In December 1986 I was pleased to have enjoyed a visit with 11(F) Sdqn. at Binbrook who were operating Lightning F.6 models with a few F.3 on loan. Visiting on an exchange were F15C/D from the 32nd TFS based at Soesterburg in Holland. The Lightnings had just over a year left in service while the visiting F-15C were reasonably fresh from production.
The away team of Lightnings over to Holland were XR725/BA, XS919/BB, XR759/BJ, and XR753/BP while Eagles arriving on 1st December were (C)79-023, 79-027, 79-033 and two seater (D) 79-004. A second F15D 81-065 arrived on the 3rd December during my visit to replace 79-004 which had suffered an engine problem.
The weather was typically grey, very cold and high cross winds had grounded the Lightnings from participating in the afternoon sorties. Thankfully two Chinooks and two Pumas which had been operating from the base during the week were pressed into use as 'targets' for the F15's. As the helos tracked at low level inland toward the Doncaster area they tried to 'lose' themselves in the radar returns of the heavy traffic patterns on the A1 motorway. This was great practice for the F15C APG-70 uprated radar which was comfortably able to confirm kills at various ranges up to 20 miles. It was also interesting to watch the video playbacks on the crew room TV over a coffee of the 2 v 2 air combat engagements with the Lightnings from the morning sortie.... no doubt who the winners were !
Could have done with a higher ASA film as the light deteriorated so its apologies for quality on some and it's a large post... shame no digital then !!
Return from the fight
Time for a brew.....
Sick bird awaiting engine change
F15 jock experiencing the Lightning returns
Parked for the afternoon
Afternoon sortie begins for the F15's
Hope you got this far and enjoyed
3Greens
Who would have thought then that the rare howl of the Eagle heard then over Grimsby, Cleethorpes and surrounding areas would be such a common thing these days!!