Japan 2014 : Iwakuni

Photos of operational aircraft from bases, airports and "spotter" outings
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orion2
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Japan 2014 : Iwakuni

Post by orion2 »

Hello all,

Iwakuni is a most interesting base, with several JMSDF types and a USN/USMC presence.Spotting facilities are present (one could say"gorgeous" !) but only on the northern edge of the base.So the best results will come with a South wind.

Take-offs as seen from the north :

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Landing from the north :

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Thanks for looking,

Marc

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alanp
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Re: Japan 2014 : Iwakuni

Post by alanp »

Really love the variety, needless to say the last one's my favourite.

NLExile
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Re: Japan 2014 : Iwakuni

Post by NLExile »

alanp wrote:Really love the variety, needless to say the last one's my favourite.

That day I was standing nearby Marc and considering your interest for the bird I've scanned two of my slides. Yes, slides! :wink:

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V.P.

Niallxg
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Re: Japan 2014 : Iwakuni

Post by Niallxg »

Very nice, loving the US-2 shots. :rock:

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alanp
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Re: Japan 2014 : Iwakuni

Post by alanp »

Why, thank you very much!I hope I can get there before digital goes the way of slides.

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RichPittman
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Re: Japan 2014 : Iwakuni

Post by RichPittman »

Great to see , thanks for posting...
Any more information on spotting location would be welcome.

Is there 2 runways?

Cheers Rich
Always remember "If you cannot turn tight...you cannot fight!"

orion2
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Re: Japan 2014 : Iwakuni

Post by orion2 »

RichPittman wrote:Great to see , thanks for posting...
Any more information on spotting location would be welcome.

Is there 2 runways?

Cheers Rich


Hello Rich,

No just one North/South runway but there is a specially-made tunnel enabling people to access both sides of the runway.

Cheers,

Marc

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soundbarrier
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Re: Japan 2014 : Iwakuni

Post by soundbarrier »

The old runway was replaced by a new paralell runway 1 km more to the east. Over portions of the old runway new building en platforms were constructed to enlarge the base capacity (2008-2012).
USN CAW-5 at Atsugi and a Marines KC-130sqn from Futenma will move to Iwakuni ... apparently photo opportunities have not improved since 2008.

orion2 wrote:a specially-made tunnel enabling people to access both sides of the runway.

I believe that one is intended for local fishers. During my last visit in 2012 it was locked ... :mad:

So it was open during your visit?

orion2
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Re: Japan 2014 : Iwakuni

Post by orion2 »

soundbarrier wrote:I believe that one is intended for local fishers. During my last visit in 2012 it was locked ... :mad:

So it was open during your visit?


Yes it was open both days we were there...no sign of local fishers

Marc

ns_sherlock
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Re: Japan 2014 : Iwakuni

Post by ns_sherlock »

orion2 wrote:
soundbarrier wrote:I believe that one is intended for local fishers. During my last visit in 2012 it was locked ... :mad:

So it was open during your visit?


Yes it was open both days we were there...no sign of local fishers

Marc

Does the rules sign there still include 'no photography'?

orion2
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Re: Japan 2014 : Iwakuni

Post by orion2 »

ns_sherlock wrote:Does the rules sign there still include 'no photography'?


I didn't notice anything, and nobody there told us not to photograph...

Beside...why would photography be allowed on the western side, and not on the eastern side ??

Marc

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RichPittman
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Re: Japan 2014 : Iwakuni

Post by RichPittman »

Marc

Thanks for the information!
Always remember "If you cannot turn tight...you cannot fight!"

ns_sherlock
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Re: Japan 2014 : Iwakuni

Post by ns_sherlock »

orion2 wrote:
ns_sherlock wrote:Does the rules sign there still include 'no photography'?


I didn't notice anything, and nobody there told us not to photograph...

Beside...why would photography be allowed on the western side, and not on the eastern side ??

Marc

That NE corner is base property, access is not a right. It is sometimes closed. There is a sign with a long list of rules in English and Japanese in the NE corner - facing you as you drive in before turning to park. Originally it said "no photography above the fences", next time I was there it said "no photography".

Last time we were also moved away from the crash gate on the west side. On previous visits the locals used to congregate right by it, now they kept back away long the access road. No idea if that was a legacy because of the protests which occurred when the Ospreys were delivered there, or if that is now permanent.

orion2
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Re: Japan 2014 : Iwakuni

Post by orion2 »

ns_sherlock wrote:Last time we were also moved away from the crash gate on the west side. On previous visits the locals used to congregate right by it, now they kept back away long the access road. No idea if that was a legacy because of the protests which occurred when the Ospreys were delivered there, or if that is now permanent.


It is true that no car were parked close to the crash gate / tunnel entry, but most were alongside the access road, with people moving closer to take the pics.

Marc

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