Air-to-Air with the Grim Reapers
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Air-to-Air with the Grim Reapers
Earlier this year, I had the opportunity to join an air-to-air refueling mission with the 493rd Fighter Squadron 'Grim Reapers'. Our KC-135 of the 100th ARW at Mildenhall refueled six of their F-15Cs over the North Sea between the UK and the Netherlands. Circumstances were difficult, but I managed to take a couple 'keepers'.
First up, our crew which included the 100th OG commander. Many thanks to all of them!
Approaching for fuel.
Taking fuel.
Breaking away.
Short 'photo moment' after refuelling.
And one snapshot just to show you the difficult circumstances we faced:
Hope you liked them!
First up, our crew which included the 100th OG commander. Many thanks to all of them!
Approaching for fuel.
Taking fuel.
Breaking away.
Short 'photo moment' after refuelling.
And one snapshot just to show you the difficult circumstances we faced:
Hope you liked them!
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Re: Air-to-Air with the Grim Reapers
Fantastic opportunity. Lovely shots...
Re: Air-to-Air with the Grim Reapers
Oh wow they are brilliant what an opportunity
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Canon 100-400 L IS II
Icom ICR-2 Scanner
PSN: timuss
- SuffolkBlue
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Re: Air-to-Air with the Grim Reapers
Seems strange to have so many views yet so few replies, as I think these are superb!
What an experience that must have been. The head on shot is the one for me
What an experience that must have been. The head on shot is the one for me
Re: Air-to-Air with the Grim Reapers
wow fantastic shots
Re: Air-to-Air with the Grim Reapers
Sorry I have just noticed the thread, fantastic pictures and number 2 is the best one of the lot. I seem to remember the Boomer uses an old Phantom stick to steer the boom? oh to get that chance myself!
- LN Strike Eagle
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Re: Air-to-Air with the Grim Reapers
Penultimate shot is a cracker.
Would be interested to know how you managed to overcome the dirty window, because you'd never guess from looking at the other photos. Was it just a case of take as many as possible and hope for the best?
Would be interested to know how you managed to overcome the dirty window, because you'd never guess from looking at the other photos. Was it just a case of take as many as possible and hope for the best?
"You really are an oafish philistine at times!"
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Re: Air-to-Air with the Grim Reapers
I too have only just caught up with this thread. Fantastic pictures and great to see the F15 in "action" - many thanks for taking the oppoortunity and sharing it with us!!
Listen to that Gipsy music.....
Dragon Rapide
Dragon Rapide
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Re: Air-to-Air with the Grim Reapers
Thanks for the kind comments!
He does use a stick but whether it's a Phantom stick, no clue..
Well, the windows were much cleaner earlier during the flight. They got worse as time passed and it was mostly the upper side of the windows that got dirty. It was just a case of hoping the jets would approach/position in such a way that I could avoid the dirty parts.
andyxh558 wrote:I seem to remember the Boomer uses an old Phantom stick to steer the boom?
He does use a stick but whether it's a Phantom stick, no clue..
LN Strike Eagle wrote:Would be interested to know how you managed to overcome the dirty window, because you'd never guess from looking at the other photos. Was it just a case of take as many as possible and hope for the best?
Well, the windows were much cleaner earlier during the flight. They got worse as time passed and it was mostly the upper side of the windows that got dirty. It was just a case of hoping the jets would approach/position in such a way that I could avoid the dirty parts.
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Re: Air-to-Air with the Grim Reapers
Nice set ! love the second shot
Re: Air-to-Air with the Grim Reapers
A superb set of photo's-a totally different and unique angle on LN's quite often photographed planes. Brilliant!
Got any more?
Pedro
Got any more?
Pedro
- RickIngham
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Re: Air-to-Air with the Grim Reapers
I quite like number 1. Very lucky to get an opportunity like that!
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Re: Air-to-Air with the Grim Reapers
Aquila wrote:Got any more?
Yes I have, but basically it's more of the same..
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Re: Air-to-Air with the Grim Reapers
Only just seen these, great set.
Re: Air-to-Air with the Grim Reapers
A very nice set and i know just how difficult it is to get good shot from a Tanker sortie ,the F-15 off the wing in clear blues is stunning !!
Re: Air-to-Air with the Grim Reapers
Absolutely beautiful. What an experience that must be
Love the close ups
Love the close ups
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- jimbob1194
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Re: Air-to-Air with the Grim Reapers
Fantastic!
James
James
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- jwarnerxh558
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Re: Air-to-Air with the Grim Reapers
Great shots!! reminds me of flying on the VC-10s out of brize back in 2002..... good times!!
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Re: Air-to-Air with the Grim Reapers
Thanks a lot for the second batch of comments!
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Re: Air-to-Air with the Grim Reapers
Excellent post..... one of the best in my opinion
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Re: Air-to-Air with the Grim Reapers
DJdeRidder wrote:Aquila wrote:Got any more?
Yes I have, but basically it's more of the same..
You can never have too many F15s!
Listen to that Gipsy music.....
Dragon Rapide
Dragon Rapide
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Re: Air-to-Air with the Grim Reapers
Brilliant set!
Richard
Captain Scarlet is indestructable, you are not. Remember this, do not try to imitate him.
Captain Scarlet is indestructable, you are not. Remember this, do not try to imitate him.
Re: Air-to-Air with the Grim Reapers
What a set, thanks for sharing Dirk Jan!
Gr,
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Rob Martaré.
gear: Sony's, 16-80, 70-400
pics @ http://www.airfighters.com/photosearch.php?phgid=3423