First of all, as some of you may well twig when seeing the date, this was the same day as the RAF Coningsby night shoot, so well publicised on here in recent weeks. Well I'm afraid to say that if you have clicked on this topic expecting to see some photographs of the night shoot, you won't find any at all.
The whole reason for us being on RAF Coningsby that day was through our good friend Rob, whose daughter is stationed at the base. A massive privilege, it was a hugely rewarding and insightful trip. Starting off with a couple of hours on The Mound, we then moved onto the base for a visit around 29(R) Squadron, and being allowed to photograph the flightline. Rather unfortunately, because the night shoot was on, we could not go on the flightline, which meant that we were facing the sun for the outdoor shots. Nevertheless, we pressed on, and got to photograph Typhoon fighter jets at their home base, doing what they do. What a privilege, and we cannot thank you enough Rob, we are extremely grateful!!
First up are the Mound shots, moving on to the 29(R) Squadron flightline images.
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1. Typhoon ZJ910 lands at RAF Coningsby by JTW Aviation Images, on Flickr2.
2. Typhoon ZJ924 lands at RAF Coningsby by JTW Aviation Images, on Flickr3.
3. Two Typhoons taxy out at RAF Coningsby by JTW Aviation Images, on Flickr4.
4. Typhoon ZJ934 lands at RAF Coningsby by JTW Aviation Images, on Flickr5.
5. Tornado GR4 ZA560 EB-Q lights the burners at RAF Coningsby by JTW Aviation Images, on Flickr6.
6. Two 41(R) Squadron Typhoon FGR4 on the runway at RAF Coningsby by JTW Aviation Images, on Flickr7.
7. Three Typhoons, including GN-A taxy out at RAF Coningsby by JTW Aviation Images, on Flickr8.
8. Typhoon T3 ZJ801 performs an assymetric approach to RAF Coningsby by JTW Aviation Images, on Flickr9.
9. Typhoon T3 ZJ806 performance take off at RAF Coningsby by JTW Aviation Images, on Flickr10.
10. Typhoon T3 ZJ806 performance take off at RAF Coningsby by JTW Aviation Images, on FlickrThe next set of shots were taken, as briefly mentioned, from the grassy area just in front of the squadron buildings, due to us being unable to go on the flightline to do some photography. Photographing Typhoons in their shelters though was something I genuinely thought I would never do, massive grins all round!!
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11. Two Typhoon aircraft under their shelters at RAF Coningsby by JTW Aviation Images, on Flickr12.
12. Typhoon T3 in the portable shelter at RAF Coningsby by JTW Aviation Images, on Flickr13.
13. 29 Squadron Typhoon T3 at RAF Coningsby by JTW Aviation Images, on Flickr14.
14. Crews walk back after their sorties by JTW Aviation Images, on Flickr15.
15. Typhoon Pilot walks back after the sortie by JTW Aviation Images, on Flickr16.
16. Typhoon T3 in the temporary shelter at RAF Coningsby by JTW Aviation Images, on Flickr17.
17. A backlit GN-A taxies in at RAF Coningsby by JTW Aviation Images, on Flickr18.
18. GN-A taxies in to stand at RAF Coningsby by JTW Aviation Images, on Flickr19.
19. Pilot exits his Typhoon under the shelter at RAF Coningsby by JTW Aviation Images, on Flickr20.
20. Pilot exits his Typhoon under the shelter at RAF Coningsby by JTW Aviation Images, on Flickr21.
21. Typhoon Display on the flightline at RAF Coningsby ( colour pop ) by JTW Aviation Images, on Flickr22.
22. Typhoon FGR4 ZK331 -BT- in the hangar at RAF Coningsby by JTW Aviation Images, on FlickrFinally, there was just enough time for a visit to the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight hangar. Having seen these aircraft for years at airshows across the country, it was fantastic to see where they are maintained and kept looking their best. A final privilege on such a great trip to Lincolnshire.
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23. Douglas DC-3 Dakota basks in the late afternoon sun by JTW Aviation Images, on Flickr24.
24. Douglas DC-3 Dakota interior by JTW Aviation Images, on Flickr25.
25. Cockpit of BBMF Douglas Dakota ZA947 at RAF Coningsby by JTW Aviation Images, on Flickr26.
26. Thumper PA474 in the BBMF Hangar by JTW Aviation Images, on Flickr27.
27. Thumper PA474 in the BBMF Hangar by JTW Aviation Images, on Flickr28.
28. To remember the many by JTW Aviation Images, on FlickrMany thanks for looking guys! Having looked forward to this trip for a while, it was more than I expected it to be. Many thanks once again Rob, the favour will be repaid in due course!
Cheers,
Jack.
