10/10/11 – 16/10/11
First up this week is 3 French Air Force Alpha Jets (E107, E74, E48) at RNAS Yeovilton. The Aircraft flying as FAF 6473, FAF6471 and FAF6475, are used by the French in the the Advanced training role and have 120 of the type in Service. The 3 aircraft come from EAC 00.314 / AJeTS based at Tours Airbase with the Fighter pilot training school. One of the Aircraft present was E107 adorned in a stunning special scheme to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of EAC 00.314.
This week saw 12 aircraft (F15C-Ds) from 493d Fighter Squadron, based at RAF Lakenheath, returning home from Operations. The aircraft (Using the Calling Trend) that returned home were -
Richpittman
86-0156 TREND 51, 86-0160 TREND 52, 86-0172 TREND 53, 84-0001 TREND 54, 86-0174 TREND 55, 86-0176 TREND 56, 86-0163 TREND 61, 86-0166 TREND 62, 86-0010 TREND 64, 84-0044 TREND 65, 86-0164 TREND 63, 84-0019 TREND 66
Wreck Hunter
The 493FS nicknamed "The Grim Reapers", is a combat-ready F-15 Eagle squadron capable of executing air superiority and air defense missions in support of United States Air Forces in Europe, United States European Command, and NATO operations. The Squadron is part of the 48th Fighter Wing have operated aircraft such as the P-40 Warhawk, F-100 Super Sabre and F4 Phantom. The squadron converted to its present mount in 1994.
With the Aircarft returning from Operations an C5B (87-0044) from the 60th Air Mobility Wing At Travis Air Force Base and a C17A (55150) from the 15Wg based at Hickam AFB, Hawaii, flew Ground Crews and Ground equipment in to RAF Lakenheath.
The 60th AMW is the largest air mobility organization in theUnited States Air Force and is responsible for strategic airlift and aerial refueling missions around the world.The 40th currently operate 3 aircraft in the wing - C-5 (Operated since 1970) the C-17 (Operated since 2006) and the KC-10 (Operated since 1994). The 15thWg is the airlift arm of Pacific Air Forces and United States Pacific Command and started life as a the 15th Tactical Fighter Wing and activated, on 17 April 1962. The Unit was re designated again to the 15th Wing on May 18 2010 and operates C-17 Globemaster III in route support to include performing local and worldwide airlift operations in support of combat and humanitarian missions.
Stigorige
Urkles
This week saw RAF Leuchars play host to 2 AN124 ‘s. The Aircraft were present to transport Ground crews and Equipment from 6 squadron out to Malaysia in support of their deployment out there. It is believed the aircraft are in that region to help promote the Typhoon in a bid to secure orders from the Malaysian Air Force. The AN124 is a strategic airlift jet aircraft and is the world's largest ever serially-manufactured cargo airplane and world's second largest operating cargo aircraft. There are over 40 AN124s in service around the world in both Military and Civilian use.
Stigorige
Prestwick again has played host to a variety of Military aircraft this week including a RAF BAE146 CC2 (ZE701) a US Army RC-12X (13122) and RC12P (30700) and a US Army C12 (40151) and RAF Hawk T1 (XX255/CL). The BAE146 CC2 comes from 32 (The Royal) Squadron based at RAF Northolt in London. 32 Squadron operate 2 BAE146 CC2’s with A Flight and are used for VIP Transport role. 32 also operate 6 BAe 125 CC.3 with C flight and 2 Agusta A109s with B Flight.
Fmansam
The RC12X comes from the 1st MIB and is one of 14 ordered by the US Army, the first being delivered January 2011. The aircraft is used as a Intelligence-gathering platform and is based on the Beechcraft Kingair. There are 24 different variants used by the US Military.
Watson
RAF Mildenhall has been busy this week with normal sorties and visiting aircraft including a visiting USAF Northrop Grumman E-8C (JSTARS) flying as BONNO 14. The E8 was introduced into service in 1991 as a Airborne battle management platform. Based on the Boeing 707-300, the aircraft is used by the United States Air Force and Air National Guard. 17 of the type have been manufactured. This particular aircraft (95-0121) comes from the 93d Air Control Wing based at Robins AFB.
Watson
With the Airshow at Duxford this weekend, the Belgian Air Force have deployed their F16 Demo Team to RAF Mildenhall including the specially Painted Display Jet. The Aircraft (FA-82 and FA-110) comes from 349 squadron based at Kleine Brogel Airforce Base and is flown by Cdt. Michael Artiges who has flown the display for the past 3 seasons. The Specially painted jet is nicknamed "Vortex" due to the pattern on the wings.
Dunk
Also Supporting the F16s was a Belgian Air Force ERJ135 (CE02). The Belgians have 2 of the type in service in the light Transport Role. The Aircraft comes from the 15th Air Transport Wing under the 21st Squadron based at Melsbroek. The wing comprises two operational squadrons, the 21st Squadron and the 20th Squadron, and a Training & Conversion Unit. The 21st operate 2 x ERJ135, 2 x ERJ145, 1 x falcon 900 and 2 x Falon 20s. The 20th operates 10 Lockheed C-130 Hercules in the Heavy Transport Role and is one of largest units in the Belgian Air Component.
Billydog
Mildenhall also played host to a RC135U Combat Sent (64-847) from Offut Air Force Base. The RC-135U Combat Sent is designed to collect technical intelligence on adversary radar emitter systems. Combat Sent data is collected to develop new or upgraded radar warning receivers, jammers, decoys, anti-radiation missiles, and training simulators. The Crew requirements are 2 pilots, 2 navigators, 3 systems engineers, 10 electronic warfare officers, and 6 area specialists.
Bollo
Have a look in the Current Military Section to see more action at RAF Milldenhall - http://fightercontrol.co.uk/forum/viewforum.php?f=16" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; – including a USAF E3 from Tinker AFB and 2 McGuire KC10s.
Bollo
Boscombe Down is playing host to Hawker Hunter T8B XF995 from HHA. The Aircraft is being used as a mount for the 2011 ETPS (Empire Test Pilot School) course. First flown in July 1956 XF995 was built as a Hunter F4 at Blackpool. It was part of the 6th Batch of Hunters built. After being returned to Hawker Siddley in 1963 the aircraft was converted to a T.8B and was one of 3 the Royal Navy used. The aircraft is now operated by HHA on various Trials and Defence simulation work on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.
AircraftPix
A very rare Finnish Air Force PC12 was caught at Cologne Bonn this week. The Aircraft (PI-02) is one of 6 NG versions the Finnish use in the Liaison and Light Utility role. The aircraft comes from TukiLLv (Supporting Air Operations Squadron) at Kauhava. The Aircraft in due time will replace the Piper Chieftain aircraft that have been used by the Finnish Air Force since 1983.
Cessna954
Newcastle International received a visit from a French Navy Embraer EMB 121 Xingu (68). The French Navy operate 11 of the type in the Utility Role with 24 Flotille and 28 Flotille Naval Air Squadrons. This particular aircraft comes from 28 Flotille based at Lorient – Lann – Bihoue.
MarcelB
The Royal Air Forces Pumas had their 40th Anniversary this week. To celebrate the Anniversary a Role Demonstration was given at RAF Benson – Home of the Puma. Designed in the 1960s as a Medium Lift Support helicopter the Puma has been a mainstay of combat operations in throughout its operational history. The RAF Operate 40+ Puma HC1 aircraft from RAF Benson with 33 and 230 Squadron. 28 Pumas have been slated to be upgraded to the new HC2 Version.
MRG057
^^Gord^^
A superb thread here from Duane Hewitt showing the members of the AAC in Phase two training –http://fightercontrol.co.uk/forum/viewt ... 16&t=43577
Aircraft pix stunning thread here showing Chinooks at RAF Odiham - http://fightercontrol.co.uk/forum/viewt ... 16&t=43578
A great thread here from Adamc8rd showing some action at RAF Lossiemouth this week - http://fightercontrol.co.uk/forum/viewt ... 16&t=43614
Thats all for this weekIt was a shame to hear that Axalp 2011 had to be cancelled this year due to Heavy Rain in the country meaning that the Manpower and Helicopter had to be diverted elsewhere. Viper28 managed to catch some super shots on the Tuesday Practice - http://fightercontrol.co.uk/forum/viewt ... 16&t=43636
