FinePix HS20EXR
Members and their FinePix HS20EXRView now
RAF Waddington International Airshow 2012
On 30 June 2012 I went to the RAF Waddington International Airshow - the largest RAF organised show - with Jo, Beth and a couple of friends from uni. This was the second time I had been, having been for the first time last year. It was going to this airshow last year that finally gave me the drive to get myself a decent camera which lead to me getting the HS20. The camera I had used previously was a Panasonic compact which though good did not have a sufficient zoom to carry off the job. I thought I would share the experience and some of my favourite photos from the day.
We set off at about 7:45 in the morning and before long became very worried as we were driving through torrential rain struggling to to see the car in front and thinking the whole time we were going to get soaked at the show. But we were determined to carry - or at least I was - and we were rewarded with the sun coming out and making a lovely day if still a little overcast. The drive was remarkably quick with several dedicated routes to the show - the only real hold up was where presumably a local council had decided to put some roadworks up on one of said routes - which happened to be the one we had taken - and had to wait for many, many traffic light changes. But once past that the traffic was clear apart from a few minutes wait at the entrance itself - altogether very impressive.
All pictures were taken hand held, the only processing done to any of these is cropping.
Not the first thing we saw but I thought this was a good image to start with - a Lancaster and Spitfire from the Battle of Britain Memorial flight.
As Well as the airshow there were several of aircraft on static display like this F-16
The first thing we saw flying was actually an E-3 AWACs but I was behind the wheel of the car and couldn't take the photo - bummer, but there are photos of the static E-3 later later. The first thing in the air I got photos of was the RAFs Falcons Parachute Display Team
Tornado GR4 during role demo display - ground attack. Unfortunately I did not get many of this due to daughter necessities. It was a shame as there were chances to get some amazing shockwaves shots with the water vapour trails from the top of the air intakes.
The next thing of note was the Royal Navy Black Cat display team in a pair of Lynnx HMA8s
I liked this - having the people on the campervan almost on a level courtesy of the perspective
It's not just the Red Arrows that do crazily close manoeuvres
Beth seemed to be enjoying this and decided it was time to eat her sandwiches. Notice her attractive army surplus ear protectors which suited her flowery hat so well.
Then a single Hawk T1 from 208(R) Squadron did a short display.
Rather than the standard squadron Black this one was painted in Union Flag colours.
Next up was the Royal Netherlands Air Force F-16 Demo Team currently comprising of personnel from 312 and 313 Squadrons
As well as the smoke trails you can also see the condensation trails in this photo
You can see the pilot's head here - one Captain Stefan 'Stitch' Hutten.
Next up was a single Tucano from 72(R) Squadron piloted by Flight Lieutenant Jon 'Bondy' Bond in special Jubilee markings
Then came the Red Arrows who had a very busy weekend with Armed Forces Day they flew from Scampton in the morning to Waddington, returned to Scampton for a rest before doing a flypast at Messingham and then Trowbridge before arriving at Exeter to prepare for a display at Plymouth. As if that wasn't enough they then did two more flypasts on the Sunday as well as another display at Waddington.
Unfortunately missed a number of the Red Arrows in this one but I liked the smoke trails and the sun glare in this - probably just me but I liked the effect.
Scarily close, awesome to watch.
'No, your left!' I liked this particularly as it shows how close to the ground they were as well as each other - must take some balls to do this.
Beth was bought a cookie as big as her face - and a lot of it was on her face afterwards as well
Sentinel R1, an airborne radar platform - just a couple of flypasts from this one.
Before it decided to try and land on a truck
Chinook HC2/2A
The heavy lift helicopter is surprisingly nimble
The guy in the back must have been hanging on for dear life
As I said earlier as well as all of the flying display (there is more to come) there was also lot to see on the ground such as this Hawker Hunter T7 seen here in the colours of the Black Arrows - one of the predecessors to the Red Arrows.
And Gloster Meteor. The Gloster Meteor was th first British jet fighter and the Allied's first operational jet. The German ME-262 was the first operational jet though the Meteor was first to enter production.
Rather imaginatively decorated Saab Grippen
With tail art as well
80's TV star ALF checking his parking of the Czech Republic Airforce Airbus CN295M
An Algerian Lockheed C-130H Hercules
Then it was time for the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight - and unfortunately another stop for Beth so not too many photos of these but a few I was proud of
I think this is the first time I had seen an outing of the BBMF and there wasn't a Hurricane - to Spitfires accompanied the Lancaster on this occasion. A Hurricane was expected so I am guessing last minute changes due to maintenance problems.
Then it was time for the F-18C Hornet from the Swiss Air Force
Then an Army Air Corps Lynx AH7
This is the right way up
The Korean Black Eagles - we were inside for a lot of this display so unfortunately this was the only half decent shot I got. A shame as this is the first time the display team has flown in the West.
The MQ-4C Broad Area Maritime Surveillance unmanned aerial vehicle. I knew this was big from what I had read about it previously but hadn't realised just how big.
A Typhoon FGR4 on static display - one of these flying soon
Frecce Tricolori - the Italian display team
The Royal Saudi Air Force display team - Saudi Hawks. The planes they use are a variant of the Hawks used by the Red Arrows. In fact much of the training given over the years has been by ex-Red Arrows team members.
Typhoon FGR4, what a cracking plane. Ended up vastly over budget when made but what the hell?
This is Robin, one of the friends that came with after he got hold of Beth's sunglasses which he still has on. What you can't see off to the side is Beth with a knuckle duster...
Everything from the large to the small. Little helicopter BIG plane. The helicopter is an OH-6 Cayuse and the plane is another Hercules.
E3 AWACS - monitoring the skies for hundreds of miles around this when in use with its powerful radar dome mounted on its back. There was also another example on display which you could walk through but we didn't get a chance as we only got this far down the airfield late in the day.
Stood a bit further away the full view - mired a little by the generators around it and the fences behind.
Beech C-45 Expeditor
Rutan Long EZE - a home built aircraft with a range of just over 2,000 miles or with a back seat fuel tank installed it was able to fly for over 33 hours covering a distance of 4,800 miles
This is Tom - the other friend that came to the airshow with us - taking an opportunity to photo the Hercules
There were several no shows unfortunately as there would be with any large airshow. Unfortunately one of the missing planes was the Vulcan XH-558. This is the Vulcan on permanent sentry duty at RAF Waddington - this is where they used to be based. It turns out that a month or so beforehand the two port engines basically exploded - though that sounds a little more dramatic than it was. Thankfully the airframe wasn't damaged in any way so it was only the engines to be replaced but there wasn't enough time to fully flight test it for public displays. It was an enormous shame as last year it was a truly awesome sight. Anyone going to Fairford this weekend I'm not sure if it due to be flying again or not but for your sakes I hope so.
That brings us to the end of the day - and what a day it was. Next years show is in the diary all things being well - 6th -7th July 2013. I can't wait.
I hope you've enjoyed the photos as much as we enjoyed the day. As always any comments will be greatly appreciated so please feel free to say what you thought of this - good or bad.
- Neil Torr's blog
- Login or register to comment on or report this content
-
Reply to comment
Awesome blog Neil, excellant shots and very good narrative. Can't pick a favorite picure they are all very good!! Thanks for a excellant blog, went to an air show few years ago, the things thoose guys do, amazeing. A very big like from me, thanks for takeing the time and shareing. Well done, good pictures. Look forward to more.
Cheers,
Sue
sue hurst
Reply to comment
Thanks Sue, glad you liked it
It really was an amazing sight to behold.
Peacock
Edinburgh holiday Days 1 & 2
Peterborough Group M
Reply to comment
Hi neil thanks for putting this blog together and sharing your day, i would of liked to of gone myself but was just too busy i,m affraid. I live in Lincolnshire myself so RAF Waddington isnt too far away but couldnt make it all the same. We have however had a lot of the older `Battle of Britain` planes fly over my town recently in commemoration and even one of the `RED ARROWS` flew over my house! Back to your blog though, the MQ-4C certainly looks a strange shape and the shot with the campervan gives a bit of appearance the helicopter is coming in to land on it, LOL. On the 6th to last picture of the E3 AWACS, is there a reason why the picture has been loaded sideways or was it just a loading mistake! Anyway it looks and sounds like you all had a good day (even your daughter with her very large cookie) and you have some great pictures here to show for it. Obviously cant comment on them all so i,ll just finish by saying, a like from me. Paul.
(My photos may not be the best but they represent a part of my life to share with those who care to look)
Reply to comment
Hi Paul, thanks for the comment. It was a shame you couldn't make it. Maybe next year?
The AWACS picture was an error, now corrected. Thanks for pointing that out. Can't believe I didn't spot it. Mind you, I was just glad this all uploaded correctly the first time without the dreaded 'down for maintenance' (well done Fred!)
Peacock
Edinburgh holiday Days 1 & 2
Peterborough Group M
Reply to comment
Looks like a great day out, Neil and your shots certainly do the event justice. Thanks for sharing
Reply to comment
That's a cracking photoblog Neil. It looks like you had decent weather too. I like the odd candid shot too, added just some extra interest. Very nice work indeed.
Cheers (Lincoln born and bred)
Steve
My gallery: http://www.myfinepix.com/gallery/117
My Photoblogs: http://www.myfinepix.com/blog/117
Reply to comment
Cracking excellent photoblog Neil. Looks like you all had a good time at the event. Wonderful photography. Bet you had neck ache afterwards with all that looking up to the sky. LOL! I love the artistic sun glare and smoke trails image with the lovely pastel colours. Thanks for sharing.
Reply to comment
Glad you managed to get the blog on unlike my last blank, what a bind it is when you get that, nice lot of photos takes some doing getting that many good blog good photo, interesting all rounder and a bit of fun thrown in, like from me,regards Leon.
http://www.myfinepix.co.uk/competition/entry/606801
http://www.viewbug.com/member/Leonarditti
Reply to comment
Hi Neil
Totally blown away fantastic blog , great pics,thanks so much alway great to see the battle of britain planes, but the best one i think has to be the Italian team you caught that perfect , well done .
Reply to comment
Brilliant, Neil. Great images and lots of imformation (and in formation flying).
Loved the Vulcan, one of my all time favourites. "Liked".
www.myfinepix.co.uk/gallery/627135: www.myfinepix.co.uk/blog/627135:
Reply to comment
Great blog Neil with loads of information and interest, it certainly looks like you had a great day out, glad to see that the little un had some ear protection, that made me smile.
Tez
Images in the Smoke blog: http://www.myfinepix.com/blog/330512/502456
Smallwood Vintage Rally blog: http://www.myfinepix.com/blog/330512/497014
Moreton Hall blog: http://www.myfinepix.com/blog/330512/465393#comment-11667
Reply to comment
That's my kind of perfect day out. We normally get to Duxford. Some great pics of new a big and historic planes. A big like from me.
Regards
Ray
My latest blog http://www.myfinepix.com/blog/632307/502284
Reply to comment
Great photography. You did the show proud.
Reply to comment
Super blog and thanks for sharing.
Aut inveniam viam aut faciam
Reply to comment
Many thanks indeed for publishing this excellent blog. It is full of very fine photos that make a comprehensive record of the day and your commentary is just right. Brilliant.
Best regards, Steve
www.myfinepix.co.uk/gallery/252
http://www.myfinepix.com/blog/252
Reply to comment
A most interesting informative blog Neil, with excellent in flight photography well captured really enjoyed reading it.....Pleased that sun shone for you on the day.
Thanks for sharing this superb blog. I did a Battle of Britain Memorial Flight blog which you may be interested in seeing, which is still on the site
Colin
http://www.myfinepix.co.uk/competition/entry/607801 Contrast comp
http://www.myfinepix.com/blog/791/535
Reply to comment
FANTASTIC!!!! What else can I say, other than well done.
John
Per Ardua Ad Astra. None of my photographs get manipulated.
Reply to comment
Thanks all, I'm really glad you've liked this and thank you for your kind comments.
The airshow has served me well several times over it seems. A picture on the scroller (the Frecce Tricolori one), good response to this blog, and a fantastic day out in the first place.
Peacock
Edinburgh holiday Days 1 & 2
Peterborough Group M
Reply to comment
Excellent blog Neil, these photos are a real credit to the show! I'm looking forward to your efforts for 2013!
TommyHawkes
Check out my competition entry http://www.myfinepix.co.uk/competition/entry/560085
Reply to comment
what a brilliant blog loved every shot and well done for catching them so well
thanks for the comment on my beetle too
thats much better than the one i took
http://www.myfinepix.com/gallery/704678
please take a look at my latest blog
www.Facebook.com/TPphotography66
http://www.myfinepix.com/blog/704678/504104
Reply to comment
O Yes!
Reply to comment
great blog thought i commnted on this maybe the site went down when i did lol
great shots i found it hard doing the red arrows a few weeks back you have some great images here
well done
contrast entry
http://www.myfinepix.co.uk/competition/entry/611173
my blogs
http://www.myfinepix.com/blog/13
Reply to comment
Hi Neil,
Fantastic blog. You got some excellent shots with your HS20 - I know how tricky the fast movers are from my attempts with my HS10.
A nicely ballanced blog with a good mix of aircraft pics and candid shots. Well done.
I'm hoping to get to Sunderlan Airshow in a couple of weeks time - weather permitting of course.
Like from me.
Andy.
My gallery http://www.myfinepix.com/gallery/498548
I have a photographic memory. Unfortunately I forgot to remove the lens cap!
Reply to comment
Great blog, looks like you had a better day on the Saturday! I took a minibus full of cadets on the Sunday and it started nice but got overcast very quickly! Cue lots of grainy pictures due to the low light.
Great pictures, well done!
I hate to point it out though, but I spotted 1 little error... The Helicopter in front of the Herc isn't a Gazelle - it's an OH-6 Little Bird, the Gazelle was the bright yellow one in IAF markings.
Can't fault your blog though, great stuff!
(I'll attempt to post some pics up of the Black Eagles, they were very impressive, and won the best display team award as a result!)
My Gallery
My RAF Air Cadet Squadron
Reply to comment
Hi Neil smashing blog good photos,good planes and good weather what more could you want not been to a airshow for ages i fancy a trip to East Kirkby to see there Lancaster doing its taxi run and to look around the museum nice one Martin
Allways be prepaired you never know what shots around the corner
Reply to comment
Oooh, you're right Colin - good job we've got experts here to correct me, thank you. I have corrrected the info above. Although I am a bit of a lapsed enthusiast for aircraft I'm surprised I made that mistake - just keen for the analogy I guess but it still works to some extent
Glad you liked it though.
Thank you to everyone else as well for the continued kind comments - this is now my most commented and liked blog. I'm really glad you've all liked it.
Neil
Peacock
Edinburgh holiday Days 1 & 2
Peterborough Group M
Reply to comment
Hi Neil great blog and great captures well done bud
Reply to comment
Great blog brings back so many memory's love it
One thing the helicopter in the above comment is not a Little bird It's a cayuse the little bird is a MH-6 made by MD for the American "special forces" it has a T shaped tale the one in the picture is a Huey OH-6 Cayuse with a v shape tail wouldn't normally nit pick like that but ifsomeone is going to correct u they should correct you with the right info
Thanks for the blog though big like from me
Regards Stevey
http://www.myfinepix.co.uk/competition/entry/606568
Reply to comment
Thanks Stevey, did a bit of checking and as it happens yes, it is the Cayuse, updated accordingly. Also called Loach in some circles I believe.
Peacock
Edinburgh holiday Days 1 & 2
Peterborough Group M
Reply to comment
Cracking blog there Neil with some really good shots!
Thanks for your comment on my single red arrow
Cheers
Tim
Reply to comment
Great photos a big like from me pukkka M8
Reply to comment
Looks like a great day out..and some cracking shots
Regards
Stuart
Reply to comment
Un grand blog de qualité, de trés belles images bien commentées, merci pour cette belle présentation...
Eroc
http://www.myfinepix.co.uk/competition/entry/596857#comment-1474323
http://www.myfinepix.com/gallery/665663
Reply to comment
Complimenti, un vero blog molto articolato con delle immagini meravigliose, sei molto bravo e paziente per aver caricato tutte queste belle immagini, grazie per averle condivise, e da italiano mi riempie sempre di orgoglio vedere le nostre Frecce Tricolori che sono il n. 1 mondiale, tu le hai immortalate in maniera stupenda.
ciao
Marco
my last blog, BLACK AND WHITE OR COLOR?
http://www.myfinepix.co.uk/competition/entry/606036