Anatolian Eagle - Spotters Day Morning launch and brief report. report.
Posted: Thu Jul 10, 2025 1:25 pm
Hi All,
Never like posting just the pictures, as i feel that a short write up gives people what to expect.
Back in May 2025 I saw that the spotters day for Anatolian Eagle had been announced and that the TUAF were accepting applications by email. After much chasing and searching in Junk files, i was finally granted authorisation to gain entrance to TUAF Konya for the spotters day. A quick look around and flights were available into Konya, via IST, costing around Euro's 340. Whilst this was not a bad price, I realised that a quick in and out was possible, arriving Tuesday night at around 0120 Hrs, Wednesday in the base, and Thursday back. With not a great deal more to do in the area, I opted for a flight to AYT, couple of days at AYT, then drive up to Konya, with flights for EURO 115 return, it was a no brainer. Suddenly dawned on me that with wife in tow, i might be able to get a few more days at AYT. So with plan hatched we departed Manchester on Monday, arriving in AYT at 2035 Hrs, straight to hotel which gave me a view of the traffic (sorry Civil only).
With wifey asleep I was able to able to spot into the wee hours, before rising the next morning for our drive to Konya. The sat nav said 3 hrs 30 and it wasn't kidding, the next 290 kilometres included some of the most magnificent roads I have ever driven, a truly spectacular drive. Arriving in Konya, we booked into the Grand Hotel, which according to Google maps, was only 3.5 miles from the Base, even though it was 3 x the price of the other hotels, asking for a high room we were give 2411 which as suspected gave distant views across the base. For anyone wondering, its billed as a five star with outdoor and indoor pool, has a nightclub attached and a themed with plenty of alcohol choice. Wednesday came and I was up and out of the hotel for 7 am, and arrived a little early at the gate for 0745 Hrs. After showing all my papers i was told i was at the wrong gate and sent to another gate, it was 14 KM away and took me 35 minutes in the traffic, I arrived slightly flustered at 8.45, only to be told i was at the wrong gate again and needed to go to another, the guard very kindly dropped a pin on my Google maps and off i went again, another 25 minutes and arrival at the gate, shown to car park, and into the queue for security, all that done and we were bussed to the photography point. The Turks had rolled out the red carpet, Coffee stand, Food Stand, 5 or 6 stands selling badges, patched, caps etc, along with a ladies and gents toilets.
Down to the front and we were told to stay on the grass, that was the sum total of the rules, of course there were some who want the best shot who simply couldn't play by the rules and kept encroaching, i doff my cap to the security who had the patience of several saints.
Any way that's the brief write up, any further information, please message me.
The following were all taken during the morning launch.
First up was the view over the base from the hotel.
hotel (1 of 1) by Rob Burns, on Flickr
And just for context, the hotel from the base.
hotel-1 (1 of 1) by Rob Burns, on Flickr
As soon as you got off the bus, this was the view that greeted you.
line up (1 of 1) by Rob Burns, on Flickr
SV F-15's (1 of 1) by Rob Burns, on Flickr
QR EF2000 (1 of 1) by Rob Burns, on Flickr
Slowly but surly, things started to happen and the morning launch was underway, with the Saudis off first.
sv f-15 (1 of 1) by Rob Burns, on Flickr
SAUDI F-15 (1 of 1) by Rob Burns, on Flickr
SAUDI F-15-1 (1 of 1) by Rob Burns, on Flickr
SAUDI 9242 (1 of 1) by Rob Burns, on Flickr
SAUDI 9250 (1 of 1) by Rob Burns, on Flickr
Next out was the AV F-16's
AVIANO F-16'S TAXI (1 of 1) by Rob Burns, on Flickr
AV 89011 (1 of 1) by Rob Burns, on Flickr
AV 88541 (1 of 1) by Rob Burns, on Flickr
Qataris next, missed the other two as a scuffle broke out with a dutch lad unhappy at the local chap who had stood in his was on a small seat contraption.
QATAR QA407 (1 of 1) by Rob Burns, on Flickr
Hungarians were next with a couple of Grippens, they has tried to brighten the second one up with minimal tiger markings.
HUNAF 36 (1 of 1) by Rob Burns, on Flickr
HUNAF 31 (1 of 1) by Rob Burns, on Flickr
Over to the Jordanians next, with one of the two ship keeping it low for the spectators.
JORDANIAN 100 (1 of 1) by Rob Burns, on Flickr
RJAF132 (1 of 1) by Rob Burns, on Flickr
Next up was the Turks, quite a few departed off the laft had runway and heat haze was a real problem, open space, no shade, miles of open concrete...it felt alot hotter than the 34oC being reported.
TURK 151000 HOURS (1 of 1) by Rob Burns, on Flickr
TURK 93-0659 (1 of 1) by Rob Burns, on Flickr
TUAF 880014 (1 of 1) by Rob Burns, on Flickr
TUAF 93-0674 (1 of 1) by Rob Burns, on Flickr
Blue 33-1 (1 of 1) by Rob Burns, on Flickr
TUAF 91-0020 (1 of 1) by Rob Burns, on Flickr
TUAF 91-0022 (1 of 1) by Rob Burns, on Flickr
And now, what I had been waiting for, one of the main reasons for me to go, these didnt park with the other exercise aircraft, instead choosing to operate from the Turkish Shelters.
SU-25 27 WHITE (1 of 1) by Rob Burns, on Flickr
SU-25 33 blue (1 of 1) by Rob Burns, on Flickr
Blue 33-1 (1 of 1) by Rob Burns, on Flickr
Sorry but i couldn't resist...in the middle of 50 or so fast jets departing and arriving, came this, unsure of whose airforce it is :-) ??
sunex (1 of 1) by Rob Burns, on Flickr
And that was the departures done, wasnt long before stuff started arriving back, with the SU-25's back first, having gone out last.
white 27 landing (1 of 1) by Rob Burns, on Flickr
blue 33 landing (1 of 1) by Rob Burns, on Flickr
Heat haze was now a real problem, with 9/10 shots going in the bin, these were the ones i managed to save.
93-0008 landing (1 of 1) by Rob Burns, on Flickr
89-011 AV Landing (1 of 1) by Rob Burns, on Flickr
93-0008 taxi (1 of 1) by Rob Burns, on Flickr
7-1011 landing (1 of 1) by Rob Burns, on Flickr
Reference only shot with this one, but who doesnt like a 8 ship arrival of Turkish F-16's.
8 ship TK F16 (1 of 1) by Rob Burns, on Flickr
07-1011 TAXI (1 of 1) by Rob Burns, on Flickr
Heat haze a big factor in this one, but couldn't resist a mini elephant walk.
F16S TAXI (1 of 1) by Rob Burns, on Flickr
Tiger scheme Turkish F-16 arriving back, along with various others....
Tiger F-16 landing (1 of 1) by Rob Burns, on Flickr
9246 LANDING (1 of 1) by Rob Burns, on Flickr
9250 landing (1 of 1) by Rob Burns, on Flickr
36 Gripen (1 of 1) by Rob Burns, on Flickr
QA407 Landing (1 of 1) by Rob Burns, on Flickr
rjaf100 (1 of 1) by Rob Burns, on Flickr
rjaf132 landing (1 of 1) by Rob Burns, on Flickr
E-7 (1 of 1) by Rob Burns, on Flickr
And that was that, over to the stands for a quick bite to eat, then on the bus over to the other side of the runway as the sun was moving round...Afternoon launch and Elephant walk to follow.
As always C&C's welcome.
Rob
Never like posting just the pictures, as i feel that a short write up gives people what to expect.
Back in May 2025 I saw that the spotters day for Anatolian Eagle had been announced and that the TUAF were accepting applications by email. After much chasing and searching in Junk files, i was finally granted authorisation to gain entrance to TUAF Konya for the spotters day. A quick look around and flights were available into Konya, via IST, costing around Euro's 340. Whilst this was not a bad price, I realised that a quick in and out was possible, arriving Tuesday night at around 0120 Hrs, Wednesday in the base, and Thursday back. With not a great deal more to do in the area, I opted for a flight to AYT, couple of days at AYT, then drive up to Konya, with flights for EURO 115 return, it was a no brainer. Suddenly dawned on me that with wife in tow, i might be able to get a few more days at AYT. So with plan hatched we departed Manchester on Monday, arriving in AYT at 2035 Hrs, straight to hotel which gave me a view of the traffic (sorry Civil only).
With wifey asleep I was able to able to spot into the wee hours, before rising the next morning for our drive to Konya. The sat nav said 3 hrs 30 and it wasn't kidding, the next 290 kilometres included some of the most magnificent roads I have ever driven, a truly spectacular drive. Arriving in Konya, we booked into the Grand Hotel, which according to Google maps, was only 3.5 miles from the Base, even though it was 3 x the price of the other hotels, asking for a high room we were give 2411 which as suspected gave distant views across the base. For anyone wondering, its billed as a five star with outdoor and indoor pool, has a nightclub attached and a themed with plenty of alcohol choice. Wednesday came and I was up and out of the hotel for 7 am, and arrived a little early at the gate for 0745 Hrs. After showing all my papers i was told i was at the wrong gate and sent to another gate, it was 14 KM away and took me 35 minutes in the traffic, I arrived slightly flustered at 8.45, only to be told i was at the wrong gate again and needed to go to another, the guard very kindly dropped a pin on my Google maps and off i went again, another 25 minutes and arrival at the gate, shown to car park, and into the queue for security, all that done and we were bussed to the photography point. The Turks had rolled out the red carpet, Coffee stand, Food Stand, 5 or 6 stands selling badges, patched, caps etc, along with a ladies and gents toilets.
Down to the front and we were told to stay on the grass, that was the sum total of the rules, of course there were some who want the best shot who simply couldn't play by the rules and kept encroaching, i doff my cap to the security who had the patience of several saints.
Any way that's the brief write up, any further information, please message me.
The following were all taken during the morning launch.
First up was the view over the base from the hotel.
hotel (1 of 1) by Rob Burns, on FlickrAnd just for context, the hotel from the base.
hotel-1 (1 of 1) by Rob Burns, on FlickrAs soon as you got off the bus, this was the view that greeted you.
line up (1 of 1) by Rob Burns, on FlickrSV F-15's (1 of 1) by Rob Burns, on FlickrQR EF2000 (1 of 1) by Rob Burns, on FlickrSlowly but surly, things started to happen and the morning launch was underway, with the Saudis off first.
sv f-15 (1 of 1) by Rob Burns, on FlickrSAUDI F-15 (1 of 1) by Rob Burns, on FlickrSAUDI F-15-1 (1 of 1) by Rob Burns, on FlickrSAUDI 9242 (1 of 1) by Rob Burns, on FlickrSAUDI 9250 (1 of 1) by Rob Burns, on FlickrNext out was the AV F-16's
AVIANO F-16'S TAXI (1 of 1) by Rob Burns, on FlickrAV 89011 (1 of 1) by Rob Burns, on FlickrAV 88541 (1 of 1) by Rob Burns, on FlickrQataris next, missed the other two as a scuffle broke out with a dutch lad unhappy at the local chap who had stood in his was on a small seat contraption.
QATAR QA407 (1 of 1) by Rob Burns, on FlickrHungarians were next with a couple of Grippens, they has tried to brighten the second one up with minimal tiger markings.
HUNAF 36 (1 of 1) by Rob Burns, on FlickrHUNAF 31 (1 of 1) by Rob Burns, on FlickrOver to the Jordanians next, with one of the two ship keeping it low for the spectators.
JORDANIAN 100 (1 of 1) by Rob Burns, on FlickrRJAF132 (1 of 1) by Rob Burns, on FlickrNext up was the Turks, quite a few departed off the laft had runway and heat haze was a real problem, open space, no shade, miles of open concrete...it felt alot hotter than the 34oC being reported.
TURK 151000 HOURS (1 of 1) by Rob Burns, on FlickrTURK 93-0659 (1 of 1) by Rob Burns, on FlickrTUAF 880014 (1 of 1) by Rob Burns, on FlickrTUAF 93-0674 (1 of 1) by Rob Burns, on FlickrBlue 33-1 (1 of 1) by Rob Burns, on FlickrTUAF 91-0020 (1 of 1) by Rob Burns, on FlickrTUAF 91-0022 (1 of 1) by Rob Burns, on FlickrAnd now, what I had been waiting for, one of the main reasons for me to go, these didnt park with the other exercise aircraft, instead choosing to operate from the Turkish Shelters.
SU-25 27 WHITE (1 of 1) by Rob Burns, on FlickrSU-25 33 blue (1 of 1) by Rob Burns, on FlickrBlue 33-1 (1 of 1) by Rob Burns, on FlickrSorry but i couldn't resist...in the middle of 50 or so fast jets departing and arriving, came this, unsure of whose airforce it is :-) ??
sunex (1 of 1) by Rob Burns, on FlickrAnd that was the departures done, wasnt long before stuff started arriving back, with the SU-25's back first, having gone out last.
white 27 landing (1 of 1) by Rob Burns, on Flickrblue 33 landing (1 of 1) by Rob Burns, on FlickrHeat haze was now a real problem, with 9/10 shots going in the bin, these were the ones i managed to save.
93-0008 landing (1 of 1) by Rob Burns, on Flickr89-011 AV Landing (1 of 1) by Rob Burns, on Flickr93-0008 taxi (1 of 1) by Rob Burns, on Flickr7-1011 landing (1 of 1) by Rob Burns, on FlickrReference only shot with this one, but who doesnt like a 8 ship arrival of Turkish F-16's.
8 ship TK F16 (1 of 1) by Rob Burns, on Flickr07-1011 TAXI (1 of 1) by Rob Burns, on FlickrHeat haze a big factor in this one, but couldn't resist a mini elephant walk.
F16S TAXI (1 of 1) by Rob Burns, on FlickrTiger scheme Turkish F-16 arriving back, along with various others....
Tiger F-16 landing (1 of 1) by Rob Burns, on Flickr9246 LANDING (1 of 1) by Rob Burns, on Flickr9250 landing (1 of 1) by Rob Burns, on Flickr36 Gripen (1 of 1) by Rob Burns, on FlickrQA407 Landing (1 of 1) by Rob Burns, on Flickrrjaf100 (1 of 1) by Rob Burns, on Flickrrjaf132 landing (1 of 1) by Rob Burns, on FlickrE-7 (1 of 1) by Rob Burns, on FlickrAnd that was that, over to the stands for a quick bite to eat, then on the bus over to the other side of the runway as the sun was moving round...Afternoon launch and Elephant walk to follow.
As always C&C's welcome.
Rob
