FighterControl

A visit to Otterburn Training Area (OTA) mid-afternoon on Friday 8th seemed a bit of a gamble with uncertainties about whether anything would be there, let alone flying, in squally weather. But the chance to catch the rare sight of a US Army Apache operating in the north was too good an opportunity to miss.
Luckily, no Red Flags didn't mean nothing happening, and although the US Army Chinook had left in the early morning, a single US Army Apache AH-64D callsign Viper 2 serial 04-05419 was flying sorties SW to RAF Spadeadam for training against EW threats. The second US Army Apache 04-05429 looked to be possibly tech. Two AAC Apache Longbow were also on the Harrier strip, with another two out presumably also using Spadeadam and were not seen or heard until their return just before I departed.
Excuse the image overload, but a rare catch and a good variety of photo opportunities relatively close to hopefully makes it worthwhile.









Return from RAF Spadeadam
















Quick turn-around and back to Spadeadam






A very low return up the valley just after the AAC pair returned meant I nearly missed him.




Great to catch at least one of the American Apaches flying, shame to have missed their Chinook though. Cheers, Chris.

Interesting

Like the Apache top side - don't see that very often.

Chris thanks for taking the time and effort to get the shots,a rare occurrence in the UK nowadays.The close ups are especially good.
Cheers.

Great selection of a rarity in the UK excellent shots Chris

Dougie

Well done Chris

Brilliant, Chris.

slogen51 wrote:Interesting

Like the Apache top side - don't see that very often.

Cheers, and yes, Apache topside was a pleasing catch as it shows the one of the key differences from the AAC Apache Longbow.
Regards Chris

Punkrunner62 wrote:Chris thanks for taking the time and effort to get the shots,a rare occurrence in the UK nowadays.The close ups are especially good.
Cheers.

Thanks, definitely a rare event and good to catch it flying. Pleased over the last few years to have got the American Little Bird, Pavehawk, Seahawk and now Apache, shame tho to have missed their Chinook!
Regards Chris

prefontaine72 wrote:Great selection of a rarity in the UK excellent shots Chris

Dougie

Cheers, it certainly gave me a good selection of angles ... very photogenic! Thank goodness the rain squalls held off.
Regards Chris

otafox wrote:Well done Chris

Thanks, the usual northern bit of taking a punt and luck!
Cheers, Chris

PeteHemsley wrote:Brilliant, Chris.

Cheers just wish these opportunities happened more often
Chris

Nice catch there Chris. As you say, it can be hit and miss getting stuff there, had a miss myself seeing if there was anything in there the week before, taking part in all these exercises.

Great pictures Chris. Where is the FARP/harrier landing strip located.
Many thanks,
Tony

Great pictures Chris. Where is the FARP/harrier landing strip located.
Many thanks,
Tony

Hi Chris

Super shots, mate

Well done you and thanks for posting

Best regards

Paddyboy

Tronk 11 wrote:Great pictures Chris. Where is the FARP/harrier landing strip located.
Many thanks,
Tony

Thanks. The strip is about 3.60km to the NE of the main entrance from the A68, and should be visible on Google Maps or OS maps. If red flags are up there will or may be restricted access. Red flags were not flying on this occasion
Cheers Chris .

paddyboy wrote:Hi Chris

Super shots, mate

Well done you and thanks for posting

Best regards

Paddyboy

Thanks as always for kind words, appreciated. Luck is always something that is a key part to my love of photography ... but without taking chances luck can never happen! But at least this good luck is there to be shared with those that love low level military aviation ... there are so many fabulous photographers on this forum, so it's a privilege to share my good fortune!
Cheers, Chris

Great set of pictures.

Well done Chris
Nice to see Apaches in the field
Well worth the effort to get those results, the high ground makes a great perspective
Thanks for sharing
Regards,
Paul

Thanks for the info. I remember sitting on a hill for mallet blow exercises a few years ago taking pics of aircraft well below us. Good days.
Tony