FighterControl

Last weekend the Turkish Air Force celebrated 50 years of F-4 operations. On Saturday they hosted what could probably be described as the 'mother of all set ups': a pair of F-4s doing numerous passes at a low level location in the mountains east of their base at Eskisehir! In 30 minutes they each flew 12 passes, taking a different line each time past a rocky outcrop where hundreds of photographers had been patiently waiting, hoping the weather wouldn't spoil the show. It didn't!

First up was a specially painted jet:

77-0303 F-4E-2020 111 Squadron Catacik National Park 16th November 2024 by Chris Wood, on Flickr

77-0303 F-4E-2020 111 Squadron Catacik National Park 16th November 2024 by Chris Wood, on Flickr

77-0303 F-4E-2020 111 Squadron Catacik National Park 16th November 2024 by Chris Wood, on Flickr

Closely followed by one in standard grey:

73-1052 F-4E-2020 111 Squadron Catacik National Park 16th November 2024 by Chris Wood, on Flickr

73-1052 F-4E-2020 111 Squadron Catacik National Park 16th November 2024 by Chris Wood, on Flickr

On Sunday they held a spotters day on base at Eskisehir, and we could get (ridiculously!) close to the action! The weather was less accomodating but they did manage to fly two sorties. They finished with an elephant walk of 10 aircraft (out of around 20 - according to Scramble - that are still operational):

77-0303 F-4E-2020 111 Squadron Eskisehir AB 17th November 2024 by Chris Wood, on Flickr

73-1048 F-4E-2020 111 Squadron Eskisehir AB 17th November 2024 by Chris Wood, on Flickr

73-1052 F-4E-2020 111 Squadron Eskisehir AB 17th November 2024 by Chris Wood, on Flickr

Another special tail, celebrating 100 years of 111 Filo

73-1053 F-4E-2020 111 Squadron Eskisehir AB 17th November 2024 by Chris Wood, on Flickr

Was good to get the two test aircraft

73-1039 F-4E-2020 401 Squadron Eskisehir AB 17th November 2024 by Chris Wood, on Flickr

77-0300 F-4E-2020 401 Squadron Eskisehir AB 17th November 2024 by Chris Wood, on Flickr

As usual more on my Flickr page (and Faceache is awash with photos!) https://www.flickr.com/photos/68498610@ ... 150046675/

I've seen a few clips of the low level flights on social media, spectacular. That special scheme is really good, well captured.

Just Phabulous! Don't think there any other words!

Thank for posting / sharing

Wow, these are some incredibly special, and well caught shots! After seeing those LL passes on FaceAche and the like, I was curious to see how the shots would pan out. Well worth the wait!

Well caught Chris, and cheers for posting! That access was fantastic.

Flying shots amazing, and well caught judging by the flying footage I have seen on YouTube. Thanks for sharing!
Q - in the last two pics, the aircraft is carrying something, perhaps on the right inner underwing pylon, that has two tubes projecting forward - any idea what this was?

Petepilot wrote: ↑

Tue Nov 19, 2024 10:47 am

Flying shots amazing, and well caught judging by the flying footage I have seen on YouTube. Thanks for sharing!
Q - in the last two pics, the aircraft is carrying something, perhaps on the right inner underwing pylon, that has two tubes projecting forward - any idea what this was?

They were the test Sqn Jets so something out of the Norm.

Cracking photos Chris

Glad you made it down from the hill

Simply stunning! A fantastic capture of an historic event.

TR

Petepilot wrote: ↑

Tue Nov 19, 2024 10:47 am

Flying shots amazing, and well caught judging by the flying footage I have seen on YouTube. Thanks for sharing!
Q - in the last two pics, the aircraft is carrying something, perhaps on the right inner underwing pylon, that has two tubes projecting forward - any idea what this was?

As Mark said they are the two from 401 Filo, the test squadron. Only got to view them from the left side so hard to tell what they are. They look to be attached to the pylon, so something to do with weapon release?

Stunning captures Chris,

Top work, thanks for sharing

Kev

Stunning shots, I've really enjoyed viewing these and thanks for sharing these with us.

Phantastic!!
Thanks for sharing them.

Good job, Chris. I’m even sadder I didn’t go now.

Outstanding set

Those low level shots are spectacular - the first one especially. Wow. Here's hoping that special makes its way to Gloucestershire next July!

Shot 1 for me!!!!A great batch of images. You can see and feel the power through great cropping!!!

Well Done Chris!!! Luvvly set of shot's of a Luvvly Jet #1

Unbelievable

Outstanding set of pictures. Thanks for sharing.

Very nice Chris - perversely I prefer the grey jets !!