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Issue 11 – April 2017
Welcome to another issue of Spotter Magazine. Another packed issue with aircraft from all over the world. From a review of QANTAS’s current fleet to the helicopters of the air force of Bangladesh, this issue also strikes a very nostalgic note with features on two Cold War Greats – the English Electric Lightning and the MiG-21. Enjoy your read, and please support this project if you can.
Mark Zerafa Editor
Got Something to Share? If you have anything aviation related, be it photos, articles or artworks, please contact us on:
Spottermagmalta@gmail.com
Cover Photo: On alert. Lightning F.6 stands ready to go at Bruntingthorpe for a QRA re-enactment (Jamie Ewan)
Contents British Chinooks
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QANTAS
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Bangladeshi AF Choppers
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Aberdeen Regionals
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Lightning at Night
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Indian Navy Chetaks
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Douglas DC-8
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Bulgarian MiG-21s
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Credits Mark Zerafa, Massimiliano Zammit, Richard J. Caruana, Jamie Ewan, Sean McRandle, William Reid, Shadman Al Samee, Paul Chalmers, Cliff Ibell, Aneesh Bapaye, Brendan O’Neill, Svetlan Simov
Editorial Address:
Copyright Notice
238, Morning Star, Manuel Dimech Str Sliema SLM 1052 MALTA, EUROPE
Editor: Profiles:
Mark Zerafa
Design Assistant:
Massimiliano Zammit
Richard J. Caruana Massimiliano Zammit
All photos and articles remain the intellectual and artistic property of the respective credited persons. All unauthorised reproduction, by any means, both printed and digital, is considered an infringement of this copyright and all remedies available by law will be taken against any infringements of such copyright.
Inner Cover: Still one of the most beautiful aircraft to have ever graced the skies, the Constellation is instantly recognisable.VH-EAG is one of the few airworthy surivors, and proudly wears QANTAS colours. (William Reid)
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If you enjoy reading Spotter Magazine every month, you will appreciate the hard work of many volunteers all around the world. You will also realise that buying a similar publication from your newsagent isn’t cheap. But Spotter Magazine is free, to encourage the love of our passion for aviation all over the world and promoting the talent of upcoming aviation photographers. We firmly believe that all photographers should be compensated for their work. So show your appreciation for our work by sending us a donation, however large or small, to our PayPal account quoted below. At the end of every year, these funds will be distributed amongst our contributors, according to their input in the magazine over the year. So please show your appreciation and support to all those who help give you a monthly aviation read, free of charge.
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Photos: Sean McRandle Text: Mark Zerafa
In 2016, three of the four RAF Squadrons celebrated their 100th anniversary. To celebrate the occasion, 18(B), 27 and 28 Squadrons flew a formation training sortie over the Salisbury Plains on September 14th, with three aircraft specially painted for the occasion.
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The Army Air Corps provided a Lynx to act as a camera ship to record the occasion for posterity.
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SPOTTER MAGAZINE No. 18 (B) Squadron was formed on May 11th, 1915 at Northholt. Then part of the Royal Flying Corps, it deployed to France on November 19th, 1915, in the close support role. Its Vickers FB5 Gunbus, Airco DH.2s and Bristol Scouts, gave way to FE2bs by April 1916. The unit saw action in the Battle of the Somme before re-equipping with DH4s in June 1917. No.18 was heavily involved in warding off the final German attacks, before moving to DH9As between September and November 1918. After the armistice, the squadron disbanded on December 31st, 1919. Reformed at RAF Upper Heyford on October 20th, 1931, the squadron flew the Hawker Hart light bomber before re-equipping with the Bristol Blenheim I in May 1939. It deployed to France as part of the ill-fated BAF, before being evacuated to RAF Watton on May 19th, 1940. The squadron then moved to the Mediterranean theatre for the rest of the War, disbanding in Greece in 1946. Reformed in 1953 at RAF Scampton, No.18 was one of the first squadrons to fly the Canberra jet bomber. On December 15th 1959, No.199 Squadron had its flight of seven Vickers Valiants redesignated No. 18 Squadron. The aircraft were fitted with powerful jammers designed to interfere with communications and radar. Flown mainly for training purposes, the squadron was later tasked with supporting bomber operations, until Victors and Vulcans received more updated ECM equipment. The squadron disbanded again on APRIL 31st, 1963. Reformed in 1964 at RAF Odiham as a helicopter squadron flying Wessex HC.1s, the unit served in Northern Ireland and Germany and eventually in Cyprus in support of the United Nations force. The Wessex soldiered on until 1981, when the first Chinook HC.1s arrived. Dispatched to the Falklands, most of its helicopters were lost with the sinking of the Atlantic Conveyor, however the sole surviving aircraft, serialled ZA718, became a legend in the conflict as the famed ‘Bravo November’, the sole British Chinook to participate in the conflict. The squadron went on to deploy in both Gulf Wars and Afghanistan.
No. 27 Squadron was formed at Hounslow Heath on November 5th, 1915, flying the Martinsyde Elephant fighter, which accounts for the squadron’s elephant emblem. Fighting on the western Front from early 1916 till the Armistace, the squadron switched to the bomber-reconaissance role, and re-equipped with the Airco DH.4 between September and November 1916. It was disbanded on January 22nd, 1920. On April 1st, 1920, No.99 Squadron in India was renumbered as No.27. The squadron flew a succession of types, from the DH.9A to the Westland Wapiti to the Tiger Moth and Hawker Hart in the training role, before receiving its Bristol Blenheims towards the end of 1940, when it once again assumed a combat role. The Blenheims were however to prove woefully inadequate, and the squadron was practically wiped out by early 1942. Reformed on September 19 th, 1942 with Bristol Beaufighters, the unit saw action over Burma until the Japanese surrender. It was disbanded on February 1st, 1946. Reformed on November 24th 1947 at RAF Oakington as a transport squadron flying Douglas Dakotas, seeing action in the Berlin Airlift prior to being disbanded again on November 10 th, 1950. A further stint of activity occurred between June 15th, 1953 and December 31st, 1957, when the squadron was re-activated as a Canberra bomber squadron, seeing service in the Suez Crisis. In April 1961, the squadron has the distinction of being the first Vulcan B2 squadron, as part of the British nuclear deterrent force. Between 1973 and 1982, the squadron switched role to ‘Strategic Reconnaissance’, with modified Vulcans, designated Vulcan SR.2 tasked with the collection of air samples around areas of suspected nuclear tests. The squadron disbanded in Sampton in 1982. Reformed at RAF Marham in 1983 with the Tornado in the nuclear strike role, the squadron was disbanded in 1993, with its assets taken over by No.12 Squadron. At this stage, No.240 Operational Conversion Unit at RAF Odiham was renamed No.27 (Reserve) Squadron. responsible for operational conversion for both the Chinook and the Puma, it More Piper Initially Cub action. gained full squadron status in January 1998, and has since operated exclusively the Chinook. Having HB-POZ is a 1970 Piper seen action Super Cub. in Iraq and Afghanistan.
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SPOTTER MAGAZINE No. 28 Squadron was formed on November 7th, 1915 at RAF Gosport. After a period as a training squadron, it re-equipped with the Sopwith Camel and saw action in World War I, ending the conflict with a tally of 136 kills. Disbanded at RAF Eastleigh on January 20th 1920, it reformed in India on April 1st 1920, flying the Bristol F2b Fighter, eventually progressing to the Westland Wapiti and the Hawker Audax. In its initial operations in World War II, the squadron flew the Westland Lyslander, before converting to the Hawker hurricane in December 1942. The squadron remained in the Burma theatre throughout the war, and received its first Spitfires in July 1945. In the post-war period, the squadron moved to Hong Kong, progressing to the DH Vampire and DH Venom before receiving its Hawker Hunters, which it operated until its disbandment on January 2nd, 1967. Reformed on APRIL 1st, 1968 at Kai Tak as a helicopter unit, the Squadron flew the Westland Whirlwind HC.10 until the arrival of the Wessex HC.2 in January 1972. The squadron was the last unit to leave Hong Kong in June 1997. Reformed on July 17th 2001, flying the then-new EH-101 Merlin from RAF Benson, the squadron saw action in the Balkans and Iraq. In July 2015, the Merlins were transferred to the Royal Navy, and the squadron was reassigned as an Operational Conversion Unit for the Chinook Mk.4 and the Puma.
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Photos: William Reid Text: Mark Zerafa
Founded in November 1920, QANTAS is one of the oldest airlines in the world. From its hubs in Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney, Qantas serves a worldwide and domestic network using a variety of types ranging from the Dash 8 to the mighty A380.
VH-OEJ in special markings for the 2016 Olympics.
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The A330 is relatively new to the QANTAS fleet, replacing the 767. VH-QPJ wears special markings for the Sydney Mardi Gras. 17
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Qantas flies not less than 71 737NGs at the moment, having previously flown -300s and -400s. Four 737300s have been converted into freighters and are still in service, while a fifth conversion is in storage.
VH-XZJ is one of QANTAS’s 737s wearing special colours, this particular one being the ‘Mendoowoorrji’ aboriginal art colours. This is the fourth aircraft in the airline’s fleet to wear an Aboriginal ‘Flying Art’ livery, which started off in 1993, when a 747-400, VH-OJB was repainted in the ‘Wunula Dreaming’ colours. This proved so popular that when the aircraft needed a major check, the livery was transferred to another 747-400, VH-OEJ. ‘Mendoowoorrji’ is the only aboriginal livery still flying today. An adaptation of an artwork by aboriginal artist Paddy Bedford, the name refers to his original location, East Kimberley, Western Australia.
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QANTASLink is a regional branch of QANTAS, flying most regional and non-trunk routes of the airline. It is one of the few operators of the Boeing 717, which were inherited through the acquisition of Impulse Airlines. A number of 717s were transferred to another subsidiary, low-cost airline Jetstar Airways, however these were returned once the latter received more A320s. The airline operates from a number of bases, namely Adelaide, Brisbane, Cairns, Hobert, Melbourne, Sydney and Perth.
One of the last airliners to be built in the Long Beach assembly line, Boeing 717 cn 55194 was delivered new to Midwest Airlines in May 2006, until it was placed in storage in November 2008. Leased to MexicanaClick in October 2009, it spent some further time in storage before moving to Australia in April 2014. As of May 2014, it has worn ‘Discover Tasmania’ special colours.
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The Dash-8 is a mainstay of many communter airlines. QANTASLink has retired its original Dash8-100s in favour of the -400s, which offer increased passenger capacity and thus better operating economics. VH-LQM wears the ‘Recognise’ logo on its fuselage, as part of a movement to recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the Australian Constitution. It is envisaged that all 31 Q400s will wear this logo.
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The Airbus A380 is the flagship of the QANTAS fleet, with twelve currently in service. The aircraft are used on flights to Dubai, London, Los Angeles and DallasFortWorth
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Photos: Shadman Al Samee Text: Mark Zerafa
Having reviewed the Bangladeshi Army Aviation, Shadman Al Samee takes us through the rotary-winged types flown by the Bangladeshi Air Force.
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The Bangladeshi Air Force operates an interesting mix of helicopters. Fourteen Bell 212 helicopters in the utility role, 33 Mil Mi-17s in the transport role and two AW-139s for SAR as well as 6 Bell 206s for training purposes. The 212s are operated by 9 Squadron, whilst the Mi-17s are on strength with No. 31 and No 101 Squadrons, both based at Bashar AB. No.101 also flies the C-130B transport. The Bell 206Ls are operated by No. 18 Squadron at Matuir Rahman AB, which is home to all training units within the Air Force Academy. No.1 Squadron is based at Chittagong, operating three types, namely the Mi17, the Bell 212 and the AW-139. A number of helicopters are painted white, denoting that they have served on UN Peacekeeping missions.
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The Mi-17 forms the backbone of the Bangladeshi Air Force’s helicopter forces. A number of variants are in service, including VIP transports as well as potent transport/gunships, with the potential to carry a heavy warload on rather crude-looking supports on both sides of the fuselage.
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5016 is configured as a VIP transport, with larger, rectangular windows associated with civilian versions of the Mi-8/ Mi-17 family. It however retains the heat diffuser on the engine exhausts, more common on military versions. Also noteworthy is the emergency flotation equipment on the mainwheels and the sides of the cockpit.
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Bangladesh’s Rapid Action Battalion has acquired a pair of Bell 407s to provide airborne law enforcement capability.
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Photos: Paul Chalmers Text: Mark Zerafa
Aberdeen Airport is an important airport in Scotland. It is an important hub for oil rig support operations, which have been covered in an earlier issue of Spotter Magazine. Moreover, a number of regional airlines fly into the airport.
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Eastern Airways Jetstream 41 sits on the ramp at night after a long day of operations.
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Wideroe is a Norweigan carrier which flies its aircraft around numerous airports in Norway as well as some international routes. Air transport is particularly important in Norway, as its topography of fjords renders travel by land extremely lengthy in comparison with the actual distance between cities, with a one-hour flight in a Dash8 saving at least 8 hours’ driving around the coastline.
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Once a common sight, BMI’s colours have only survived with its BMI Regional brand, whilst all mainstream BMI aircraft have been swallowed by British Airways and now wear full BA livery.
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Providing more jet noise at Aberdeen, Lufthansa Cityline is a regular visitor with its Embraer ERJ-190s, operating from Frankfurt.
SAS is another regular operator, with its CRJ1000s replacing its Q400s, which did not enjoy a particularly happy career with the airline. the F-16.
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Flybe Q400 vacating the runway.
The fastest turboprop regional airliner, the Saab 2000 is not a common sight in most airports. Eastern Airways operates nine of these graceful propliners, two of which under the British Airways CityFlyer banner.
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Jetstreams from all angles. Eastern Airways operates seventeen Jetstream 41s, which are configured with 29 seats.
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Photos: Jamie Ewan Text: Mark Zerafa
The sight of a live English Electric Lightning is a speactacle to behold in itself. However, the Lightning Preservation Group at Bruntingthorpe Airfield go one step further, organizing a Twilight Run which presents spectacular photographic opportunities for those willing to go the extra mile to achieve some brilliant shots.
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Photos: Aneesh Bapaye Text: Mark Zerafa
The Chetak is the local designation of the Alouette III built under license in India by Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. Over 300 were built for the Indian armed forces, serving the Army Aviation Force, the Navy and the Air Force. Some were exported to Namibia and Suriname, whilst surplus Chetaks were donated to Bangladesh and Nepal.
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APRIL 2017 Initially purchased for plane-guard duties aboard its first aircraft carrier, the INS Vikrant, the first Alouette IIIs were delivered in crates in mid-1964. Assembled by Indian Navy engineers, they were embarked in July 1964. The Alouette airframe was then developed by HAL into the Chetak, equipped with antisubmarine weapons for operations from Indian Navy ships. Equipped with folding blades to facilitate ship-borne stowage, the Chetak also retained its SAR capability.
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Photos: Brendan O’Neill Text: Mark Zerafa
The DC-8 was one of the pioneering jet airliners to dominate the skies in the sixties. Although overshadowed by Boeing’s 707, the DC-8 found a niche as a freighter in its later years, most airframes even being re-engined with CFM-56 turbofans, prolonging their commercial viability for many more years.
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Were it not for military operators of the 707, the DC-8 would have definitely outlived its rival. Whereas Boeing never entertained the possibility of re-engining the 707 with CFM56 turbofans, McDonnell Douglas did. Furthermore, the grossly stretched variants of the DC-8 allowed the carriage of more cargo pallets in freighter configuration. Thus, the combination of improved economics, lower noise and better cargo capacity allowed the DC-8 to thrive while 707s were being flown to the desert. Only a handful of DC-8s remain airworthy today.
Like all other airliners, DC-8s passed from mainstream airlines to ever more minor operators as they got older. Passenger aircraft were either passed on to minor carriers or charter operators, or converted into freighters, some continuing to serve with their original operators in cargo configuration, whilst others going to freight specialists. Most notable was UPS, which operated a large fleet of DC-8s.
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Photos: Svetlan Simov Text: Mark Zerafa
The Bulgarian Air Force was one of the last MiG-21 operators in Europe. Officially retired on the 18th December 2015, the last airworthy pair of MiG-21bis and a single MiG-21UM1 two-seat trainer remain in storage at Graf Ignatievo Air Base, ready to be returned into service if necessary.
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A final farewell note. Rumen Radev, Commander of the Bulgarian Air Force, writes a farewell note after his final MiG-21 flight. Since then, he has been elected President of Bulgaria.
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2017 Programme now out!
Hellenic Air Force RF-4E Retirement UK Classic Aviation Tour (East Midlands, Bruntingthorpe) Heathrow Day-Trip Royal International Air Tattoo Slovakia Airshow and Museums Russia Japan Greece