Spotter Magazine Issue 28 by 9H Media

ISSUE 28

NAGOYA ANTIGUA RAF CRANWELL 100 ARW NOSE ART DAKS OVER NORMANDY RAZZLE DAZZLE A-109 DEMO

AUSSIE F-18 CLASSIC FAREWELL

What once graced the skies can now grace your luggage, laptop bag, backpack or keys. Continue the journey of this icon with our limited edition aviation tag made from an original piece of Boeing 737-3Y5 (Jet 2 G-GDFH)

Constructed entirely from the airframe of this Boeing 737-3Y5, each tag has been carefully formed from a single piece of skin, produced in the UK and features the aircrafts paintwork*. Whilst it will age and change with use, this is evidence of your own part in this aviation icon’s journey. Individually serial numbered and available in a strictly limited run of up to 400 pieces, continue the journey and display your piece of this aviation icon proudly on your keys, bags or suitcase.

*due to the age of the paintwork, the design on your tag may vary in depth and colour from others.

KRIS CHRISTIAENS

A C-130 at the maintenance hangar at the Melsbroek Air Base

"Great product, arrived quickly & as expected… would I buy from them again? Yes." "Unique tag, nice design and good quality production. Looking forward to the next tag release." "Great product and great seller. Always nice to talk with them on the mail."

WELCOME

Negativity. We might feel a lot of it. At the moment, we certainly don’t want a positive swab test! But as the going gets tough, it’s amazing how the worldwide aviation spotting community comes together, and contributions from all over the world keep flowing to keep Spotter Magazine alive and kicking. Once again we truly have an international feel to this issue, and I feel truly grateful for everyone’s efforts to make this happen. It is indeed this spirit of togetherness which I’ld love our magazine to keep fostering, where we keep strong together by sharing what we love.

MARK ZERAFA EDITOR

EDITORIAL EDITOR: MARK ZERAFA ADVERTISING AND COMMERCIAL: EMAIL:

SPOTTERMAGMALTA@GMAIL.COM

SUBSCRIPTIONS: EMAIL:

SPOTTERMAGREADERS@GMAIL.COM

EDITORIAL ADDRESS: 238, ‘MORNING STAR’, MANUEL DIMECH STR., SLIEMA, SLM1052 MALTA , EUROPE

@SpotterMagMalta

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COVER:

DIETMAR SCHEIBER

CONTENTS Marketplace

No.3 Flight Training School

Spotting in Almaty

Razzle Dazzle

Nagoya-Kamaki

Nose Art at Mildenhall

Austrian Saab 105 Retirement

Argentinian Fellowships

106

Spotting in Antigua

120

Daks over Normandy

130

Spotter Encounter

144

One Last Sting

154

CREDITS ARTWORKS: RICHARD J. CARUANA - TALGAT ASHIMOV CONTRIBUTORS: MIKE GREEN– TALGAT ASHIMOV KRIS CHRISTAENS - GERT TRACHEZ RON WILKINSON - DOUG MACDONALD PHILIP DILLEY - DIETMAR SCHREIBER GERARDO ADRIAN GOMEZ - CLIVE GRANT YOLANDIE GROBLER DE JAGER - PAUL SPIJKERS JASON WONG - RICHARD ENNIS - DION MAKOWSKI

RON WILKINSON

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.

MARKETPLACE

CHANGING OF THE GUARD 1000-PIECE PUZZLE British artist Matthew Emeny was born in the Suffolk town of Ipswich, England in 1975 and has been specialising in military aviation scenes since 2013. He has gained worldwide recognition for detailed realism style compositions, portraying subjects accurately in a way that is visually engaging. His work ‘Changing of the Guard’ transformed into a 1000-Piece Puzzle by Gibsons. The puzzle is available from the Gibsons website and other stockists which can be found by searching for the puzzle online. Flying gracefully over Lincoln Cathedral, these four aircraft highlight the importance of past and present UK air defence. The Lancaster and Spitfire are shown breaking away from the formation to symbolise old heroes moving aside to make way for the Vulcan and a modern day fighter, the Typhoon, as the RAF continue their story. This is reflected perfectly in the paintings title. Featured aircraft: SPITFIRE P9386, RAF 19(F) Sqn (Battle of Britain). LANCASTER ED932, RAF 617 Sqn (Operation Chastise, Dambusters). VULCAN XM607, RAF 44 Sqn (Falklands War). EUROFIGHTER TYPHOON ZK342, RAF 3(F) Sqn (Quick Reaction Alert Station: RAF Coningsby) Manufacturer:

Gibsons Games

Price:

£ 14.00

Dimensions:

68 x 49 cm

Available from:

www.gibsonsgames.com

The scene is also available as a limited edition signed print. Artist:

Matthew Emeny

Prices:

Small (20.75"x15.875") - £ 35.00 Medium (23.625"x18.125") £ 50.00 Large (26.5"x20.25") - £ 67.00 XLarge (29.375"x22.5") - £ 85.00

Available from: www.emenyart.com

FIGHTING COLOURS: MALTA GC E-BOOK Veteran aviation historian and illustrator Richard J. Caruana presents the second in his ‘Fighting Colours’ series of books celebrating his 50-year career. ’Malta GC’ represents a topic which is close to the author’s heart, being the air war for the defence of his native Malta in World War II, followed by the counter-offensive which lead to Operation Torch, the Allied landing in Sicily. Currently available as an e-book from 9H Publishing, the book contains 200 profiles of both Allied and Axis aircraft, in numerous colour schemes which Richard has researched for numerous projects in the past. This book is ideal for World War II aviation aficionados and modelers keen on building something different from the usual European Theatre of Operations fare. Publisher:

9H Publishing

Price:

€ 7.95

Pages:

Available from: https://fliphtml5.com/read/edskq/hhzt

MARKETPLACE

PAPERCRAFT MODELS PAPER TO STEEL Spotter Magazine readers will by now have become familiar with the skills of Peter Dick, the man behind Paper to Steel.

Eager to share his passion for scratch-built aircraft from scale plans, Peter has launched a range of scale plans, which can be printed on card, then cut out and assembled. To allow easy access worldwide, the plans are downloadable against a purchase. Aircraft currently available are the C-5 Galaxy in 1:100 scale, a 1:32 Cessna 182 Skyland, a 1:24 Extra 300LX and a 1:32 Short Skyvan. Manufacturer:

Paper to Steel

Product:

Downloadable Aircraft Scale Plans

Prices:

C-5 Galaxy

€ 20.00

Skyvan

€ 13.50

Cessna 182

€ 13.50

Available from:

https://fliphtml5.com/bookcase/xwekq

1:48 HELLENIC F-16 VIPERS DECALS New from Zeus Projects is this set of decals for the F-16C/D Block52+ and Block 52M in Greek service.

Printed by Cartograf in Italy, the A4 size decal sheet will allow the modeller to build a model F-16 from 337, 343, 335 or 336 Squadrons. Included wih the instructions is a 20-page booklet with instructions and high-quality photos and details. The package also includes full stencils and markings for ‘1045’, currently the only HAF F-16C to be upgraded to Advanced specifications. Manufacturers:

Zeus Projects

Scale:

1:48

Price:

€ 20.90 + VAT

Available from:

www.the48ers.com

MILITARY

Text: Photos:

Mike Green Mike Green

RAF Cranwell, Lincolnshire, has a long and distinguished history dating back to its foundations as a Royal Navy Training Establishment in 1916. It was the world’s first Air Academy and it continues to select and train the next generation of officers and aircrew. It is home to 3 FTS, which delivers the Elementary Flying Training for fixedwing and multi-engine student pilots from the RAF, Royal Navy and Army Air Corps, and also 6 Flying Training School, which oversees all University Air Squadrons (UAS) in universities across the UK and the Tedder Leadership Academy. RAF Cranwell is also home to the Royal Air Force College (RAFC), providing initial training to all RAF personnel who are preparing to be commissioned officers.

3 Flying Training School (3 FTS) has undergone a revolution in recent years as part of the UK Military Flying Training System (UKMFTS). This far reaching programme has seen the best the Royal Air Force has to offer, combine with the Ministry of Defence’s (MOD) commercial training partner, Ascent, which is considered to be one of the best in the business. A programme that began with the introduction of the British Aerospace (Bae) Hawk T2 for Advanced Fast-Jet Training (AFJT) and the Royal Navy’s Beechcraft Avenger, MFTS has transformed the UK’s military training. With the system now implemented across the board; Elementary Flying Training (EFT), Basic Fast-Jet Training (BFJT), Multi-Engine Pilot Training (MEPT), and Helicopter Flying Training have all undergone modernization and inclusion into the programme, with new aircraft types being introduced across the board. Responsibility for Elementary Flying Training falls upon 57 Squadron, RAF; 674 Sqn, Army Air Corps (AAC); and 703 Naval Air Squadron (NAS), Royal Navy, utilising a 23 strong aircraft fleet of Grob 120TP Prefect T1 aircraft. The Prefect replaced the Grob Tutor in the EFT role, the RAF receiving its first pair of Prefect aircraft in November 2016, introduction into service following on 1 August 2017 at RAF Barkston Heath. Unlike the EFT phase, which utilises RAF Cranwell and RAF Barkston Heath, all MultiEngine Pilot Training is conducted from Cranwell. MEPT is the sole responsibility of 45

Squadron and its small fleet of Embraer 100 Phenom T1s. Taking over the multi-engine aircrew training duties of the King Air B200 and B200GT, the first Phenom was delivered to the RAF in August 2017. With its touchscreen cockpit and comprehensive navigation, communications and flight safety suite, the Phenom T1 delivers a quantum leap in multi-engine flying training over its predecessor, and its capability as well as cockpit layout is far closer to the frontline types onto which its students will progress. The MEPT programme also incorporates training for fixed-wing rear crew such as Loadmasters, ISTAR crew and MQ-9 Reaper sensor operators. The introduction of a number of new types in recent years (Atlas, Voyager, F-35 and Poseidon to name but a few) meant that the UK’s training programme was beginning to look a little jaded in comparison to the modern frontline hardware entering service, and it was beginning to fall somewhat short in being able to provide relevant training platforms best-suited for the new types. Introduction of the Hawk T2 in 2009 rectified the issue for fast-jet pilots moving onto Typhoon and more recently the F-35 Lightning; but for those entering the ISTAR and Air Mobility stream, it was starting to creak. The UKMFTS was designed to be the key to providing a syllabus across the board that would enable the RAF to look well into the middle of this century and beyond.

In conjunction with RAF Barkston Heath, located some 6 miles down the road from Cranwell, 3 FTS is responsible for delivering EFT and MEPT for all three UK military services (Air Force, Navy and Army). As one would expect, RAF Cranwell and RAF Barkston Heath see year-round flying training, with aircraft in the circuit from 8am through to 5pm most weekdays. However, the new training syllabus is not only aimed at providing more modern and relevant

training aircraft; Cranwell has also seen considerable investment in new infrastructure, with the emphasis on synthetic training aids, which includes a high-end, full mission CAE flight simulator, a Phenom 100 flight training device and four Garmin 1000 part-task trainers. The advancement that MFTS provides ensures a far more capable pilot moving onto the frontline, as they already know how to manage systems and avionics.

GROB 120TP Prefect T1 The two-seat (side-by-side) trainer has a carbon composite airframe and is powered by a single Rolls-Royce M250-B17F turboprop engine rated at 380shp. It has a maximum speed of 245kt (454km/h), a rate of climb of 2,855ft/min (870m/min), and a surface ceiling of 25,000ft. The airframe is capable of sustaining G-forces of -4G through 6G.

The spacious cockpit of the Prefect combined with its turboprop power, retractable undercarriage and modern avionics make it a considerably more advanced and capable abinitio trainer than the Tutor that it replaced. The Prefect presents a step-change in capabilities over the Tutor in that it has better performance, is more stable, more relevant in a low-level environment, whilst instrument training is leagues ahead.

EMBRAER 100 Phenom T1 Powered by two 1,695lbst (7.54kN) Pratt & Whitney Canada PW617F turbofan engines, the Phenom has a cruise speed of 405kt (750km/h) and a range of 1,178nm (2,182km) with a four-man crew, together with a maximum altitude of 41,000ft. Based on the Embraer 100 business jet, the Phenom’s advanced avionics and touchscreen glass cockpit, combined with a comprehensive navigation, communications and flight safety suite, ensures MEPT students are able to manage the systems and avionics of the frontline aircraft they move onto after completion of their training. The Phenom aircraft at RAF Cranwell are operated by 45 Squadron. The Phenom T1 is manned by an Instructor Pilot (IP), two student pilots and four students as rear crew. The student pilots are seated in the modern glass cockpit, while the cabin accommodates the instructor and four crew members, the cockpit and cabin windows provide enhanced visibility.

The flight deck of the Phenom T1 integrates the flight management system, weather radar, engine-indicating and crew-alerting system, synthetic vision system, navigation and communications, Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS) air navigation aid, charts and maps, Central Maintenance Computer, Integrated Electronic Standby Instrument (IESI), as well as electronic checklist and system synoptic, with flight data displayed on the primary flight displays and multi-function displays (MFD). The aircraft is just one part of a completely new training system for all Military multi-engine pilots and RAF Weapons System Operators alongside state-of-the-art simulators. The modern glass cockpit reflects the latest technology in use on the front line and ensures that student pilots and WSOs have the best possible training for their future roles operating modern aircraft such as the Voyager, A400M and Poseidon.

Elementary Flying Training Prior to EFT students will have undergone four weeks of Ground School with sorties typically lasting one hour. The EFT course sees further ground school training and flying utilising the Prefect T1. Courses are scheduled to run over a 16-week period involving 40 hours of flying training; however, this can be affected by a range of factors such as weather and aircraft availability. This then culminates in the Student achieving the equivalent of a Private Pilot’s Licence (PPL), but with low-level and formation flying elements. Students then move onto either Basic Fast-Jet Training, Helicopter Flying Training, Reaper Training or Multi-Engine Pilot Training. A key element of the MFTS system is the advancement in synthetic training, 33 hours of which are undertaken during the EFT phase, with students using desktop and tablet computers (which they are able to take home to continue their studies), as well as advanced full-motion flight simulators. The advanced sim training enables the students to become familiar with the aircraft systems long before they’ve even set foot inside the aircraft, which also benefits the QFI’s (Qualified Flying Instructors) no end as they can concentrate on the flight elements knowing that the systems are already familiar to the students. Broken down, the EFT flying phase is as follows: General Handling – 9 sorties/7.5hrs Circuits – 12 sorties/8.25hrs Aerobatics – 4 sorties/4.25hrs Navigation – 10 sorties/9.5hrs

Medium & low-level Instrument Flying – 3 sorties/3.5hrs Composite Final Tests – 7 sorties/7hrs

Multi Engine Pilot Training The MEPT training to fly multi-engine aircraft is approximately 10 months long, involving 54.5 hours of flying training conducted on the Embraer Phenom T1. During the course, ab-initio students are introduced to multi-crew operations, procedural flying including overseas landings, low-level navigation and formation flying. Trainee pilots on 45 Squadron are also exposed to the nuances of night flying, including visibility, planning considerations and operating techniques, all of which differ subtly from daytime flying. As with the EFT programme, the MEPT has an element of synthetic training, but to a much larger degree – involving some 54 events with a total of 76 hours. Broken down, the MEPT flying phase is as follows: General Handling – 12 sorties/16.5hrs General Handling, Circuits and Asymmetric Basic Instrument Flying – 3 sorties/4.5hrs

Night Flying – 3 sorties/3hrs Advanced Instrument Flying 11 sorties/17.5hrs Airways navigation Low Level – 2 sorties/3hrs Formation Flying (Including Composite Formation Sorties) – 4 sorties/6.5hrs Final Tests – 2 sorties/3.5hrs

SPOTTING

Text: Photos: Colour Profiles:

Talgat Ashimov Talgat Ashimov Talgat Ashimov

Halfway between Europe and Asia , Kazakhstan is not only the border between East and West, but even at the junction of two different eras in the development of aviation. One can just as easily be a passenger of the most modern Airbus A321neoLR or Sukhoi Superjet, as aboard a piston An-2, or a turboprop An-24 . Spotters in Almaty enjoy a great diversity of subjects .

Mi-26T UP-MI602 of the Ministry of Emergency Situations at Boraldai Airport.

Spotting in Kazakhstan, especially in Almaty (formerly Alma-Ata), has been relatively recent, with the more experienced hobbyists having been active for the past 15 years. They were mainly photography enthusiasts who were not indifferent to aviation technology, and a handful of local mainstream media journalists covering the work of the Repulic’s aviation industry. For the last decade, Almaty spotters have organised themselves as the “Kazakhstan Spotting Club”. The best photos of the club members are regularly featured on the most famous aviation sites in the world and in social networks. Sometimes the management of Almaty International Airport organises official spotting visits for club members, allowing for the possibility of ramp pho-

tography and close-quarter shots on the runway. Taking pictures within the airport precincts and inside the passenger terminal is only possible with the permission of the administration and the airport security service. Spotters try to attend open airport events, but mostly use spotting locations outside the airfield. The main target for spotting in the region is Almaty International Airport (IATA: ALA, ICAO: UAAA) as it is an important transport hub in Central Asia as it is located in the middle of the Europe-Asia air routes. Today it is one of the busiest airports in the region and in the Republic of Kazakhstan. The largest number of domestic and international passenger and cargo air transportation is carried out here.

For more than 10 years, Air Astana has operated Boeing-757-200 aircraft on its domestic and international routes, but now they have been completely replaced by the later versions of Airbas A320neo and A-321neoLR

The airport is located within the city and is surrounded by the road infrastructure of the district settlements adjacent to the city, and this allows spotters to find and use various points for photographing along the fence of the airport territory. The airport has two runways with a length of 4500 meters and a width of 60 meters, equipped with all modern technical means and for the operation of all types of aircraft, both in terms of maximum takeoff weight and flight intensity. The large number of sunny days a year almost always provides an opportunity for photography. The airfield stretches from west to east and parallel to the picturesque mountain range of the Tien Shan, which makes photographing in a southern direction very attractive.

The presence of long and wide load-carrying runways, parking areas for all types of heavy aircraft, equipped with engineering communications for their maintenance, temporary storage warehouses provides a high transit and transfer potential of the airport. This attracts well-known cargo airlines and their cargo versions Boeing-747, MD-11, Airbus A330, as well as An-22, An-124 and An-225. Last year, during an acute pandemic, the airport became a frequent and important transit point for refueling and resting the crews of these giants.

Boraldai, the second most important airport, is also located within the city. It was created during the Soviet era and here civil aviation aircraft of regional importance were based, which provided regular flights to the nearest regional centers of the region. Today, aircraft and helicopters of general airlines are based here. The basis of the civil aircraft

fleet of the airfield is the helicopters of the Burundayavia airline, such as Mi-8 and Mi-17. Helicopters Mi-8 / Mi-17, An-2, An-26, An-30, An-72 of the military unit of the border troops of the National Security Committee, Mi-8, Mi-17, Ka-32, Mi-26 are based at the airport The Ministry of Emergency Situations and the Ministry of the Interior.

In 2020, Almaty airport was several times an important point for refueling and parking on the An225 “Mriya” UR-82060 intercontinental routes

Photographing on the territory of the aerodrome is possible only with the permission of the airport administration, public and private organizations. Spotters use every convenient opportunity to film during aircraft presentations or during holiday air shows.

An-26 (01) operated by the Border Troops of the National Security Committee of the Republic of Kazakhstan

Tu-154M UP-T5401 of the border service of Kazakhstan. These aircraft types are operated only in Russia and Kazakhstan.

An-24B UP-AN404 of “Ontystic Aspany” (“Southern Sky” airlines)

Tupolev Tu-134A-3 UP-T3407 of “Kazaviaspas” Government of Kazakhstan

GERT TRACHEZ

Antonov An-26 (02) of the border service of the National Security Committee of the Republic of Kazakhsta

BORALDAI AIRPORT Boraldai, the second most important airport, is also located within the city. It was created during the Soviet era and here civil aviation aircraft of regional importance were based, which provided regular flights to the nearest regional centers of the region. Today, aircraft and helicopters of general airlines are based here. The basis of the civil aircraft fleet of the airfield is the helicopters of the Burundayavia airline, such as Mi-8 and Mi-17. Helicopters Mi-8 / Mi-17, An2, An-26, An-30, An-72 of the military unit of the border troops of the National Security Committee, Mi-8, Mi-17, Ka-32, Mi-26 are based at the airport The Ministry of Emergency Situations and the Ministry of the Interior. Photography within the premises of the aerodrome is only possible with authorisation from the airport administration, public and private organizations. Spotters use every convenient opportunity to film during aircraft presentations or during holiday air shows.

Mil Mi-171 UP-M1706 of the Ministry of Emergency Situations

Tupolev Tu-134b-3 UP-T3409 of “Jet Airlines” is now in storage

Yak-40 UP-Y4013 of “Zheskazgan Air” perfo regular flights to the regions

orms

Mil Mi-8AMT UP-M1863 of the Kazakhstan Government Former Soviet Navy Mi-14

Kamov Ka-32 A11VS UP-K3202 of the Ministry of Emergency Situations

Remains of Mil Mi-14P belonging to the USSR Navy aviation

Let L-410UVP UP-L4101 Turbolet

Yakovlev Yak-18T UP-LA069 of the “Tien Shan Aviation Flight Center”

BAISERKE AIRFIELD There is a Baiserke unpaved airfield on the border of the city. Many pilots of military and civil aviation received their first flying skills here during the Soviet era. Today, the Tien Shan Aviation Flight Center operates here, where flight training and practice is carried out, as well as pleasure flights or parachute jumps under the guidance of professionals. The aerodrome’s fleet includes An-2, Yak-18T, and Mi-2 helicopters suitable for flight operation.

Mil Mi-2 / PZL-Swidnik UP-MI209 of the “Tien Shan Aviation Flight Center”

Antonov An-2 UP-0291. The stars on the wings and surfaces remain from a movie appearance

ISSUE 27

HELICOPTERS

Text: Photos:

KrisCupido Joe Christaens and Gert Trachez Joe Cupido Kris Christaens and Gert Trachez

On Thursday 28 January, the Belgian Air Force presented the new paint scheme of its famous A109 demonstration helicopter. During this official presentation at the Beauvechain Air Base, the A109BA (H46) helicopter with its new paint came out of the painting shelter for the first time. Despite strict rules as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Belgian Air Force still managed to organize a corona-proof photo event for twenty photographers.

NOSTALGIA While the new design of the paint scheme for this demonstration helicopter comes from the Dutch talented designer Jeroen van Veenendael, the painting itself was carried out by the Beauvechain Air Base paintshop. While the previous designs of paint schemes of the A109 demonstration helicopter of the Belgian Air Force were predominantly Text: Joe Cupido dark, this new design is much more colorful and modern. Photos: Joe Cupido With this modern design, the Belgian Air Force hopes that young people will become more interested in a career within the Belgian Armed Forces. Clearly visible in this new paint scheme is the head of a wolf which symbolizes the emblem of the 1st Wing of the Belgian Air Force. With the new design, this A109 demonstration helicopter acquired the nickname ‘Razzle Blade’. The Belgian Air Force has a long tradition for aviation display teams. One of these demonstration teams for many years now is the A109 Display Team from the 17th ‘Griffins’ Squadron which is based at the Beauvechain Air Base. This airbase is the home of the 1st Wing which consists of the 15th Squadron (Operational Conversion and Training Unit), 17th, 18th and 40th Squadrons. Meanwhile, the A109BA helicopter has been in service within the Belgian Armed Forces since 1992 and is used for numerous tasks. The A109 display team of the Belgian Air Force is well known for its impressive manouverability and the use of flares which provides a lot of spectacle. During a demo or a display, pilots demonstrate their airmanship and their aircraft’s capabilities. Given their role as ambassadors at big events at home and abroad, the Belgian Air Force places great importance that the display projects a positive, professional image of the arm. A109 ‘Razzle Blade’ will be flown by Commander pilot Jo Jacobs and Commander pilot Stijn Soenens who were also the pilots of the BAF A109 demo helicopter in previous years. They will be supported for this by a technical team from the Beauvechain Air Base that will maintain this demonstration helicopter optimally. Despite the fact that it is not yet certain whether airshows or other events will be able to continue in 2021 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Belgian Air Force and their A109 demonstration helicopter are ready for a new airshow season.

NOSTALGIA

NOSTALGIA After about 15 years of flying and working on my career I had established myself pretty well in the fighter community. I was always thinking of new ideas and looking at other people’s work to get more ideas. I didn’t copy others work, but late at night, in the shower, while driving to the store or just while lying in bed thinking about how Text: captured Joe Cupido they their material I was studying. I would think Photos: Joe Cupido about and then plan out the complete mission months, weeks, or days before flying, or keep different ideas in my head and when the time came used them.

During my career as an Aviation Photojournalist I flew in and or piloted over 100 different types of aircraft, from the Piper J3 Cub to McDonnell-Douglas KC10 Tanker. I can’t really say Well, the other thing I tried to do as much as possible which aircraft I liked the best, they all had their place in aviation, but I do feel that the followwas not to do what everyone else was doing, sorry but it ing article and images mightI had not be my flying best work, was the most important mission I think seemed boring. At the time more time but in the I flew. In so many ways it was a very basicThen flightone of a fighter type aircraft out on a normal McDonnell-Douglas F4 than anyjust other fighter. day this idea camebut to it me, getdifferent a flight and of each the modtraining mission, was veryofspecial . els of the F-4 together, those being; the C / D / E / RF and G models and there were units still operational in all the models. This had NEVER been done, or at the time I had never seen a photo of them together. Then came the hard part, putting the flight together and making it happen.

First off was to figure out all the logistics of getting the aircraft, finding a location to operate from, getting the aircraft to and from that location. Biggest issue was getting approve from each of the units to support the mission, that being finding an operational F4 unit flying each of the different models. This was the easy part because I had flown in all the F4 models and went back to those units for help. Logistically it really worked out because all the units were on the west coast. I called each of the units; 123rdnd FIS at Portland IAP, OR – F-4C / 194th FIS at Fresno IAP, CA – F-4D / 196th TFS at March AFB, CA – F4E / 192nd TRS Reno IAP, NV – RF-4C and the 35th TFW George AFB, CA – F-4G. All came back with, “When and where do you want us to send an aircraft.” They all were very cooperative except the 35th TFW. The Director of Operations told me this, “There is NO reason to fly that formation, it serves no purpose.” I disagreed, but I had no “G” model for the flight.

A luxury set of six mugs featuring the planes that defended, and fought back from the island of Malta, illustrated by Richard J. Caruana.

A SAD GOODBYE

When we bid farewell to F-BTGV, it was no pleasure for us. We are passionate about aircraft, and nothing gives us more joy than seeing an aircraft preserved in all its glory for future generations. However, when the sad inevitable happens, we are there to ensure that a lasting memento of this, and other amazing aircraft, which meant so much to so many, will live on. We can proudly announce that we have acquired considerable skin sections from this aircraft, and you can soon expect a range of products celebrating this incredible aircraft.

NOSTALGIA MILITARY After about 15 years of flying and working on my career I had established myself pretty well in the fighter community. I was always thinking of new ideas and looking at other people’s work to get more ideas. I didn’t copy othText:work, but late Ron Wilkinson ers at night, in the shower, while driving to Photos: Ron WIlkinson the store or just while lying in bed thinking about how Text: captured Joe Cupido they their material I was studying. I would think Photos: Joe Cupido Nagoya alsoout known as Komaki Air- months, about andAirfield, then plan the complete mission port or Nagoya Airport, is an airport which lies ideas in weeks, or days before flying, or keep different within the local government areas my head and when the time came used them. of Toyokawa, Komaki, Kasugai and Nagoya in Ai

During my career as an Aviation Photojournalist I flew in and or piloted over 100 different chi Prefecture, Japan. It was once an internationtypes of aircraft, from the Piper J3 Cub to McDonnell-Douglas KC10 Tanker. I can’t really say al airport, but is now domestic secondary Well, the other thing aI tried to do as muchairas possible port serving while the they current primary which aircraftNagoya I liked the best, all had their place in aviation, but I do feel that the followwas not to do what everyone else was doing, civil airport for Nagoya is Chūbu Centrair Interna-sorry but it ing article andinimages mightI had not be my flying best work, was the most important mission I think seemed boring. At the time more time but in the tional Airport Tokoname. I flew. In so many ways it was a very basicThen flightone of a fighter type aircraft out on a normal McDonnell-Douglas F4 than anyjust other fighter. day this idea camebut to it me, getdifferent a flight and of each the modtraining mission, was veryofspecial . els of the F-4 together, those being; the C / D / E / RF and G models and there were units still operational in all the models. This had NEVER been done, or at the time I had never seen a photo of them together. Then came the hard part, putting the flight together and making it happen.

It is the main hub for FDA (Fuji Dream Airlines), the only airline that offers scheduled air service from the airfield. With Destinations too :Aomori, Fukuoka, Hanamaki, Izumo, Kochi, Kumamoto, Niigata, Yamagat a. It is also used for general aviation, and as an important Transport and repair facility for the Japanese Defence Forces, with the 401st Tactical Airlift Squadron Lockheed C-130H/KC130H and the 404th Tactical Airlift Tanker Squadron Boeing KC767J.

Mitsubishi Aircraft Corporation is headquartered in the airport's terminal building, and its parent company Mitsubishi Heavy Industries produces the Mitsubishi Regional Jet aircraft at a factory adjacent to the airport. You enter via the carpark, into the main checking in hall, proceeding to the right of the check-in desks, and upstairs to the viewing deck. Why can’t every airport take a leaf out of the Japanese idea of spotters, where you are tolerated and facilities are set up for you to enjoy our hobby. Which includes clean toilets and food stalls. Once on the deck, to your left is the Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, where we had the great privilege, of seeing a brand-new F-35A, ‘89-8710’, leaving for the 301st FS, its new Squadron, new UH-60J,’58-4593’, and a refurbished F-15J, ’22-8812’ The local Airline FDA with its multi-coloured Embraer E-Jet, operating directly in front of you. The C-130H/KC-130H from 401st TTG. KC-767J from the 404th TTG, coming and going across the other side of the runway, Aircraft that have been in for deep maintenance doing test flights. but easily within the 300mm lens range, so no problems. A constant stream of T-4’s, including ‘96-5776’, trainers from the local OCU. C-1, ‘88-1028’, from 3rd TTG. Carrying out ‘touch and goes’, and U- 125A ‘72-3006’ maritime aircraft, called in for a ‘Splash and Dash’ keeps your attention all day long. There is a constant stream of helicopters and Biz-jets coming and going. Because of the amount of traffic coming and going, it was difficult to leave to attend to ‘the call of nature!!’. There is an important thing you should all remember, Keep your passport handy, you WILL be stopped by the local Police, for a security check, but they are friendly and understand the needs of the photographer in you.

Japan operates a fleet of 14 C-130H and 2 KC-130H for transport and inflight refuelling missions respectively.

The Raytheon U-125A is used by the Japan Air SelfDefence Force as a maritime search and rescue platform based on the Hawker 800 business jet.

Fuji Dream airlines is a Japanese regional airline headquartered in Shimizu-ka, Japan, with two main hubs at Skizuoka and Nagoya. It operates a fleet of sixteen Embraer jets, composed of 3 E170s and 13 E175s. Each aircraft has its own indifidual colour.

Nagoya also enjoys healthy business aviation traffic, both fixed-wing and helicopters.

Destined to be replaced by the Kawasaki C-2, the C-1 was designed in the late 1960s to fulfil the modernise the JASDF’s transport fleet. Indeed the Japanese only purchased the C-130 because the C-1 lacked the range to fly to Okinawa.

Another Japanese design, the Kawasaki T-4 is an intermediate jet trainer, which is a common sight at most Japanese air bases.

The Japanese inflight-refuelling fleet is composed of a pair of KC-130Hs, and modified 767s. The KC-46 is on order.

The F-35 is Japan’s latest fast jet, replacing the F-4 Phantom.

The F-15J Eagle is the main interceptor of the JASDF. 203 singleseaters and 20 two-seaters were acquired, of which 14 were built by McDonnell Douglas in St. Louis, Missouri, with the rest being built by Mitsubishi in Japan.

NOSTALGIA MILITARY

Text: Photos:

Mark Zerafa Doug MacDonald and Philip Dilley

The 100th Air Refuelling Wing, over the past few years has reintroduced nose art and names to their fleet of fifteen Boeing KC135 tankers not for any reason other than to honour their heritage and those men who flew with the 100th Bomber Group during World War II.

A society of 300+ like-minded aviation enthusiasts intereste in East Anglia - RAF Mildenhall, RAF Lakenheath, RAF Marha and the STANTA range. Offering Monthly Movements - Photo C its - Official Base Merchandise

info@suffolkmilitaryaviationsociety.co

ed in military aviation am, RAF Wattisham

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For the past few years the 100th Air Refuelling Wing, based at RAF Mildenhall, Suffolk. UK has been sporting names and nose art on its fleet of fifteen Boeing KC-135’s. However, having nose art on aircraft is not new and dates back to the Great War of 1914 to 1918, but more so in World War II where crews of both bombers and fighters used to have all sorts of art and names painted onto their aircraft, some as dedications to their loved ones, some to appear menacing to the enemy and others just to have some fun in the dangerous lives they led, fighting in the skies above the world. As time went by, so the nose art changed to illustrate cartoon characters and Comic strip heroes of that era to name a few. However, after the end of World War II, the artistic drawings on aircraft dis-

appeared somewhat until Operation Desert Storm in 1991 when aircraft where again seen with nose art. Who can forget the RAF Tornado’s painted with Shark Teeth and rather risque images of scantily dressed women.

During June 1943, the 100th Bomber Group started to arrive in Thorpe Abbots airfield, East Anglia, which would be their home for the remainder of the war. They started off flying their Boeing B-17 Flying Fortresses over the country, getting used to landmarks, locations and practicing for the forA society of 300+ like-minded aviation enthusiasts intereste mation flying that became so iconic during the latin East Anglia - RAF Mildenhall, RAF Lakenheath, RAF Marha ter part of World War II. and the STANTA range. Offering Monthly Movements - Photo C its - Official Base Merchandise

info@suffolkmilitaryaviationsociety.co

On 25th June 1943, their first mission was a bombing raid on the submarine pens at Bremen, Germany. That mission alone they lost three aircraft and thirty crewmen. This was the start of the nickname given to the 100th Bomber Group, “The Bloody One Hundredth” because losses from this particular group mounted on every mission flown and it soon acquired a reputation as “as a hard-luck unit” very early on. On 17 th August 1943, the 100th flew to Regensed in military aviation burg, Germany targeting a factory where Mesam, RAF Wattisham serschmitt Me-109s were built. However, ReCompetitions - Base Vis- was heavily defended by German gensburg

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fighters which played havoc with mass formation, destroying 24 B-17’s of which nine were from 100th (90 crew members died). In October 1943 other missions over Bremen and Munster losses mounted, seven on the Bremen raid and twelve on the Muster raid, for a total of 190 crew members lost. On October 14th, 1943, the Bloody 100th were only able to send eight B-17s on a raid over Schweinfurt, where ball-bearings were made. Sixty aircraft were lost on this raid in total, but all eight from Thorpe Abbotts returned. This was the first time that the 100th flew an operational mission with no losses.

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DOUG MACDONALD

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58-0113 ‘All American Girl’ honours B-17G 4237936 which was lost over Germany on January 10th, 1945

The One Hundredth Bomber Group gained notoriety amongst the other bomber groups and the sight of the B-17’s big “D” on the tail sometimes 58-0100 reminisces B-17G 42caused upset amongst other Bomber Groups, 98015, which survived the war especially if they were in the next formation on to be scrapped in the USA. bombing missions. 58-0001 ‘Our Girl Sal’ was The introduction of anthe P-51 Mustang, which other B-17G 42-31767, which could finally escort the bombers all the way to survived the war only to end up thesmelter target and back, eased the losses for a in the

while, but on 6 th March 1945, the 100th suffered its worst losses of the war—15 aircraft and 150 crewmen—on a second mission to Berlin. It is reported by the 100th Bomb Group Foundation that the group lost 184 aircrew flying 306 missions during their time in the European Theatre of War. However, the unit itself, earned two Distinguished Unit Citations for their missions over Regensburg, 17 August 1943 and Berlin, 4/6/8 March 1944.

Today, the 100 Air Refuelling Wing, a direct descendant of the 100 Bomber Group, is the only modern USAF operational wing allowed to display on its assigned aircraft the tail code (Square-D) of its World War II predecessor. Since 1st February 1992, the “Square D” has again been seen over the skies of Europe as the Boeing KC-135’s based at RAF Mildenhall, Suffolk now all have the Black square with a white “D” on their tails.

As of November 2020, the 100th Air Refuelling Wing has fifteen Boeing KC-135’s based at RAF Mildenhall. All bar one (at the time of writing this report) has a dedicated nose art and name visible. 63-7999 arrived on 15th November 2020 and is yet to be painted in the unit livery, but is expected to take on the name of “Wolff Pack” soon. Each name and nose art is dedicated to a particular B-17 and crew of 100th Bomber Group.

KC-135R 57-1440 ‘High Life’

Arrived into the fleet on 17.08.2018.First noted with nose art on 04.04.2019.

Boeing B-17 : 42-30082 based at Thorpe Abbotts from 9.06.1943. Crash landed in Dubendorf, Switzerland on 17.08.1943, dismantled and taken to Kloten for storage, which eventually scrapped. Pilot Don Oakes, co-pilot: Joe Harper, navigator: Hiram Harris, bombardier: Lloyd Hammarlund, flight engineer / top turret gunner: George Elder, radio operator: Jim Scott, ball turret gunner: Les Nadeau, Waist gunner: Vince McGrath, Waist gunner: Nolan Stevens, Tail gunner: Leon Goyer

KC-135R 57-2605 “Big Gas Bird” NKAWTG

Joined the 100th ARW fleet on 20.10.2016 on its second known tour. Its previous tour was from 10.05.2001until an unspecified date.It was noted on 22.04.2019 with the name MKAWTG / "BiggAsBird" The 100th ARW had to place an extra “G” in the name to make more likeable for today’s social standards. The “NKAWTG” stands for “Never Kick Ass, Without Taking Gas”.

Boeing B-17 : 42-30799 basedat Thorpe Abbotts from 20.08.1943. Missing in action on 6.03.1944, shot down by fighters near Haselünne, Germany. The aircraft crashed Hollwedel, SE of Harpstedt, 25 miles SE of Oldenburg, Germany. It was named "Big Ass Bird II".

Arrived on 30.09.2019 as having served with the 100th Air Refuelling Wing from 29.10.2006 to 3.09.2010 and was noted painted in 100th ARW livery on 10.10 and with its new name on 19.10.2019.

Boeing B-17 : 42-3147. This was part of 97th Bomber Group and went “missing in action on 14.11.1943 over Istres, France.

Known as the “Boss Bird” due its serial having “100” in it.

Boeing B-17 : 42-90185 served at Thorpe Abbotts from 8.04.1944 to 20.05.1945. Transferred to 482nd Bomber Group at RAF Alconbury.

KC-135R 58-0036 “Homesick Angel”

KC-135R 58-0100 “One Hundred Proof”

Crew : Pilot : Bill Murray, Radio Operator: Fred Schillinger,Tail gunner: Mahlon Hall (3 Killed in Action); Co-pilot: Dick Landiotte, Navigator: Orrin Heinrich, Bombardier: Bill Carr, Flight engineer/top turret gunner: Emory Brandt, Ball turret gunner: Jim Pease, Waist gunner: Nick Hamelak, Waist gunner: Palmer Hanson (7 Prisoner of War).

Crew : 1 : Pilot Lt Richard A Packard Jr, 2Lt William D Waters, 2Lt Daniel E Dustin, 2Lt Leon E Case Jr, T/Sgt Melvin E Hertel, T/Sgt Leo F Garrity, S/Sgt Earl W Large, S/Sgt Charles D Atkins Jr, S/Sgt James W Elliot (9 Killed in Action); S/Sgt Kenneth O Eslick (Prisoner of War)

Joined the fleet on 17th November 2011. Two know previous tours 19.05.1992 to 19.08.1993 and 27.11.2005 to 8.06.2010. Noted with the name "Hundred Proof" on 15.07.2018. KC-135R 58-0113 Joined fleet on 28.08.2018, having not previous- Boeing B-17 : 42-37936 was based at Thorpe Abbotts in November 1943 but “All American Girl” ly served with the 100th ARW. No date has been was shot down by flak on a bombing mission over Cologne. recorded for when 58-0113 was first noted wearing “All American Girl”. Crew : Pilot John Dodrill, Co-pilot: Dave Williams, Navigator: Ralph Bayer, Bombardier: Dave Pitman, Flight engineer/top turret gunner: Harry Mitchell, Radio Operator: George Bennett, Ball turret gunner: Myron Warner, Waist gunner: Garland Joseph,Tail gunner: Roy Toll (9 Killed in Action). KC-135T 59-1513 Joined fleet on 16.01.2018 having not previously “Reluctant Dragon” served with the 100th ARW and was first noted with nose art on 25.07.2018.

Boeing B-17 : 43-38011 was based at Thorpe Abbotts in July 1944 but transferred to the 350th Bomber Squadron later the same year.

KC-135R 60-0324 “Sly Fox”

Joined the fleet on 26.07.2016 having not previously served with the 100th ARW. No date has been recorded for when 60-0324 was first noted wearing “Sly Fox”.

Boeing B-17 : 42-30278 arrived at 100th Bomber Group, Thorpe Abbotts in September 1943 but was shot down in March 1944, crashing near GrossMimmelage, Germany. Crew : Zeb Kendall, Co-pilot: Edwin Loughran, Navigator: Bill Thorpe, Bombardier: Cliff Gowen, Flight engineer/top turret gunner: Melvin Hickman, Radio Operator: Leman Tutor, Ball turret gunner: Reginaldo Aguila, Waist gunner: Ray Bridges, Waist gunner: Matt Avaon,Tail gunner: Vic Stoffregen (10 Prisoner of War).

KC-135R 60-0355 “The Jester”

Joined the fleet on 22.06.2018, having previously served with the 100th ARW from 19.03.2007 to 22.09.2010 and was first noted wearing its nose art on 27.06.2018.

KC-135R 61-0292 “The Savage”

Joined the fleet on 2.2.2019, replacing 58-0094. This is the second time it has served from 1.09.2004 to 13.09.2005 with 100th ARW. First noted in February 2019 wearing "The Savage".

Boeing B-17 : 42-31710 served at Thorpe Abbotts from 05.05.1944 but the aircraft dropped behind formation and disappeared to crashed Handrup, near Lengerich, 31 miles S of Bremen, Germany with two killed in action. Crew : Pilot : Don Riggle, Co-pilot: Joe King, Navigator: Wayne Pankhurst, Bombardier: Ken Hurst, Flight engineer/top turret gunner: Edwin Scott, Radio Operator: Carl Glade, Ball turret gunner: Bob Marcell,Tail gunner: Glyn Matthews ; Waist gunner: Bob Marbach, Waist gunner: Gil Sandoval

KC-135R 61-0315 “Our Gal Sal”

It arrived on 9.04.2020 having never served with the 100th Air Refuelling Wing before and was noted on 8.06.2020 as "Our Gal Sal"

Boeing B-17 : 42-31767 Was posted to 100th Bomber Group at Thorpe Abbotts in January 1944 but transferred to 482nd at RAF Alconbury in May 1945.

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KC-135R 62-3540 “Holy Terror”

Arrived on 27.10.2019, having served with the 100th Air Refuelling Wing from 16.06.2011 to 22.10.2013. It was first noted 20.12.2019 with the name "Holy Terror" and painted in full 100th ARW Livery.

Boeing B-17 : 42-31062 was assigned to 100th Bomber Group at Thorpe Abbotts in September 1943 but crash landed at RAF Honington whilst on a training mission in December 1943.

KC-135R 62-3551 “Black Jack”

Arrived into the fleet on 2.07.2018, having previously served with the 100th ARW on three previous occasions :30.05.2001 to 25.04.2006 28.09.2010 to 5.10.2011 24.02.2013 to 31.08.2015

Boeing B-17 : 42-30086 that served at Thorpe Abbotts from 9.06.1943 but was taken out of service 17.08.1943 after receiving battle damage over Regensburg, Germany.

It was first noted on 31.12.2018 with the name "Black Jack". Painted in D-Day Anniversary Markings from May 2019 to the present day KC-135R 63-7999 “Wolff Pack”

Arrived back at Mildenhall for 100th ARW on 15.11.2020 for its second posting. It previous served with 100th ARW from 17.04.2015 to 6.11.2019.

“Wolff Pack relates to a Boeing B-17, 4230061 that was stationed at Thorpe Abbotts from June 1943 until it returned to the USA in July 1944.

It is expected to take up the name of "Wolff Pack" in the not too distant future.

KC-135R 63-8878 “Boss Lady”

Arrived on 14.11.2019 and was noted on 27.12.2019 in full 100th ARW livery and on 30th December, noted with the name "Boss Lady".

Boeing B-17 : 42-102657 was based at Thorpe Abbotts from May 1944 but crashed on school in Schmiederberg, Germany in September 1944 having been shot down by enemy fighters. Crew : Pilot Albert Trommer, Navigator: Jim Wright, Bombardier: Levi Groce, Flight engineer/top turret gunner: Alvin Severson, Radio Operator: Bill Stone ; Co-pilot: Tim Bradshaw, Ball turret gunner: J.C. Kluttz, Waist gunner: Tom Kentes, Tail gunner: Chas Wilson (Wounded in Action) (5 Killed in Action) (4 Prisoner of War)

KC-135R 63-8887 “Miss Irish”

Arrived into the fleet 9.10.2020 in its second tour with the 100th ARW. Its last posting was from 21.11.2000 to 11.03.2002. It was noted in 100th ARW Markings on 1.11.2020, named "Miss Irish"

Boeing B-17 : 42-31968 arrived at Thorpe Abbotts in February 1944 but was badly damaged on a mission on 19.03.1944 and finally crash landed at Raydon airfield, Suffolk Crew : Pilot John P. Gibbons, Co-pilot: Robert Dykeman, Navigator: Everett M. Johnson, Bombardier: Sterling B. Blakeman, Flight engineer/Top Turret gunner: Ira L. Arnold, Ball Turret gunner: Bernard L. Spragg, Right Waist gunner Myron J. Ettus, Left Waist gunner: Frank W. Buschmeier (9 Returned to Duty). Radio Operator: Ed Walker (Killed in Action, hit by 88mm shell in radio room).

MILITARY AVIATION

Text: Photos: Colour Profiles:

Mark Zerafa Dietmar Schreiber Richard J. Caruana

The Austrian Air Force was the sole export customer for the Saab 105, having received 40 examples of the Swedish jet trainers between 1970 and 1972, replacing both the DeHavilland Vampire and the Saab Tunnan. The type enjoyed a long service life until its recent retirement on December 11th, 2020.

BJ-40 ‘Golden Tiger’was the last ceremonial colour scheme applied to an Austrian Saab 105, on the occasion of the type’s 50 years in service, which also coincided with its retirement.

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Originally designed as a multi- different antenna arrangerole aircraft by Saab in 1959, ment. Armament fits included the Saab 105 was ntended for a gun pod with a 30mm cannn both civil and military use, and launchers for 7.5cm rckwith the Swedish manufactur- ets er hoping that since it used more economical turbofans, it The aircraft entered service at Text: Joe Cupido would be attractive as a light Horsching Air Base. Even then Photos: business jet, Joe in aCupido similar vein it was clear that the aircraft to the French MS.760 Paris. were horribly inadequate in No civilian sales were ever the interception role, espeDuring my career an Aviation Photojournalist flew in and or piloted over 100 different forthcoming, and as Saab fo- cially given that theI Austrian cused its efforts on providing Air Force was precluded by types of aircraft, from the Piper J3 Cub to McDonnell-Douglas KC10 Tanker. I can’t really say the aircraft to the Swedish Air the 1955 Austria State Treaty which I liked the best, they had their place in aviation, but I do feel that the followForceaircraft as a trainer. fromall operating any guided ing article and images might notmissiles, be my best work,AAMs. but was including Thisthe most important mission I think Swedish aircraft powproblem its height in I flew. In so many were ways it was just a veryreached basic flight of a fighter type aircraft out on a normal ered by the Turbomeca the Balkan Wars, when Yugotraining mission, but it was different and very special . Aubisque powerplant. Three slav MiG-21s made regular variants were available, the incursions into Austrian airfour-seat SK.60A for training space, which even the Draand liaison duties, the two- kens could not counter, let seat Sk60B for light attack alone the subsonic 105s. The missions and the two-seat Drakens were later replaced Sk.60C attack and reconnais- by Northrop F-5s leased from sance aircraft. Two-seat air- the Swiss Air Force, and craft were equipped with eventually a fleet of fifteen ejector seats, whereas four- Eurofighter Typhoons. seaters were not. The fleet was grounded briefly Saab then developed the in December 2019 for inspec105XT demonstrator for the tions to the bots connecting export market. Derived from the tail section to the main the Sk.60B, t was re-engined fuselage, after this was diswith the General Electric J-85 covered on Swedish examturbojets. This was further ples. Indeed, technicians developed into the Saab105O, found cracks on sections othwhich was a specific variant er than those highlighted by ordered by the Austrian Air the Swedes, leading to Force. Austrian 105s are light- grounding. Although repairs weight milti-role aircraft used were made, it was clear that for training, reconnaissance, the type’s service life was interception and ground at- drawing to an end, unlike the tack. This required changes to Swedish Air Force’s examthe avionics and a strength- ples, which received new ened wing to cope with great- cockpits and engines. er armament loads. Whereas Swedish aircraft are equipped with VHF and UHF radios, Austrian 105s only carried VHF equipment, resulting in

GD-14 as another Saab 105 adorned with a special Tiger colour scheme, seen here over the Austrian Alps.

On July 6th, it was announced that in its training role, it was no longer viable to maintain the fleet, which had by then dwindled to 12 aircraft, just to maintain the Austrian Air Force’s training requirements. On November 26th, two 105s flew low over parts of Austria and Graz, in a farewell tour to the nation, passing by the radar station of Kolomansberg enroute. This was followed by a military ceremony marking the 50 years of the Saab 105’s service in the Austrian Air Force, and the fly out, which took place on December 11th, 2020. The final flight was when two aircraft, 1140/ BJ-40 and 1129/RI-29 were ferried from Horsching to the Hangar 7 Museum in Salzburg, where they will be on temporary display prior to being moved to the Austrian Air Force museum in Zeltweg.

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Text: Photos:

Joe Cupido Joe Cupido

During my career as an Aviation Photojournalist I flew in and or piloted over 100 different types of aircraft, from the Piper J3 Cub to McDonnell-Douglas KC10 Tanker. I can’t really say which aircraft I liked the best, they all had their place in aviation, but I do feel that the following article and images might not be my best work, but was the most important mission I think I flew. In so many ways it was just a very basic flight of a fighter type aircraft out on a normal training mission, but it was different and very special .

GF-16 was a popular aircraft on the European airshow circuit, with its striking tiger colour scheme. At one point, the Austrian Air Force even had two 4-ship aerobatic teams, the Silver Birds who flew the 105 between 1975 and 1976, and Karo AS, flying four J105s between 1975 and 1984.

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Text: Photos:

Joe Cupido Joe Cupido

During my career as an Aviation Photojournalist I flew in and or piloted over 100 different types of aircraft, from the Piper J3 Cub to McDonnell-Douglas KC10 Tanker. I can’t really say which aircraft I liked the best, they all had their place in aviation, but I do feel that the following article and images might not be my best work, but was the most important mission I think I flew. In so many ways it was just a very basic flight of a fighter type aircraft out on a normal training mission, but it was different and very special .

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NOSTALGIA AIRLINERS

Text: Photos:

Gerardo Adrian Gomez Gerardo Adrian Gomez

The veteran Fokker F28 Fellowship soldiers on in Argentina’s skies after more than four decades of service with the Argentine Air Force. As a versatile, multi-porpose transport aircraft and rough-field characteristics, it is equally comfortable transporting passengers for State Air Lines or cargo in military operations.

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The Fokker F28 was acquired by the Argentine Air Force in the early seventies as a replacement for the Sud Aviation SE-210 Caravelle. The first of five aircraft was delivered on January 16th, 1975, to be operated by the 1st Air Brigade. Serials ranged from TC-51 to TC-55, with deliveries being completed by October. The newly-delivered aircraft were immediately put in service on both STAM flights (Military Air Transport Services) and CAME (Military Air Mail Abroad) flights. Since then, the Fokker F28 Mk.1000 of II Squadron, have been carrying out both military and commercial operations, as well as providing support to different communities within the Argentina, as well as humanitarian aid flights abroad. Notable flights included a flight for Pope John Paul II during his tour of Argentina in 1978 and the flights carrying the world soccer youth champion team in 1979.

The only hull loss was on August 16th, 1989 at Bariloche Airport, when TC-51 after the left wheel came off the side of the snow-covered runway. The pilot corrected, but did not manage to take off within the remaining runway length, hitting an ILS antenna, crossing a ditch and ending up against an embankment. The aircraft was written off, but there were no casualties amongst those on board. F-28s in the Malvinas During the conflict in the South Atlantic, the F28 operated the air bridge established between the islands and the mainland, making 228 crossings to the Malvinas, for a total of 1,150 flight hours, transporting 816 tons of cargo and 5,570 soldiers. After April 30th, the F28s continued to provide service from the mainland in transport and medical evacuation missions. LADE Airlines Lineas Aereas Del Estado or LADE for its acronym in Spanish, is an airline branch of the Argentine Air Force which has provided services

for more than 80 years, flying to tourist spots in southern Argentina and small airports where commercial airlines do not operate. Flights with LADE are also operated by II Squadron, flying to Mar Del Plata, Comodoro Rivadavia, Trelew, Viedma, Bariloche, Esquel, Neuquén, Calafate, Rio Gallegos, Rio Grande and Ushuaia, . In 1972, LADE began flights to Port Stanley, with two weekly flights using either F-27 or F-28s, however these have been discontinued after the 1982 conflicto. A new destination has been recently added from Ezeiza to Santa Rosa de Conlara , in the province of San Luis. Peacetime Operations II Squadron provides logistical support to the different units of the Argentine Air Force and their squadrons. In 1997 and 1998 they participated in the ferrying of McDonnell Douglas A4ARs from the USA to Argentina. Since March 2020, the Fokkers have been providing service within Operation General Manuel Belgrano, flying repatriation flights, transfer of medical supplies and ventilators to different provinces of the Argentine Republic. The Fellowships remain a vitally important tool for supporting the different Argentine communities and the world, having responded to numerous natural disasters through humanitarian flights to different countries. Crews of F28, are constantly trained to make best use of the aircraft’s capabilities, while the technical staff in charge of maintenance do their job with great dedication and professionalism. Their skills and dedication are the most important link in a great chain that allows these fortyyear old airframes to remain in service fir a few more years, as per the Squadron’s motto, which reads ‘ This is How You Reach the Stars’.

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Text: Photos:

Joe Cupido Joe Cupido

During my career as an Aviation Photojournalist I flew in and or piloted over 100 different types of aircraft, from the Piper J3 Cub to McDonnell-Douglas KC10 Tanker. I can’t really say which aircraft I liked the best, they all had their place in aviation, but I do feel that the following article and images might not be my best work, but was the most important mission I think I flew. In so many ways it was just a very basic flight of a fighter type aircraft out on a normal training mission, but it was different and very special .

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Text: Photos:

Joe Cupido Joe Cupido

During my career as an Aviation Photojournalist I flew in and or piloted over 100 different types of aircraft, from the Piper J3 Cub to McDonnell-Douglas KC10 Tanker. I can’t really say which aircraft I liked the best, they all had their place in aviation, but I do feel that the following article and images might not be my best work, but was the most important mission I think I flew. In so many ways it was just a very basic flight of a fighter type aircraft out on a normal training mission, but it was different and very special .

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CIVIL SPOTTING

Text: Photos:

Clive Grant Clive Grant

As part of a one-week spotting tour of the Carribbean, I spent a pleasant two days spotting in Antigua, which boasts a rich variety of aircraft types and operators.

Having arrived earlier from Miami, Amerijet 767-300F N316CM backtracks along the runway at Antigua V C Bird International for its onward flight to Port-of-Spain, Trinidad.

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Text: Photos:

Joe Cupido Joe Cupido

During my career as an Aviation Photojournalist I flew in and or piloted over 100 different types of aircraft, from the Piper J3 Cub to McDonnell-Douglas KC10 Tanker. I can’t really say which aircraft I liked the best, they all had their place in aviation, but I do feel that the following article and images might not be my best work, but was the most important mission I think I flew. In so many ways it was just a very basic flight of a fighter type aircraft out on a normal training mission, but it was different and very special .

With a beautiful tropical backdrop, LIAT ATR72-600 V2-LIH arrives from another inter Caribbean flight on 7 February 2020.

With strengthened floors and a higher gross weight, the Swearingen Expediter was designed as a cargo aircraft from the outset. N249DH of Ameriflight sits in the glorious evening light at V C Bird International, waiting for departure clearance.

It seems like an eternity ago now, but February 2020 was the start of a Caribbean adventure for me. Little did I know back then that 2020 was going to be a very memorable year, but for all the wrong reasons, and that my regular travelling in retirement, which I was almost beginning to take for granted, would be curtailed so much by the coronavirus pandemic. My Caribbean plan was simple; I’d stay in inexpensive hotels near each airport and I’d hire a car in each location so that I could get to the best locations for photography. I checked beforehand on Google Maps to see which spots looked most promising, and the hire cars would allow me to see if these spots lived up to expectations or if not, to move on to somewhere more advantageous. I was only going to be away for a week and so I had to be choosy about which of the islands I’d be visiting and for how long. Again, a bit of pre-planning by checking Flightradar 24 gave me some clues and so I booked my flights, hotels and car hire and off I went. To get to Antigua, I took LIAT flight LI310, ATR72 V2LIN from Castries on to Antigua’s V C Bird International, which serves as another gateway for the eastern Caribbean. Again, a hire car is useful as the best locations are difficult to reach otherwise, but the airport didn’t disappoint, with some lovely locations and some exotic traffic. I stayed overnight in Antigua, returning to Barbados on Saturday morning on a different LIAT ATR72 V2-LIC, which made an unscheduled stop in Dominica due to earlier bad weather there.

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Bizjets are quite regular at V C Bird International. Learjet 60 N255SL is captured about to touch down on Runway 07.

In cargo configuration, Beech C99 N228BH of Ameriflight touches down on Runway 07 in Antigua, one wheel at a time.

Cessna 208B Grand Caravan N963HL is utilised by DHL for its Caribbean inter island cargo services. It’s about to land on Runway 07 at Antigua V C Bird International.

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NOSTALGIA

Text: Photos:

Joe Cupido Joe Cupido

During my career as an Aviation Photojournalist I flew in and or piloted over 100 different types of aircraft, from the Piper J3 Cub to McDonnell-Douglas KC10 Tanker. I can’t really say which aircraft I liked the best, they all had their place in aviation, but I do feel that the following article and images might not be my best work, but was the most important mission I think I flew. In so many ways it was just a very basic flight of a fighter type aircraft out on a normal training mission, but it was different and very special .

Each of the Saab 340B fleet of Seaborne Airlines of Puerto Rico has a different marine creature on its tail. Before it was sold to Pascan Aviation of Quebec in December 2020, N341CJ sported a turtle motif.

With its coconut palm logo bleached out by the hot sun, BN-2B Islander VPMRT of Fly Montserrat arrives from another short inter island hop.

InterCaribbean Embraer Brasilia VQ-TDG arrives on a morning flight at Antigua V C Bird International.

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ONLINE

Text: Photos:

Joe Cupido Joe Cupido

AVIATION

During my career as an Aviation Photojournalist I flew in and or piloted over 100 different types of aircraft, from the Piper J3 Cub to McDonnell-Douglas KC10 Tanker. I can’t really say which aircraft I liked the best, they all had their place in aviation, but I do feel that the following article and images might not be my best work, but was the most important mission I think I flew. In so many ways it was just a very basic flight of a fighter type aircraft out on a normal training mission, but it was different and very special .

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The Fighting Colours of Richard J. Caruana - 1 SAAB 37 Viggen Celebrated aviation artist Richard J. Caruana celebrates 50 years of his art with the first of a series of books showcasing his work, in this case Saab’s mighty Viggen. Richly illustrated with colour profiles for all versions and a number of special schemes. 40 Pages

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The Fighting Colours of Richard J. Caruana - 2 Malta GC Celebrated aviation artist Richard J. Caruana continues his celebrations with a book commemorating the air battle over Malta. Richly illustrated with colour profiles for most of the types involved from both sides of the conflict. 68 Pages

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The End of The Film—A Tribute to 348 Squadron Ioannis Lekkas and Paschalis Palavouzis present a pictorial history of the Hellenic Air Force’s dedicated photo reconnaissance squadrons. From the early days flying the F-84G, all the way till the squadron’s final days flying the RF-4E Phantom, this book is a definitive reference to the squadron’s history and operations. 124 Pages

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AH-64DHA Apache- 10 Years of the 2nd Attack Battalion Ioannis Lekkas immerses the reader into the world of the Hellenic Army’s AH-64DHA Apaches. Contains fantastic action footage of this feared attack helicopter in different environments, day and night. Spectacular photography and detailed information on a rarely approached subject. 92 Pages

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WARBIRDS

Text: Photos:

Ron Wilkinson Ron Wilkinson

Spotter Magazine had previously reported on the event marking the 75th Anniversary of the D-Day landings from the French and Dutch side of the Channel. This time, we report on how the event unfolded at Duxford.

C-47 ‘Placid Lassie’ was built at Long Beach California on July 1943. She participated in both the D-Day Landings and Operation Market Garden.

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NOSTALGIA

Text: Photos:

Joe Cupido Joe Cupido

During my career as an Aviation Photojournalist I flew in and or piloted over 100 different types of aircraft, from the Piper J3 Cub to McDonnell-Douglas KC10 Tanker. I can’t really say which aircraft I liked the best, they all had their place in aviation, but I do feel that the following article and images might not be my best work, but was the most important mission I think I flew. In so many ways it was just a very basic flight of a fighter type aircraft out on a normal training mission, but it was different and very special .

We arrived as dawn was breaking, there was a slight low-lying mist, but the weather forecast was good. Walking around the usual vendors and historical stalls took up the first hour, which gave the sun time to burn of the mist. We started our static walk from the East, with the sun behind us. Unusually there was no access to the flight line, which is a usual Duxford delight, however this did not stop us getting our photo’s. To see so 18, C-47/DC-3/ Li-2 in one place was magical. They had

come from all parts of the planet, the USA, Canada, France, Hungary, Norway, Sweden, Finland, and of course the UK. There was the usual ‘Warbirds’ P-51, Spitfire, Martlet, P-47, Hurricane, B-17, etc added to the enjoyment.

We had set up camp near the entrance hanger, and as the time approached for take-off, a steady stream of Parachutist, emerged from this hanger and made their way to the assembly area, all in their ‘sticks’ of 18. All fully kitted out in authentic WWII parachute gear. These were made up of professional ‘Sky-divers’, armed forces troops from many countries, and veterans, one of 95, all keen to take to the air.

The show started with a flypast from the USAF, which comprised of V-22, and C-130’s. Then a take-off with the warbirds, then the main event, as one after the other ‘Dak’s’ started engines and taxied to the runway. Unfortunately, one would not start so had to stay behind, a bitter disappointment to the ‘Para’s’ embarked. They lined up and with dignity they lumbered into the air, once all airbourne the joined up, flew across the airfield and headed off to France and the Celebrations. Wow, I don’t think that will happen again, Magical!

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NOSTALGIA

Text: Photos:

Joe Cupido Joe Cupido

During my career as an Aviation Photojournalist I flew in and or piloted over 100 different types of aircraft, from the Piper J3 Cub to McDonnell-Douglas KC10 Tanker. I can’t really say which aircraft I liked the best, they all had their place in aviation, but I do feel that the following article and images might not be my best work, but was the most important mission I think I flew. In so many ways it was just a very basic flight of a fighter type aircraft out on a normal training mission, but it was different and very special .

Operated by the Goldtimer Foundation, HA-LIX is the world’s only airworthy Lisunov Li-2, a Soviet-built derivative of the DC-3

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NOSTALGIA

Text: Photos:

Joe Cupido Joe Cupido

During my career as an Aviation Photojournalist I flew in and or piloted over 100 different types of aircraft, from the Piper J3 Cub to McDonnell-Douglas KC10 Tanker. I can’t really say which aircraft I liked the best, they all had their place in aviation, but I do feel that the following article and images might not be my best work, but was the most important mission I think I flew. In so many ways it was just a very basic flight of a fighter type aircraft out on a normal training mission, but it was different and very special .

Star of the event was 292847 ‘That’s All Brother’, the lead-ship of the 800 Dakota’s which crossed the Channel on D-Day.

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NOSTALGIA

Text: Photos:

Joe Cupido Joe Cupido

During my career as an Aviation Photojournalist I flew in and or piloted over 100 different types of aircraft, from the Piper J3 Cub to McDonnell-Douglas KC10 Tanker. I can’t really say which aircraft I liked the best, they all had their place in aviation, but I do feel that the following article and images might not be my best work, but was the most important mission I think I flew. In so many ways it was just a very basic flight of a fighter type aircraft out on a normal training mission, but it was different and very special .

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separate filming contracts, one for a US series and the other for a UK programme. The first was filmed at RAF Halton in Buckinghamshire during mid-October and was immediately followed by a trip to Inverness in Scotland for filming on Loch Ness. All this work went exactly to plan and was a most enjoyable and interesting experience for the crew members involved. Then – disaster! In a curious twist of fate, we were faced with a repeat of the original Miss Pick Up incident on the North Sea - fortunately without the marauding Me 262!

Bay where the Catalina was moored in the dark, made safe and the crew taken ashore. Unfortunately, before the RNLI became involved, another boat tried to help and in doing so, badly damaged one of our precious rear-hull blisters. The current situation is that as at early-November Miss Pick Up is parked on a small quay on the shore of Urquhart Bay, having been successfully hoisted there by a massive crane operated by Stoddart Crane Hire of Inverness. Literally Miss Pick-ed Up! The failed starboard engine has been removed and our zero-time spare engine is ready to be put in its place - indeed, by the time this is read, the ‘swap’ should have been accomplished. After engine testing and temporary repairs to the damaged blister, the Catalina will be lowered back onto the loch and in due course will be flown to Inverness airport before continuing to Duxford.

At the very end of filming on Loch Ness on 17th October, the Catalina’s engines were shut down so that the on-board camera crew could disembark into a motor-boat. After this the port engine started as expected but the starboard Pratt & Whitney refused to play ball and would not start. It subsequently transpired that with most unfortunate timing a component in the starboard engine had sheared, Needless to say, the engine failure, thus preventing the starter motor recovery operation and repairs from doing its job. This left the will cost a huge sum. Crane hire Catalina and its crew of Paul Waralone involves thousands of ren Wilson, Derek Head and the pounds expenditure! All of us at author in the worst position a flyCatalina Aircraft Ltd/Plane Sailing ing boat can find itself in – adrift Air Displays Ltd have been hugely on a body of water at the mercy of encouraged by the assistance givthe wind with insufficient power to en to us by local individuals and take off or effectively manoeuvre businesses in the Loch Ness area and no obvious haven in the form and overwhelmed by the response of a slipway or beach upon which to our Miss Pick Up GoFund Me to secure it. Oh, and with the lateappeal. The latter has in fact afternoon autumn darkness not far reached its target amount but is off! Eventually, in a repeat of the still open for donations as our 1945 Miss Pick Up incident, we costs continue to accumulate. were rescued by the Loch Ness RNLI and towed to presented the rela-a flypast with the equivalent in Thelaunch United States Air Force tive safety of a buoy in Urquhart today’s armoury for airborne invasion - the MC-130 and the V-22 Osprey tilt-rotor, both flying from RAF Mildenhall.

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SPOTTER ENCOUNTER

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Yolandie Grobler de Jager Paul Spijkers

Having lived in some of the world’s best planespotting hotspots, Dutchman Paul Spijkers nowadays rarely misses an opportunity for some good airline spotting.

Air Koryo, North Korea's only airline with beautiful Russian classic airliners! Seen here is an Ilyushin Il-62M.

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Boeing 747-212B from Tower Air. Photo taken at Amsterdam - Schiphol (AMS / EHAM) Netherlands.

Boeing 777-F1H, from Kalitta Air (DHL) [All]. Photo taken at Hong Kong – International.

I was born in the Netherlands. At a young age, I was interested in airplanes, and like many, wanted to become a pilot. Unfortunately, that did not work out due to eyesight issues, and I gradually lost interest in photography as well. I read for a Master’s Degree in electronics and have been managing various Research and Development organisations for large Dutch electronic companies all over the world. Through work, I have lived in California, Kobe Hong Kong and Singapore, and I currently reside in Manchester. Then, about 25 years ago, during a holiday in Chile, I saw some interesting aircraft and that rekindled the hobby for me. Since then, civil aviation photography has become my primary passion. This is not only about the photography, but also collecting different airlines, aircraft and airports. My current collection counts nearly 14,000 different aircraft from 1,137 airlines at 171 different airports. I currently use a Canon 80D, shooting through 28-200 and 100-400 Canon lenses. I like making panning shots when I can, and try to use a tripod where possible. I then postprocess my images using Adobe Photoshop. For those new to the hobby, I suggest that you figure out what is important to you. If it’s mainly about spectacular photography, make sure you invest in the right equipment. If you are more interested in making a vast collection, then you may opt to spend less on equipment and more on travel. At this point, I’m looking forward to my retirement so I can really dedicate more time to this hobby!

ATR ATR-42-600 from Fiji Link. Coming in from Suva and parked up straight after as a tropical cyclone shut down operations for the next 2 days.

Embraer EMB-110P1 Bandeirante from Air Rarotonga being prepared for the flight to Aitutaki.

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Arriving from another inter island flight. Aerocondor Short 360-Reg.: CS-TMH.

Taken at Brussels - National (Zaventem) / Melsbroek (BRU / EBBR / EBMB) Belgium. An Airbus A340-211 from Sabena.

Aurigny Air Services, REG: G-OAAS. Seen here at Guernsey (GCI / EGJB).

Beautiful shot of the Antonov An-225. Taken at Manchester International.

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Northwest Airlink (Pacific Island Aviation) [All], operating inter-island flights from Guam in Northwest Airlink c/s.

A very colourful ‘Pokemon’ scheme on Boeing 767381 from All Nippon Airways – ANA.

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Weekly flight from Iran Air returning to Tehran (IKA).

An Airbus A330-202 from Aircalin - Air Caledonie International, A weekly flight from Noumea, connecting two beautiful Pacific islands.

MILITARY

Text: Photos:

Jason Wong, Richard Ennis and Dion Kaowski Jason Wong, Richard Ennis and Dion Kaowski

The event was as sad as the weather was dull as operations for the Classic Hornet out of RAAF Base Williamtown drew to a close. As the mainstay at the base for the last three decades, the retirement concluded with a week-long celebration around Newcastle and the hunter region for both the public and media to enjoy. Due to covid-19 restrictions, no media access was given on base for the event, but the 77th squadron did not disappoint with multiple flyby’s and displays conducted each day of the week around the Port Stephens and surroundings areas. The 77th squadron has not only been an integral part of the RAAF since its inception in 1942 but has partaken in some of the world’s largest conflicts and has represented Australia in some of the world’s best tactical combat exercises on offer such as Red Flag and Bushido Guardian in Japan. The classic Hornet has been a familiar sight around Newcastle and it has provided the men and women of the 77th squadron not only a career but a way of life.

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Located at RAAF Base Williamtown, New South Wales, the squadron flies under No. 81 wing responsible for all F/A-18A and B operations whom are tasked with both offensive and defensive air combat operations that include close air support, maritime strike missions, air-to-air combat, and land strike missions. The squadrons insignia is of an oriental temple lion which was acquired during the 77th’s role during the Korean War. Nicknamed as the ‘grumpy monkey’ the creature became more and more prominent on the tail of the lead jet as iterations of the special livery were painted and repainted for anniversaries and key international exercises. The unit motto, ‘Swift to Destroy’ comes from the lion which represents ‘a defender of peace, which when disturbed, is swift to destroy’. As WWII began to advance through the South Pacific, the RAAF quickly established three fighter units, No. 75, 76, and 77 squadrons, as a line of defence for Australia. Originally formed in RAAF Station Pearce, Western Australia, the squadrons were equipped with Curtiss P-40 Kittyhawks which at the time were delivered from the United States. During the war, the 77th squadron was based in the Northern Territory as a front-line defence squadron and later participated in various operations along with allied

forces to regain the pacific. By September 1945, the squadron was re-equipped with North American P-51 Mustangs and were deployed to Bofu, in Japan as part of the British Commonwealth Occupation Force. The squadron later was transferred to Iwakuni in April 1948, where they were put on standby as the Korean War was starting to break out. During the Korean War, the squadron once again changed aircraft and were subsequently equipped with Meteor jet fighters. During the conflict, the squadron got their first Mig “kill” while in an engagement over Pyongyang. The conflict also highlighted how bad the Meteor was as an air-to-air combat aircraft and after a few significant losses, the aircraft was used only for ground attacks on the 38th parallel. By the end of the war, the 77th squadron had lost 38 aircrew with another 7 captured by the enemy. In 1956, the squadron was equipped with Australian built sabre and were subsequently deployed to RAAF Butterworth on the island of Penang, Malaysia in support of commonwealth forces in the ‘Malayan Emergency’. The sabres continued to be deployed at Butterworth and were tasked with regional air defence during the confrontations between Indonesia and Malaysia although the squadron never saw any actual combat.

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After their deployment to Butterworth, and upon their return home to Williamtown, the squadron once again was re-equipped with another aircraft type that being the Dassault Mirage III. The aircraft served with the squadron from early 1969 till 1985 when the F/A-18 Hornets were being introduced into the RAAF. 77th squadron Mirage’s never saw combat service but were trained primarily as ground attack aircraft. In June of 1987, the hornet began taking over for the Mirage and by November of the same year, the hornet was the only airframe operating under the 77th squadron. Over time, 16 hornets seen active service with the squadron and became ‘the jet’ of the RAAF and the 77th. With the name ‘hornet’, its reputation did perceive itself on the international stage among allied forces and their toys. With the hornet being fully operational by the beginning of the 2000’s, the squadron was first deployed to Diego Garcia between November 2001 and February 2002. The squadron and its hornets were then deployed in 2003 to Iraq during the coalition against terrorism and again to the middle east in 2015 as part of Operation Okra, Australia’s contribution to the military intervention against ISIL. The squadron also to RAAF Base East Sale in 2006 to assist with the security of the Commonwealth Fames being held in Melbourne. The squadron has also taken their classic hornets to numerous exercises at home and aboard making a lasting impression wherever it flies. In 2014 the squadron and its hornets participated in the world-famous Exer-

cise Red Flag 14-1 and most recently in Red Flag 19-1. Commanding officer of the 77th squadron, Easty, was not able to mention his favourite Red Flag story for reasons that could not be said, but, he did state that ‘the people and reputation a fighter squadron from Australia has at Red Flag, where all of our partners and allies, flying state of the art equipment. Are so impressed with the calibre, performance, professionalism and the ability for a Classic Hornet fighter to go out there and kick ass and dominate… it’s a reflection of our people. The Classic is awesome, but what creates the “wow”, the surprise, the accolades that came from the global wargithers, is what 77 squadron can do as a team punching way above its weight. A classic comment as your walking back from the fight in the airspace with someone from another country is [when they] just go “OMG I so underestimated you guys”’. ‘While we pack and send the squadron over, key personnel have enabling roles in the key planning and enabling roles that support the planning and execution of that activity, which clearly reflects the trust and level of relationship we have with the US, which results in great influence with respect to the training outcomes and access to equipment that supports the simulation and is a testament to the calibre of our people’. The 77th also took the hornet to one of its most historical exercises, Exercise Bushido Guardian 2019 in Japan, making it the first time since the RAAF have participated in an exercise with the

JASDF on Japanese soil. Easty mentioned that ‘it is so fitting given that we were the last combat squadron to be over in Japan as part of the postwar occupation, to have the squadron back there, operating with Japan as a special partner in the region’. 77th squadron has also partaken in multiple exercises at home in Australia including numerous renditions of exercise Pitch Black, the premier exercise held in the southern hemisphere conducted on a bi-annual basis in the Top End. They also most recently took the skies above the top end in exercise Diamond Storm 2019 Red Air at RAAF Base Tindal. As the day for retirement drew closer, plans were in motion for the 77th squadron to give the Classic Hornet a proper farewell. The celebration was actually kicked off a week earlier with an air 2 air photoshoot conducted by the air force to obtain some stunning photos of the ‘grumpy monkey’, the Worimi Hornet and another 77th squadron hornet. For the public, the flying was scheduled for an entire week of action and the RAAF did not disappoint. Beginning on Monday, and ending on the Friday, everyday consisted of a 4-ship formation fly-by at various locations such as the base, the museum at the base and beach locations and significant locations around Newcastle, Williamtown and the hunter valley region. Single jet handling displays were also included daily to please the crowd and show off what the Classic Hornet can really do.

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On the Thursday, December 10, the Worimi Hornet flew its last sortie. With tail number A21-023, the aircraft has been in RAAF service for more than 30 years and managed to clock up 5663.1 flying hours while in service. The artwork on the aircraft, added 5 years ago, was designed by Australian studio Balarinji and depicts Kilyarr Kilyarr, the wedgetailed eagle. It was painted in honor of the aboriginal people and their land where RAAF Base Williamtown sits on today. Along with participating in the previous days 4-ship display with the 77th squadron, the aircraft flew its own handling display as a fitting send off. On the same afternoon, the crowd was treated to a spectacular display by another 4-ship display held at Nobby’s Beach in Newcastle with the jets coming only a few hundred feet to the crowd perched up on the hill. The last day of operations were as gloomy as the mood that surrounded the base. Hundreds of spectators gathered at the museums elevated platform and around the end of its threshold to bid farewell to such a classic jet. A simple flying display was on the schedule, with a bit of weather in the way, the flying did not commence till later than planned. Non the less, as planned, 8 Classic Hornets took off and formed up as an 8-ship to do one last display over

Newcastle and the Hunter region. The 8-ship made multiple passes over the base as a whole, and then split into 2 4-ship teams. The typical 4-ship display flew a few passes as well before the base went silent. For the final pass, the squadron really brought the noise, 4 pairs of 2 flew 100ft and 500 knots screaming straight over the crowd making the base ‘thunder down under’. With the final landings, the pilots opened their canopies for the last time to give the crowd a wave and few claps before returning to their final parking bays. Now that the 77th has let go of their old toys, the new era of the F-35 Lighting is on the horizon. Easty further commented saying ’77 ground and air personnel (will) go over directly to 75 and continue to operate the Classic Hornet and others will go into key positions both into and outside 75 and 77 who will directly support F-35 or Classic Hornet operations. We have 75 squadron members – right now – converting to either flying or upskilling on ground support perspective in the JSF/F-35 and at the beginning of next year we will harvest them back into 77 Sqn to provide the core foundation of our F-35 enterprise – we already have 77 people out there doing this now in preparation for next year’.

He further stated that ‘it has been an honour and privilege to carry the baton, the custodianship of our proud legacy and history, I absolutely love it’. The hornets will fly until the end of 2021 with the 75th squadron as a ‘mixed bag’ of the remaining airframes before being parting ways with the RAAF for good. Air USA, a private ‘red air’ adversary contractor is to buy up to 46 of the Classic Hornets while some are going to fly with the RCAF in Canada. Others, like the Worimi Jet will go on display at Williamtown and other frames to other museums throughout Australia. While others will be destined for the scrap yard. Although the Classic hornet has stood the test of time for the last 3 decades of its service, the F-35 will be the mainstay of the 77th squadron for decades to come. With an engine that provides twice the power that a Classic hornet does and the most advanced technology in a combat jet to date, it will have a lot to live up to, but will bring a new chapter to the 77th squadron and the RAAF.

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