Southwest Bombers & Rotors

Photos of operational aircraft from bases, airports and "spotter" outings
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RickIngham
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Southwest Bombers & Rotors

Post by RickIngham »

It's been a mad couple of months...making the most of the sun and recently becoming single (I blame the helicopters!) so thought I'd share a few snaps (56!) taken whilst out and about.

First up it has to be Fairford's Global Strike deployment...who would have thought it :shock:

1ImageIMG_80291 by RickInghamPhotography.co.uk, on Flickr

2ImageIMG_0246 by RickInghamPhotography.co.uk, on Flickr

3ImageIMG_8697 by RickInghamPhotography.co.uk, on Flickr

4ImageIMG_1079 by RickInghamPhotography.co.uk, on Flickr

5ImageIMG_8319 by RickInghamPhotography.co.uk, on Flickr

These guys were great! Spent about 3 hours talking to the public and posing for pictures with children - great public relations!
6ImageIMG_1164 by RickInghamPhotography.co.uk, on Flickr

7ImageIMG_0903 by RickInghamPhotography.co.uk, on Flickr

8ImageIMG_8243 by RickInghamPhotography.co.uk, on Flickr

9ImageIMG_9985 by RickInghamPhotography.co.uk, on Flickr

10ImageIMG_7779 by RickInghamPhotography.co.uk, on Flickr

11ImageIMG_7979 by RickInghamPhotography.co.uk, on Flickr

Then it's the RAF's brand new Chinook HC6:

12ImageBoeing Chinook HC6 - ZK552 - RAF by RickInghamPhotography.co.uk, on Flickr

13ImageBoeing Chinook HC6 - ZK552 - RAF by RickInghamPhotography.co.uk, on Flickr

Israeli's at Brize:

14ImageLockheed C-130H Hercules - 428 - Israeli Air Force by RickInghamPhotography.co.uk, on Flickr

15ImageLockheed C-130H Hercules - 435 - Israeli Air Force by RickInghamPhotography.co.uk, on Flickr

And the usual riff raff:

16ImageBoeing Chinook HC4 - ZA682 - RAF by RickInghamPhotography.co.uk, on Flickr

17ImageWestland Lynx AH9A - ZE375 - AAC by RickInghamPhotography.co.uk, on Flickr

18ImageBoeing Chinook HC3 - ZH902 - RAF by RickInghamPhotography.co.uk, on Flickr

19ImageBoeing Chinook HC4 - ZA704 - RAF by RickInghamPhotography.co.uk, on Flickr

20ImageWestland Seaking HU5 - XV666/21 - Royal Navy by RickInghamPhotography.co.uk, on Flickr

21ImageWestland Gazelle AH1 - XX405 - D&T Unit - AAC by RickInghamPhotography.co.uk, on Flickr

22ImageEurocopter SA330SM+ Puma HC2 - XW232 - QinetiQ by RickInghamPhotography.co.uk, on Flickr

23ImageWestland Lynx AH9A - ZE375 - AAC by RickInghamPhotography.co.uk, on Flickr

24ImageWestland Apache AH1 - ZJ214 - AAC by RickInghamPhotography.co.uk, on Flickr

25ImageWestland Gazelle AH1 - XX405 - D&T Unit - AAC by RickInghamPhotography.co.uk, on Flickr

26ImageBoeing Chinook HC3 - ZH902 - RAF by RickInghamPhotography.co.uk, on Flickr

27ImageWestland Seaking HU5 - XV666/21 - Royal Navy by RickInghamPhotography.co.uk, on Flickr

28ImageBoeing Chinook HC4 - ZA682 - RAF by RickInghamPhotography.co.uk, on Flickr

29ImageWestland Seaking HU5 - XV666/21 - Royal Navy by RickInghamPhotography.co.uk, on Flickr

30ImageWestland Seaking HC4 - ZE427/K - Royal Navy by RickInghamPhotography.co.uk, on Flickr

31ImageWestland Apache AH1 - ZJ214 - AAC by RickInghamPhotography.co.uk, on Flickr

32ImageWestland Lynx AH7 - ZD274/M - AAC by RickInghamPhotography.co.uk, on Flickr

33ImageWestland Merlin HC3 - ZJ119/C - RAF by RickInghamPhotography.co.uk, on Flickr

34ImageEurocopter SA330SM+ Puma HC2 - XW232 - QinetiQ by RickInghamPhotography.co.uk, on Flickr

35ImageBoeing Chinook HC4 - ZA675 - RAF by RickInghamPhotography.co.uk, on Flickr

36ImageWestland Gazelle AH1 - XX405 - D&T Unit - AAC by RickInghamPhotography.co.uk, on Flickr

37ImageWestland Apache AH1 - ZJ214 - AAC by RickInghamPhotography.co.uk, on Flickr

38ImageBoeing Chinook HC3 - ZH904 - RAF by RickInghamPhotography.co.uk, on Flickr

39ImageWestland Seaking HU5 - XV651 - QinetiQ by RickInghamPhotography.co.uk, on Flickr

40ImageWestland Merlin HC3A - ZJ992/AB - RAF by RickInghamPhotography.co.uk, on Flickr

41ImageBoeing Chinook HC4 - ZA675/AE - RAF by RickInghamPhotography.co.uk, on Flickr

42ImageWestland Merlin HC3 - ZJ128/M - RAF by RickInghamPhotography.co.uk, on Flickr

43ImageIMG_8503 by RickInghamPhotography.co.uk, on Flickr

44ImageIMG_8307 by RickInghamPhotography.co.uk, on Flickr

45ImageIMG_8900 by RickInghamPhotography.co.uk, on Flickr

46ImageIMG_8700 by RickInghamPhotography.co.uk, on Flickr

47ImageBell 212 Jungle Winching by RickInghamPhotography.co.uk, on Flickr



Now my favourite two moments of this year so far - with a massive thanks to mother nature! :hypno:

48ImageWestland Merlin HC3A - ZJ998/AE - RAF by RickInghamPhotography.co.uk, on Flickr

49ImageWestland Merlin HC3A - ZJ998/AE - RAF by RickInghamPhotography.co.uk, on Flickr

50ImageWestland Merlin HC3A - ZJ998/AE - RAF by RickInghamPhotography.co.uk, on Flickr

51ImageWestland Merlin HC3A - ZJ998/AE - RAF by RickInghamPhotography.co.uk, on Flickr

52ImageWestland Merlin HC3A - ZJ998/AE - RAF by RickInghamPhotography.co.uk, on Flickr

53ImageWestland Merlin HC3A - ZJ998/AE - RAF by RickInghamPhotography.co.uk, on Flickr

54ImageBoeing Chinook HC2 - ZH894 - RAF by RickInghamPhotography.co.uk, on Flickr

55ImageBoeing Chinook HC2 - ZH894 - RAF by RickInghamPhotography.co.uk, on Flickr

56ImageBoeing Chinook HC2 - ZH894 - RAF by RickInghamPhotography.co.uk, on Flickr
Last edited by RickIngham on Sat 21 Jun 2014, 5:35 pm, edited 1 time in total.

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Bartek
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Re: Southwest Bombers & Rotors

Post by Bartek »

It is always a plesure to watch your "updates" :)
Sunset shots stand out for me.

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Blackbird
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Re: Southwest Bombers & Rotors

Post by Blackbird »

Superb set - the sunset and rainbow shots are absolutely outstanding :clap: :clap: :clap:

Is there a visible difference between the Chinook HC3 and the new HC6?

Andy :smile:

wv383
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Re: Southwest Bombers & Rotors

Post by wv383 »

Blackbird wrote:Superb set - the sunset and rainbow shots are absolutely outstanding :clap: :clap: :clap:

Is there a visible difference between the Chinook HC3 and the new HC6?

Andy :smile:


As far as I can see, the only external difference is the change to a fully matt and slightly lighter colour
Simon

wv383
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Re: Southwest Bombers & Rotors

Post by wv383 »

Superb! Anyone would think you liked helicopters!
Simon

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RickIngham
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Re: Southwest Bombers & Rotors

Post by RickIngham »

Thanks all.
There are less antennas on the spine but that is the only visual difference i can find between the HC4 and HC6's...which of course is the aim of the game as the RAF want to standardise the fleet! Currently they have HC2, HC2A, HC3, HC4, HC5, HC6!

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jonny7
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Re: Southwest Bombers & Rotors

Post by jonny7 »

Wow, it reminds me of a pub I knew, "The first and last", are brilliant and in between opening and closing a great time was had :lol: .. :up:
Don't say something crass, to hide your envy. Just give credit, when its applicable...

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Thumper
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Re: Southwest Bombers & Rotors

Post by Thumper »

An absolutely stunning set of images, really special particularly the rainbow and sunset shots. I love the technical/precision landings from the Chinook and the Lynx!

Airwolfhound
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Re: Southwest Bombers & Rotors

Post by Airwolfhound »

Your photos never fail to impress, Rick, incredible series of shots :rock: :clap:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/24874528@N04/

Agile, mobile and hostile ;-)

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HaveQuick2
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Re: Southwest Bombers & Rotors

Post by HaveQuick2 »

Blackbird wrote:Superb set - the sunset and rainbow shots are absolutely outstanding :clap: :clap: :clap:

Is there a visible difference between the Chinook HC3 and the new HC6?

Andy :smile:


Yes, massive difference. The HC3 has the fatter fuselage fuel tanks, and the longer nose.
The HC6 has the same stubby nose and slimmer fuselage tanks as the HC2 and HC4.

Great pictures as ever Rick.
HQ2 out

IanH
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Re: Southwest Bombers & Rotors

Post by IanH »

RickIngham wrote:Thanks all.
There are less antennas on the spine but that is the only visual difference i can find between the HC4 and HC6's...which of course is the aim of the game as the RAF want to standardise the fleet! Currently they have HC2, HC2A, HC3, HC4, HC5, HC6!


Lovely set Rick. Very good shooting indeed.

As for the differences (antennae ignoring tanks), between 4 and 6, its marginal. Two pitot tubes on left hand front as you look face on to the 6, one on the four....I believe. That is pretty well it. Cockpit is the main difference inside but once digital conversion complete across the fleet, they`ll be pretty similar. Hope this helps.

Regards, ian
Last edited by IanH on Thu 19 Jun 2014, 2:12 pm, edited 1 time in total.

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rdchawk
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Re: Southwest Bombers & Rotors

Post by rdchawk »

Well simply err......wow what a brilliant thread of tremendous photos :clap: :clap:
What do you call a horse that lives nextdoor?? - A Neigh-bour!
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Jeff Hunt
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Re: Southwest Bombers & Rotors

Post by Jeff Hunt »

Words do not describe some of these pics. Outstanding set.

Cheers,

Jeff

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bigcrow
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Re: Southwest Bombers & Rotors

Post by bigcrow »

Outstanding shooting... Great to catch up last week at Fairford mate.. :smile:

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Phil Standfield
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Re: Southwest Bombers & Rotors

Post by Phil Standfield »

As always a well captured set. Plenty of stunners in there but perhaps the sunset ones just sneak it. Thanks for taking the trouble to show us how it's done.
Stan

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RickIngham
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Re: Southwest Bombers & Rotors

Post by RickIngham »

Thank you everyone. It's been a great year already... Hopefully see some of you about in the next couple of months!

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