Pictures Of The Week

Week 22, May 2015

Pictures of the Week
Pictures of the Week Pictures of the Week
Pictures of the Week Pictures of the Week Pictures of the Week Pictures of the Week

Clockwise from top left:

  1. Who doesn't love a Mustang? Well three together at once is therefore always something special. Chris was at the right place and the right time to catch all three in action from a rather unique angle at the the Duxford VE Day Airshow. Imagine the Howl!

    Image © Chris Heal
    Canon EOS 1D Mk.IV + Canon EF 500mm f4 L IS

  2. Oh I do like to be beside the sea side oh I do like to be beside the sea! Ok we'll shut up before it starts raining. One of the first sea front airshows of the year took place at Lllandudno, Michael took up a lofty position overlooking the beach and caught this shot of the reds turning hard during their display.

    Image © Michael Lovering

  3. There's nothing like finding a local airfield where you can learn the trade of aviation photography and experiment with your equipment to find the best settings. The Headcorn Parachute Clubs Cessna Caravan seen here is one example of an aircraft that lends itself perfectly to this task, being airbourne multiple times most days the weather allows.

    Image © Richard Digby
    Nikon D810 + Nikkor 80-400mm VRII lens

  4. Grrr! It's Tiger Meet time! There is no grrrreater aircraft in many eyes than the F-4 Phantom. Due to lower than usual participation at Konya in Turkey, the Turkish Air Force sent a pair of their Phantoms to the photo call event to build up the numbers. Who could resist taking a few shots of these beasts? Jonathan certainly couldn't!

    Image © Jonathan Haylock
    Canon EOS 70D + Tamron 17-50mm f2.8 lens

  5. Our good friend Ben was a rather lucky chap when he was invited along for a flight in a CV-22B Osprey from RAF Mildenhall. Ben was even luckier when they let he stay around to take this awesome night shot of an Osprey turning and burning. To say we are jealous is an understatement!

    Image © Ben Montgomery

  6. Fire fighting aircraft hold a special place in many enthusiasts hearts. So how about a photo showing two French beasts? Well that is exactly what John was able to capture at La Ferta Alais.

    Image © John Ellison

  7. We can't get enough of the Blenheim so it is no surprise that this is it's second appearance in as many weeks. Caught here on the flightline walk at Duxford's VE Day Airshow, the close up shot clearly highlights the unique nose profile of this iconic aircraft.

    Image © Chris Low

Pictures Of The Week

Week 21, May 2015

Pictures of the Week
Pictures of the Week Pictures of the Week
Pictures of the Week Pictures of the Week Pictures of the Week Pictures of the Week

Clockwise from top left:

  1. Duxford's Blenheim broke cover this weekend at Duxford's traditional May airshow. Typically, the weather wasn't perfect during the show weekend, but for its practice displays leading up to the show, boy did the stars (or, more accurately, the sun) align. POTW-regular Harry's shot is right on the money with everything you could want from a warbird photo, and then some. Given the poignancy of it's formation with Mk I Spitfires during the show over the weekend, we can think of no better way to start this week's top seven.

    Image © Harry Measures
    Canon EOS 5D Mk.III + Canon EF 500mm f4 L IS lens

  2. Hot on the heels of Harry, and it must be said, his own fantastic Blenheim shot this week, we loved Barrie's simple creativity of this shot of the much-loved camouflage-schemed Typhoon and the BBMF's Spitfire. It's great to see photographers be bold with their photos, and aiming to come away with something different, especially when the results speak for themselves, as this one does.

    Image © Barrie May
    Canon EOS 7D + Canon EF 17-40mm f4 L lens

  3. No.18 Squadron aren't ones to miss the party this year, painting one of their Chinooks up with a rather striking livery to celebrate the Odiham-based Squadron's centenary. POTW veteran Rick was, as ever, on hand to catch the great-looking Mk 4 model in the wild. We look forward to seeing her at shows over the coming season.

    Image © Rick Ingham

  4. Continuing the theme of illustrious history in this week's top seven, 771 NAS celebrated their anniversary with this impressive formation of five of their iconic red and grey Mk 5 variants of the venerable Sea King. There's not long left in the old bird now, so sights like these are, sadly, soon to be consigned to fond memories. With a wonderful backdrop, Mark was bang on with his composure of this image.

    Image © Mark Stevens

  5. We are lucky on UKAR to have some truly excellent threads posted from our friends overseas from time to time. In keeping with the incredibly high standard he sets himself, Bartosz once again features in this week's top seven. The 56th Air Base at Inowroclaw recently held its annual open day, and hosted a plethora of interesting and rarely-seen types. Pick of the incredible bunch would have to be this excellent study of this PZL W-3PL Głuszec.

    Image © Bartosz Bera

  6. To mark the 69th anniversary of the first flight of the Chipmunk, Old Warden hosted a Chipmunk Anniversary Fly-In on the 22nd. Putting up an impressive formation flypast, the twelve aircraft featured were soon joined by another six in a worthy tribute to that most-loved of trainers. It's great to see so many different Chippies come from all-over to celebrate together.

    Image © Ian Bowskill
    Canon EOS 5D Mk.III + Canon EF 100-400mm L IS lens

  7. Finally, Keith managed to come away with this truly excellent image of one of Helvetic's many A319-100s on his recent visit to Manchester, proving that good things don't always come in large packages. We love the use of the lights and darks of this image to draw the viewer's eye to the subject matter at hand.

    Image © Keith Wignall

Pictures Of The Week

Week 20, May 2015

Pictures of the Week
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Clockwise from top left:

  1. The first picture this week is an undeniably striking sight; albeit one which may not be seen in European skies for much longer - a Hellenic Air Force F-4E Phantom. Savvas took this well-composed shot at Andravida Air Base in Greece during 2015's edition of the annual air force exercise 'Iniohos'. The lighting is perfect and brings out all the key features of this twin-engined brute. It is great to see the 'Toom' still being actively used - in this case for air interception duties.

    Image © Savvas Savvaidis
    Nikon D300 + Nikkor 70-200mm f2.8 lens

  2. The Bentwaters Cold War Museum recently joined the growing list of organisations holding nightshoots with a recent event in which their Phantom FGR2 and Harrier GR3 were lit up for the cameras; the latter of which can be seen here. The navigation lights and desolate background in Mark's image really add to the authenticity these shoots try to create. Indeed, all this Harrier lacks is a Pegasus engine! Despite the damp conditions, we're sure you'll agree Mark did a good job - particularly considering his camera was resting on a barrier support!

    Image © Mark Rourke
    Canon EOS 7D

  3. Phil Dawe has an excellent collection of images from the history of RAF Northolt. One that particularly caught our attention was this capture of Avro Shackleton AEW2 WL747 landing at the base in 1978. The close proximity of the London rooves is especially noticeable! The Shack is certainly a sight we miss in UK skies and hopefully the valiant efforts of the Shackleton Preservation Trust at Coventry Airport will ensure this changes in the near future.

    Image © Philip Dawe

  4. Recently occurring was the NATO Tiger Meet at Konya AFB in Turkey, as last week's lead image shows. However attendees weren't limited to brightly painted fighter jets - this NATO E-3A Sentry itself belongs to a tiger squadron and was present at the event. Chris was lucky enough to capture this AWACS circuit bashing as the end of the first day approached. Given that the aircraft have been in service for 33 years, it's refreshing to see pictures like this which offer a new angle on the type.

    Image © Chris Heal
    Canon EOS 1D Mk.IV + Canon EF 500mm f4 L IS lens

  5. Duane's dramatic image of a Royal Netherlands Air Force CH-47D Chinook is a worthy inclusion this week. A trio of Dutch Chinooks were deployed to Carlisle Airport as part of Exercise 'TAC UK' alongside a contingent of ground troops; utilising the extensive Spadeadam Range in Northumberland. This low level 'Wokka' was leading another example through the river gorge en-route to the Range itself, with the barren backdrop looking to be the type's natural element. This capture is much helped by the fact Duane's perspective seems to be higher than the Chinook!

    Image © Duane Hewitt

  6. The Belgian Air Component can always be relied upon for impressive special colour schemes for their display acts and 2015 is no exception. This year's demo teams were officially launched at a dusk/nightshoot held at Beauvechain Airbase. Here, Wim has captured the Agusta A-109 display team's mount beautifully as the sun gradually sets, with the new griffin design coming to the fore. Wim tells us the display crew for the helicopter (sadly not appearing in the UK this year) are Capt. Filip “Shaggy” Peremans and Capt. Kevin “Que20” Beckers.

    Image © Wim Houquet
    Canon EOS 5D Mk.II + Canon EF 24-105mm f4 L IS lens

  7. Duxford's American Air Museum refurbishment has left many of its residents in need of a new home whilst the work is completed. To allow further aircraft to be extracted; one of the largest residents, the B-29A Superfortress, was moved out onto the Duxford apron for a few days which gave many appealing angles from which to shoot this huge bomber. Our own LennyL caught a particularly lucky capture when a rainbow appeared right above 'Hawg Wild.' Sadly the B-29 is now back indoors for the time being, making pictures like this all the more valuable.

    Image © Lindsay Peacock

Pictures Of The Week

Week 19, May 2015

Pictures of the Week
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Pictures of the Week Pictures of the Week Pictures of the Week Pictures of the Week

Clockwise from top left:

  1. Once again, the Tiger Meet has rolled around - this year taking place in Konya AFB in Turkey. As ever; there were a couple of attractive Tiger-schemed aeroplanes, but the hands-down winner this year has to be the Turkish Air Force's spectacularly painted F-16 belonging to 192 Filo. The squadron, as hosts, certainly led by example, and have produced one of the finest looking tiger schemes we've seen on an F-16 for some years.

    Image © Peter Steehouwer
    Nikon D800E + Nikon 400 f2.8 VR lens

  2. The exotica this week hasn't all been overseas, though. Radleigh caught this IL-76 at East Midlands Airport during the course of it ferrying aid to the earthquake-stricken Nepal, and came away with this beautifully composed shot. Splendid lighting, colours, angles and use of slow shutter speed have all been used to great effect to form this truly excellent image.

    Image © Radleigh Bushell
    Canon EOS 7D + Canon EF 70-300 IS lens

  3. There was further rarity at Manchester Airport this week, where Nigerian Air Force Alphajets were transiting from the USA. Looking squeaky-clean and refreshingly different from the grey European versions, the smart looking machine was previously with the contractor Air USA training the US Air Force in combat readiness.

    Image © Peter Hurley
    Canon EOS 550D + Tamron 150-600mm lens

  4. Making the UK's offerings look a little tame; Russia celebrated the anniversary of VE Day with a military parade in Moscow, with 143 different aircraft taking part. Koen was present for the practice rehearsal of that most epic of flypasts, including this formation of the awe-inspiringly huge Mi-26 accompanied by a brace of Mi-17s.

    Image © Koen Hartkamp
    Nikon D800 + Nikkor 200-400mm lens

  5. The first display of the year for the 2015 Typhoon solo display was performed at the RAF Shawbury families day. As the "Tiff" fired up, grey clouds and heavy rain rolled in, much to the dismay of onlookers. However, in one of those (quite literally) golden moments, the clouds parted and sunshine rolled across the Shropshire airfield just as the burners were lit. Joe was present for that, and the rest of the great display; and came away with this powerful shot - we can practically feel the heat from those burners!

    Image © Joe Ruscoe
    Canon EOS 70D + Canon EF 70-200mm f4 L IS lens

  6. There are perhaps few truer measures of an outstanding photographer than the ability to make the mundane striking. Marcin does exactly that with his simple but effective shot of this Robinson R-22, at the Polish Aero Club at Przylep, back in 2014. The World Championships are taking place at Przlep this year, and we look forward to seeing what Marcin can produce from that event.

    Image © Marcin Boski
    Nikon D80 + Sigma 150-500mm OS lens

  7. Gary's shot rounds us off this week with a rather mournful occasion. The BBMF Lancaster's engine fire has been well-covered already, and there is little else for us to say on the matter. The damage, whilst still being assessed, appears extensive enough to warrant the Lancaster out of action for the rest of the season. That said, the BBMF engineers are some of the finest around, and if anyone will be able to get a Lancaster back in the air again as soon as possible, it will be them. Here's hoping she manages to make at least a few of her displays this year. Get well soon, Thumper.

    Image © Gary Stedman
    Canon EOS 7D + Canon EF 100-400mm L IS lens

Pictures Of The Week

Week 18, May 2015

Pictures of the Week
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Pictures of the Week Pictures of the Week Pictures of the Week Pictures of the Week

Clockwise from top left:

  1. We've said it before, and we'll say it again, Japan has got to be one of THE places to visit for aviation enthusiasts. No further proof of that is needed than POTW-regular Chris Heal's fine study of a Hyakuri-based F-4EJ Phantom II launching on a live weapons exercise. The much-loved classic is still on strength with Japan is decent numbers, though with the F-35's induction drawing closer, time is running out for these beasts.

    Image © Chris Heal
    Canon EOS 1D Mk.IV + Canon EF 500mm ƒ4 L IS lens

  2. The airshow season is finally here and, amongst others, Abingdon was held, as ever, on the May bank holiday weekend. So sad it was that the weather didn't decide to play ball, however Rich features once again in POTW for his stunning shot of the Classic Air Force's Meteor NF11 in some of the day's earlier sunshine. It's great to see the night fighter given some pride of place again as it has, for some years, played second fiddle to it's magnificent counterpart, WA591.

    Image © Rich Pittman
    Canon EOS 7D Mk.II + Canon EF 400mm ƒ5.6 L lens

  3. Birmingham International Airport has had a few interesting movements recently, namely two Antonov An-12 "Cubs" operated by Ukraine Air Alliance, a cargo and passenger charter airline. The airline has a current fleet size of six (down from eight after two recent incidents), and the pair at Birmingham were reportedly operating relief flights to Juba, in Sudan.

    Image © 'tristarbhx'

  4. The Buccaneer Aviation Group held a nightshoot at Bruntingthorpe in April and Jonathan has captured the moment perfectly. The subject, XW554, had a service life of 11 years between 1972 - 1983 before being grounded and stored at RAF Shawbury. Following a stint at Cosford, she was finally retired from RAF service in 1993. She is now a firm favourite at Bruntingthorpe, and it's easy to see why.

    Image © Jonathan Wintle
    Canon EOS 1D Mk.IV + Canon EF 24-105 ƒ4 L IS lens

  5. The Imperial War Museum at Duxford are currently refurbishing the much-loved American Air Museum. The works have meant that the exhibits have had to be moved into a different hangar, offering a very rare glimpse of the aircraft outside. Ever the hallowed Duxford "bimbler"; UKAR's own Brian was there to catch the move, and came away with a superb set of images. We've got to say, though, it feels like the IWM have missed a trick not publicising the event, or holding some sort of photocall.

    Image © Brian A Marshall
    Sony Alpha A-58 SLT + Tamron 16-300mm lens

  6. Along with Chris, Jonathan also travelled to Japan recently, and came away with his own excellent set of images. Jonathan told us that this is the reason you'd want to travel halfway around the world for aviation, and it's hard to disagree. With only four of these aircraft built, the US-2 is rare as hen's teeth even in Japan, and what a wonderfully charismatic machine it is.

    Image © Jonathan Haylock
    Canon EOS 7D Mk.II + Canon EF 100-400mm Mk.II L IS lens

  7. POTW-regular Harry rounds us off this week with his usual standard of excellence, this time featuring Will Greenwood's Yak-3 at Duxford. It's always great to see new warbirds to the UK scene, and this one has been eagerly anticipated on the UK show circuit since news broke of its arrival from Germany at the end of January. Bought from Germany's MeierMotors, their website says "We wish the new owner magnificent flights and a lot of fun with that thoroughbred" - as do we.

    Image © Harry Measures
    Canon EOS 7D Mk.II + Canon EF 500mm ƒ4 L IS lens