FighterControl

A handful of shots from a visit to Nellis AFB on 17th May 2022 and Luke AFB on 18th May 2022


18-5884, MC-130J. Nellis AFB, NV. 17th May 2022

08-8203, C-17A. Nellis AFB, 17th May 2022.

92-3290/GA, E-8C. Nellis AFB, 17th May 2022

“Thunderbird One”. Nellis AFB, Nevada. 17th May 2022

90-1795, C-130H. Nellis AFB, NV. 17th May 2022

MM7335/32-04, F-35A. Luke AFB, AZ. 18th May 2022

Crystal clear shots,very nice number 4 being the highlight for me.

Excellent set there

Another vote for No. 4

Thanks for posting

Paddyboy

Great images, going to Luke next Feb, what's the viewing like?

Thank you for the positive feedback everyone - as a ‘first-time’ contributor of photos it is greatly appreciated.

To answer tim_raper - Luke is ‘challenging’.

The F-35A shot was taken in the undershoot of runway 21L just north of Northern Avenue - I think the secret is to keep moving with only limited time in the prime photo areas. Viewing from a distance is ok.

Never had any problems at Luke. The north end of the base has a public road running along it, and I've sat there all day - on the side away from the base fence. There is also a road that runs to an area of wasteland about half way down the western side of the base - that used to be opposite the ramp where the AFRES 'LR' F-16's lived and I believe the Japanese and Korean F-35's used it too. There may also be a road at the southern end - but I haven't been there since 1991 because they've always been landing from the north when I've been there since then.

With decent optics you can read off some of the F-35's under the sun sheds early morning - you can often get about 20+. The F-16's are generally closer and a bit easier though they are fewer now - perhaps another 20. Heat haze is a problem once the sun gets up though. It used to be possible to use the track down the western side of the fence, and you could bag 100+ F15/F16's just before sunset. However, that track is now fenced off.

On a good day they fly like stink, starting about dawn and not finishing till after dark. 40-50 F-35's and perhaps 30 F-16's, many frames flying 2 or 3 times per day.

If you've never been there, it's certainly worth a visit.

Superb pics in great light; it's wonderful to see the undersides without the usual shadow.
Thanks for sharing them