my brother and I called it a night and headed back to the big city lights of Doncaster.

The Yorkshire Air Museum & Allied Air Forces Memorial, to give it its full title, is situated around the existing war time buildings of RAF Elvington. The site was acquired in 1940 to be a satellite airfield for No 4(Bomber) Group and a gravel taxiway was laid around the grass strip. It was soon upgraded and and new hard runways, taxiways and hard standings were laid and officially opened in 1942 with the arrival of No 77 Sqn, flying Whitleys. Along with Canadian and Australian Bomber Squadrons, in early 1944, Elvington became the base for two new heavy bomber squadrons, No 346 and 347, flying the Halifax manned by Free French aircrew. In October 1945, the bombers were handed over to the French Air Force and moved to France.

In 1952 the site was taken over by the USAF and the following year the runway was hardened and extended and a new large parking ramp was laid to handle the B-36 of the Strategic Air Command. It remained unused and by 1958, the USAF had departed. RAF Elvington returned to its original purpose as a satellite landing ground and finally closed to military flying in March 1992.

Following the granting of a lease in 1983, a group of volunteers started clearing the present site of the museum of the plant life that had been allowed to grow unchecked since the USAF had left and also started restoring and upgrading the war time buildings for future museum use. The first open day for the museum was held on the 11th August 1985. In May 1986 the Yorkshire Air Museum was opening to the public for a few days a week and in 1993, enough money had been raised to acquire the land the buildings were on and in 1996 the Canadian Memorial Hangar was built. Three years later the museum was in a position to be able to be open seven days a week.

Many thanks to Ian and James and the rest of the volunteers (including Andy and Martin being press ganged into helping) at Elvington for an excellent evening out and to my brother Trevor for the use of some of his aerial photos his wife took that morning, as he was doing the flying, and transport there and back.

Further images can be seen at the ‘More Elvington Night Shoot Photos’ link on the right.

RAF Northolt Night Photo Shoot VII ~ 30th September 2010

2010-10-06T19:48:00.032+01:00

Having only started in January 2009, the opportunity of photographing military aircraft on an active RAF base, without barriers in the way and at night, has not lost its appeal. Over 100 aviation photographers had made their way to West London and descended on the White House Gate entrance to RAF Northolt for the 7th night photo shoot to be held there in the last 19 months. Again all monies collected from the night shoots is being used toward the on going refurbishment of the old pre war Sector Operations Room, now known as the Sir Keith Park Building, to return it to its original Battle of Britain configuration.

The weather forecast was looking good with clearing patchy cloud, reasonably warm, and the possibility of a very nice sunset. As the underground train became an overground train, that forecast wasn’t holding up as rain started to settle on the tube train windows and the platforms of stations we stopped at. Fortunately, by the time I got off the Central Line train at South Ruislip tube station, the rain had stopped and the clouds were clearing.

A small group of cars had already gathered at the gate and were being signed in and issued with car pass and visitors badge by Lee and his sons. To alleviate the build up of cars due to the limited parking area, convoys were escorted to the car parking area behind 32 Sqn hangars by an orange VW Beetle with a yellow flashing light on top. Before the last group of cars arrived, Jez, the Project Officer from Air Traffic gathered a group of us together for a welcome speech and a bit of a health & safety briefing. We then moved from the car park to hold at the airfield entry barrier to make room for the next briefing. After every one had arrived and congregated at the FOD grid, the barrier rose and the massed hoards of assorted high-viz jackets poured onto the taxi way between the hangars and floodlit pan.

No sooner had we set foot airside than one of the three Metropolitan Police Air Support Unit Eurocopter EC145 helicopters, base at Lippitts Hill, Laughton, crept in from the darkening twilight and touched down right in front of us. There was a mad scramble to set up cameras and tripods to catch the arrival with flashing lights and rotors turning. The line up continued with a 32 Squadron 125 with the SSAFA 125 markings on the fuselage and a Defence Helicopter Flying School Squirrel from RAF Shawbury, making a night shoot debut. Making possibly a last public appearance before retirement was a Royal Navy Jetstream T2, still with its ‘Fly Navy 100’ markings on its tail, from No 750 Naval Air Squadron based at RNAS Culdrose.

A pair of Hawk T1s from No 19 Squadron, RAF Valley, making possibly their last appearance at RAF Northolt because of new restrictions on single engine aircraft flying over London completed the line up. Both aircraft were finished in their 95th Anniversary markings celebrating the formation of the squadron and the 70th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain in which 19 Squadron took part when operating out of Duxford.

Although the French Air Attaché did his best, it was bit too much of a short notice for him to arrange for any French Military hardware to attend. The Sécurité Civile Conair Turbo Firecat, a conversion of the US Navy Grumman S2 Tracker into a fire bomber, didn’t arrive either and were probably still awaiting permission from their Government to attend. The Dominie from RAF Cranwell, which was scheduled to arrive, had gone sick and 45 Squadron clean forgot about bringing a King Air to the night shoot.

It was a bit of a tight squeeze between the hangar and the pan as there were some rather large wagons parked between hangar 3 and 4 as the BBC were setting up for a concert to be broadcast the following night. There was also a healthy queue for the air stairs that were placed in front of the Jetstream, for that higher look down shot. An added bonus during the evening was when the doors to hangar 3 were opened to reveal a BAE 146 and 125 undergoing a bit of maintenance. We were told at the start of the night shoot that the 146 was being worked upon and if the tasks were completed in time then the hangar doors would be opened and we had permission to photograph it. Unfortunately no Agusta 109s on show as the Sloan Helicopter people were away from Northolt on another job.

About 30 minutes into the night shoot and with lights flashing, a rather large red MFV (Major Fire Vehicle) from the RAF Northolt Fire & Rescue Service cruised slowly around the back of the static display and parked up at the end of the line next to the last Hawk. It was on fire picket duty as the Jetstream crew walked out to their aircraft. With one inside and one outside, they prepped their aircraft for flight and departure back to Cornwall on a night flying training exercise. With props turning it was waved out by one of the white suited SERCO ground handling crew and passed quite close by as it turned towards the runway and quickly disappeared in the darkness. Props turning, lights flashing and an aircraft moving was greatly appreciated by the mass of photographers that had gathered in front of it.

The big red MFV began moving but not back to its nice warm garage, instead it filled the space vacated by the Navy Jetstream and sat there with its lights blinking and made a change to photograph something non aviation but aviation related. Following the departure of the Met Police Helicopter, the fire crew began spraying water about the pan although not enough to get decent reflection shots.

Once again, another excellent evening out and a very enjoyable couple of hours in a small floodlit part of Middlesex. Many thanks to Philip Dawe for arranging the photo shoot and Lee Barton and his boys for paperwork at the main gate and Jez from Air Traffic, SERCO and the rest of the Northolt Volunteers. RAF Northolt Station Commander, Group Captain TA Barrett OBE ADC MA RAF for permission to let a group of civilian photographers loose on his patch, again, and Wg Cdr JM Stilwell B Eng(Hons) MA RAF, OC 32(TR) Squadron who were our hosts for the evening.

Further images can be seen at the ‘More Northolt Night Shoot Photos’ link on the right.

RAF Northolt 70th Anniversary Battle of Britain Fly-in. 17th September 2010.

2010-09-22T18:31:00.019+01:00

As part of the Battle of Britain 70th Anniversary celebrations, a reception and luncheon had been arranged for a group of Battle of Britain veterans in the Officers Mess at RAF Northolt. A private fly-in of aircraft that varied from modern General Aviation types to pre-war Tiger Moths and a Dragonfly, had been planned to coincide with this event. The aircraft belong to ‘The Air Squadron’, a small flying club founded in 1966 by a group of friends who had a common interest in owning and flying light aircraft.


RAF Northolt Officers Mess

To take advantage of the fly-in, a photo call had also been arranged for an on base view of the arrivals, local flying and departures. As with the arrivals for the Families Day, we had access to the mound that is out on the airfield between the engine run up pan and the windsock. As this was just a fly-in, photographs are naturally restricted to basically arrival/taxi/take off views. All monies collected from the assembled photographers is being used toward the on going refurbishment of the old pre war Sector Operations Room, now known as the Sir Keith Park Building after it was officially opened by Chief of the Air Force AVM G Lintott, Royal New Zealand Air Force on the 15th September, to return it to its original Battle of Britain configuration.

Robinson R44 G-TRACC

A small group of hardy photographers’ congregated at the White House Gate entrance to RAF Northolt in weather conditions that were far from ideal for light aircraft flying. Along with the warm sunshine, the northwest breeze that was blowing gently across the runway when I first arrived was steadily gaining strength and persisted throughout the day. As the clouds rapidly rolled in and out and obscured the sun, the temperature would drop and rise correspondingly. Having signed in we headed for the BFPO car park and then made our way out to the mound just in time for the first arrivals.

Cessna 560XLS Citation Excel CS-DXF

A NOTAM had previously been issued and the Air Squadron had a one hour time slot, 1000-1100 Local, in which the majority of the Squadron had to arrive in. It made for some interesting landings in the cross wind as 20 aircraft, including one helicopter, touched down virtually right in front of us. There was a bit of a lull, during which time 32 Squadron aircraft and a couple of Business Jets departed and landed, before the arrival of the Tiger Moth formation between 1130-1145L. We also had a bit of live music, along with barked orders, wafting across the airfield as rehearsals were taking place on the old hangar base for the Battle of Britain ceremony at Westminster Abbey on the Sunday.

DH82A Tiger Moth G-ANRN

DH82A Tiger Moth G-ANRF

We could see guests congregating outside the Officers Mess, when in the distance from above the one remaining Hangar on the north side of the airfield, a loose gaggle of six Tiger Moths appeared. A 32 Sqdn 125 was sneaking in below them to land before they arrived. The Tiger Moths then formed up into two sections of three aircraft before a run and break over the airfield. Compared to the 125 just before them, they turned wide over South Ruislip and were landing using the width of the main runway to compensate for the cross wind. A couple did stray onto the grass, but was understandable considering the conditions. They were parked wing tip to wing tip on the taxiway loop outside the Officers Mess with the crews going to join the veterans. 26 of the advertised 27 aircraft had made it to Northolt.

Piper Aztec PA-23-250

Grumman Gulfstream SPG550

DH90A Dragonfly G-AE

Apart from some local movements, it would be quiet until 1400L when the departure window for the Air Squadron became available with a finish time of 1630L. Time for lunch and the Ploughman’s sandwich I had bough at Kings

Cross station and to make use of the comfort facilities kindly provided by the British Forces Post Office in their building close by.

After the reception, members of the Air Squadron slowly returned to their respective aircraft and prepared for departure during the rest of the afternoon. The Tiger Moths took off en masse in a stream formation and flew back in the direction they had arrived from. Between the departures a couple of the twin-engined aircraft were taking the BoB veterans aloft for a quick spin over Uxbridge and the western suburbs of London. A Spitfire and Hurricane of The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight were due to put in an appearance sometime that afternoon but were a no show, probably due to the wind. The Historic Aircraft Collection Spitfire MK V/BM597 that majestically flew a circuit over the airfield and touched down in the late afternoon sunlight and parked near where the veterans were congregating for the pleasure flights saved the day.

Supermarine Spitfire MK V/BM597

Despite the cross wind, I think I have wind burn rather than sun burn on my face, a very enjoyable way to spend the day and something completely different to photograph on an operational military air base. Many thanks to Philip Dawe for arranging the photo shoot and Lee Barton for chaperoning us airside. RAF Northolt Station Commander, Group Captain TA Barrett OBE ADC MA RAF for permission to let a group of civilian photographers loose on his patch and RAF Northolt Air Traffic Control for access to their airfield.

Pierre Robin R1180TD

Agusta A109E ZR323 No 32 Squadron

BAE 125 CC3 ZE395 No 32 Squadron

Further images can be seen at ‘More Northolt BoB Photos’ link on the right.

The Battle of Britain Air Show, Duxford ~ 4th September 2010

2010-09-12T14:48:00.006+01:00

Advertised as ‘The 70th Anniversary Battle of Britain Air Show’, the Duxford Summer Air Show was lining up to be something special with the inclusion of 16 Spitfires and 4 Hurricanes flying in separate formations. The Red Arrows of the RAF opening the show and the French Air Force aerobatics team, The Patrouille de France closing it. A Belgium Air Force F-16, RAF Typhoon and Hawk trainers from 19(F) Squadron, RAF Valley, was making the Saturday of the two day air show a must see event.

I came across a foretaste of the traffic problems to come as I left the M11 motorway just before 09.00 and came across a queue of traffic on the roundabout waiting to get into the Duxford car parks. It’s a long time since I have seen that happen so early in the morning. Having parked my motor bike outside Hangar 2, I made straight for the airfield walk as apart from the sun shining, it would be closing early due to the Red Arrows early arrival as they had another display that afternoon in Northern Ireland.

After lunch, I dodged my way through the massive crowds that had grown throughout the morning towards the M11 end of the airfield. Exactly on time, the Red Arrows appeared from crowd rear. There were only eight aircraft displaying as Red 2 had developed a fault on the way down and had returned to Scampton. With one aircraft missing, the formation did look a little lop sided. The Red Arrows completed their display to appreciative applause from the public around me.

With about an hour before the start of the main show, I went off for an ice cream, as it was quite warm although the sunshine had given way to wall to wall cloud, and a comfort break. Fortunately no one had settled in the spot I had just used before. From here you can see the M11 and the northbound traffic was at a standstill and I could hear on the radio from one of the parking attendants that there was standing traffic for 4 miles either side of the M11 roundabout. Over the PA system, it was announced that all the car parks had been closed as there was no space left to park anything and vehicles were being turned away. The Museum later confirmed that there were over 24,000 people at the show on Saturday.

The flying display started with the aircraft of The Fighter Collection in the shape of the Bearcat, T.20 Sea Fury and TP-51 ‘Miss Velma’. The Harvard’s from TFC and ARCo performed pairs flying display. The first of two front line jets were up next in the shape of the Belgium Air Force F-16. The RAF typhoon would display later on.

The pace then slowed down again in the shape of B-17 ‘Sally B’ followed immediately by the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.

An even slower pace followed with a very nice display by the red Leopard and the green Hornet Moths.

One of the set pieces of the afternoon then took place when four Hawker Hurricanes performed a scramble type take off followed by the ‘Buchon’, which then proceeded to attack the airfield but was chased away by the 4 Hurricanes but returned later and a tail chase ensued. Peter Teichman in his Hurricane Mk IIb then performed an aerobatics display as the others returned to land at Duxford.

The Shuttleworth Gladiator was next on the programme followed by the Typhoon. There was a slight break as the Wasp returned from Mildenhall with the pilot and ground crew of the F-16. Mark Miller then took his immaculate de Havilland Rapide through a few paces over the Duxford airfield before the second set piece took place.

Five Hawks from 19(F) Squadron, flying from Cambridge airport but based at RAF Valley, then flew over in formation with a T2 in the lead followed by 4 T1’s as a tribute to 19 Squadron that flew Spitfires from Duxford during the Battle of Britain.

Following the display of the Jungmann and Jungmeister and the mass take off from 16 Spitfires, 4 of the Hawk’s returned with the lead aircraft then pulling up for a missing formation followed by a minutes silence.

Then came the final set piece. The 16 Spitfires that had taken off earlier returned in formation and flew over the airfield twice.

On the last pass they split into three formations and as MJ627 came into land the remaining 15 Spitfires then performed a spectacular tail chase over the Duxford airfield.

It reached one point where I just put my camera down and watched the spectacle.

The Finale belonged to the French and the Patrouille de France who actually put on a better display than the Red Arrows.

As everyone raced for the exit, I hung around and had something to eat and photographed a few arrivals for the next day and departures. When I left at 18.00 I got straight out although there were police on the motorway roundabout directing traffic. A thoroughly enjoyable air show that will always be remembered for two things. The Spitfire tail chase and the traffic problems.

Further Images can be seen at the 'More Duxford BoB Photos' link on the right.

Shuttleworth Pageant Air Display ~ 5th September 2010

2010-09-07T19:22:00.023+01:00

After the noise, hustle, bustle and capacity crowd at the Duxford Summer Air Show the day before, Old Warden was a breath of fresh air and a much more relaxed and sedate affair. The Pageant is the one show of the year where the Shuttleworth Collection try and get as many of their aircraft, that are airworthy, to fly during the afternoon.

The great British weather didn’t quite play ball again. There was wall to wall cloud to start with. It was eventually blown away later in the afternoon by the stiff breeze that was cutting across the main runway and we finished the day with a bit of blue sky and sunshine. The wind did necessitate most of the aircraft operating off the shorter 012/030 grass strip, running parallel to the main road. This made for some unusual photographic angles for take off and landing shots and from where I was standing, you appeared to be a lot closer to the action than when they use the main runway.

Hawker Sea Hurricane 1B/Z7015/G-BKTH

The afternoon events kicked off with the vehicle cavalcade just before the flying which started at 14.00 with the bright red Cub getting airborne to take part in a bit of banner towing. Off in the distance, coloured smoke could be seen hanging in the Cambridgeshire sky as the Red Arrows were opening the second day of the Battle of Britain show at Duxford.

K1786-Hawker Tomtit/Avro Tutor-K3241

G-AESZ Chilton DW1/G-AAIN Parnell Elf

G-EBWD DH60X/G-EBLV DH60/G-EBIR DH51

Some nice combination's were flown during the afternoon and to highlight just a few, the Tutor, Tomtit and Ryan PT22 representing trainers. The diminutive ANEC and Hawker Cygnet DH.53 Humming Bird were commemorating the Lympne Light Aircraft Trials. These were held in the mid 1920’s to encourage the building of ultra light aircraft for private use. The unique formation of de Havilland aircraft was quite impressive. Two DH.60 Moth’s, G-EBWD & G-EBLV, the oldest flying Moth in the world, a Tiger Moth in RAF training colours and the rather large DH.51, G-EBIR, of which only three were ever built with one being written off in a crash and the other scrapped. A more modern Chipmunk following behind. They flew around in formation and then a bit of a tail chase developed. Four Miles aircraft also flew with the Falcon, two Magisters and the Miles designed Southern Martlet.

G-AHKX Avro Nineteen (Anson)

P6382 Miles Magister/G-AEEG Falcon Skysport

As always, the blue and silver Avro 19 put on a spirited display with plenty of topside views as it went around the dogleg at the control tower.

PA474 Avro Lancaster. BBMF

Just before 16.00 the BBMF Lancaster put in an appearance with a low fast top side pass which was greatly appreciation by the small crowd that were sitting around me who spontaneously applauded as it thundered over the Bedfordshire countryside to return for a couple of more sedate flypasts.

Fiesler Fi 156c1 Storch

This was the first time I had seen Peter Holloway’s Fiesler Fi 156c1 Storch flying since its initial test flight at Old Warden back in March 2009. In the morning it was giving flights to the resident Shuttleworth photographers and in the afternoon it took off in the company of the Lysander. Two completely different aeroplanes but built for basically the same purpose. The Storch landing was interesting as it came in over the trees side slipping and then straightened over the 012 threshold as the nose was pointed down and from the wheels touching the grass and coming to a stop was probably just short of about 3 fuselage lengths long.

Hawker Hind K5414/G-AENP

Gloster Gladiator K7989/G-AMRK

With 34 aircraft ranging from the First World War fighters to the Trainers of the 1950’s flying over the Old Warden aerodrome that Sunday afternoon, the pilots put on an excellent show considering the wind they had to put up with which only stopped the Gliders and Edwardian's from flying. A big thank you to all the Pilots, Volunteers, Engineers and especially the Ground Crews who run around the airfield marshaling the aircraft here and there and without whom the Shuttleworth flying displays would probably not run as smoothly as they do.

Bristol F2b Fighter K7985/G-AEPH

Pietenpol Air Camper G-OHAL

Sopwith Pup RFC9917/G-EBKY

Further Images can be seen at the 'More Shuttleworth Pageant Photos' link on the right.

American Air Day, IWM Duxford ~ 20th August 2010

2010-08-24T18:45:00.032+01:00

On the 20th August, the Imperial War Museum played host to the United States Air Force Europe and in particular the personnel and equipment of the 3rd Air Force - United Kingdom, based at Mildenhall, Lakenheath and Alconbury.

The fourth American Air Day was held in not quite ideal weather conditions. There was a strong and gusting wind blowing across the airfield that curtailed the BBMF from landing during their tour of Battle of Britain airfields although the wind did force any weather fronts to pass through quickly during the day. This created every thing from cloudy to blue sky and back again and bright sunshine to flat lighting conditions but the plus side was that it was quite warm.

As time drew closer for the first flying demonstration at 11.00, a Hercules could be seen holding off to the east but the display time came and went. Apparently it had developed a problem and had to return to base. The MC-130P Combat Shadow Hercules of the 352nd Special Operations Group eventually arrived just before 13.00. As it was slowing to a stop on the main runway, in a cloud of black exhaust fumes, a gust of wind appeared to catch it as it dipped one wing. The ramp came down and a fully armed motorcyclist and quad bike roared out the back and across the grass towards the control tower as the Hercules turned around and made its way to the jet ramp. In another cloud of black exhaust fumes, it reversed up to the crowd barrier.

At this point I think there was supposed to be an airfield attack prior to the HH-60G Pave Hawk demonstration but nothing happened. A downed pilot could be seen sitting in the middle of the Duxford airfield as the Pave Hawk made a low fast approach across the M11. Special Forces troop’s abseiled down a rope to secure the area and pilot before they were all winched into the helicopter and it parked next to the Hercules. Both aircraft were open for the general public to look around for the rest of the afternoon.

During the afternoon the HAC Spitfire Mk V and the ARCo Mk IX and Mk XVI Spitfire’s departed for the air show at Shoreham.

At around 15.00 a KC-135 Stratotanker, of the 100th Air Refuelling Wing based at Mildenhall, appeared from the east to do a low, fast pass over the airfield with its tanking boom extended. It was closely followed by 4x F-15C’s and 4x F-15E’s. After what seemed like an eternity the tanker returned again from the east for a slower pass with a pair of F-15E’s and C’s in formation on its wing tips.

It was now the turn of the Duxford War Birds to spread their wings. The camouflaged T-28 Fennec started the flying display and The Fighter Collection Spitfire Mk IX had extra weight, to counteract the cross wind, on its tail as it taxied to the end of the grass strip. Dave Puleston used the wind to good effect during his display in the Piper Cub as he pointed its nose into the wind and appeared to be hovering on the spot like a Harrier. The F-86 Sabre and P-51 ‘Ferocious Frankie’ took off within a short time of each other and then returned for a ‘Heritage’ type flypast before their individual displays. The P-51 also did a flypast with the B-17 ‘Sally-B’ before its display. The Plane Sailing Catalina then departed for Shoreham.

With the American Air Day drawing to an end, the MC-130P and HH-60 took off and returned later in formation with the Hercules landing back at Duxford.

Ground displays were a bit lacking compared to last year but there was still the USAFE K9 display team dog demonstration and a collection of birds of prey on the grassed area between the American Air Museum and the Land Warfare Hall. There was also an armed and camouflaged HUMVEE and a selection of weapons that seem to attract the attention of the younger generation. On the old hangar base outside Wing Co Joe’s cafe was a selection of Dodge Viper muscle cars and there was also a Mildenhall based airfield fire engine finished in what looked like a retro colour scheme of years gone by.

Despite the wind and the flying not quite going to plan it was a very enjoyable day and I look forward to the next one.

More images of the American Air Day can be found in 'American Air Day Photos' by clicking the link in Photo Links on the right.

Brian