Military Jets Photography

2009 08 27 Basevisit EHGR

On Thursday, August 27, the Gilze-Rijen Aviation Society (GRAS) was a guest at Gilze-Rijen Airbase in the southern part of the Netherlands. Gilze-Rijen is the home base for most of the helicopters of the Defense Helicopter Command (DHC). Up to three operational squadrons are based at Gilze-Rijen, they fly the Apache, Chinook, Cougar and Allouette III.
We were transported by bus to the main runway of this base when we arrived at the main gate. We were positioned on a hill halfway runway 28. All the usual stuff began to fly when we arrived; Apache's, Chinooks, Cougars and an Allouette III were flying in the circuit. Most of the helicopter pilots were very kind and flew after their exercise along us at low level. An Apache performed a very low level fly-by at full speed next to us, it flew that low it almost hit us. This was therefore the photograph of this afternoon. A Cougar made a fly-by at full speed with its landing gear in retracted position. This afternoon had a few more surprises in store. Half an hour after we arrived, two Belgian F-16's reported for and touch and go. One of those Belgian pilots had his farewell at the Belgian Air Force and therefore they flew a last mission for that pilot. This was a nice moment to do a few approaches at Gilze-Rijen, because there were so many photographers. During this afternoon also an AWACS from the German base of Geilenkirchen appeared on the horizon. This large white aircraft made six touch and go's before it left. Each time it made a lot of noise when it came loose from the ground. Between the landings of the AWACS two Dutch F-16s from Volkel Airbase came by and made up to three times a low approach. The highlight of the afternoon was yet to come. As many as four French Mirage 2000s from Cambrais Airbase would perform a fly-by. This great visit would end with the fly-by of a German Tornado from Lechfeld Airbase which is located in the south of Germany. After a beautiful afternoon at Gilze-Rijen airbase it was time to return home.Some people described this visit at Gilze-Rijen as the best visit ever to this base. Maybe they were right, because the quality of this visit was perfect, there are not many visits which are as good as this one was.

AS532U2 Netherlands Air Force S-419

CH-47D Netherlands Air Force D-101

SA316B Netherlands Air Force A-301

AH-64D Netherlands Air Force Q-21

E-3A NATO LX-N 90455

AH-64D Netherlands Air Force Q-21

AS532U2 Netherlands Air Force S-419

E-3A NATO LX-N 90455

AH-64D Netherlands Air Force Q-21

PC-7 Netherlands Air Force L-07

Mirage 2000C French Air Force 103-YC/83

CH-47D Netherlands Air Force D-667

2009 08 27 Spotting at EHVK

Volkel Air Force Base is home to 3 squadrons, namely 311 named "Skido", 312 named "Bonzo" and 313 named "Tiger". They all fly the F-16AM.

F-16AM Netherlands Air Force J-062

F-16AM Netherlands Air Force J-005

F-16AM Netherlands Air Force J-021

F-16AM Netherlands Air Force J-136

F-16AM Netherlands Air Force J-637

2009 07 09 Yeovilton Airday

The Royal Navy was created in 1909 and so in 2009 they celebrated their 100 years. For this occasion they introduced some "Fly Navy 100" celebrations at several locations in the United Kingdom. One of these locations was at RNAS Yeovilton.
Unfortunately the weather messed up the plans for the show with low clouds and rain. This resulted in some flying display that needed to be cancelled. There was further disappointment for many in the afternoon as the Vulcan first went tech before finally being beaten by the weather.
Despite all the disappointment that the weather brought, in many ways it was still the best line up seen at Yeovilton for many years. The static was much larger than previous years with much more involvement from overseas air arms wishing to participate in the Fly Navy 100 celebrations. Star items amongst the static were the pair of EAV-8B Harrier II+ from the Spanish Navy, a Rafale M, an E-2D Hawkeye and a Lynx HAS4 from the French Navy, a Lynx Mk95 from the Portuguese Navy and a Atlantic from the German Navy.
As ever with Yeovilton's static displays, there is always a theme to part of the line up. This year, the show celebrated the 40th Anniversary of the Sea King entering UK service. Yeovilton had examples of the Sea King HAS2, HC4, HAS6, HAR3 and 3A on display from current service as well as historic collections. Star of the line up however was the solo 2009 airshow appearance of QinetiQ's Sea King Mk4X from Boscombe Down.
The Royal Navy had a very impressive line up including examples of the Harrier GR9, Tutor, ,Sea King, Merlin and Lynx on static display.
Many of the planned displays looked back at the Fleet Air Arms history. Sadly, the Royal Navy Historic Flight was unable to take part with their fleet all grounded awaiting various bit of work but nevertheless, there was a good selection. These included the Hawker Nimrod II, Supermarine Seafire XVII, Douglas Skyraider and the Wasp HAS1 helicopter.
However, star of the historic displays was the mighty Sea Vixen flown by Lt Cdr Matt Whitfield. The low cloud and somewhat damp conditions gave an extra edge to the Vixen's display with all manner of flash condensation appearing over the aircraft during the high speed passes.
Current Royal Navy air power was also displayed in strength. As ever the home team, the Black Cats put on an impressive displays. Just an impressive was the solo display by the Merlin HM1 which flew a very tight display for such a large helicopter.
The finale to the day was the traditional "Martime Display" and the "Commando Assault."The Martime display saw Yeovilton based Lynx helicopters showing off a number of their maritime roles including anti-shipping and boarding. The Commando Assault is itself a highlight of the airshow calendar. Sadly the fixed wing participants (Harrier GR9 and Hunter F58s) could not take part due to low cloud but the "Junglies" still put on a stunning show supported by the Royal Marines as well as some ground based assets!
There were also some display teams present like The Royal Jordanian Falcons who flew a flat show and Frecce Tricolori who didn't flew becuase of the low clouds. The Red Arrows also only managed a fex straight passes before cancelling their show.
Other cancelled display were from the Typhoon, Chinook, Dutch F-16 and as already stated the Vulcan Display that could go ahead did their low show or even an adapted version of that one. The Blue Eagles managed to fit a solo display by the WAH-64D Apache AH1. Further there wasa Belgian F-16 and making it's UK debut was the French Rafale.
It was a frustrating day for all involved but nevertheless, the Royal Navy did take center stage and presented some exciting displays alongside some quality acts from the UK, Europe and beyond.

Lynx HAS4 French Navy 807

Lynx Mk95 Portuguese Navy 19203

EAV-8B+ Spanish Navy 01-925/A.1B-37, 01-924/A.1B-36

E-2C French Navy 2/165456

Harrier GR9 Royal Navy ZD348/15, ZD438/50
Harrier GR9A Royal Navy ZG504/75A

Lynx HMA8 Royal Navy XZ736/642

Rafale French Air Force 113-HQ/321

Sea Harrier FRS1 Royal Navy XZ493

P1127 XP980

Merlin HM1 Royal Navy ZH846/81

Sea King HU5 Royal Navy ZA134

Sea King AsaC7 Royal Navy XV648/180-CU
Squirrel HT1 ZJ278/78

Sea King HU5 Royal Navy XV648/818-CU

Nimrod II Historic Aircraft Collection G-BURZ

Wasp HAS1 Privatly owned G-BZPP

Seafire FXVII Kennet Aviation G-KASX

Chinook HC2A Royal Air Force ZH893/HH

Lynx HAS3S Royal Navy Black Cats

Lynx HAS3S Royal Navy XZ235/435

Sea Vixen FAW2 De Havilland Aviation Ltd G-CVIX

Merlin HM1 Royal Navy ZH834/86

Sea King HC4 Royal Navy ZF115/R

Sea King HC4 Royal Navy ZA292/WU

2009 07 06 Koksijde departure

After the Koksijde Airshow I went on the Monday to see the departures of the participants. Highlight of the day was the arrival of the Croatian An-32 which served as a support for the Croatian Wings of Storm demonstration team.