As far as the line-up is concerned this year´s edition is not very different from previous years, with the ANG Eagles from Louisiana in the focus of most enthusiasts as a welcome first-timer. In contrast to previous editions the take-off phases are much longer, lasting a long 1,5 hours (at least on the 28th). This lead to problems in relocating from the departure end for the take-offs to the approach end for the arrivals because the last flights of fighters were still awaiting their take-off slot while the first jets already joined the pattern for recovery. Nevertheless Frisian Flag is still one of the most interesting events in northern Europe with lots of jets and action. A big `thank you!' goes to the members of the Aviation Group Leeuwarden for providing such fantastic conditions for the whole spotter community.
DANK U WEL!!
#01 Mirage 2000D 668(3-IG) EC 01.003 from BA Nancy-Ochey
#02 Mirage 2000D 617(3-IS); note the LGB on the centerline station!
#03 Mirage 2000D 617(3-IS)
#04 Mirage 2000D 671(3-XK) EC 03.003 with laser pod and LGB
#05 MOTHER35-flight joining the overhead after the morning mission
#06 Mirage 2000D 617(3-IS)
#07 Mirage 2000D 668(3-IG)
#08 Mirage 2000D 671(3-XK)
#09 same jet taking off for the afternoon wave
#10 F-16AM 15104 Esquadra 301/302 from BA Monte Real
#11 F-16AM 15101
#12 F-15C 85-0096 125th FW/Florida ANG from Jacksonville,Fl.
#13 F-15C 85-0102/JZ 159th FW/Louisiana ANG Boss Bird and triple MiG-killer!
#14 F-15C 83-0012/JZ
#15 F-15C 83-0041/JZ
#16 F-15D 80-0058 125th FW, the sole 2-seater on this deployment
#17 F-16AM FA-70 10.WTac,349.Smaldeel from Kleine-Brogel in a striking 75th anniversary scheme
#18 F-16AM FA-118
#19 a heavy crop of two Belgians turning finals, please excuse the quality but I like the perspective
#20 F-16AM FA-118 taking off for the pm wave
#21 Tornado GR.4 ZA459(025) from Marham on take-off
#22 … and on finals
#23 Tornado GR.4 ZA471(031), note the desert chaff pod!
#24 Tornado GR.4 ZA554(046)
#25 EF2000 31+29 from Nörvenich-based TaktLwG 31
#26 EF2000 31+31 turning finals with a flock of geese ignoring the right of way
#27 that was close!
#28 EF2000 31+31 „Spirit of Oswald Boelcke“ in a 125th anniversary scheme
and finally some Dutch Vipers. They surely know how to please the photographers with nice banking take-offs!
Actually that´s part of the noise abatement procedure for RWY23-departures to avoid the village of Marsum.
Unfortunately nobody told the Eagle drivers, they all flew airliner style take-offs on that day…
#29 F-16AM J-509 322.Squadron Leeuwarden
#30 F-16AM J-002 322.Squadron
#31 F-16AM J-011 312.Squadron Volkel
#32 F-16AM J-642 u/m
#33 F-16AM J-016 312.Squadron
#34 F-16AM J-630 312.Squadron
#35 F-16AM J-628 322.Sqn
#36 F-16AM J-144 322.Squadron
#37 SAW11-flight initial RWY23
#38 first out - last in! Cobham´s Falcon 20ECM jet is providing electronic warfare support for the exercise
Thanks for looking!
Cheers, Chris
