Tuesday, 3 December 2019

Fighter Follies 2019

News that the latest batch of Saudi Eagles had arrived filtered through and both LB and Nay were on days. Guess it'll have to be an after work dash up at 1900.

Lakenheath 02-12-19
USAF visitors
(12-1044) F-15SA Strike Eagle FMS Saudi Arabia
(12-1062) F-15SA Strike Eagle FMS Saudi Arabia
(12-1080) F-15SA Strike Eagle FMS Saudi Arabia
(12-1081) F-15SA Strike Eagle FMS Saudi Arabia
(12-1082) F-15SA Strike Eagle FMS Saudi Arabia

With the building work and lighting these were a lot harder to see than anticipated. After some time we were happy that all were seen. A quick pop over to Mildy for some POTUS support transports on the way home was still on the table though.

Mildenhall 02-12-19
USAF visitors
09-0017 C-32A 89AW
(09-9207) C-17A Globemaster

Too late to check anywhere else, the alarm will be going off at 0500.

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With Nay back at work, I was somewhat bored and decided to head back to Northolt for a few hours in the afternoon. The Trump helis were doing their practice runs today, so a chance to graph the Nooks and hopefully catch the other VH-60.

Northolt 30-11-19

USArmy visitors - 1-214th AVN (B)
13-08134 CH-47F Chinook
13-08432 CH-47F Chinook
13-08432 CH-47F Chinook Northolt. 30-11-19
13-08436 CH-47F Chinook
13-08436 CH-47F Chinook Northolt 30-11-19
13-08437 CH-47F Chinook
13-08437 CH-47F Chinook Northolt 30-11-19

USMC visitors - HMX-1
163259 VH-60N Nighthawk
163259 VH-60N Nighthawk Northolt 30-11-19
163264 VH-60N Nighthawk
163264 VH-60N Nighthawk Northolt 30-11-19

Another VH-60 in the bag, and a handful of piccies, shame about the light etc... but hey ho.

G-MPSB EC145 Northolt 30-11-19
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With Nay and LB both being off we decided to head down to Northolt to try and catch a VH-60 or two! A C-17 was due 1100ish, so arriving a bit earlier we took a walk down the A40 to see the four Chinooks that had arrived the previous day.

By the time we were in place at the end of the runway the C-17 was on approach. A short wait saw a VH-60 being off loaded. Unfortunately the other one was hangared and not seen.

Northolt 29-11-19
USAF visitors
03-3126 C-17A Globemaster "McGuire"
03-3126 C-17A Globemaster Northolt 29-11-19

USArmy visitors
13-08134 CH-47F Chinook 1-214th AVN (B)
13-08432 CH-47F Chinook 1-214th AVN (B)
13-08436 CH-47F Chinook 1-214th AVN (B)
13-08437 CH-47F Chinook 1-214th AVN (B)

USMC visitors
163264 VH-60N Nighthawk "HMX-1"
03-3126 C-17A/163264 VH-60N Northolt 29-11-19

Royal Air Force
ZA714 Chinook HC.6A "Over-flew"
ZA714 Chinook HC.6A Northolt 29-11-19
Based aircraft
32 Sqn
GZ100 A109
GZ100 A109 Northolt 29-11-19
ZE700 BAE 146
ZE700 BAE146 Northolt 29-11-19
ZE707 BAE 146
ZE707 BAE146 Northolt 29-11-19
ZE708 BAE 146

With the action all done for the day we checked the ADSB to see if anything was about. Nothing special, except that elusive Global at Cambridge! The UAE machine was doing race track patterns over Norwich at FL410, so we decided a sprint up the motorway was justified.

Plenty of traffic on the M25 and M11 tried its best to halt our progress, and as we approached the south of Cambridge the Global had descended to FL80.

Fortunately it wasn't done playing and stayed up long enough for us to get to the drome before coming in. Perfect timing and a slow flypast to boot! Finally in the bag!

Cambridge 29-11-19
1326 Global Express UAE Air Force
1326 BD700 Cambridge 29-11-19

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A couple of days running to and from Suffolk, due to the change over in the desert.
The MO's were going out and SJ's coming home. Dazcat had a day off, so he met up with us at Luton for an early morning departure.

LB was on nights so it would be a smash and grab effort, although as always something gets in the way. A Korean Airbus was due into Cambridge, so a divert and a short wait were in order.

The bulk of the MO's had arrived the previous night, so a hump over the field found them.

Lakenheath 10-10-19
USAF visitors
366FW - 389FS
87-0183/MO F-15E Strike Eagle
87-0198/MO F-15E Strike Eagle
87-0201/MO F-15E Strike Eagle
87-0202/MO F-15E Strike Eagle
87-0209/MO F-15E Strike Eagle
87-0210/MO F-15E Strike Eagle
88-1667/MO F-15E Strike Eagle
88-1678/MO F-15E Strike Eagle
88-1705/MO F-15E Strike Eagle '389FS'
89-0506/MO F-15E Strike Eagle
90-0227/MO F-15E Strike Eagle

Mildenhall 10-10-19
USAF visitors
64-14846/OF RC-135V Rivet Joint 55WG
84-0186 KC-10A Extender 305AMW McGuire
87-0122 KC-10A Extender 305AMW McGuire
87-0122 KC-10 Mildenhall 10-10-19

French AF
525/31-CN KC-135RG Stratotanker

Cambridge 10-10-19
701 C-130J Hercules - Royal Bahraini AF
G-988 C-130H Hercules - Royal Netherlands AF
5601 C-130J Hercules - Royal Norwegian AF
MRTT053 KC-330 Cygnus - Airbus Military
MRTT053 A330 Cambridge 10-10-19

The MO stragglers had arrived, so after LB caught up with some kip we headed of to find them. A few of the SJ's had started to filter back, so we waited to graph them on approach.

Lakenheath 11-10-19
USAF visitors
366FW - 389FS
87-0169/MO F-15E Strike Eagle
87-0170/MO F-15E Strike Eagle
87-0208/MO F-15E Strike Eagle
88-1699/MO F-15E Strike Eagle
88-1707/MO F-15E Strike Eagle
90-0227/MO F-15E Strike Eagle

4FW - 336FS
87-0199/SJ F-15E Strike Eagle - no sqn marks
87-0199 SJ F-15 Lakenheath 11-10-19
87-0171/SJ F-15E Strike Eagle - no sqn marks
87-0171 SJ F-15 Lakenheath 11-10-19
87-0177/SJ F-15E Strike Eagle
87-0177 SJ F-15 Lakenheath 11-10-19
87-0196/SJ F-15E Strike Eagle - no sqn marks
87-0196 SJ F-15 Lakenheath 11-10-19
88-1706/SJ F-15E Strike Eagle
88-1706 SJ F-15E Lakenheath 11-10-19
87-0181/SJ F-15E Strike Eagle
87-0181 SJ F-15E Lakenheath. 11-10-19

437AW - Charleston
10-0221 C-17A Globemaster

There was nothing of note for us in Mildenhall, plus it was dark by the time we left the Heath.

Another deployment caught, and just in the nick of time. A week later and we would have missed them, but the Nellis ramps would make up for it I'm sure ;-)

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Another Saudi delivery saw LB and Nay dash up after LBs nightshift ended at 0600. No messing just up and back as he was in again at 1800 and needed at least a few hours kip.

Lakenheath 24-09-19
USAF visitors
12-1004 F-15SA Strike Eagle FMS Saudi Arabia
12-1029 F-15SA Strike Eagle FMS Saudi Arabia
12-1042 F-15SA Strike Eagle FMS Saudi Arabia
12-1079 F-15SA Strike Eagle FMS Saudi Arabia

It'd be rude not to have a quick look at Mildy though, we missed the P-8 by 20 minutes or so

Mildenhall 24-09-19
USAF visitors
57-1453 KC-135R Stratotanker 117ARW/106ARS 'Alabama'
61-0313 KC-135R Stratotanker 'AFRC'
63-8879 KC-135R Stratotanker 940ARW/314ARS 'Beale'
85-0027 KC-10A Extender 305AMW 'McGuire'

USN visitors
164598/AX-598 KC-130T-30 Hercules VR-53

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Cobra Warrior was on again so a leisurely drive up Sunday afternoon to see Ma and Pa was in order for LB and Nay...not to mention a roast dinner. Night stopping in Wyberton we left as a 3 ball, with Chas on board, for a local run around aiming to be in situ at Waddo for 0900.

Waddington 02-09-19
Royal Air Force - Based
ZJ692 Sentinel R.1
ZJ694 Sentinel R.1
ZZ417 Shadow R.1
ZZ417 Shadow Waddington 02-09-19
ZZ418 Shadow R.1
ZZ418 Shadow Waddington 02-09-19
ZZ419 Shadow R.1
ZZ419 Shadow Waddington 02-09-19
ZZ666 Rivet Joint
ZZ666 RC-135 Waddington 02-09-19

Royal Air Force - overflew
ZZ332 Voyager KC.3

German Air Force - TLG73
30+47 Eurofighter Typhoon
30+47 Typhoon Waddington 02-09-19
30+50 Eurofighter Typhoon
30+50 Typhoon Waddington 02-09-19
30+51 Eurofighter Typhoon
30+51 Typhoon Waddington 02-09-19
30+56 Eurofighter Typhoon
30+56 Typhoon Waddington 02-09-19
30+64 Eurofighter Typhoon
30+64 Typhoon Waddington 02-09-19
30+65 Eurofighter Typhoon
30+65 Typhoon Waddington 02-09-19
30+73 Eurofighter Typhoon
30+73 Typhoon Waddington 02-09-19a
(30+74) Eurofighter Typhoon - still with TLG74?
30+88 Eurofighter Typhoon
30+88 Typhoon Waddington 02-09-19
(31+20) Eurofighter Typhoon

Israeli Air Force - 106 Sqn
(583) McDonnell-Douglas F-15C Baz
706 McDonnell-Douglas F-15D Baz
706 F-15D Waddington 02-09-19
715 McDonnell-Douglas F-15D Baz
715 F-15D Waddington 02-09-19a
733 McDonnell-Douglas F-15D Baz
733 F-15D Waddington 02-09-19
810 McDonnell-Douglas F-15C Baz
810 F-15C Waddington 02-09-19b
818 McDonnell-Douglas F-15C Baz
818 F-15C Waddington 02-09-19a
980 McDonnell-Douglas F-15D Baz
980 F-15D Waddington 02-09-19

Italian Air Force
(MM7311/4-55) Eurofighter Typhoon 4 Stormo
MM7321/37-12 Eurofighter Typhoon 37 Stormo
MM7321 37-12 Typhoon Waddington 02-09-19
MM7352/36-55 Eurofighter Typhoon 36 Stormo
MM7352 36-55 Typhoon Waddington 02-09-19
MM7353/36-56 Eurofighter Typhoon 36 Stormo
MM7353 36-56 Typhoon Waddington 02-09-19

Happy enough with what we got it was time to make the most of an active day and try to knock off some local mil. Pretty quiet at Cranwell and Barkston though

Cranwell 02-09-19
ZM303 Prefect T.1
ZM303 Prefect Cranwell 02-09-19
ZM318 Prefect T.1
ZM333 Phenom T.1
ZM335 Phenom T.1
ZM337 Phenom T.1

Barkston Heath 02-09-19
ZM308 Prefect T.1
ZM308 Prefect Barkston Heath 02-09-19
ZM311 Prefect T.1
ZM314 Prefect T.1
ZM321 Prefect T.1

As Coningsby's runway works seem to be delayed we also popped in here for a few new Tiffers.

Coningsby 02-09-19
XX962 SEPECAT Jaguar - cockpit section
(ZJ807) Eurofighter Typhoon - fuselage
ZJ810 Eurofighter Typhoon - fuselage
ZJ928/928 Eurofighter Typhoon FGR.4
ZJ928 Typhoon Coningsby 02-09-19
ZJ931/931 Eurofighter Typhoon FGR.4
ZJ931 Typhoon Coningsby 02-09-19
ZK309/309 Eurofighter Typhoon FGR.4
ZK311/311 Eurofighter Typhoon FGR.4
ZK318/318 Eurofighter Typhoon FGR.4
ZK335/335 Eurofighter Typhoon FGR.4
ZK335 Typhoon Coningsby 02-09-19
ZK361/361 Eurofighter Typhoon FGR.4
ZK363/363 Eurofighter Typhoon FGR.4
ZK382/382 Eurofighter Typhoon T.3
ZK428/428 Eurofighter Typhoon FGR.4
ZK428 Typhoon Coningsby 02-09-19
ZK429/429 Eurofighter Typhoon FGR.4
ZK429 Typhoon Coningsby 02-09-19
ZK432/432 Eurofighter Typhoon FGR.4
ZK432 Typhoon Coningsby 02-09-19
ZK436/436 Eurofighter Typhoon FGR.4
ZK438/438 Eurofighter Typhoon FGR.4

Job done, back to disturb Mum's peace and quiet and drop Chassy back. More family time before heading back home late evening.

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It had been a while since we last popped up to East Anglia but another Saudi delivery was too tempting. Nay was off shift and LB was between days and lates so an 0500 start saw us reach EGUL just before 0600.

Lakenheath 30-07-19
USAF visitors
87-0171/SJ F-15E Strike Eagle 4FW/335FS
12-1050 F-15SA Strike Eagle FMS Saudi Arabia
12-1051 F-15SA Strike Eagle FMS Saudi Arabia
12-1052 F-15SA Strike Eagle FMS Saudi Arabia
12-1076 F-15SA Strike Eagle FMS Saudi Arabia
12-1077 F-15SA Strike Eagle FMS Saudi Arabia
12-1078 F-15SA Strike Eagle FMS Saudi Arabia

The two Texas F-16s were presumably HAS'd.

Over to EGUN as we required the duff Buff and the latest based Herc.

Mildenhall 30-07-19
USAF visitors
58-0071 KC-135T Stratotanker 6AMW 'MacDill'
60-0009/MT B-52H Stratofortress 5BW/69BS - marked 69BS
61-0313 KC-135R Stratotanker AFRC
62-3552 KC-135R Stratotanker AMC
63-8019 KC-135R Stratotanker AMC
86-0030 KC-10A Extender 305AMW 'McGuire'

USAF based
09-5713 MC-130J Commando II 352SOW/67SOS

Then a dash back home so LB could grab a couple of hours kip before his 1200 shift.

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Finally a weekday free for both LB and Nay so time to pop up for the Homestead F-16s. Eight went up to play which made picking off the four on the deck somewhat easier.

Lakenheath 13-05-19
Visitors - USAF
482 FW / 93 FS 'Makos'
85-1438/FM F-16C Fighting Falcon
85-1487/FM F-16C Fighting Falcon
85-1487 FM F-16C Lakenheath 13-05-19
86-0264/FM F-16C Fighting Falcon
86-0307/FM F-16C Fighting Falcon
86-0307 FM F-16C Lakenheath 13-05-19
86-0319/FM F-16C Fighting Falcon
86-0319 FM F-16C Lakenheath 13-05-19
87-0233/FM F-16C Fighting Falcon
87-0244/FM F-16C Fighting Falcon
87-0259/FM F-16C Fighting Falcon
87-0287/FM F-16C Fighting Falcon
87-0287 FM F-16C Lakenheath 13-05-19
87-0338/FM F-16C Fighting Falcon
88-0404/FM F-16C Fighting Falcon - marked 482FW
88-0404 FM F-16C Lakenheath 13-05-19
88-0405/FM F-16C Fighting Falcon - marked 93FS

A quick look at Mildenhall revealed nothing to write home about...

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As the two SJ stragglers had arrived yesterday from Bangor it was time for another early trip up to East Anglia. Nay was off and LB was on his day/night crossover so the timing was good. Especially as both were required frames. We'd planned to be back home late morning so LB could get a few hours kip in, however, the MOs were due out so we waited for those. None were required but always the chance of some photos. Pity the light wasn't the best.

Lakenheath 16-04-19
Visitors - USAF
4 FW
87-0196/SJ F-15E Strike Eagle 335FS
88-1670/SJ F-15E Strike Eagle 335FS
88-1676/SJ F-15E Strike Eagle 335FS
88-1706/SJ F-15E Strike Eagle 336FS

366 FW
90-0236/MO F-15E Strike Eagle 391FS
90-0236 MO F-15E Lakenheath 16-04-19
90-0237/MO F-15E Strike Eagle 391FS
90-0237 MO F-15E Lakenheath 16-04-19
90-0238/MO F-15E Strike Eagle 391FS
90-0238 MO F-15E Lakenheath 16-04-19
90-0241/MO F-15E Strike Eagle 391FS
90-0241 MO F-15E Lakenheath 16-04-19
90-0244/MO F-15E Strike Eagle 391FS
90-0244 MO F-15E Lakenheath 16-04-19
90-0247/MO F-15E Strike Eagle 391FS
90-0247 MO F-15E Lakenheath 16-04-19
90-0248/MO F-15E Strike Eagle 391FS
90-0248 MO F-15E Lakenheath 16-04-19
90-0250/MO F-15E Strike Eagle 391FS
90-0250 MO F-15E Lakenheath 16-04-19
91-0300/MO F-15E Strike Eagle 391FS
91-0300 MO F-15E Lakenheath 16-04-19
91-0319/MO F-15E Strike Eagle 391FS
91-0319 MO F-15E Lakenheath 16-04-19
91-0330/MO F-15E Strike Eagle 391FS
91-0330 MO F-15E Lakenheath 16-04-19
91-0600/MO F-15E Strike Eagle 391FS
91-0600 MO F-15E Lakenheath 16-04-19

There were also plenty of the based F-15E's playing.

A quick pop in to Mildy on the way home. Nay caught his last Osprey (0052) and there was a Kalitta 747 (N701CK) on a CMB flight

Mildenhall 16-04-19
Visitors - USAF
58-0104 KC-135R Stratotanker (157ARW/133ARS)
73-1580/DM EC-130H Compass Call 55ECG

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An earlyish start saw LB heading to Lakenheath. Arriving at around 9.30am. The morning launch was just returning so it was straight into action. Plenty of based Eagle's to be graphed, but only 4 SJ's would depart.

Lakenheath 12-04-19
Visitors - USAF
4 FW
88-1700/SJ F-15E Strike Eagle - no marks
88-1700 SJ F-15E Strike Eagle Lakenheath 12-4-19
88-1703/SJ F-15E Strike Eagle - no marks
88-1703 SJ F-15E Strike Eagle Lakenheath 12-4-19
89-0488/SJ F-15E Strike Eagle - no marks
89-0488 SJ F-15E Strike Eagle Lakenheath 12-4-19

335 FS - 'Chiefs'
89-0502/SJ F-15E Strike Eagle
90-0232/SJ F-15E Strike Eagle
87-0192/SJ F-15E Strike Eagle
87-0196/SJ F-15E Strike Eagle
87-0196 SJ F-15E Strike Eagle Lakenheath 12-4-19
87-0199/SJ F-15E Strike Eagle

336 FS - 'Rocketeers'
87-0181/SJ F-15E Strike Eagle
87-0181 SJ F-15E Strike Eagle Lakenheath 12-4-19
88-1706/SJ F-15E Strike Eagle

48 FW
492 FS - 'Madhatters'
91-0302/LN F-15E Strike Eagle
91-0302 LN F-15E Strike Eagle Lakenheath 12-4-19
91-0315/LN F-15E Strike Eagle
91-0316/LN F-15E Strike Eagle
91-0316 LN F-15E Strike Eagle Lakenheath. 12-4-19
91-0317/LN F-15E Strike Eagle
91-0321/LN F-15E Strike Eagle
91-0321 LN F-15E Strike Eagle Lakenheath 12-4-19
96-0202/LN F-15E Strike Eagle
96-0202 LN F-15E Strike Eagle Lakenheath 12-4-19
96-0205/LN F-15E Strike Eagle
96-0205 LN F-15E Strike Eagle Lakenheath. 12-4-19
97-0220/LN F-15E Strike Eagle
97-0220 LN F-15E Strike Eagle Lakenheath... 12-4-19
98-0131/LN F-15E Strike Eagle
98-0131 LN F-15E Strike Eagle Lakenheath 12-4-19
98-0133/LN F-15E Strike Eagle
98-0133 LN F-15E Strike Eagle Lakenheath 12-4-19
98-0134/LN F-15E Strike Eagle

494 FS - 'Panthers'
91-0309/LN F-15E Strike Eagle
91-0309 LN F-15E Strike Eagle Lakenheath 12-4-19
91-0310/LN F-15E Strike Eagle
91-0310 LN F-15E Strike Eagle Lakenheath 12-4-19
91-0311/LN F-15E Strike Eagle - '48FW'
91-0314/LN F-15E Strike Eagle - '494FS'
91-0314 LN F-15E Strike Eagle Lakenheath 12-4-19
91-0320/LN F-15E Strike Eagle
91-0320 LN F-15E Strike Eagle Lakenheath 12-4-19
91-0326/LN F-15E Strike Eagle
91-0602/LN F-15E Strike Eagle
91-0602 LN F-15E Strike Eagle Lakenheath 12-4-19
92-0364/LN F-15E Strike Eagle
92-0364 LN F-15E Strike Eagle Lakenheath. 12-4-19
96-0201/LN F-15E Strike Eagle
96-0201 LN F-15E Strike Eagle Lakenheath 12-4-19
00-3002/LN F-15E Strike Eagle
00-3002 LN F-15E Strike Eagle Lakenheath 12-4-19
00-3003/LN F-15E Strike Eagle
00-3003 LN F-15E Strike Eagle Lakenheath 12-4-19
00-3004/LN F-15E Strike Eagle
00-3004 LN F-15E Strike Eagle Lakenheath 12-4-19
01-2001/LN F-15E Strike Eagle
01-2001 LN F-15E Strike Eagle Lakenheath 12-4-19
01-2003/LN F-15E Strike Eagle

As Lakenheath packed up midday I ventured over to the Hall, a C-17 was due that I needed. A bonus to catch my last Osprey.....at last!

Mildenhall 12-04-19
Visitors - USAF
64-14845/OF RC-135V Rivet Joint - 55WG
64-14846/OF RC-135V Rivet Joint - 55WG
79-1948 KC-10A Extender - 60AMW 'Travis'
79-1948 KC-10A Extender Mildenhall 12-4-19
84-0189 KC-10A Extender - 305AMW 'McGuire'
84-0189 KC-10A Extender Mildenhall 12-4-19
85-0028 KC-10A Extender - 305AMW 'McGuire'
10-0219 C-17A Globemaster III - 62AW 'McChord'

Visitors - US Army
N8200L DHC-8-202 - US Army(Dynamic AG)
N8200L DHC8 Mildenhall. 12-4-19

Based noted
351ARS
57-2605/D KC-135R Stratotanker
58-0001/D KC-135R Stratotanker
58-0001 KC-135R Stratotanker Mildenhall. 12-4-19
61-0288/D KC-135R Stratotanker
61-0288 KC-135R Stratotanker Mildenhall 12-4-19

7 SOS
08-0051 CV-22B Osprey
10-0052 CV-22B Osprey
10-0052 CV-22B Osprey Mildenhall 12-4-19
12-0063 CV-22B Osprey
12-0064 CV-22B Osprey
12-0064 CV-22B Osprey Mildenhall.. 12-4-19

67SOS
12-5757 MC-130J Commando II
13-5778 MC-130J Commando II
13-5786 MC-130J Commando II
13-5786 MC-130J Commando II Mildenhall 12-4-19

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Six months on and it's time for a shift change in the desert. Last time the MO's managed to get over in one hit, how would the SJ's fair?

True to SJ form it was another debacle! The first six arrived whilst both Nay and LB were at work. We had hoped they would be in for at least 24 hours giving us a chance to catch them, unfortunately not, as they departed the next morning.

Still, after a delay the final twelve were due to head over and we were both off! The only downside was the arrival time would have them landing in the dark, it wouldn't stop us.

So we awaited the twelve but only ten arrived, two going tech in Bangor, sound familiar? Photo's and trying to read them in the dark proved fruitless, so a walk in the field for LB was in order, whilst Nay warmed up in the car, bless him.

But first a quick nip over to the Hall, hopefully that elusive Osprey would be out.

Mildenhall 11-04-19
Visitors - USAF
64-14845/OF RC-135V Rivet Joint - 55WG
78-0577/OK E-3B Sentry - 552ACW
85-0028 KC-10A Extender - 305AMW 'McGuire'
85-0028 KC-10A Extender Mildenhall 11-4-19

Lakenheath 11-04-19
Visitors - USAF
4 FW
87-0181/SJ F-15E Strike Eagle - 336FS
87-0192/SJ F-15E Strike Eagle - 335FS
87-0196/SJ F-15E Strike Eagle - 335FS
87-0199/SJ F-15E Strike Eagle - 335FS
88-1700/SJ F-15E Strike Eagle - no marks
(88-1703)/SJ F-15E Strike Eagle - no marks
88-1706/SJ F-15E Strike Eagle - 336FS
(89-0488)/SJ F-15E Strike Eagle - no marks
89-0502/SJ F-15E Strike Eagle - 335FS
90-0232/SJ F-15E Strike Eagle - 335FS

LB managed to read 8 out of 10 in the dark, the other serials had come to light by morning. Still the lack of photo's wouldn't do. Nay was back at work the next day, so LB decided to head up to the Heath on his own, a day graphing Eagles on the menu.

A quick nip into Stansted on the way home for a UAE C-17 which had arrived.

Stansted 11-04-19
1229 C-17A Globemaster III UAE Air Force

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A rare mil visitor in the local and an 0500 photo opp

Luton 05-04-19
144617 CC-144 Challenger Royal Canadian Air Force 412sqn
144617 CC-144 Luton 5-4-19

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Saudi Eagle time again and as LB and Nay were both rostered off it was game on. First port of call was Stansted as there was a Maltese AW139 due.

Stansted 26-03-19
AS1429 AgustaWestland AW139 Maltese Armed Forces
AS-1429 AW139 Maltese AF Stansted 26-03-19

A look in at Cambridge for the Danish Chally, still can't catch the UAE Global outside though...

Cambridge 26-03-19
C-215 Challenger 604 Royal Danish Air Force

Then up to Mildy where it was rather quiet. Just the TDY Seymour Johnson tanker in. Didn't bother with the based today bar a quick look at the Ospreys as we still need 0052. It wasn't about.

Mildenhall 26-03-19
Visitors - USAF
63-8014 Boeing KC-135R Stratotanker 916ARW/77ARS 'First in Flight'
63-8014 KC-135R Mildenhall 26-3-19

And over to LN to await Retro 61-64

Lakenheath 26-03-19
Visitors - USAF
12-1046 Boeing F-15SA Strike Eagle FMS Saudi Arabia
12-1046 F-15SA Lakenheath 26-03-19
12-1049 Boeing F-15SA Strike Eagle FMS Saudi Arabia
12-1049 F-15SA Lakenheath 26-03-19
12-1074 Boeing F-15SA Strike Eagle FMS Saudi Arabia
12-1074 F-15SA Lakenheath 26-03-19
12-1075 Boeing F-15SA Strike Eagle FMS Saudi Arabia
12-1075 F-15SA Lakenheath 26-03-19

Back to MHZ for the tanker.

Mildenhall 26-03-19
Visitors - USAF
84-0189 Douglas KC-10A Extender 305AMW 'McGuire'

There were mentions of a P-3 due at 2100 so we went off for a BK then had a little wait, and a nap, to see if it turned up. We gave up at just gone 9pm...it finally turned up at 0600 next morning so good job we didn't hang about any longer.

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Not exactly fighters to start off with but the lure of a few Buff's was more than enough to get Buster and Nay out. Luckily we were both off shift so also time to start catching up on some UK mil.

Fairford 18-03-19
Visitors - USAF
60-0024/- Boeing B-52H Stratofortress 2BW/20BS 'Buccaneers'
60-0024 B-52H Fairford 18-03-19
60-0025/LA Boeing B-52H Stratofortress 2BW/20BS 'Buccaneers'
60-0025 B-52H Fairford 18-03-19
60-0032/LA Boeing B-52H Stratofortress 2BW/96BS 'Red Devils'
60-0032 B-52H Fairford 18-03-19
60-0058/LA Boeing B-52H Stratofortress 2BW/20BS 'Buccaneers'
60-0058 LA B-52H Fairford 18-3-19
61-0013/LA Boeing B-52H Stratofortress 2BW/20BS 'Buccaneers'
61-0015/LA Boeing B-52H Stratofortress 2BW/96BS 'Red Devils'
61-0015 LA B-52H Fairford. 18-3-19
63-8014 Boeing KC-135R Stratotanker 916ARW/77ARS 'First in Flight'
63-8014 KC-135R Fairford 18-03-19

We then headed south for some Wildcats.

Yeovilton 18-03-19
Royal Navy
XX285 Hawk T.1
ZJ125/J Merlin HC.4
ZJ129/N Merlin HC.4
ZJ130/O Merlin HC.3
ZJ134/S Merlin HC.4
ZJ135/T Merlin HC.3
ZJ135 Merlin Yeovilton 18-03-19
ZZ375 Wildcat HMA.2
ZZ375 Wildcat Yeovilton 18-03-19
ZZ380 Wildcat HMA.2
ZZ500 Avenger T.1
ZZ517 Wildcat HMA.2
ZZ518 Wildcat HMA.2
ZZ518 Wildcat Yeovilton 18-03-19
ZZ519 Wildcat HMA.2
ZZ519 Wildcat HMA.2 Yeovilton 18-3-19
ZZ528 Wildcat HMA.2
ZZ534 Wildcat HMA.2
ZZ534 Wildcat Yeovilton 18-03-19
ZZ535 Wildcat HMA.2
ZZ535 Wildcat Yeovilton 18-03-19

Army Air Corps
ZZ387 Wildcat AH.1
ZZ387 Wildcat Yeovilton 18-03-19
ZZ391 Wildcat AH.1
ZZ395 Wildcat AH.1
ZZ399 Wildcat AH.1
ZZ520 Wildcat AH.1
ZZ524 Wildcat AH.1
ZZ525 Wildcat AH.1

Nice timing saw us arrive at Yeovil the same time as the Wildcat.

Yeovil 18-03-19
ZZ105 Merlin Mk.612 - for Norwegian Air Force
ZZ106 Merlin Mk.612 - for Norwegian Air Force
ZZ550 Wildcat Mk.220 - for Philippine Navy

A couple of quick stops on the way home. Boscombe Down found nothing bar a couple of G- QinteiQ's. Middle Wallop had 5 Apaches on the ramp but none were readable at 1700.

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