Turkish F-4 Big Birthday Bash

[Blue5]

Two weeks has passed since the Turkish AF Phantom 50th anniversary event, and my memories of long waits, long queues and rude behaviour by some spotters is now fading. Aside from minor niggles though it turned out to be a great visit, and as I missed the heyday of the F-4 in European service this could be my only chance to see a lot of Phantoms in one place.

Day 1 involved a long wait up a hill but when they came the flypasts surpassed expectations, with the 50th anniversary special scheme and a standard 111 Filo jet doing twelve passes each, many of which were a real in your face show of force. The pilot in the special jet in particular flew it like he stole it.

On day 2 we had privileged access to Eskişehir Air Base, light was poor for photography unfortunately but our hosts put on an excellent show and we probably saw the majority of active Phantoms still in service, including a couple of 401 Filo test and evaluation airframes in the 10 jet elephant walk.

Overall a great experience, thank you to the Turkish AF for putting on a free event and inviting spotters to come along and enjoy the Phantom birthday with them.


241116a F-4E 77-0303 TuAF 111 Filo by Aquila427, on Flickr

241116b F-4E 73-1052 TuAF 111 Filo by Aquila427, on Flickr

241116c F-4E 77-0303 TuAF 111 Filo by Aquila427, on Flickr

241116d F-4E 73-1052 TuAF 111 Filo by Aquila427, on Flickr

241116e F-4E 77-0303 TuAF 111 Filo by Aquila427, on Flickr

241116f F-4E 73-1052 TuAF 111 Filo by Aquila427, on Flickr

241116g F-4E 77-0303 TuAF 111 Filo by Aquila427, on Flickr

241116h F-4E 73-1052 TuAF 111 Filo by Aquila427, on Flickr

241116m F-4E 77-0303 TuAF 111 Filo by Aquila427, on Flickr

241116n F-4E 73-1052 TuAF 111 Filo by Aquila427, on Flickr

241116o F-4E 77-0303 TuAF 111 Filo by Aquila427, on Flickr

241116r F-4E 73-1052 TuAF 111 Filo by Aquila427, on Flickr

241117 F-4E 73-1047 & 77-0290 TuAF 111 Filo by Aquila427, on Flickr

241117a F-4E 73-1048 & 73-1052 TuAF 111 Filo by Aquila427, on Flickr

241117b F-4E 73-1046 & 73-1048 TuAF 111 Filo by Aquila427, on Flickr

241117c F-4E 73-1048 TuAF 111 Filo by Aquila427, on Flickr

241117d F-4E TuAF 111 Filo by Aquila427, on Flickr

241117f F-4E 77-0303 TuAF 111 Filo by Aquila427, on Flickr

241117g F-4E 77-0303 TuAF 111 Filo by Aquila427, on Flickr

241117h F-4E TuAF 111 & 401 Filo by Aquila427, on Flickr

241117i F-4E TuAF 111 & 401 Filo by Aquila427, on Flickr

241117j F-4E TuAF 111 & 401 Filo by Aquila427, on Flickr

241117k F-4E 73-1053 TuAF 111 Filo by Aquila427, on Flickr

241117l F-4E 73-1039 & 77-0300 TuAF 401 Filo by Aquila427, on Flickr

241117m F-4E 73-1049 TuAF 111 Filo by Aquila427, on Flickr

241117n F-4E TuAF 111 Filo by Aquila427, on Flickr

Thanks for looking!

[Hunter49]

Best shots i have seen of the f4 ! Rob

[Mustang531]

Some more great shots, I'm just wondering if there were lots of photographers standing next to each other on that hillside. But all the same, really enjoyed viewing them, thanks for taking the time to put them up.

[Blue5]

Hi Mustang531, you’re not far off, 10 of the 12 low level passes by each F-4 on Saturday were from east to west, it was pot luck where we stood but those like me who chose the east side had a line of sight advantage and from what I’ve seen they seem to be most of the shots that have been posted.

Hopefully everyone there got something good though, it was better than I’ve ever experienced before!

[Phantomwolf]

Stunning flying shots, what an experience it must have been for everyone there. Can never have too many Phantom shots. Thanks for posting.

[markranger]

Superb fella,what a great weekend and great set of images.
But yeah some proper rude people on the Sunday on base.

[KeBul]

Yet another stunning set from Turkey.

That full on snarling climb-out with fluff (shot no. 8) is superb.

Thanks for sharing

Kev

[paddyboy]

Another awesome set

Well done and thanks for posting

Paddyboy

[jdupons]

Fantastic set of pictures of this awesome beast ! thanks for sharing !

[F3]

Superb set, well worth yr travails. Long live the Double Ugly!

[TallDan76]

Great set!

[Blue5]

Thanks for the comments everyone, much appreciated!