Fighter Follies 2018

Another batch of Saudi deliveries saw Buster and Nay launch at about 1830 for Lakenheath. We knew the ramp is usually fairly well lit so a little walk in the field was in order. Plenty of based about but just the one read.

Lakenheath 10-12-18
Visitors
(12-1013) Boeing F-15SA Strike Eagle FMS Saudi Arabia
(12-1014) Boeing F-15SA Strike Eagle FMS Saudi Arabia
(12-1015) Boeing F-15SA Strike Eagle FMS Saudi Arabia
(12-1019) Boeing F-15SA Strike Eagle FMS Saudi Arabia

Based
91-0314/LN McDonnell-Douglas F-15E Strike Eagle - marked 494FS

It would be rude not to have a quick look at Mildy especially as the tanker was one of Nays last.

Mildenhall 10-12-18
Visitors
86-0035 Douglas KC-10A Extender 305AMW 'McGuire'
(88-1307) Lockheed AC-130W Stinger II (27SOW/16SOS)

As the two Qatar C-17s were still in another call on the way home.

Stansted 10-12-18
A7-MAB Boeing C-17A Globemaster III Qatari Air Force
A7-MAO Boeing C-17A Globemaster III Qatari Air Force

Back at the local the Nigerian was out of the hangar

Luton 10-12-18
5N-FGS Gulfstream G5 Nigerian Air Force

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Missing out on the Raptors was not on the plan so a weekday flirt was hastily arranged for Buster and Nay. Arriving in time for 25 fighters to taxy out and depart in perfect weather was just what the doctor ordered. We still missed out on one F-22 but 5 is right in.

Lakenheath 10-10-18
Visitors - USAF
02-1110 Boeing C-17A Globemaster III 62AW 'McChord'

09-4173/FF Lockheed F-22A Raptor 1FW
09-4181/FF Lockheed F-22A Raptor 1FW

09-4183/FF Lockheed F-22A Raptor 1FW

09-4177/FF Lockheed F-22A Raptor 1FW

10-4194/FF Lockheed F-22A Raptor 1FW - marked 94FS

Visitors - USN
166624/AB-102 Boeing F/A-18F Super Hornet VFA-11

166631/AB-106 Boeing F/A-18F Super Hornet VFA-11

166665/AB-210 Boeing F/A-18F Super Hornet VFA-211

166808/AB-204 Boeing F/A-18F Super Hornet VFA-211

166820/AB-300 Boeing F/A-18E Super Hornet VFA-136
166823/AB-303 Boeing F/A-18E Super Hornet VFA-136

166839/AB-411 Boeing F/A-18E Super Hornet VFA-81

166840/AB-412 Boeing F/A-18E Super Hornet VFA-81


Based
84-0001 McDonnell-Douglas F-15C Eagle

84-0010 McDonnell-Douglas F-15C Eagle

84-0019 McDonnell-Douglas F-15C Eagle

86-0154 McDonnell-Douglas F-15C Eagle

86-0160 McDonnell-Douglas F-15C Eagle

86-0172 McDonnell-Douglas F-15C Eagle

86-0174 McDonnell-Douglas F-15C Eagle

86-0178 McDonnell-Douglas F-15C Eagle

91-0306 McDonnell-Douglas F-15E Strike Eagle

91-0317 McDonnell-Douglas F-15E Strike Eagle

91-0318 McDonnell-Douglas F-15E Strike Eagle

92-0364 McDonnell-Douglas F-15E Strike Eagle

97-0219 McDonnell-Douglas F-15E Strike Eagle

98-0133 McDonnell-Douglas F-15E Strike Eagle

01-2001 McDonnell-Douglas F-15E Strike Eagle


A quick check on the visitors at the Hall

Mildenhall 10-10-18
Visitors - USAF
61-2662/OF Boeing RC-135S Cobra Ball 55WG
89-1052 Lockheed AC-130U Spooky (1SOW/4SOS)

Visitors - USN
157326/326 Lockheed EP-3E Orion VQ-1

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As we were missing some F-18s we popped back up to the Heath for another look. Some of the MOs we due out to sandier climes so we waited for their departure. The weather wasn't great and they departed on 06 so not the best for photos. A walk over the warren found all the F-18s but as expected the F-22s were all HAS'd. Only the moving MOs and different F-18s listed today.

Lakenheath 06-10-18
Visitors - USAF 366FW / 391FS
90-0233/MO McDonnell-Douglas F-15E Strike Eagle - marked 391FS

90-0236/MO McDonnell-Douglas F-15E Strike Eagle

90-0237/MO McDonnell-Douglas F-15E Strike Eagle

90-0238/MO McDonnell-Douglas F-15E Strike Eagle

90-0241/MO McDonnell-Douglas F-15E Strike Eagle

90-0244/MO McDonnell-Douglas F-15E Strike Eagle

91-0323/MO McDonnell-Douglas F-15E Strike Eagle

91-0333/MO McDonnell-Douglas F-15E Strike Eagle


Visitors - USN
166624/AB-102 Boeing F/A-18F Super Hornet VFA-11
166631/AB-106 Boeing F/A-18F Super Hornet VFA-11
166665/AB-210 Boeing F/A-18F Super Hornet VFA-211
166808/AB-204 Boeing F/A-18F Super Hornet VFA-211

A quick look from Folly for any visitors found just one. No time for based stuff, had a boat to catch.

Mildenhall 06-10-18
Visitors - USAF
83-0075 Douglas KC-10A Extender - 60AMW 'Travis'

Next stop would be Stokes Bay. Log here.

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An after work dash up to EGUL for the night time arrival of the MO's saw LB and Nay meet up with Tugger in the viewing area car park. It was packed. Before then though we had a walk in the field to try our luck on the visiting Hornets in the hope the ramps were lit up. They were, but still hard work. Five were seen, four E's and one F. Couldn't read the code on the F.

Lakenheath 04-10-18
Visitors - USAF 366FW / 391FS
90-0233/MO McDonnell-Douglas F-15E Strike Eagle - marked 391 FS
90-0234/MO McDonnell-Douglas F-15E Strike Eagle
90-0236/MO McDonnell-Douglas F-15E Strike Eagle
90-0237/MO McDonnell-Douglas F-15E Strike Eagle
90-0238/MO McDonnell-Douglas F-15E Strike Eagle
90-0240/MO McDonnell-Douglas F-15E Strike Eagle
90-0241/MO McDonnell-Douglas F-15E Strike Eagle
90-0244/MO McDonnell-Douglas F-15E Strike Eagle
90-0247/MO McDonnell-Douglas F-15E Strike Eagle
90-0248/MO McDonnell-Douglas F-15E Strike Eagle
90-0250/MO McDonnell-Douglas F-15E Strike Eagle
91-0300/MO McDonnell-Douglas F-15E Strike Eagle
91-0319/MO McDonnell-Douglas F-15E Strike Eagle
91-0323/MO McDonnell-Douglas F-15E Strike Eagle
91-0330/MO McDonnell-Douglas F-15E Strike Eagle
91-0333/MO McDonnell-Douglas F-15E Strike Eagle
91-0600/MO McDonnell-Douglas F-15E Strike Eagle
92-0366/MO McDonnell-Douglas F-15E Strike Eagle - marked 366 FW

Visitors - USN
162144/55 Grumman C-2A Greyhound VRC-40
166820/AB-300 Boeing F/A-18E Super Hornet VFA-136
166823/AB-303 Boeing F/A-18E Super Hornet VFA-136
166839/AB-411 Boeing F/A-18E Super Hornet VFA-81
166840/AB-412 Boeing F/A-18E Super Hornet VFA-81

A quick look from Folly for one of the tankers that Tugger required and to see if the Orion was still in.

Mildenhall 04-10-18
Visitors - USAF (didn't check units)
82-0193 Douglas KC-10A Extender
83-0030 Douglas KC-10A Extender
86-0037 Douglas KC-10A Extender

Visitors - USN (didn't check units)
(163291/291) Lockheed P-3C Orion
166694 Boeing C-40A Clipper

Based
57-1474 Boeing KC-135R Stratotanker 351ARS - no marks

After parting ways with Tugger, Nay and LB had a look at EGSS for the USAF C-17

Stansted 04-10-18
02-1112 Boeing C-17A Globemaster III USAF - 172AW / 183AS 'Mississippi'
(A7-)MAM Boeing C-17A Globemaster III Qatar Air Force

As it was now tomorrow we headed home. LB had work soon, Nay was off.

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Somehow we missed the F-16 yesterday and as it was a pegback for LB we popped up again as it was due out today. Yesterdays visitors were still in and are included but only the based arrivals are.

Mildenhall 30-09-18
Visitors - USAF
58-0104 Boeing KC-135R Stratotanker 157ARW/133ARS

62-3566 Boeing KC-135R Stratotanker 185ARW/175ARS 'Sioux City'
79-1946 Douglas KC-10A Extender 60AMW 'Travis'

83-0081 Douglas KC-10A Extender 305AMW 'McGuire'
86-0030 Douglas KC-10A Extender 305AMW 'McGuire'
90-0821/SW General Dynamics F-16C Fighting Falcon 20FW/77FS


Visitors - USN
162318/318 Lockheed P-3C Orion (VP-46)


Based
57-1493 Boeing KC-135R Stratotanker 351ARS

58-0113 Boeing KC-135R Stratotanker 351ARS - still carries Altus marks

60-0324 Boeing KC-135R Stratotanker 351ARS


We didn't bother with Lakenheath (the Saudis had already gone) but made a quick stop at Stansted on the way home for a C-17

Stansted 30-09-18
(A7-)MAM Boeing C-17A Globemaster III Qatar Air Force

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Another jolly up to East Anglia for the latest Saudi deliveries for LB and Nay

Lakenheath 29-09-18
Visitors
12-1026 Boeing F-15SA Strike Eagle FMS Saudi Arabia
12-1061 Boeing F-15SA Strike Eagle FMS Saudi Arabia

12-1067 Boeing F-15SA Strike Eagle FMS Saudi Arabia
12-1068 Boeing F-15SA Strike Eagle FMS Saudi Arabia

12-1069 Boeing F-15SA Strike Eagle FMS Saudi Arabia
12-1070 Boeing F-15SA Strike Eagle FMS Saudi Arabia

Based 48FW
91-0317/LN McDonnell-Douglas F-15E Strike Eagle
91-0332/LN McDonnell-Douglas F-15E Strike Eagle
97-0220/LN McDonnell-Douglas F-15E Strike Eagle
98-0131/LN McDonnell-Douglas F-15E Strike Eagle
98-0133/LN McDonnell-Douglas F-15E Strike Eagle
98-0134/LN McDonnell-Douglas F-15E Strike Eagle

Mildenhall 29-09-18
Visitors - USAF
62-3566 Boeing KC-135R Stratotanker 185ARW/175ARS 'Sioux City'
79-1946 Douglas KC-10A Extender 60AMW 'Travis'
83-0081 Douglas KC-10A Extender 305AMW 'McGuire'

86-0030 Douglas KC-10A Extender 305AMW 'McGuire'

Visitors - USN
(162318)/318 Lockheed P-3C Orion (VP-46)

Based
57-1440 Boeing KC-135R Stratotanker 351ARS - marked as AMC

57-2605 Boeing KC-135R Stratotanker 351ARS
58-0094 Boeing KC-135T Stratotanker 351ARS
58-0100 Boeing KC-135R Stratotanker 351ARS
59-1513 Boeing KC-135T Stratotanker 351ARS
60-0344 Boeing KC-135T Stratotanker 351ARS
61-0288 Boeing KC-135R Stratotanker 351ARS
62-3551 Boeing KC-135R Stratotanker 351ARS - marked as AMC

63-7999 Boeing KC-135R Stratotanker 351ARS
08-0050 Bell-Boeing CV-22B Osprey 7SOS
08-0051 Bell-Boeing CV-22B Osprey 7SOS
11-0057 Bell-Boeing CV-22B Osprey 7SOS
12-0065 Bell-Boeing CV-22B Osprey 7SOS
10-5714 Lockheed MC-130J Commando II 67SOS
11-5731 Lockheed MC-130J Commando II 67SOS
11-5737 Lockheed MC-130J Commando II 67SOS
12-5757 Lockheed MC-130J Commando II 67SOS
12-5759 Lockheed MC-130J Commando II 67SOS
12-5760 Lockheed MC-130J Commando II 67SOS
13-5778 Lockheed MC-130J Commando II 67SOS
13-5786 Lockheed MC-130J Commando II 67SOS

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Whilst working at Heathrow Nay had the opportunity to catch a couple of local visitors. Alas no camera to hand but Dave caught the C-17 on departure the next day.

Northolt 27-09-18
09-9208 Boeing C-17A Globemaster III 437AW "Charleston"


Heathrow 26-09-18
ANX-1201 Gulfstream G550 Mexican Navy

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The F-15s that have been in Europe since Frisian Flag stopped off on their way home so LB and Nay took a trip up Saturday afternoon. A walk in the field and down the road was needed to eek them out. We read 11 but as we didn't need the missing one decided against trying Maidcross for a view.

Lakenheath 15-09-18
142FW / 123FS Oregon ANG
84-0002 McDonnell-Douglas F-15C Eagle
84-0003 McDonnell-Douglas F-15C Eagle
84-0005 McDonnell-Douglas F-15C Eagle
(84-0021 McDonnell-Douglas F-15C Eagle) - not seen by us but should have been in
85-0094 McDonnell-Douglas F-15C Eagle
85-0106 McDonnell-Douglas F-15C Eagle

104FW / 131FS Massachusetts ANG
83-0018/MA McDonnell-Douglas F-15C Eagle
84-0028/MA McDonnell-Douglas F-15C Eagle
85-0111/MA McDonnell-Douglas F-15C Eagle
85-0118/MA McDonnell-Douglas F-15C Eagle
85-0134/MA McDonnell-Douglas F-15D Eagle
86-0158/MA McDonnell-Douglas F-15C Eagle


Based 48FW
91-0301/LN McDonnell-Douglas F-15E Strike Eagle
91-0310/LN McDonnell-Douglas F-15E Strike Eagle
91-0312/LN McDonnell-Douglas F-15E Strike Eagle
91-0316/LN McDonnell-Douglas F-15E Strike Eagle
91-0321/LN McDonnell-Douglas F-15E Strike Eagle
97-0221/LN McDonnell-Douglas F-15E Strike Eagle - marked 492FS
01-2004/LN McDonnell-Douglas F-15E Strike Eagle

We'd seen the HC-130N was inbound MHZ on ADSB but it just beat us there. It landed as we approached the garage near Folly. Nays photo attempt through the windscreen only good enough for the bin.

Mildenhall 15-09-18
Visitors - USAF
60-0345  Boeing KC-135T Stratotanker 127WG/171ARS 'Michigan'
62-3582/OF  Boeing WC-135C Stratotanker 55WG
92-2104 Lockheed HC-130N King 920RQW/39RQS
13-5785/FT Lockheed HC-130J Combat King II 23WG/71RQS

Based
57-1440 Boeing KC-135R Stratotanker 351ARS - marked as AMC
57-1493/D Boeing KC-135R Stratotanker 351ARS
57-2605/D Boeing KC-135R Stratotanker 351ARS
58-0001/D Boeing KC-135R Stratotanker 351ARS
58-0094/D Boeing KC-135T Stratotanker 351ARS
60-0344/D Boeing KC-135T Stratotanker 351ARS

60-0355 Boeing KC-135R Stratotanker 351ARS - marked as AMC

61-0288/D Boeing KC-135R Stratotanker 351ARS

61-0321/D Boeing KC-135R Stratotanker 351ARS
62-3551 Boeing KC-135R Stratotanker 351ARS - marked as AMC
63-7999/D Boeing KC-135R Stratotanker 351ARS
08-0050 Bell-Boeing CV-22B Osprey 7SOS

08-0051 Bell-Boeing CV-22B Osprey 7SOS
10-5714 Lockheed MC-130J Commando II 67SOS
11-5737 Lockheed MC-130J Commando II 67SOS
12-5757 Lockheed MC-130J Commando II 67SOS
12-5759 Lockheed MC-130J Commando II 67SOS
12-5760 Lockheed MC-130J Commando II 67SOS

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After a quiet August it was back to business for Buster and Nay. Exercise Cobra Warrior/Volcanex was taking place about 7 miles from Ma and Pa's house. So, off to pick up Chas, do the rounds, then back for some family time. Happy days.

First off though a mil visitor in the local...rude not to have a look. Just a pity it was buried on S71 and no good for a photo.

Luton 01-09-18
0110 Boeing 737-800 Polish Air Force

Coningsby 01-09-18
German Air Force - TLG73
30+46 Eurofighter Typhoon
30+49 Eurofighter Typhoon
30+60 Eurofighter Typhoon
30+62 Eurofighter Typhoon
30+64 Eurofighter Typhoon
30+73 Eurofighter Typhoon
30+84 Eurofighter Typhoon
31+21 Eurofighter Typhoon

German Air Force - TLG51

43+25 BAe/Panavia Tornado
43+97 BAe/Panavia Tornado
45+39 BAe/Panavia Tornado
46+35 BAe/Panavia Tornado
46+36 BAe/Panavia Tornado

46+44 BAe/Panavia Tornado

46+56 BAe/Panavia Tornado


The Tiffers were in the HAS area and no good for photos. Oh well, at least they were all readable with a bit of work.

Off to Waddo next for the Italians and the damaged Phenoms (335 returned to Cranwell a couple of days later)

Waddington 01-09-18
Italian Air Force - 4 Stormo
MM7291/4-11 Eurofighter Typhoon

MM7299/4-41 Eurofighter Typhoon

MM7303/4-2 Eurofighter Typhoon

Royal Air Force - 3FTS
ZM335 Embraer Phenom

ZM336 Embraer Phenom


We made a quick pass at Cranwell but no Prefects were flying, just some Tutors. For the record they were: G-BYUC, G-BYUN, G-BYUW, G-BYUX, G-BYUZ, G-BYWR, G-BYWY.

As there was a roast dinner on offer we then headed back to Wyberton with a few Tiffers in the bag.

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So the Nay Saudi curse continues but could it change today? After getting home from a set of nights at 0800 it was off with LB to catch the AVs flying and hopefully the Saudis departure would be delayed. We were probably still 45 minutes away when they went but at least one went tech and his buddy waited with him. Two is better than none after all. Maybe now the spell has been broken the next lot will be delivered when I'm off.

Lakenheath 27-07-18
TDY - 31FW / 510FS
88-0491/AV General Dynamics F-16C Fighting Falcon

88-0516/AV General Dynamics F-16C Fighting Falcon

88-0525/AV General Dynamics F-16C Fighting Falcon

89-2008/AV General Dynamics F-16C Fighting Falcon

89-2011/AV General Dynamics F-16C Fighting Falcon

89-2018/AV General Dynamics F-16C Fighting Falcon

89-2026/AV General Dynamics F-16C Fighting Falcon

89-2030/AV General Dynamics F-16C Fighting Falcon '510FS'

89-2046/AV General Dynamics F-16C Fighting Falcon

89-2049/AV General Dynamics F-16C Fighting Falcon

89-2057/AV General Dynamics F-16C Fighting Falcon

90-0709/AV General Dynamics F-16C Fighting Falcon


Visitors - USAF
08-8602/RS '86OG' Lockheed C-130J-30 Hercules 86AW

12-1026 Boeing F-15SA Eagle  FMS Saudi Arabia
12-1068 Boeing F-15SA Eagle  FMS Saudi Arabia


Based
84-0019/LN McDonnell-Douglas F-15C Eagle

84-0046/LN McDonnell-Douglas F-15D Eagle

86-0154/LN McDonnell-Douglas F-15C Eagle
86-0159/LN McDonnell-Douglas F-15C Eagle '48OG'

86-0164/LN McDonnell-Douglas F-15C Eagle
86-0171/LN McDonnell-Douglas F-15C Eagle - in maint. hangar
86-0172/LN McDonnell-Douglas F-15C Eagle - in maint. hangar
86-0174/LN McDonnell-Douglas F-15C Eagle

86-0176/LN McDonnell-Douglas F-15C Eagle
86-0178/LN McDonnell-Douglas F-15C Eagle

91-0306/LN McDonnell-Douglas F-15E Strike Eagle
91-0307/LN McDonnell-Douglas F-15E Strike Eagle
91-0310/LN McDonnell-Douglas F-15E Strike Eagle
91-0315/LN McDonnell-Douglas F-15E Strike Eagle
91-0317/LN McDonnell-Douglas F-15E Strike Eagle
91-0318/LN McDonnell-Douglas F-15E Strike Eagle
91-0331/LN McDonnell-Douglas F-15E Strike Eagle - in maint. hangar
91-0605/LN McDonnell-Douglas F-15E Strike Eagle
92-0364/LN McDonnell-Douglas F-15E Strike Eagle
96-0202/LN McDonnell-Douglas F-15E Strike Eagle
97-0221/LN McDonnell-Douglas F-15E Strike Eagle '492FS'
97-0222/LN McDonnell-Douglas F-15E Strike Eagle
98-0131/LN McDonnell-Douglas F-15E Strike Eagle
98-0133/LN McDonnell-Douglas F-15E Strike Eagle
98-0135/LN McDonnell-Douglas F-15E Strike Eagle
01-2004/LN McDonnell-Douglas F-15E Strike Eagle

It was worth the walk in the field as at last Nay got his last based F-15...didn't take long did it?

Whilst we were at Mildenhall the weather turned rather wet so we didn't bother checking the rest of the based aircraft this time.

Mildenhall 27-07-18
Visitors - USAF
57-1474 Boeing KC-135R Stratotanker  "AMC"
60-0351 Boeing KC-135R Stratotanker  22ARW "McConnell"
62-3542 Boeing KC-135R Stratotanker  916ARW / 77 ARS "First in Flight"
65-0989/DM Lockheed EC-130H Compass Call 55ECG
76-1605/OK Boeing E-3B Sentry 552ACW
90-0166 Lockheed AC-130U Spooky 1SOW / 4SOS
11-5729 Lockheed MC-130J Commando II 27SOW / 9SOS

Based
62-3551 Boeing KC-135R Stratotanker 351ARS - still marked "AMC"
12-0065 Bell-Boeing CV-22B Osprey 7SOS
12-5760 Lockheed MC-130J Commando II 67SOS

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The next day it was bad news for Nay, as he was back on shifts the Saudi deliveries struck again. So it was mad dash up to the Heath for LB.

Arriving at the enclosure I had just about managed to find a parking space when the Saudi's overflew the base to start their approach. A nice catch to be sure, but a Brucie bonus was also to hand, LB's last based Eagle was flying! 133 finally hits the net :-) Unlucky Nay, next time maybe!

Lakenheath 23-07-18
48FW
86-0154/LN McDonnell-Douglas F-15C Eagle
86-0163/LN McDonnell-Douglas F-15C Eagle
91-0306/LN McDonnell-Douglas F-15E Strike Eagle

91-0307/LN McDonnell-Douglas F-15E Strike Eagle

91-0315/LN McDonnell-Douglas F-15E Strike Eagle

91-0316/LN McDonnell-Douglas F-15E Strike Eagle

91-0334/LN McDonnell-Douglas F-15E Strike Eagle

92-0364/LN McDonnell-Douglas F-15E Strike Eagle

97-0221/LN McDonnell-Douglas F-15E Strike Eagle '492FS'

98-0133/LN McDonnell-Douglas F-15E Strike Eagle


TDY - 31FW / 510FS
89-2049/AV General Dynamics F-16C Fighting Falcon


Visitors
12-1018 Boeing F-15SA Eagle  FMS Saudi Arabia

12-1024 Boeing F-15SA Eagle  FMS Saudi Arabia

12-1025 Boeing F-15SA Eagle  FMS Saudi Arabia

12-1026 Boeing F-15SA Eagle  FMS Saudi Arabia

12-1068 Boeing F-15SA Eagle  FMS Saudi Arabia


After the Eagle action had finished I took a walk across Maidcross hill with Tugger, who I found in the enclosure, just incase any Aviano's were still out. Only one was seen from a distance. Not to worry though, a plan was already formulating to catch them in the week.

With Tugger in tow we headed over to Mildenhall, not much to report here, the only visitors being the tanker for the Saudi Eagles and a few 135's.

Mildenhall 23-07-18
Visitors- USAF
58-0023 Boeing KC-135R Stratotanker 157ARW "New Hampshire"
58-0060 Boeing KC-135T Stratotanker 171ARW "Pennsylvania"
85-0029 McDonnell-Douglas KC-10A Extender 60AMW "Travis"

One based Herc was doing touch and goes!

Based
12-5757 Lockheed MC-130J Commando II 67SOS

62-3551 Boeing KC-135R Stratotanker 351ARS - still marked "AMC"

That was that! I was going to pop into Cambridge on the way back to see if any Global's were out, but an A14 closure put paid to that idea, home it was.

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A rare visitor meant another quick dash down to the old stomping ground.

Northolt 22-07-18
FAE-052 Dassault Falcon 7X Ecuador Air Force

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We knew the Aviano F-16s had arrived at Lakenheath and were meant to be hangared in the 493FS HAS area. Again it was a weekend off so, with nothing better to do, we'd may as well give it a go especially as one of the USAF Globals was in.

Mildenhall 21-07-18
Visitors - USAF
57-1474 Boeing KC-135R Stratotanker "AMC"
59-1472 Boeing KC-135R Stratotanker 940ARW / 314ARS "Beale"
63-8885 Boeing KC-135R Stratotanker 6AMW "MacDill"
64-14848/OF Boeing RC-135V Rivet Joint 55WG "Offutt"
76-1605/OK Boeing E-3B Sentry 552ACW
11-9355 Bombardier E-11A 653ELSG
Based
58-0100 Boeing KC-135R Stratotanker 351ARS

60-0333 Boeing KC-135R Stratotanker 351ARS
11-0058 Bell-Boeing CV-22B Osprey 7SOS
11-0061 Bell-Boeing CV-22B Osprey 7SOS
12-5759 Lockheed MC-130J Commando II 67SOS
12-5760 Lockheed MC-130J Commando II 67SOS
13-5786 Lockheed MC-130J Commando II 67SOS

As expected no sign of any AVs but at least we caught up based Eagle 317 at long last. Nay also bagged 131, this just left 133 for both of us to complete the 48th.

Lakenheath 21-07-18
Based
91-0307/LN McDonnell-Douglas F-15E Strike Eagle
91-0310/LN McDonnell-Douglas F-15E Strike Eagle
91-0315/LN McDonnell-Douglas F-15E Strike Eagle
91-0316/LN McDonnell-Douglas F-15E Strike Eagle
91-0317/LN McDonnell-Douglas F-15E Strike Eagle
91-0334/LN McDonnell-Douglas F-15E Strike Eagle
97-0220/LN McDonnell-Douglas F-15E Strike Eagle
97-0221/LN McDonnell-Douglas F-15E Strike Eagle '492FS'
98-0131/LN McDonnell-Douglas F-15E Strike Eagle
98-0135/LN McDonnell-Douglas F-15E Strike Eagle
01-2001/LN McDonnell-Douglas F-15E Strike Eagle
01-2004/LN McDonnell-Douglas F-15E Strike Eagle

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Having failed to see any of the VH-60s flying during the week (it was easier when we lived in Northolt!) we decided to catch them being loaded up for the return home. It was a long, hot day but worth the wait as we saw all three get swallowed up by the C-17s. Plenty of regular faces to chat to and pass the time.

Northolt 14-07-18
Visitors - USAF
06-6156 Boeing C-17A Globemaster III 60AMW "Travis"

06-6166 Boeing C-17A Globemaster III 436AW "Dover"

08-8196 Boeing C-17A Globemaster III 62AW "McChord"


Visitors - USMC
163260 Sikorsky VH-60N Seahawk HMX-1

163261 Sikorsky VH-60N Seahawk HMX-1

163265 Sikorsky VH-60N Seahawk HMX-1

165810/BH Lockheed KC-130J Hercules VMGR-252

167112/BH Lockheed KC-130J Hercules VMGR-252


Based
GZ100 AgustaWestland AW109 - 32 Sqn


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After doing the Yeovilton show we headed up to Northolt for the arrival of the POTUS helis. We'd already missed the C-17s that dropped off the VH-60s which were now hangared. Still the Ospreys will do nicely thank you.

Northolt 07-07-18
Visitors - USMC
164105/NY Lockheed KC-130J Hercules VMGR-452

168292/04 Bell-Boeing MV-22B Osprey HMX-1

168306/07 Bell-Boeing MV-22B Osprey HMX-1

168324/08 Bell-Boeing MV-22B Osprey HMX-1

168339/12 Bell-Boeing MV-22B Osprey HMX-1


Nay had to start a nightshift at 1800 so LB had a liner catch up at LHR and fluked the second Marines Herc low level into NHT.

From LHR 07-07-18
166472/BH Lockheed KC-130J Hercules VMGR-252

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As a fourth B-1 had joined the grounded fleet LB and Nay headed off to nab them after a spell of liner monging at LHR

Fairford 09-06-18
Visitors - USAF
86-0098/DY Rockwell B-1B Lancer 7BW

86-0101/DY Rockwell B-1B Lancer 7BW

86-0119/DY Rockwell B-1B Lancer 7BW
86-0134/EL Rockwell B-1B Lancer 28BW '34BS'


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The lure of a few required A-10s was too much to pass up, especially as Nay had a weekend off. So it was off for a drive up to Mildy and a meet up with Dazza and Pogo. The Warthogs were parked up with no signs of activity and not photogenic. They were due off to Latvia later today at some point. We didn't wait.

Mildenhall 02-06-18
TDY - 127WG / 107FS (stopover enroute Latvia)
78-0641/MI Fairchild A-10C Thunderbolt II
80-0184/MI Fairchild A-10C Thunderbolt II
80-0258/MI Fairchild A-10C Thunderbolt II
80-0262/MI Fairchild A-10C Thunderbolt II
81-0975/MI Fairchild A-10C Thunderbolt II
81-0994/MI Fairchild A-10C Thunderbolt II
81-0996/MI Fairchild A-10C Thunderbolt II
81-0998/MI Fairchild A-10C Thunderbolt II

Visitors - USAF
59-1472 Boeing KC-135R Stratotanker 940ARW / 314ARS "Beale"
64-14844/OF Boeing RC-135V Rivet Joint 55WG "Offutt"
85-0028 Douglas KC-10A Extender 305 AMW "McGuire"
85-0030 Douglas KC-10A Extender 305 AMW "McGuire"
02-1463 Lockheed C-130J Hercules 146AW / 115AS
08-8198 Boeing C-17A Globemaster III 437AW "Charleston"
10-0215 Boeing C-17A Globemaster III 437AW "Charleston"

Based
57-2605 Boeing KC-135R Stratotanker 351ARS
58-0094 Boeing KC-135T Stratotanker 351ARS
59-1511 Boeing KC-135R Stratotanker 351ARS
60-0324 Boeing KC-135R Stratotanker 351ARS
61-0299 Boeing KC-135R Stratotanker 351ARS
61-0321 Boeing KC-135R Stratotanker 351ARS
62-3559 Boeing KC-135R Stratotanker 351ARS
63-8871 Boeing KC-135R Stratotanker 351ARS
11-0058 Bell-Boeing CV-22B Osprey 7SOS
12-0064 Bell-Boeing CV-22B Osprey 7SOS
10-5714 Lockheed MC-130J Commando II 67SOS
12-5757 Lockheed MC-130J Commando II 67SOS
11-5737 Lockheed MC-130J Commando II 67SOS
12-5759 Lockheed MC-130J Commando II 67SOS

We didn't bother checking the based F-15s at Lakenheath and there were no visitors in so it was burger time at Walkers as Pogo was hungry...

We then decided it was time to finally catch up with the Jag at the Norwich County Hall after a few civvy helis and stored liners at NWI

Norwich-County Hall 02-06-18
XW563 SEPECAT Jaguar S