Komatsu & Iruma air bases, February '24

[Harkins]

Following on from my visit to Iwakuni, a couple of weeks later I made my way to Komatsu and Iruma air bases.

As was pointed out in the Iwakuni post, Komatsu is a rather tricky base for photography. But the lure of the Tactical Fighter Training Group aggressor Eagles is hard to resist. It was bitterly cold, with frequent sleet, hail and snow showers, but the aggressors were at home and did two 4 aircraft sorties per day. The 303rd and 306th TFSs were also very active over the two days I was there.

Mitsubishi F-15J Eagle 303rd TFS "Fighting Dragons", 12-8803, at Komatsu

Hawker Siddeley U-125A, 12-3028, of the Air Rescue Wing at Komatsu

Mitsubishi F-15DJ Eagle TFTG, "Cobras" 72-8090, at Komatsu

Mitsubishi F-15DJ Eagle TFTG, "Cobras" 32-8082, at Komatsu

Kawasaki T-4, TFTG, "Cobras", 16-5667 at Komatsu

Mitsubishi F-15DJ Eagle TFTG, "Cobras" 92-8095, at Komatsu

Mitsubishi F-15DJ Eagle TFTG, "Cobras" 32-8082, at Komatsu

Mitsubishi F-15DJ Eagle TFTG, "Cobras" 92-8070, at Komatsu

Then on to Iruma in the hope of catching a C-1, EC-1 and YS-11 as all of those will shortly be withdrawn from service. I got lucky with a couple of C-1s and a YS-11, but was told the EC-1 hadn't flown in a month. There were more C-1s and YS-11s on the apron with bits missing than I saw fly. A bit like Hyakuri after the Phamtoms, I guess there will be a few less enthusiasts heading there soon.

NAMC YS-11EB, 82-1155, Electronic Intelligence Squadron, JASDF

Kawasaki C-1, 18-1031, 402nd Tactical Airlift Squadron, JASDF

Kawasaki T-4, 46-5716, 2nd Air Wing, JASDF

Kawasaki C-2, 18-1215, 402nd Tactical Airlift Squadron, JASDF

Kawasaki CH-47J Chinook, 27-4488, Iruma Helicopter Airlift Squadron

Cessna U-680A, 02-3031, Flight Check Squadron, JASDF

Gulfstream U-4, 95-3254, 402nd Tactical Airlift Squadron, JASDF

Kawasaki C-1, 08-1030, 402nd Tactical Airlift Squadron, JASDF

Kawasaki T-4, 26-5689, Central Air Command Support Squadron, Iruma, JASDF

A bit long, but I hope they were of interest and thanks for taking the time to look.

[warthog56]

Never too long - to see images from a country that I will never get to visit is Fabulous. I love the colour schemes on the F15's, but the variety of types is incredible. Please post more if you have them!

[Mustang531]

Absolutely fabulous selection of shots, thanks for sharing these with us.

[B58Hustler]

Such a lovely variety of colour the likes of which we just don't get over here anymore.
Looks like a hugely memorable trip, thanks for sharing.

[paddyboy]

Superb set with some superb schemes on the Eagles

Thanks for posting

Paddyboy

[jdupons]

Thank you for sharing these exceptional pictures from an exotic location. I understand everything that was necessary in order to get these shots in the end . Quite an adventure..

[DanBeeden]

Great shots - that YS-11 is terrific catch

[matt e]

great set especially the Eagles

[Stratocruiser]

SPLENDIFEROUS!
This post is an absolute treat so a huge thank you for sharing such truly fabulous captures of truly wonderful frames

[Supra]

Another great post from the Land of reducing aviation colour! Clear proof it's not yet too late to enjoy a visit to Japan, but that time of grey on grey approaches!

You got double lucky that the Aggressors were at home with the bonus imo of using r/w 06 with a wider shooting arc & mountainous backdrop!

[Harkins]

I'm glad my photos were appreciated. Thanks all.

Another great post from the Land of reducing aviation colour! Clear proof it's not yet too late to enjoy a visit to Japan, but that time of grey on grey approaches!

Yep, with the end of the Phantoms and OH-6s to name a couple and the immanent end of the C-1/EC-1 and the YS-11s, and of course the appearance of the F-35A and soon F-35B, it is getting a bit less colourful over there. And I do feel that their love of special schemes has waned, or the purse strings have tightened.

[Alf]

Another great post from the Land of reducing aviation colour! Clear proof it's not yet too late to enjoy a visit to Japan, but that time of grey on grey approaches!

You got double lucky that the Aggressors were at home with the bonus imo of using r/w 06 with a wider shooting arc & mountainous backdrop!

Is the viewing deck still open at Komatsu?

[Harkins]

Is the viewing deck still open at Komatsu?

It is. It's an excellent facility for watching activity on the apron and for keeping warm between the action. There's quite a good shop there as well with a nice selection of souvenirs.

[Ross Forsyth]

Very nice set,Komatsu shots particularly

[chrissly]

Wow, great set! I pic the first one!

[Blue Diamond]

Very nice set. Thanks for sharing.

[Red-Eye-Knight]

Fabulous colour and schemes awesome set of photos.

[Riffraff65]

They definitely aren't afraid of some colour over there. Thanks for sharing.

[Harkins]

Thanks again. I can’t wait to get back, but then again, the States is a huge lure now. Maybe I need to divorce and marry an American!

[SW Sky Blue]

Nice set