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Do you have an item of news you would like to see on Fighter Control or we would be interested in? Then contact the FC News Editor Rick Sleight rick.sleight@fightercontrol.co.uk or FC's Web Master Lee James lee.james@fightercontrol.co.uk

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December

Monday 24th December 2007

QRA Launched to Escort Russians on Christmas Night/Morning

What was thought to be a QRA launched to escort Santa in to UK Airspace, turned out to be a bit more sinister. at 21:55L, A VC-10 from RAF Brize Norton serial XV106 along with Typhoons from RAF Coningsby took off to see off two Russian Tupolev Bombers. Better known as Tu-160's. The equivalent to the US Air Force B1-B, were first picked up by the Danish Air Force, who had launched their F-16's. These were escorted along the Danish Coast, where it was believed that the Tu-160's then flew up the North Sea.

Thursday 20th December 2007
Last flying Jaguar retires from RAF Service
Today was another sad day in that XX833 or best known to some as the "Qinietic two seater Jag", flew it's last sortie. Using the callsign 'Gauntlet14' the Jaguar took off from Boscombe Down and then carried out a mission sortie that included Coltishall, RAF Coningsby, Mach Loop and BAe Warton.

RAF Coningsby receives an early present
RAF Coningsby today took delivery of a new Typhoon from BAe Warton. Manufacturer code BS026 or ZJ935 and is a new addition for 11[F] Squadron.

Wednesday 19th December 2007
Tornado F3's fly Last Sortie under 41[R] Squadron
Today saw the Tornado F3's of 41[R] Sqn fly their last sortie from RAF Coningsby. They took part in an Eight ship sortie with two Harrier GR9's, two Tornado GR4's and two Typhoons. It is believed that the Tornado F3's ZE785 & ZG731 will have some of their equipment removed and will return back to normal Squadron status.

Thanks to Terry Senior for the information and the Photos
Antonov departs RAF Waddington and arrives at BAe Woodford
Less than Twenty-Four hours from it's arrival at RAF Waddington, the Antonov AN-124 took off from RAF Waddington at 10:45L in bright blue skies with it's cargo and headed up North. With a Hop, Skip and a Jump it arrived at BAe Woodford where it was all hands on deck to help unload the fuselage of XV246.


Thanks to Stuart Skelton and Alan Moss for the photos.

Tuesday 18th December 2007

Alternative Festive Games at RAF Waddington

RAF Waddington today held a special activity, along with Hungry Hippo they also played hide the Nimrod. An Antonov AN-124 arrived just before dinner to take the fuselage of XV246 a Nimrod MR2 to BAE Woodford so it could be upgraded to an MR4. The Antonov was due to depart the same day, but sadly bad light prevented it from taking off as it arrived later than scheduled.

Thanks to Mick Goodhand for the Advanced News on the Forum and Nigel Sadler for the confirmation of the AN-124 serial and Stuart Skelton for the Photos. also take a peek at Stuart's TV appearance.

Thursday 13th December 2007
Extra Special Visitors at Edinburgh
*Edinburgh Airport* has had some very unusal visitors this year, and on this day it proved to be of no exception. Not just one visitor, but two visitors made an appearance at Edinburgh.
Returning to Emmen AB via Keflavik and Edinburgh was an F/A-18C of the Swiss Air Force. Having completed Nine months of live firing trials under the UPGRADE 21 Programme focusing around the AIM-9X and AMRAAM. The aircraft is noted as supporting mission marks under the canopy of missile fired whilst at China Lake and White Sands.
US Defence Secretary Robert Gates travelled to Edinburgh, Scotland, for meetings with Allied Forces serving in southern Afghanistan which in addition to the United States and the United Kingdom, include Defence and Foreign ministers from Australia, the Netherlands, Denmark, Canada, Romania and Estonia. All forces involved are part of the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force's Regional Command South, which is has its Headquarters in Kandahar. British Defence Minister Des Brown hosted the meeting in his home town. Undersecretary of State Nicholas Burns accompanied Gates to the meeting as they arrived in Edinburgh on C-32A (99-0003) on the 13th of December direct from Andrews Air Force base, Maryland.
Thanks to John Herd for the Advanced News on the Forum and Andy Sheppard for the follow-up information and Photos.

Friday 7th December 2007
US Army Air Force RC-12K visits Coningsby
An unusal movement for RAF Coningsby and especially on a Friday, with the arrival and departure of a US Army Air Force RC-12K, 85-00150, callsign 'Argus 11'. The aircraft is from the B/1 MI Bn stationed at Weisbaden in Germany.

Thanks to Tony Strother for the photos

Tuesday 4th / Thursday 6th December 2007
Italians visit Typhoon City
Arriving at RAF Coningsby were Four AMI Italian Air Force Typhoons. These arrived in the afternoon and were last seen in 11[F] Squadron HAS site.
MM7271/36-12	Strale 01A	MM7272/36-03	Strale 01B
MM7273/36-02	Strale 01C	MM7276/36-01	Strale 01D
The aircraft departed on Thursday in the following pairs at 10:55L and 10:57L
MM7271/36-12	Strale 01A	MM7273/36-02	Strale 01B
MM7276/36-01	Strale 01C	MM7272/36-03	Strale 01D

Thanks to Rick Sleight, Andy Marden and Garf Smith for the information and Wayne Trigg for the photos.

Tuesday 4th December 2007
US Marine KC-130T Hercules Departs Mildenhall
Departing RAF Mildenhall was a US Marine KC-130T Hercules serial 162308/QH-308. This departed as 'Ranger 82'. This arrived on Saturday 1st.

Thanks to Andy Court for the information and the photo's

Monday 3rd / Tuesday 4th December 2007

B1-B arrives at Mildenhall

Arriving at RAF Mildenhall was a B1-B serial 68-0135/DY. This was returning back to the USA after a brief visit to the UAE. It arrived using the callsign 'Dark 71'. it departed on the 4th December at approx 10:00L

Thanks to Ray Brooks for the photos

November

Thursday 29th November 2007
Another C-17 takes part in Flares training at Donna Nook
The Air Weapons Range at RAF Donna Nook saw a C-17 take part in testing of releasing Flares. The Aircraft ZZ174 from 99 Squadron, RAF Lyneham spent nearly the entire day flying over the range.

Thanks to Terry Senior for the information and Photos

Tuesday 27st November 2007

French Mirage's arrive at RAF Valley

As part of Exercise Early Resolve RAF Valley had two Mirage F1's. They arrived using the callsign 'FAF 7831 flt'. The serials were 603 and 607.

Thanks to Richard Thomas for the information.

Another pair of Belgium F-16's visit Waddington

RAF Waddington again become a stop over for two Belgium Air Force F-16 AM's for Exercise Wycombe Warrior. Arriving as 'MATRIX51'. Serials were FA-71 and FA-117 these departed as 'MATRIX91'.

Thanks to Graham Platt, Robert and Rick Sleight for the information and Martin Sewell of Military Image Bank for the photos.

Wednesday 21st November 2007

French & Belgium Visitors at Waddington

RAF Waddington saw the arrival of a French Air Force E-3F serial 36-CD code 204. And two F-16's from the Belgium Air Force. FA-83 which is an AM model and FB-05/FS which is a BM model.

Thanks to Terry Senior for the information.

Wednesday 14th November 2007

Navigator Killed from Ejecting out of Tornado Whilst inverted

Whilst on a routine test flight from RAF Marham, an incident occured involving the BAe Systems crew of a GR.4 Tornado. Whilst in inverted flight, the Navigator Ejector seat and Navigator where jettisoned. The Pilot landed the Tornado at RAF Marham, and was taken to Kings Lynn Hospital. A full Search and Rescue was launched and with deep regret the Ministry of Defence have confirmed that the Navigator's body had been found. The Team members and forum members of Fighter Control wish to pass on their deepest sympathies to the family and relatives of the Navigator.

Thursday 8th November 2007

Hawks depart Warton for delivery to Indian Air Force

Today saw the first of two Hawk Advanced Jet Trainers (AJT's) destined to train the next generation of Indian Air Force depart from BAe Warton. The two jets are the first of Sixty Six Hawk aircraft to be delivered to the IAF as of part of a total training package required to meet their fast jet pilot training needs. The programme includes Twenty Four aircraft being built in the UK by BAE Systems and Fourty Two aircraft being manufactured under licence in India by Bangalore's Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).

Since the contract was signed in March 2004, the Indian Hawk programme has moved at a tremendous pace. Over the past three years, in addition to manufacturing the IAF Hawks, BAE Systems, in partnership with the RAF, has delivered a training programme that will see on its completion, over 75 IAF pilots trained on the current RAF Hawk fleet at RAF Valley. Many of those who have completed the course have returned to India and gone directly onto the IAF's most sophisticated frontline aircraft – a testament to the skill of the pilots and the training they received during their time at RAF Valley.

The two IAF Hawks will arrive in India after a number of days and refuelling stops. The process of ferrying the aircraft will continue over the coming months until all UK built aircraft are delivered.

Thanks to Iain Hamilton for the information and photos

Monday 5th November 2007

Former Coningsby and Cottesmore V-Force Commander

Air Commodore Ricky Wright dies aged Eighty Eight

Air Commodore Ricky Wright was a highly decorated Battle of Britain pilot, of whom later became a Japanese prisioner of war, and be one of the first pilots to fly a Vampire Jet Fighter from England to the USA. He later took command of three Fighter Squadrons as Wing Leader at Linton-on-Ouse and then given command of the RAF's first Bloodhound missile squadron.

In 1960 he was Group Captain at Fighter Command Headquarters and assisted with the introduction of the Lightning. Then in 1963 he became Commander of RAF Coningsby and then RAF Cottesmore in 1964. It was at these two bases he shaped the countries stragetic nuclear deterrent. He was awarded the CBE in 1964 along with the King's Commendation for Valuable Services in the Air and the Air Efficiency Award. He was promoted to Air Commodore in 1965.

Sunday 4th November 2007

US Navy C-20G arrives at Norwich

A bit of first for Norwich International this weekend, with the arrival of a C-20G BU No 165152/RG of VR-51, using callsign “RG190”. It carries the name “Spirit of Wake Island”. It was en route from Andrews AFB to RAF Mildenhall, but was unable to land there because of below minimum visibility & so looked for an alternative airfield to land. RAF Brize Norton was also considered, but also below minimum visibility.

Cambridge did have sufficient visibility but was closed, as was RAF Marham. The crew of the C-20G were in hold over RAF Marham when they asked if Norwich was available. The weather was checked and proved to be fine (6000m+) and Norwich were happy to accept. It landed at 08:14 local. And departed at 09:57 local, after just over 90 minutes on the ground, it continued it's journey.

Thanks to Steve Pooley for the information and photos

Saturday 3rd November 2007

Eagles Are Grounded

The United States Air Force suspended non-mission critical F-15 flight operations due to a crash involving an F-15C of the Missouri Air National Guard. It is indicated that the cause could have been a structural failure. In total there are over 700 F-15s in the US inventory, and the grounding of the fleet proves that the US Air Force take safety very serious. The F-15E variant will remain on ground alert, whilst the roles of the other F-15's will now be handed over to other types of aircraft.

A Special Dragon arrives at Fairford

RAF Fairford saw the arrival of U2-S 80-1081/BB callsign 'Dragon 55'. The aircraft was carrying a pod on top of the fuselage, which is used for transmitting and receiving signals for intelligence use via a datalink. The aircraft arrived after 11am and departed in the early hours of the next day.

October

Wednesday 31st October 2007

Dutch F-16's arrive at Coningsby

Three Dutch F-16AM's from 322 Squadron arrived at RAF Coningsby in the late afternoon for a nightstop. In attendance were the following, J-875, J-624 and J-207. These departed the next day at 09:50L

Thanks to Chris and Trevor Barker for the photographs

Thursday 18th October 2007

Delta Lady XH558 - Takes to the Sky

Well as stated on the Fighter Control forum. Humble pie makers would be doing some serious overtime, as XH558 gracefully took to the sky today. It has been a long wait. Some Fourteen years after arriving at Bruntingthorpe Airfield and the raising of £6.5 Million pounds. At approximately 12:27L the big four Olympus engines lifted her off the Bruntingthorpe runway for first of three test flights. She was airborne for thirty minutes. The test flight was conducted over the Leicestershire and Lincolnshire borders of the Fenlands. And on returning to Bruntingthorpe, pilots David Thomas and Al McDicken brought her in for an overshoot of the runway, before landing to celebrations and tears. Coincidently it has been Twenty Five years to the day that Al McDicken last flew a Vulcan. Hopefully his and David Thomas's log books can have more Vulcan entries added to them.

Wednesday 17th October 2007

XH558 - Another Step Closer

Bruntingthorpe again saw the mighty Vulcan take part in a series of high speed runs of which saw the front wheels lift into the air. The brake chute was also tested as well. This means more ticks in the boxes. A Notam is issued for a test flight for the 18th.

Belgians Return to Leeming

RAF Leeming was again used as a resting place for four F-16AM's from 2 Tactical Wing Belgium Air Force based at Florennes enroute to Spadeadam Tactical Range.

FA57	Sting 31
FA126	Sting 32
FA117	Sting 33
FA89	Sting 34

Thanks to Len Taylor for the information

Tuesday 16th October 2007

Norweigan Lynx Night Stops at Leeming

RAF Leeming was used as a night stop for a Lynx Mk.86 Serial 207 from 337 Skvadron based in Bardufoss. This was also spotted at RAF Kinloss earlier on during the week. This departed on the 17th using the callsign 'Nor 5017'

Thanks to Len Taylor for the information

Monday 15th October 2007

100 Squadron represents UK in the Tactical Leadership Program 5

Today Two Hawks departed RAF Leeming, to take part in the Tactical Leadership Program (TLP) at Florennes airbase in Belgium. XX345/CE and XX329/CJ arrived at different times and are due to see out the rest of the course which ends on Friday 26th October. This Training Programme is attended by Nato Countries and see's missions conducted over Belgium, Germany, Netherlands, France and the UK. Aircraft in attendance are, F15's, from the USAF, F16's from the USAF, Belgium Air Force and Italian Airforce, F18's from the Spanish Air Force, Mirage F.1E's from the Spanish Air Force, Tornado IDS's from the German and Italian Air Forces, KC-130H's from the Spanish Air Force, CN235's from the French Air Force, Rafale's from the French Navy and F-4F's from the German Air Force. As of 18th October, there has been no reports of the Eurofighter being used in this TLP. Thanks to Chris of 100 Squadron for this information.

Saturday 13th October 2007

Another Rare movement at Mildenhall

Mildenhall saw another hive of Saturday movements, not only did it see the departure of the C-40A, and arrivals of KC-135's and C-17's but it also saw the arrival of an E-4B. Serial 75-0125 and using callsign 'BUST 36', this arrived at 16:35L. Initial reports suggest this was unable to partake in Air to Air Refueling due to a technical problem, and therefore made an unscheduled stop at Mildenhall to refuel and then departed at 18:20L. Thanks to Paul Newbold and Dave Allen for this information.

Thanks to Simon Mortimer and Dave Allen for the photos

Friday 12th October 2007

XH558 becomes fully serviceable

Well it's taken along time, and The Vulcan Operating Company (TVOC) have finally got there. But only in terms of getting XH558 serviceable. Friday saw XH558 taxi under her own power from the engine running pan for instrument and navigation checks whilst conducting slow taxi runs along the runway at Bruntingthorpe. Of which she was then handed back to the groundcrew. There are only a few work cards remaining, and when these are complete and various paperwork completed along with further tests, she will be ready to take to the air for her test flight. Further updates can be found at The Vulcan Operating Company website.

C-40A visits Mildenhall

RAF Mildenhall today had an arrival of a US Navy C-40A, serial 165830 similar to the Gulfstream that landed at Luton Airport, this too was devoid of it's national markings. Using the callsign 'NAVY RY350' this arrived at 16:10L for a night stop over. And departed on Saturday 13th at 11:10L using the same callsign. Thanks to Paul Newbold for this Information

Further Delights from Belgium

Two F-16AM's from Number 1 Squadron, 2 Wing, Belgium Air Force arrived at RAF Mildenhall today, these two aircraft took part at the Duxford Airshow on Sunday 14th October. These departed on Monday 15th. The serials, markings and callsigns are as follows:

FA101	Special Markings	BAF291A
FA131	Special Markings	BAF291B

Thursday 11th October 2007

90th Anniversary Marked French E-3F arrives at Waddington

RAF Waddington saw the arrival of this aircraft which adorns the 90th Anniversary special tail markings. Serial 36-CC from the SAL 253 wing or Escadron. SAL refers to the Salmson fighters they flew in the First World War. The aircraft used the callsign FAF9019.

Thanks to Nick Overmire for this information and the photo

Wednesday 10th October 2007

Belgian Finest at Leeming

Three F-16's from the Belgium Air Force paid a visit to RAF Leeming prior to using the ranges at Spadeadam and flying back to Belgium. The serials and callsigns used were:

FA92	'MATRIX 71'
FA97	'MATRIX 72'
FA121 (Special Markings)	'MATRIX 73'

Thanks to Len Taylor for the Serials and Callsigns and information and Roger Green for the initial headsup information

Tuesday 9th October 2007

And then there was one

At 07:57L U-2 80-1069 departed RAF Fairford using callsign "Dragon 25", the other U-2 80-1084 was due to depart also, but technical problems prevented this from departing. Thanks to Paul K for this information

On the evening of 11th October a last minute changed Notam was issued for the departure on the 12th of which 80-1084 departed at 09:00L

Monday 8th October 2007

Exercise Hawser Link

The former airfield of RAF Kirton-in-Lindsey in Lincolnshire has been the focus of an exercise involving Eight Helicopters. Consisting of Sea King's, Chinooks and Lynx Helicopters. These have been working with Royal Navy ships RMAS Newton and RMAS Melton off the East Coast of Lincolnshire. The Exercise is to train for a Special Forces Assault on to Oil/Gas Rigs as well as Ships.

The Exercise started on the 8th October and ends on the 12th October.

The Exercise has taken place during the day and late evenings. Helicopter serials confirmed so far are the following.

ZD479/WQ	Sea King HC.4	848 Squadron
XV673/27	Sea King HU.5 SAR	771 Squadron
ZD255/350	Lynx HAS.3	815 Squadron
XZ723/410	Lynx HMA.8	815 Squadron
ZD980/DD	Chinook HC.2	18/27 Squadrons

Thanks to Terry Senior, Graham, Glenn Patterson, Jon Harrowing and John H for this information also thanks to Stu Skelton and Nick Overmire for the photos

Saturday 6th October 2007

Fairford's Bone Collection

As first reported on the Fighter Control forum last month as advanced information. A crippled B1-B arrived at RAF Fairford 86-0113/DY. The aircraft arrived missing it's fourth engine.

Using the callsign "RAMA 11" it arrived at 12:54PM and is in for repairs, the engine with the fault was completely removed before flight to Fairford. As of present it is unknown where this aircraft has flown from or how the technical problem occured.

Thanks to Michael Buckle for this image and information

Another Pair of Dragons at Fairford

This day also saw the arrival of two more U-2's. "Dragon 25" 80-1069 and "Dragon 26" 80-1084 for rotation.

Thanks to Michael Buckle for this image and information

Friday 5th October 2007

Final Departures at Mildenhall

Friday was a busy day at RAF Mildenhall, whereby not only did it see the departure of the U-2 as "Dragon 51", but it also saw the departure of two MH-53's on a C-5B Galaxy 86-0011. Of which at present their final destination is unknown. The U-2 departed at 13:10L and the C-5 departed at 14:10L as "REACH 467" Thanks to Simon Mortimer for this information and the Picture of the MH-53's being loaded. Also thanks to Mark Potter for the picture of the U-2.and the photo of the C-5B and Mark Potter for the U-2.

Thursday 4th October 2007

Dragons arrive at Fairford & Mildenhall

Today saw the arrival of two U-2's, both were inbound to RAF Fairford at different times. "Dragon 53" serial 80-1077/BB was the first to arrive. Followed by the second U-2, however the weather had changed, and that Fog had moved over the Fairford area.

This meant that the second U-2, "Dragon 51" serial 80-1074/BB arrived at RAF Mildenhall as a divert. The aircraft night stopped, and the Pilot was heard on 309.2000 stating that he will be hosted by friends at RAF Lakenheath.

The arrival of the U-2 caused some problems as Mildenhall did not have the special type of fuel that is used by the U-2. As a fuel bowser and groundcrew had to be sent up from Fairford.

Thanks to Keith Marshall for providing the initial communications, Ray Brooks for monitoring Mildenhall, as well as Mark Potter for the extra information.

September

Friday 14th September 2007

Ducati v Tornado GR4

Ducati Airwaves British Superbike rider Leon Haslam raced his Ducati 999 against a 2 Squadron Tornado GR4 at RAF Marham. Both Bike and Plane lined up on the Piano Keys, and at approximately 15:20L a green flare was fired and they went head to head on a single run over 4000 meters. Leon released the clutch and took the lead with the Tornado somewhat following in what was described as an 'ungainly gosling'. The crew of the Tornado had a race on their hands.

The pilot slammed the Rolls Royce RB199 engines into re-heat and the ‘gosling’ turned into a graceful 'swan'. The Tornado overtook Leon with just 100 feet of the finish line to claim victory. Earlier on that day, Leon was taken for a 1hr 40min flight by Squadron Leader Jez Holmes in a Tornado, they took off from Marham and flew up to Lake Windermere where at times they were flying at around 600mph and as low as 200ft off the ground. Some what different to Leon's usual high speeds on the straights of race tracks.

TORNADO VS BIKE

Fighter Control have no control over any other advertised movie clips that appear at the end of this footage

Thursday 13th September 2007

Exercise Saudi Green Flag 07 ends

As reported in August that a joint RAF and Royal Saudi Air Force exercise would take place in the UK. Fighter Control with the contribution of photos during the exercise from Al McNeish can now report on some more of this exercise. The Exercise was the second half of a squadron exchange which started in 2006, when RAF personnel and aircraft took part in 'Exercise Lone Frame' in Saudi Arabia so the crews could practice in and gain experience of desert conditions. This year it was the time for the RAF to become hosts. RAF Lossiemouth and 617 Squadron hosted over 200 Royal Saudi Air Force personnel.

The Exercise conducted of six RAF Tornado GR4's from 617 Squadron and eight Tornado Interdictor Strike aircraft from 75 Squadron of Dhahran Air Base, Royal Saudi Air Force. The exercise utilised the UK Low Flying areas along with Tain and Wiley Sike Weapons ranges and the Tactical Range at Spadeadam. Over SIXTY FIVE sorties were flown between the two Squadrons. Other RAF aircraft types took part in week Two of the exercise. Supporting the RSAF Tornado's where RSAF Hercules and RSAF KE-3A aircraft.

Wednesday 12th September 2007

USAF Gulfstream Lands at Luton Airport

Devoid of it's national markings, USAF Gulfstream 87-0140 landed at Luton Airport. With it appearing in civilian colours.

Thanks to Paul Marsh for the information and photo.

Thursday 6th September 2007

E-6 Visits Mildenhall

RAF Mildenhall had a visitor in the form of CSCW-1 E-6, with serial 164386. the aircraft was taking part in training missions over the following week. The crews were using the callsign "SHADOW 01" throughout its duration at Mildenhall. This is a VQ-4 callsign. However VQ-7 training crews were noted as being on board.

Information supplied by James Shelbourn. Photos supplied by James Shelbourn, Ray Brooks and Steve Pooley

Tuesday 4th September 2007

Swedish Gripens at Lakenheath

Seven Swedish Gripens arrived at RAF Lakenheath, there were four SAAB JAS 39C’s and three SAAB JAS 39D two seaters, together with a Saab 340 Support aircraft. They arrived at 11.30am and stayed until the 13th September. Also arriving on the 4th were 2 Norwegian F-16AM’s.

SAAB JAS 39C	39252
SAAB JAS 39C	39262
SAAB JAS 39C	39263
SAAB JAS 39C	39265
SAAB JAS 39D	39815
SAAB JAS 39C	39825
SAAB JAS 39C	39828
SAAB 340	100009
F-16AM	295
F-16AM	669

Thanks to Roger Whitcomb for the information and photos

August

Tuesday 28th August 2007

John Featherstone Sky Dives

with the Red Devil's for Cancer Research

Fighter Control member John Featherstone describes in his own words his personal achievement in raising money for Cancer Research at his local Cancer Hospital by doing a Skydive !!

"I had been thinking about doing a skydive for a few years but never seemed to get round to it, then last year my sister was told that she had Cancer. So I thought it was time I did something. We decided to raise the monies for Cancer Research at Weston Park Cancer Hospital at Sheffield. So I had a look at a few websites and found myself ringing up and booking myself to do a skydive with the Red Devils at Langar Airfield in Nottinghamshire for the 28th August.

So I put £50 in myself and started to get sponsors including some members from Fighter Control. of which accrued to £828. Then with a couple of charity nights at the local pubs I had raised a total amount of £2328. Then the day came for the jump.

I arrived early, and watched a short video and the next thing I knew I had got my jump suit on and was in the plane. This was it, we was on our way and there was no going back.

What an experience, the best thing I have ever done, and I have got to do it again.

We jumped from 13000ft, and free falled for 43 seconds and was on the chute for about 5 minutes. I paid to have it videoed and stills took so it wasn't just a memory."

Wednesday 15th August 2007

Mildenhall's Art Gallery

Noted at RAF Mildenhall on the 15th was resident 352nd SOG/7th SOS MC-130H Hercules, 87-0126, which appears to have some large form of new nose art. Anyone any ideas what the artwork is please?

With thanks to Andrew London for the image.

Fairford's Dragons

Noted arriving at RAF Fairford, Gloucestershire, in awful weather conditions (the pilot commented to Brize Norton radar, "Help me navigate around the thunderstorm on my nose"!) on 15th August was a USAF/99th RS U-2S, serial number 80-1066, using the call-sign "Dragon31". This aircraft is believed to be heading West, back to it’s home of Beale Air Force Base (AFB) in California, United States after a detachment in the Middle East.

Another two U-2's arrived at RAF Fairford as "Dragon99" 80-1076/BB arriving on Thursday 16th and departed on Friday 17th. and "Dragon33" 80-1079 arrived on Friday 17th and departed on Saturday 18th.

With thanks to Mark Kwiatkowski for the image.

Tuesday 14th August 2007

'Heavy' Traffic for Mildenhall

Tuesday 14th August was a particularly busy day for traffic at RAF Mildenhall in Suffolk, with no fewer than 12 aircraft arriving during the day, as follows;

01-0188 USAF/437th AW C-17A "RCH609"
02-1106 USAF/62nd AW C-17A "RCH2106"
06-6157 USAF/60th AMW C-17A "RCH291"
84-0085 USAFE/86th AW C-21A "Spar91"
57-2605 USAF/319th ARW KC-135R "RCH7605"
58-0047 USAF/19th ARG KC-135T "RCH8047"
58-0049 USAF/940th ARW KC-135T "Tahoe92"
58-0069 USAF/92nd ARW KC-135R "RCH8069"
58-0071 USAF/6th AMW KC-135T "RCH537"
62-4126/OF USAF/55th Wing RC-135W "Snoop56"
165153 USMC/HQ USMC C-20G "Ghost53"
63-3188 THK/222 Filo C-130E "TAF613"

Coupled with two departing C-5 Galaxy aircraft and another C-135, it made for a very active period. However, if this appeared to be a busy day, spare a thought for the ground handlers at Ramstein in Germany, on the same date, where there were approximately 50 aircraft movements in a twelve hour period between 07:00-19:00 hour! This included 3 x C-5, 11 x C-17, 4 x C-130 and 2 x C-135.

The RC-135W is particularly interesting in that it is the latest conversion to add to the RC135W population and is the most updated aircraft in the current fleet.

With thanks to RJ Archer, Paul Coppin and Dougie Couch for this information and Andy Thomson for the image.

Yet another Belgian 'Special'

During the weekend of 4-5th August, Johan Wolfs and Peter Verheyen completed their 17th F-16 special paint scheme, at Kleine Brogel airbase in Belgium. The aircraft (serial number FA-94) they have specially decorated is one which is well known to them, as it was first acquainted with them in 1991, when they painted it in a special 'Tiger' colour scheme. The guys applied yet another one again in 2005, when different tiger colours were applied to the aircraft.

Having spent years flying in the tiger schemes, the aircraft now has a new scheme applied to celebrate the 65th Anniversary of number 349 Squadron, who will operate the aircraft. FA-94 made it's first appearance in the scheme on 14th August, having been on maintenance, undergoing a taxying trial at the hands of Captain 'Joyce' Detrogh. Hopefully it will be gracing the skies very soon?

With many thanks to Daniel Brackx and Dirk Voortmans for supplying the information and images.

Exercise 'Saudi Green Flag 07' Underway

The first major training exercise outside of the Middle East, for the Royal Saudi Air Force (RSAF) Tornado is due to take place later this month at RAF Lossiemouth in Scotland. Exact detachment dates are still somewhat sketchy but dates of 16th August to 13th September have already been reported by 'Janes'.

Tornado IDS aircraft from number 75 Squadron at Dharhan airbase in Eastern Saudi Arabia will arrive at Lossiemouth in August, to fly training missions with RAF Tornado GR.4 aircraft and aircrew.

Although the arrival date of the Tornado's is currently unconfirmed, the first support aircraft arrived on Tuesday 14th August, so it won’t be long to wait, for those who intend to witness this unusual event! At 19:40 local time on the 14th, a RSAF KE-3A from number 18 Squadron at Al Kharj, serial number 1818 arrived at Lossiemouth, using the radio call-sign "RSAF303".

The Aircraft departed during the evening of the 15th, when a second support aircraft had arrived in the shape of another KE-3A, serial number 1813 which arrived using the call-sign "FSAF304".

With thanks to Tony Wood/Touchdown News for the above information, and Andy Walker for the photo.

Friday 10th August 2007

B-57 Back Again !

Noted arriving at RAF Mildenhall during the early evening was one of NASA's unique aviation assets, namely a WB-57F number 928 (63-13928). It departed it's home base at Ellington Field in Texas and routed via Goose Bay in Newfoundland.

The aircraft has flown missions during the evening from Mildenhall during the period 11th to 13th August. The aircraft departed on the 15th August, using the callsign 'NASA928'.

Many thanks to Andy Thomson for the photo

This is the third time it has visited Mildenhall in as many years, since it's first visit in October 2005. A report on this aircraft can be found here.

Thursday 9th August 2007

Waddington's French Invasion

Noted arriving at RAF Waddington, via Beauvechain airbase in Belgium, during the early afternoon of 9th August were four Alphajet aircraft from the French Air Force training unit, Ecole de L’Aviation de Chasse (EAC) number 00.314.

They arrived between 1300 and 1400 local time, as follows;

E148, coded 314-LU, landed at 1300 local time, using the call-sign "FAF6444"
E120, coded 314-LG, landed at 1323 local time, using the call-sign "FAF6441"
E141, coded 314-TN, landed at 1345 local time, using the call-sign "FAF6443"
E23, coded 314-UG, landed at 1352 local time, using the call-sign "FAF6445"

All four aircraft stayed overnight at Waddington, before departing between 09:40 and 10:20 local time on 10th August, using the same call-signs but individual aircraft tie-ups were not known? Of interest, one of the four aircraft was still painted in the original camouflage and grey underside colour scheme, with the remainder all painted in the newer all over dark grey colour scheme.

With thanks to Robert Adams for the photo and also to Nick Overmire, Nigel Sadler and Pete Teather for this information.

Monday 6th - Thursday 9th August 2007

Flares for Donna!

Monday 6th August saw the start of yet another busy week for the Air Weapons Range at RAF Donna Nook on the East Coast of England, with several aircraft types visiting during the week, to use flares.

Monday saw visits from an Army Air Corps (AAC) Lynx AH.7, XZ607 and a Royal Navy (RN) Sea King HC.4, ZA296 coded ‘VQ’.

These aircraft were back again on Tuesday, along with an unusual visitor in the shape of one of the new Nimrod MR.4As, ZJ518 being operated by British Aerospace (BAe) at Warton.

More ‘heavies’ were in evidence on Wednesday, with a Lyneham Transport Wing (LTW) Hercules C.5, ZH884 and a 216 Sqn Tristar KC.1, ZD953 from Brize Norton, both using the range.

Finally, on Thursday the Hercules visited again, along with a Merlin HC.3, ZJ119 coded ‘C’ from QinetiQ at Boscombe Down. All of the rotary aircraft and the Hercules operated out of nearby RAF Waddington.

With thanks to Terry Senior, Rob Smith and Pete Teather for the information.

Also many thanks to Rob for the photos.

June

Monday 4th June 2007

RAF CONINGSBY IN ASSOCIATION WITH FIGHTER CONTROL ANNOUNCE "SPOTTERWATCH"

You may have heard on the grapevine that the RAF Police and MoD Police are launching a ‘SPOTTERWATCH’ scheme at RAF Coningsby.

Well the rumour is true; in association with FIGHTER CONTROL what we are looking to do is to use the scheme to make the relationship between the Police and Spotters at RAF Coningsby a happy one. The RAF Policeman co-ordinating the ‘SPOTTERWATCH’ scheme is an avid Spotter and knows what it is like on both sides of the fence...

Click on the above image to find out how you can get involved in the SPOTTERWATCH Scheme

May

Thursday 31st May 2007

OLD LADY OF STANSTED

Noted today at Stansted Airport was McDonnell Douglas C-9C serial 31682 .

Thanks to Jason Pountney for this information and Lee James for the photo.

Friday 18th May 2007

SCAMPI VISITOR

Noted delivering the Red Arrows ground crew back to RAF Scampton today was Lockheed Martin C-130H Hercules G-273 of the KLu using callsign “NAF35”. After delivering the ground crew back at the airfield, the Hercules departed back to the Netherlands late in the afternoon.

Thanks to Deano for the information and Warren Smart for the photo.

Wednesday 16th May 2007

ISRAELI DELIVERY

Night-stopping at Edinburgh Airport this evening was a Gulfstream V550 Nachshon Etam on delivery to the Israeli Air/Defence Force. The aircraft is currently carrying the civilian serial 944GA however; it will take the serial 544 in service once delivered.

Thanks to Andy Sheppard for the information and photo.

Tuesday 15th May 2007

COSTA DEL CONINGSBY

Noted arriving today for a pre-squadron exchange at RAF Coningsby were two Eurofighter CE.16 Typhoons of ALA.11 from the Ejército del Aire (EdlA). They are due to depart on Thursday 17th May, 2007. The two aircrafts serial numbers were CE.16-03/11-72 and CE.16-04/11-73.

Noted visiting for a short fuel stop at RAF Coningsby today was Eurofighter EF-2000 30+12 of JG-73 from the Luftwaffe. The aircraft departed shortly after lunch using the callsign “GAF3011”.

These were not just the only visitors to RAF Coningsby today; "BELGIAN ARMY 726" flight made a fuel stop. The flight consisted of three Agusta A.109 serials, H-07, H-26 and H-44.

Thanks to Rick Sleight and Stevie T for the information.

Friday 11th May 2007

THE MODERN ROYAL AIR FORCE ?

Noted performing an unusual formation over the Wainfleet area on Friday was a single Eurofighter Typhoon F.2 of 11[F] Squadron and two private light aircraft. The aircraft involved departed RAF Coningsby as “HAVOC” formation eventually recovering here afterwards aswell.

The aircraft involved were:

Typhoon F.2	ZJ931/DA	“HAVOC 1”
Cessna TU.206G	G-SKYE	“HAVOC 2”
Piper 28-236	G-FRGN	“HAVOC 3”

Thanks to Frank for the serials and callsign information.

LIGHTS OUT FOR THE F-35!

Reported this week in Flight International, during its 19th test flight, Lockheed Martin F-35A, AA-1 suffered a complete power failure in mid-flight. The incident lasted a few milliseconds and the redundant systems did work. However the incident warranted an immediate termination to the test flight.

To combat the problem, Lockheed Martin are instigating a planned software upgrade and are keen to investigate the events of that day.

TURKISH DELIGHT

Announced today by Lockheed Martin, a Letter of Offer and Acceptance (LOA) has been signed by Turkey for the sale of an additional 30 Lockheed Martin F-16C aircraft.

The deal is for Block 50 specification aircraft that will be built in Turkey under licence. As part of the deal, the full software code for the F-16 will be given to Turkey for future developments.

Wednesday 9th May 2007

ISTAR IN FORMATION

Noted over the skies of Lincolnshire today were " ISTAR FORMATION". The callsign basically being the acronym for Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance. The ISTAR Formation aircraft consisted of an E-3D Sentry from 8/23 Sqn, Sentinel R.1 of 5 Sqn and Nimrod R.1 of 51 Sqn all from RAF Waddington.

The following NOTAM was issued:

H1116/07 - AUS 07-05-0221/1180/AS1 FORMATION OF 3X LARGE MIL ACFT WI 28NM RADIUS 5314N 00013E. ACFT WILL HOLD NORTH OF NORFOLK COAST (1200-1245 HRS) PRIOR TO ROUTING 5309N 00015E (WNW SKEGNESS - LINCS) 1250 HRS 5306N 00010W (RAF CONINGSBY) 1256 HRS - 5305N 00013W (4NM WSW RAF CONINGSBY) 5310N 00031W (RAF WADDINGTON FLYPAST DATUM) 1300 HRS. FORMATION WILL THEN ROUTE NORTH OF LINCOLN TO OVER FLY DATUM AGAIN ON SW HDG AT 1305 HRS PRIOR TO LANDING AT RAF WADDINGTON. MAY 09 IS REHEARSAL (MAY 10 WEATHER BACK UP). OPS CONTOL RAF WADDINGTON ATC 01522 ****** SFC 3000FT AGL 09 MAY 11:45 2007 UNTIL 11 MAY 13:15 2007 1145-1315

Friday 4th May 2007

MARINES IN THE GULFSTREAM

Photographed by Mark Forest visiting RAF Mildenhall today was a United States Marine Corps Gulfstream C-20G serial 165153.

Thursday 3rd May 2007

TYPHOON ANTICS

Departing RAF Coningsby after partaking in operations with 11 Squadron during 2nd May, 2007 were two Eurofighter Typhoons of the Aeronautica Militare Italiana (AMI), serials MM7277/4-1 and MM7281/4-14. They departed towards lunchtime using the callsigns "I7280A" and "I7280B". Thanks to Rick Sleight and Stevie T for the information.

Also expected on Thursday 7th June, 2007 is a detachment of 3x Typhoons from ALA.11 of the Ejército del Aire (Spanish Air Force) taking part in a Squadron exchange with 3 Squadron at RAF Coningsby.

Mar May

April

Sunday 15th April 2007

MAPLE LEAF MANCHESTER

Noted visiting Manchester Airport today was Lockheed CC-130H Hercules serial 130334 of the Canadian Air Force. Thanks to Stuart Martindale for the information and photo.

Tuesday 3rd April 2007

BELGIAN GAS STOP

Noted by Nige/Hammer1 making a short fuel stop in murky conditions at RAF Odiham today was “BAF701”, a Westland Sea King Mk.48 of the Belgian Air Force serial, RS05. It is unknown as of yet what was its ultimate destination.

Photo credit: Nige/Hammer1

Apr May

March

Saturday 31st March 2007

SPANISH VISITOR

Noted visiting Edinburgh airport this morning by Andy / av8images was a Boeing B.707 of the Ejército del Aire (Spanish Air Force). The aircraft, serial number T.17-3/47-03 based at Torrejon Air Base was operating on behalf of the MoD and departed two hours later.

Photos credit: Andy / av8images.

Thursday 29th March 2007

NORDIC CAT

Noted night stopping at RAF Leeming on 29th March, 2007 was a Westland Lynx HAS.2 of the Royal Norwegian Navy. The Lynx, serial number 216 belonging to 330 Skv and was noted at RAF Cottesmore today using the callsign “NORWEGIAN 5012”.

Thanks to Nick, Adrian and Andy666.

Thursday 29th March 2007
11[F] SQUADRON REFORM ONCE MORE

11[F] Squadron officially reformed today at RAF Coningsby, although the weather consisted of low cloud, fog and rain showers. Four Eurofighter Typhoons took part in the flypast. Originally the four were supposed to consist of one 11[F] Squadron Typhoon F.2 along with aircraft from two other squadrons from Coningsby, but it had technical problems upon reaching the runway and taxied back. The pilot then transferred to a 29[R] Squadron Typhoon T.1A.

Aircraft used for the flypast were the following:

11[F] Squadron	Typhoon F.2	ZJ932/DB*
17[R] Squadron	Typhoon F.2	ZJ912/AB
29[R] Squadron	Typhoon F.2	ZJ911/BZ
29[R] Squadron	Typhoon T.1A	ZJ800/BC

* Replaced by

29[R] Squadron	Typhoon T.1A	ZJ802/BB


Other visitors noted where

100 Squadron	RAF Leeming	BAE Systems Hawk T.1A	XX230/CH	Left early afternoon
3 FTS/45[R] Squadron	RAF Cranwell	Beech Super King Air	ZK450/J
3 FTS/45[R] Squadron	RAF Cranwell	Beech Super King Air	G-RAFP
56[R] Squadron	RAF Leuchars	Panavia Tornado F.3	ZE735/TG
32[The Royal] Squadron	RAF Northolt	BAE Systems Hs.125	ZE396	Carrying RAF dignitaries

Aircraft used for the photo shoots were

11[F] Squadron	Tornado F.3	ZE887/XI
11[F] Squadron	Typhoon F.2	ZJ931/DA
11[F] Squadron	English Electric Lightning F.6	XR753/XI

Also present, in company with the 11[F] Squadron Tornado which had arrived the previous day; was a Tornado F.3 from 25[R] Squadron from RAF Leeming which was not readily visible from outside the base (on Dogdyke Road) but was present behind the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight hangar during the days events.
Thanks to Lee James for this News item and photo.

Wednesday 21st March 2007

ISRAELI VISITOR

An unusual visitor to RAF Waddington today was Israeli Air Force Boeing B.707 serial 275, using the callsign “IAF011”. The aircraft departed the following day.
Thanks to Jason Pountney for the News item and Nick for the Photo.

Monday 19th March 2007
DUTCH HAM