As has already been noted on this board. As THE celebration for the USAF's 70 anniversary, Aviation Nation 2017 really didn't deliver. One ground instructional F-15 with a few vinyl sticker and one flying F-16 with the same applications were pretty much all that even acknowledged there was anything special going on. Both of these aircraft were also used to recognize those who were injured and lost in the recent appalling shooting from the Mandalay Bay Hotel at the opposite end of the strip.
The static area was larger than in 2016 but, sadly had less aircraft, probably the most notable absence was the advertised Dutch F-35A. The flying display was saved by the now familiar Red Flag demonstration by the home based squadrons. Fighters, Helicopters and Flares everywhere. The pyros used to simulate bomb drops were pretty good but those used for the A-10 straffing runs were amazing and even sounded right. All the way through photogs had no clue where to point the camera next!!! Sadly, Saturday's beautiful blue skies didn't stick around for Sunday so most of my usable shots came from day.
USAF 70th Anniversary
Vegas Strong / USAF 70th Anniversary
Twin Lightning!
Hind
Heritage Flight
Thunderbirds are Go
Smoke and Thunder(bolt)
Who says you can't shoot 'OT' birds?
USAF 70
Lovely low Spitfire
Patriots Growler
Armed with Blue intern weapons but still Dangerous
More Heritage Flight - Bored yet?
National Parks Service Turbine Cessna
Best Buddies
Aggressor Flares
Lightning
Another Lightning (ok it's the same one)
Air Force Academy Twotter
More Flares
Lovely Aggressor
Raptor Baby
T Birds
Urm Raptor Again
Tired looking Dragon Lady
Coming Through - in a hurry
Late Late Aviation Nation 2017
Late Late Aviation Nation 2017
You don't take a photograph you make it - Ansel Adams.
Canon 6D, Canon 7D, 100-400L, 70-200L, Tamron SP 150-600.
Canon 6D, Canon 7D, 100-400L, 70-200L, Tamron SP 150-600.
Re: Late Late Aviation Nation 2017
Nice selection .... the F35 pair is nice, as is the last shot.
I'm not sure why everyone thought 70th anniversary would be anything special - I would have thought 25 year gaps are more likely to be marked. 2022 anyone?
Leon
I'm not sure why everyone thought 70th anniversary would be anything special - I would have thought 25 year gaps are more likely to be marked. 2022 anyone?
Leon
"Sharpness is in the eye of the holder"
More at http://www.planephotos.org.uk
More at http://www.planephotos.org.uk
- Jakub.Zurek
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