Bentwaters 'Air Friendship' 1989

[Knife 04]

Attending the ‘Base Walks’ with the ‘gang’ over the past couple of years rekindled my interest in both Bentwaters & Woodbridge air bases (even followed the UFO trail in Rendlesham Forest prior to the walk last year ).

Great days out plus a fantastic museum run by a very enthusiastic crew (including of course Graham and Bob)– a real credit to them!

Thought I would scan some of the Air Friendship show held at Bentwaters in July 1989 – apologies for quality – scanned from negs

Front Cover by Darren Currie, on Flickr

Home Crew
F-16C - 86-0229 - 527th AS - Bentwaters (2) by Darren Currie, on Flickr

F-16C - 85-1479 / 01 - 527th AS - Bentwaters by Darren Currie, on Flickr

A-10 Thunderbolt II - 81-0984 WR - 78th TFS, Bentwaters by Darren Currie, on Flickr

From just up the road at Woodbridge
MH-53E - 68-8284 - 21st SOS Woodbridge by Darren Currie, on Flickr

MH-53E - 68-8284 - 21st SOS Woodbridge (2) by Darren Currie, on Flickr

HC-130H - 66-0220 - 67th ARRS Woodbridge by Darren Currie, on Flickr

Nice visitor from Myrtle Beach
A-10 Thunderbolt II - 79-0096 MB - 353TFW (4) by Darren Currie, on Flickr

Other visiting USAF/E aircraft
F-111F - 70-2406 - 492TFS Lakenheath (2) by Darren Currie, on Flickr

RF-4C - 68-0565 ZR 26th TRW Zweibruken (1) by Darren Currie, on Flickr.

F-4G - 69-0212 SP - 81st TFS Spangdahlem (1) by Darren Currie, on Flickr

F-16C 86-0358 SP - 81st TFS Spangdahlem (2) by Darren Currie, on Flickr

F-15C - 80-0028 36TFW Bitburg (1) by Darren Currie, on Flickr

C-141B Starlifter - 66-7947 - 437 MAW - USAF by Darren Currie, on Flickr

All the best and hope you found of interest – in the process of having a look at the previous show now

Darren

[slogen51]

They have scanned really well.

We used to take a lot of the USAFE stuff for granted ( well I did anyway)

Was that the Bentwaters show that had quite a bit of French around the back?

[Stroudy]

Very nice all of them.

What is that in green directly behind the F-16 in picture 3?

[Ranger]

Very nice all of them.

What is that in green directly behind the F-16 in picture 3?

Looks like an F105 to me.

Cheers,
Ranger

[Stroudy]

I thought that initially, but the rear of the bubble canopy area and the intakes don't quite look right for that....?

[Stroudy]

Ah got it, F-101 Voodoo. Don't think I can recall seeing an 'overall' green one though.

[Knife 04]

Thanks for the comments guys - Stroudy has it bang on according to the Scamble Database - F-101 Voodoo 58-0260 - why I did not get a shot of that I dont know - maybe just not come across it yet

All the best

Darren

[Thunder]

Ah got it, F-101 Voodoo. Don't think I can recall seeing an 'overall' green one though.

More than likely to be a BDRT airframe given the year.

[ST24]

Great scans, always good to see!Always enjoyed the Bentwaters shows even though they were a long haul for us, did Cottesmore the day before. It's crazy looking back, this was real low key show- the only "foreigners" were the PatFrance and 2 Dutch '16s on static yet all that American metal and a fair amount of RAF and warbirds and you had yourself a show!

Ah got it, F-101 Voodoo. Don't think I can recall seeing an 'overall' green one though.

More than likely to be a BDRT airframe given the year.

Yep, definitely - most USAFE bases had a fair smattering of Phantoms, Voodoos and Thunderchiefs for BDRT that were put on static.

Was that the Bentwaters show that had quite a bit of French around the back?

No that was '87 - 2 F1s, 2x 2000s, and best of all a 3BE and 3x 5Fs!! Back in the day when you had no idea what was there 'till you turned up!!

[graham luxton]

Enjoyed those Bentwaters shows - thanks for the reminders Darren.

`BAR` reported F-101B's 70270, ex 111FIS Texas ANG( MASDC park code FF422) and 80260/01, ex 123FIS, Oregon ANG(FF396) as being airlifted into Woodbridge by a C-5A on 19 May'85.

When I visited Woodbridge on 31 May'85 they were both lying dismantled near the former "Victor" Alert Barns at the West end of the base. Another visit on 10 Aug'85 saw them in the same place although by Sept'85 80260 had been fully assembled at Bentwaters - no idea when it received that 'orrible paint scheme though!

[slogen51]

'87 that's the one - epic

I remember worrying over getting the types right - they all looked so similar and as you say there was no crib sheet or check list on the web.

[paddyboy]

Good afternoon, Mr. Currie

Cracking shots from a great show

T'was the one where SWMBO's new frock got an extra coating of Mexican chilli courtesy of moi

I was so intent on getting a shot or two of said Voodoo that I knocked her paper plate in my haste

Result: GBH of the earhole BIG time; the grumps for the whole weekend, and NO Voodoo shots

I also picked up the cleaning bill

Thanks for posting, Buddy

Paddyboy

[Petepilot]

Good afternoon, Mr. Currie

Cracking shots from a great show

T'was the one where SWMBO's new frock got an extra coating of Mexican chilli courtesy of moi

I was so intent on getting a shot or two of said Voodoo that I knocked her paper plate in my haste

Result: GBH of the earhole BIG time; the grumps for the whole weekend, and NO Voodoo shots

I also picked up the cleaning bill

Thanks for posting, Buddy

Paddyboy

You should have bought her a new frock Paddy

[Petepilot]

Ah, the memories! Great set Darren, thanks for sharing!

[JONLITE06]

Great Pics! I always remember the SP Phantom + F16 from Upper Heyford Airshows!

[Ratrace]

Superb !!

[Knife 04]

Thanks for all the comments chaps - very much appreciated

In the process of attempting to complete the 1988 show now - will post when I get done

All the best and thanks again

Darren

[mikee115]

Nice mix of aircraft and good quality scans.
I look forward to the next instalment!
Thanks
Mike