Bell-Boeing CV-22B Osprey 12-0064 - 7th SOS, 352nd SOG USAFE - RAF Mildenhall, November 2017 by Dan B, on Flickr
The Osprey mentioned doing some pattern work, so loitered at Pollards Lane as I wasn't sure how photogenic an Osprey approach would be from either end. As it turns out, it was rubbish for pics from Pollards, so went off to try and locate the famous "mound". The Osprey had left the area by the time we were in position at the 29 end, but STRIX27 was busy in the circuit, as was a KC-135 and there was also a visiting C-21 arriving.
Lockheed-Martin MC-130J Commando II 12-5760 - 67th SOS, 352nd SOG USAFE - November 2017 by Dan B, on Flickr
Boeing KC-135R Stratotanker 63-8871 - 100th ARW, USAFE - RAF Mildenhall, November 2017 by Dan B, on Flickr
C-21 Learjet 84-0085 - 76th Airlift Squadron, USAFE - RAF Mildenhall, November 2017 by Dan B, on Flickr
Whilst that lot were bashing the circuit, Lakenheath had burst into life and the Eagles were active in the distance. Clinging-on at Mildenhall hoping to catch the Osprey from the mound meant the morning recoveries were missed, so we ventured back across to Lakenheath for the start of the afternoon wave. There were 13 jets loitering around the 24 end upon arrival, and they started arriving back in dribs and drabs about an hour later. Light was still ok for the first arrivals but quickly moved round.
McDonnell Douglas F-15E Strike Eagle 92-0364 - 494th Fighter Squadron, USAFE - RAF Lakenheath, November 2017 by Dan B, on Flickr
McDonnell Douglas F-15E Strike Eagle 00-3004 - 494th Fighter Squadron, USAFE - RAF Lakenheath, November 2017 by Dan B, on Flickr
McDonnell Douglas F-15E Strike Eagle 91-0316 - 492nd Fighter Squadron, USAFE - RAF Lakenheath, November 2017 by Dan B, on Flickr
McDonnell Douglas F-15E Strike Eagle 91-0302 - 492nd Fighter Squadron, USAFE - RAF Lakenheath, November 2017 by Dan B, on Flickr
McDonnell Douglas F-15E Strike Eagle 91-0329 - 494th Fighter Squadron, USAFE - RAF Lakenheath, November 2017 by Dan B, on Flickr
I was hoping to catch the 492nd jets with mission markings and noseart. Just about hanging onto the light when this one arrived back, but didn't see the CO's jet with "The Dude Abides" noseart. Probably missed them all in the good light whilst hanging on in vain for that Osprey.
McDonnell Douglas F-15E Strike Eagle 98-0202 - 492nd Fighter Squadron, USAFE - RAF Lakenheath, November 2017 by Dan B, on Flickr
McDonnell Douglas F-15E Strike Eagle 96-0204 - 494th Fighter Squadron, USAFE - RAF Lakenheath, November 2017 by Dan B, on Flickr
Back over to Mildenhall for the last hour of daylight as an MC-130J was bashing the circuit and I fancied that rather than the diminishing returns as the light moves nose-on at Lakenheath. Sadly, the pit-stop at Burger King meant I just missed it, but there were a couple of KC-135s in the area, which were photographed from the roadside.
Amazing how quickly the light changes - these were consecutive circuits:
Boeing KC-135R Stratotanker 58-0100 - 100th ARW, USAFE - RAF Mildenhall, November 2017 by Dan B, on Flickr
Boeing KC-135R Stratotanker 58-0100 - 100th ARW, USAFE - RAF Mildenhall, November 2017 by Dan B, on Flickr
This one called up with fuel still onboard and a faulty spoiler.
Boeing KC-135R Stratotanker 58-0094 - 100th ARW, USAFE - RAF Mildenhall, November 2017 by Dan B, on Flickr
And finally, a quick dash to the mound when I saw KNIFE71 returning to the base on ADS-B, just catching the last rays before hot pitting. There was another Herc going up, but sadly his first approach was a few minutes too late and what was left of the light was very weak at that point.
Bell-Boeing CV-22B Osprey 12-0064 - 7th SOS, 352nd SOG USAFE - RAF Mildenhall, November 2017 by Dan B, on Flickr
Bell-Boeing CV-22B Osprey 12-0064 - 7th SOS, 352nd SOG USAFE - RAF Mildenhall, November 2017 by Dan B, on Flickr
