Danish F-16 memories

[3Greens]

In July 1986 I was pleased to be able to visit 5(F) Squadron at Binbrook. Their Lightnings were in the 'twilight' of their service , some already having been withdrawn. However the squadron was still very busy with an exchange visit from the Royal Danish Air Force Esk.730 over from Skrydstrup with their F-16A's Many of these had not long been delivered from the production line. The Lightning pilots had started to learn that in any 'turning' encounter they were struggling but for sheer speed and climb they excelled. The Danish ground crews had ensured that a stencil of their squadron badge had been packed as all of 5's Lightnings had this 'zap' painted on their noses.

Now 38 years on the F-16's approach the 'twilight' of their Danish operational careers but still make the news as quite a number are being readied for their pending 'new' lives with the Argentine (24) and Ukraine Air Forces (19). Of the following E-185 was lost on 10th Dec.1987

On with the visit








































Hawk T.1A XX322 W of 2TWU in for exercise - this frame still around but painted 'red' !!
















Danish F-16 pilot about to get a special 'Lightning entry' in his log book


Getting strapped in


and return










A couple of 11 Squadron (for good measure)

[Mustang531]

Absolutely fabulous, I bet that Danish pilot enjoyed his trip in the two seater. If he looks happy in that pic, I wonder how he appeared on the return to base. Loved viewing all these, thanks for sharing them with us.

[CLPSLFBT]

Hi Keith, another fantastic set of pictures and some great memories rekindled again, I remember this deployment well as it was the one were a mate of mine and myself twagged school to see the action only for one of our teachers to turn up at CG3…….seemingly doing the same thing!! We got a stern look but nothing else was ever mentioned.
I can certainly remember the Danish Sqn zaps on the noses of the Lightnings

Brilliant Keith, thank you.

Cheers Glenn

[paulh]

Another great set Keith thank you

Cheers Paul

[SW Sky Blue]

Excellent, Keith..

[paddyboy]

Hi Keith

Great to see those nice new 16’s, but…….

Those gorgeous Frightnings

You’ve reminded me, yet again, of my beloved Coltishall back in the glory days

Thanks for posting and best regards

Paddy

[F3]

Nice ones Keith. Missed that exchange, altho' I did get this pic of a V Sqn. Lightning sporting one of the Danish zaps @ that year's Alconbury show.

Lightning F.6 XS933 AJ V Sqn. Alconbury '86 by Michael Britton, on Flickr

[roughcutter]

Fabulous post. Regrettably Binbrook is one place I never visited in its day, well apart from the soaking I received at the show in 87

[Rob666]

Fabulous post. Regrettably Binbrook is one place I never visited in its day, well apart from the soaking I received at the show in 87

Echo every word of this I could have written it. Just add at least we saw that insane flying with the Lightning’s taking off and formation flying

[roughcutter]

Yes indeed, that Lightning mass take off was phenomenal. I'm even more annoyed with myself for not going back to Binbrook, at least to see the last of the Lightnings. Had a whole year to follow it up, and never did. Idiot!

[Petepilot]

Great Post, many thanks for sharing!

[adderman]

Wonderful memories of the old times.
I'm assuming that 'zapping' stickers on front-line jets is now frowned on by the various Air Forces.
Most F35(USMC excepted) with a 'zap' might at least alleviate the grey...

[3Greens]

Absolutely fabulous, I bet that Danish pilot enjoyed his trip in the two seater. If he looks happy in that pic, I wonder how he appeared on the return to base. Loved viewing all these, thanks for sharing them with us.

Thanks for the comments Mustang531
I bet he couldn't believe the 'antiquated' dials, cramped layout, and restricted canopy view compared to his jet, but must have been a real 'blast'

Hi Keith, another fantastic set of pictures and some great memories rekindled again, I remember this deployment well as it was the one were a mate of mine and myself twagged school to see the action only for one of our teachers to turn up at CG3…….seemingly doing the same thing!! We got a stern look but nothing else was ever mentioned.
I can certainly remember the Danish Sqn zaps on the noses of the Lightnings

Brilliant Keith, thank you.

Cheers Glenn

Thanks Glenn, hope you're well.
Found a shot of the Danish AF Nato green VW Golf that they brought up to the Crash Gate to sell some stickers and patches ... great days

Excellent, Keith..

Thanks Kev, much appreciated

Hi Keith
Great to see those nice new 16’s, but…….
Those gorgeous Frightnings
You’ve reminded me, yet again, of my beloved Coltishall back in the glory days

Thanks for posting and best regards

Paddy

Thanks Paddy, hope you and yours all good mate
Lightnings are in just a 'class of their own'. Just loved to be at Binbrook in the early days when Lightnings would turn up from Coltishall, Wattisham or Leuchars

Nice ones Keith. Missed that exchange, altho' I did get this pic of a V Sqn. Lightning sporting one of the Danish zaps @ that year's Alconbury show.

Great close up shot Mike and thanks for the comment

I find it amazing that these jets with some years behind them still look great and they're still in production (albeit very different under the skin )

[F3]

Danish F-16s were 'given' static exhibits at UK airshows back in the late '80s/early '90 but rarely featured in the flying programmes. A rare exception was @ the '88 Ch. Fenton show where one performed, along with Belgian and USAF examples.
Here are a couple of pics of it together with one of the accompanying two-seater. The 1st appears in my recent Ch. Fenton Airshows book which is now available @ a reduced price of £15 (incl P&P) over the D-Day Anniversary week. Pl. message me for payment details if interested.

'88 - RDAF F-16 display by Michael Britton, on Flickr

Fenton - RDAF F-16 one of three to display in '88 by Michael Britton, on Flickr

Fenton - F16B RDAF '88 by Michael Britton, on Flickr