'Dartstaffel 713' A-4N Skyhawks

[Reaper02]

At the end of 2005, beginning of 2006 I came into contact with a retired Lieutenant Colonel and former USMC pilot who flew target towing missions with the A-4N Skyhawk out of Wittmund, Germany. On a freezing cold March day in 2006 he welcomed me within 'Dartstaffel 713', as the Flight System company was also known on the Fliegerhorst, where I witnessed several flights of their well known white Scooters. In between the missions I had to get inside their big maintenance hangar to warm up and get feeling back in fingers, toes etc and it was a challenge to get the shots I wanted with clouds, soft winter light etc., but I think I managed and was grateful for a lovely visit! I know these are civil registered, but still I hope you'll like 'em!

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4.

More from this visit can be found on: https://www.final-approach.nl/2010/witt ... systems-06

Best, Edwin Schimmel
www.final-approach.nl

[Mustang531]

Thanks for sharing these, very interesting to see them. I did see a couple around that time.

[Nighthawke]

Brilliant - after the EE Lightning, one of my favourite aircraft. Many thanks for posting.

[Petepilot]

Very nice shots (especially the one with the F4 in the background!) - thanks for sharing

[paddyboy]

Hi Edwin

‘Like them’

I love them

Who doesn’t love to see Scooters

Thanks for posting

Paddyboy

[Reaper02]

Thanks gents, glad you seem to appreciate these Scooters as much as I do!

Best, Edwin

[roughcutter]

Great set of images of those 'reclusive scooters'. I was fortunate enough to get a glimpse of them on a guided tour of Wittmund airbase in April 2011 (prior to venturing on to Leeuwarden for 'Frisian Flag'.) Whilst wandering around the resident F-4 ramp/hangars, we came across the A-4 ramp, where four of them were parked up, having just finished flying. With just enough time to get a few close up shots before they were then hastily put to bed. I felt like the cat that got the cream when we left. Definitely the unexpected highlight of the whole trip, thanks for sharing them.

[SW Sky Blue]

Nice

[Reaper02]

Great set of images of those 'reclusive scooters'. I was fortunate enough to get a glimpse of them on a guided tour of Wittmund airbase in April 2011 (prior to venturing on to Leeuwarden for 'Frisian Flag'.) Whilst wandering around the resident F-4 ramp/hangars, we came across the A-4 ramp, where four of them were parked up, having just finished flying. With just enough time to get a few close up shots before they were then hastily put to bed. I felt like the cat that got the cream when we left. Definitely the unexpected highlight of the whole trip, thanks for sharing them.

You're welcome and sounds like a nice memory and a great way to end your Wittmund visit indeed! I remember that during this visit, after photographing some of the F-4's roling by as well Flight Systems got a phonecall from JG71 'that the photographer out there had to stop making pictures of their Phantoms...' Was pretty frustrating seeing those F-4's roling by lateron without being able to photograph 'em, but got to respect their 'requests' ofcourse!

[roughcutter]

Sorry to hear that, and quite surprising too. Contrary to your own unfortunate experience, the F-4 guys bent over backwards for our visit, with the A-4 team being one's less co operative.

[Reaper02]

Sorry to hear that, and quite surprising too. Contrary to your own unfortunate experience, the F-4 guys bent over backwards for our visit, with the A-4 team being one's less co operative.

Was probably because the QRA went out with two F-4's with live armament, they're never to happy if you photograph those live AIM-9's etc. But no problem, was there for the A-4's and got plenty of their F-4's during other visits.

[matt e]

Nice set especially #2

[Punkrunner62]

Very nice to see your images, all excellent quality, this section of the Forum is in my opinion the best given the sameness of most Air Forces types nowadays. Thanks Edwin, all the best for 2025.

[teeonefixer]

Thanks Edwin, these are great!

[Reaper02]

Thank you gentlemen, really appreciate the feedback!