UK trip 8-17 May

[Jutter]

Lots of flying activities decided me to go to the UK. I hoped to catch the WC-135 but he was just a few days gone when I arrived. Never the less there is always plenty of aircraft to see.
I arrived on Saturday evening the 7th at Johns Field / The Nook.

Sunday 8 May Mildenhall
The Ospreys 0053 and 0042 made a short test flight which is always good.
Mildenhall_20220508_096 by Menno, on Flickr

Around 16:00 C-5M Galaxy 85-0002 arrived. Time to change the big lens and take positon at Pollards Lane.
Mildenhall_20220508_189 by Menno, on Flickr

Monday morning I was up quite early and the RC-135 was too. 07:00 it took of in beautiful sun light.
Mildenhall_20220509_032 by Menno, on Flickr

After departure of the RC I went to Lakenheath but forgot my ladder. So had to drive back to get it and missed the early sunny hour.
Early afternoon went back to Mildenhall and was in time to catch the EC-130 depature. Sadly this one lacks the big antennas and wires.
Mildenhall_20220509_063 by Menno, on Flickr

Mildenhall_20220509_129 by Menno, on Flickr

Mildenhall_20220509_155 by Menno, on Flickr

In the evening six Qatari F-15s were expected. We all hoped for nice evening light but clouds spoiled that and it got darker and darker. I turned the ISO at 800 and got of the trailer. People walking on the trailer gives vibrations which can affect photo quality at a shutter speed of 1/250.
Mildenhall_20220509_254 by Menno, on Flickr

The Qatari Eagles have other engine nozzles than the USAF Eagles.
Mildenhall_20220509_337 by Menno, on Flickr

Tuesday the 10th started at LN.
Lakenheath_20220510_088 by Menno, on Flickr

Darker weather gives other opportunities
Lakenheath_20220510_140 by Menno, on Flickr

I went to Marham in the afternoon when at LN the sun turned towards the runway centerline. Previous trips to the Marham did not work out well but this time finally it did. F-35's were not my favorite, but the F-35B in VTOL configuration is great.
Marham_20220510_060 by Menno, on Flickr

On the way back to the Nook I passed LN and at 18:20 there were still Eagles flying. Most spotters were gone, but I think this is maybe the best moment to take photos.
Lakenheath_20220510_197 by Menno, on Flickr

Wednesday the 11th was a rainy day, so I used it to transit to Fairford. I always make a stop at Brize first.
Brize Norton_20220511_005 by Menno, on Flickr

At Fairford RC-135 62-4130 was parked at the south west side.
Fairford_20220511_052A by Menno, on Flickr

The forecast was that late afternoon the sun would come out.
Fairford_20220511_139 by Menno, on Flickr

The reason of Fairford was the U-2 with the Span pod. I thought they would use the north taxi way, but the south taxi way was still used.
Fairford_20220511_190 by Menno, on Flickr

Next day the spare U-2 went out for a mission.
Fairford_20220512_059 by Menno, on Flickr

U-2's departing at 09:00 usually come back between 5 and 6, so I drove to Yeovilton for the first time. It has a very good spotting place. Also the local spotter(s) are nice and helpfull. Think it was Mike?
Yeovilton_20220512_006 by Menno, on Flickr

Yeovilton_20220512_091 by Menno, on Flickr

Yeovilton_20220512_294 by Menno, on Flickr

Went back to Fairford before 15:00 to catch the U-2.
Fairford_20220512_101 by Menno, on Flickr

Next day the 076 got out.
Fairford_20220513_036 by Menno, on Flickr

Saturday I went back to Mildenhall
Mildenhall_20220514_025 by Menno, on Flickr

Unexpected an AC-130 was on finals.
Mildenhall_20220514_047 by Menno, on Flickr

Before the weekend two other AC-130's had arrived. They left early Sunday morning. At first there was sunshine but........
Mildenhall_20220515_038 by Menno, on Flickr

Monday 16 May Lakenheath
Lakenheath_20220516_162 by Menno, on Flickr

Marham was open from 10:00 untill 22:00 so I tried my luck again. (19:00)
Marham_20220516_019 by Menno, on Flickr

Marham_20220516_065 by Menno, on Flickr

Tuesday 17 May was the last day of the trip. I made it an easy day and did LN and Marham again.
Early morning there is no or slight heat haze, but the Eagles that are being checked heat up the air considerably. Lots of Eagles photos on the ground don't make it.

I had a great time with local and other spotters that made a trip. I'm looking forward to a next trip.

Menno

[dragonchaser]

You clearly had an excellent trip, and took some beautifully crisp shots in the process, superb post.

[KeBul]

Top set, great results from your UK travels.

Really enjoyed these, thanks for sharing.

Kev

[PeteHemsley]

You know some of us get bored with the uk aviation scene, but you've showed right here that the uk has a lot to offer in such short distances. I'm glad you had a very nice trip over to blighty.

Thanks for sharing this set.

[paddyboy]

You certainly had a great trip

What a cracking set of shots

Thanks for posting

Paddyboy

[WinchesterMGF]

Wow, you certainly put in the miles whilst you were here. A fine collection and it was great to meet you Menno.

[matt e]

Great set

[Knife 04]

Looks like you had a great trip to the UK and got some cracking shots as well

Thanks for posting on here

Darren

[Seacat192]

A good variety of locations and airframes.

Thanks for posting.

[TheSnoopySnoop]

What a great set of photos you have there. I don't get to see much where I am, so I appreciate you sharing them. Top job!

[Pune]

Great set there, we must have been in Johns field at the same time on Monday 9th, you did a few miles over the week.

[Jutter]

Thank you all for the positive replies

And Pete, indeed England has lots to offer, but you must want to see it. We sometimes get nice things coming by on the mainland but distances are vast. I must say I do envy UK spotters somtimes when I see what you get with the good spotting locations you have.

Pune, Yes I was at Johns Field. I camped there for a few nights. Maybe we even have talked.

Gr. Menno