Farewell Old Friend - Final RN Lynx flight, 17 March 2017

[seacat192]

As I finish work at mid-day on a Friday, I decided to head to the local, RNAS Yeovilton, in the hope of photographing the Lynx Farewell Formation on its' final return.

It was very gloomy, and strong wind was blowing straight down the runway towards the 27 end - so a trip to the Sheep Field was in order. Eventually joined by 4 others in the field but was surprised that there wasn't more people there to observe the event.


First up, was the arrival of Kingfisher 500, a Royal Navy Merlin coming in for a rotors running re-fuel before returning to RNAS Culdrose. I believe this was a camera ship for the morning flight:
1. Royal Navy Merlin by Roger, on Flickr

A few Wildcat movements allowed me to pracice my panning and to select a shutter speed that would give a decent amount of rotor blur. This is Vagabond 19 returning:
2. Army Air Corps Wildcat helicopter by Roger, on Flickr

Then came the main event - the arrival of Lynx Formation. Here are a selection of photos of the final fight:
3. Royal Navy Lynx retirement 'Farewell Formation' - 17 March 2017 by Roger, on Flickr

4. Royal Navy Lynx retirement 'Farewell Formation' - 17 March 2017 by Roger, on Flickr

5. Royal Navy Lynx retirement 'Farewell Formation' - 17 March 2017 by Roger, on Flickr

6. Royal Navy Lynx retirement 'Farewell Formation' - 17 March 2017 by Roger, on Flickr

7. Royal Navy Lynx retirement 'Farewell Formation' - 17 March 2017 by Roger, on Flickr


It would be nice if the two Lynx with Nose Art could 'hang around' until Air Day


Thanks for looking, and to the crews that took part in this flypast
Roger

[Tuckat]

Given the weather conditions these have come out well, I haven't checked mine yet. Good to meet you earlier

[seacat192]

Given the weather conditions these have come out well, I haven't checked mine yet. Good to meet you earlier

Thank you, and it was good to meet you too. Hope you had a good journey back home?

Yes, t'was a bit on the dark side, not to mention chilly.

Hope you're pleased with your results too!

[Phil Standfield]

Good set in the tricky conditions. Did Not manage to see them fly over Dorchester as they flew to the west side and i work at the other end of town.
Stan

[seacat192]

Thanks Stan

[Unknown74]

Surely one or two Lynx will be donated to Museums?

[seacat192]

Surely one or two Lynx will be donated to Museums?

Let's hope so!

[SWATCO]

Nice set

[jaguar54]

There must be a few Lynx to remain at Yeovilton for ground training like they did with some of the Sea Kings??

[seacat192]

Nice set

Thanks Stu.

There must be a few Lynx to remain at Yeovilton for ground training like they did with some of the Sea Kings??

To be honest, I didn't realise there still Sea Kings at Yeovilton, so I can't really second guess about that happening with the Lynx

[Trenethick]

Nice set

Thanks Stu.

There must be a few Lynx to remain at Yeovilton for ground training like they did with some of the Sea Kings??

To be honest, I didn't realise there still Sea Kings at Yeovilton, so I can't really second guess about that happening with the Lynx

No Sea Kings left at VL other than those in the museum collection

[seacat192]

Thanks for the confirmation