Lion Effort 2012 - Gripen heaven

[SilverWingPix]

Just had an amazing couple of days in Sweden photographing Saab Gripens and other aircraft participating in exercise Lion Effort 2012.
Read more about the exercise here: http://www.airplane-pictures.net/news.php?p=1118

On day1 I had been invited to the press day which gave access to the active flight line:

#1


#2 Czech tiger Gripen


#3 The stars of the exercise for me - South Africa Air Force:


#4


We were also taken to a spot near the runway for the second launch of the day - light wasn´t great but still a nice experience:

#5


#6


#7 Squadron mascot going for a ride


#8 C-130 tanker returning - The Czech´s did in-flight refuelling training during the exercise:


After the launch we left airside to watch arrival from the perimeter fence - great location:

#9 One of three L-159 Alca´s also taking part:


#10


On day2 I was outside the fence and wind had changed giving different views:

#11 Morning departure:


#12 Returning from first mission:


#13


#14 Afternoon launch:


#15


#16 Bonus:


Thanks to Joe for borrowing some of his kit for this - You are a star mate :drinks:

Brgds
Egon

[RoverDriver]

m

[Macc]

Excellent set as always, number three has a fantastic angle!

[DeanW]

That's a top set of images. Really like 6 and 7!

[mr pabs]

Nice pix..... Really like the first image.

[RickIngham]

Good access and a stunning set Egon

[urkles]

Really nice, hopefully I will get some Thai ones in June, and a SAAF one in August, and only hope they are half as good as these!

[SilverWingPix]

Thanks chaps!

There´s supposed to be Thai and SAAF Gripens at the show in Linköping/Malmen show on june 3rd.
The second batch Thai aircraft are in production there and first aircraft has had first flight.
The SAAF aircraft that took part in the exercise returned to Malmen for some updates and are supposed to be shipped to South Africa in august.

E.

[Craig_85]

6, 7 and 12 for me, good work

[st24]

Some very nice images there, I just wish I could get into the Gripen though....

[davedogman]

I like #11 very cool.

[Chucky]

Nice pics and close-up !