Air-to-Air with the Grim Reapers

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DJdeRidder
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Air-to-Air with the Grim Reapers

Post by DJdeRidder »

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!
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Approaching for fuel.
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Taking fuel.
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Breaking away.
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Short 'photo moment' after refuelling.
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And one snapshot just to show you the difficult circumstances we faced:
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Hope you liked them!
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bigcrow
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Re: Air-to-Air with the Grim Reapers

Post by bigcrow »

Fantastic opportunity. Lovely shots... :clap:

timuss
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Re: Air-to-Air with the Grim Reapers

Post by timuss »

Oh wow they are brilliant what an opportunity :clap: :clap: :cool:
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SuffolkBlue
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Re: Air-to-Air with the Grim Reapers

Post by SuffolkBlue »

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 :clap:

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HawkT1
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Re: Air-to-Air with the Grim Reapers

Post by HawkT1 »

wow fantastic shots

andyxh558

Re: Air-to-Air with the Grim Reapers

Post by andyxh558 »

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! :smile:

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LN Strike Eagle
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Re: Air-to-Air with the Grim Reapers

Post by LN Strike Eagle »

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?
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Dragon Rapide
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Re: Air-to-Air with the Grim Reapers

Post by Dragon Rapide »

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!! :clap: :biggrin:
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DJdeRidder
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Re: Air-to-Air with the Grim Reapers

Post by DJdeRidder »

Thanks for the kind comments!

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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Stu
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Re: Air-to-Air with the Grim Reapers

Post by Stu »

Nice set ! love the second shot :clap:
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Aquila
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Re: Air-to-Air with the Grim Reapers

Post by Aquila »

A superb set of photo's-a totally different and unique angle on LN's quite often photographed planes. Brilliant! :yahoo:

Got any more?

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RickIngham
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Re: Air-to-Air with the Grim Reapers

Post by RickIngham »

I quite like number 1. Very lucky to get an opportunity like that! :worship:

DJdeRidder
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Re: Air-to-Air with the Grim Reapers

Post by DJdeRidder »

Aquila wrote:Got any more?

Yes I have, but basically it's more of the same..

Image

Image

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F-86
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Re: Air-to-Air with the Grim Reapers

Post by F-86 »

Only just seen these, great set. :clap: :clap:

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shaggie
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Re: Air-to-Air with the Grim Reapers

Post by shaggie »

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 !!

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Kenny
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Re: Air-to-Air with the Grim Reapers

Post by Kenny »

Absolutely beautiful. What an experience that must be

Love the close ups

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jimbob1194
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Re: Air-to-Air with the Grim Reapers

Post by jimbob1194 »

Fantastic! :clap: :drool:

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jwarnerxh558
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Re: Air-to-Air with the Grim Reapers

Post by jwarnerxh558 »

Great shots!! reminds me of flying on the VC-10s out of brize back in 2002..... good times!! :rock:

DJdeRidder
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Re: Air-to-Air with the Grim Reapers

Post by DJdeRidder »

Thanks a lot for the second batch of comments!
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mr pabs
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Re: Air-to-Air with the Grim Reapers

Post by mr pabs »

Excellent post..... one of the best in my opinion

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Re: Air-to-Air with the Grim Reapers

Post by Dragon Rapide »

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! :biggrin:
Listen to that Gipsy music.....

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captain scarlet
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Re: Air-to-Air with the Grim Reapers

Post by captain scarlet »

Brilliant set! :clap:
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rob m
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Re: Air-to-Air with the Grim Reapers

Post by rob m »

What a set, thanks for sharing Dirk Jan!
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