Phantoms & Vipers Japan 2020

Photos of operational aircraft from bases, airports and "spotter" outings
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ciaranchef
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Phantoms & Vipers Japan 2020

Post by ciaranchef »

Work took me to Tokyo in advance of the Olympics this Jan and the business effects of Covid 19 took me back home again in August unfortunately.
I missed the retirement of the RF-4s in their camo but was able to fit a few trips to Hyakuri between April & July.Here are some of my efforts.The Japanese spotters around base could not have been more helpful or welcoming proving yet again that a shared interest crosses all language barriers.Had just learned where the secret topside locations were when I had to leave, still happy to have seen the F-4s once before they retired this week.

Image301 Sqn second launch. by Ciaran Hickey, on Flickr

ImageF4EJ Kai 87-8315 by Ciaran Hickey, on Flickr

ImageBoth specials in formation take off at Hyakuri. by Ciaran Hickey, on Flickr

ImageF4EJ 57-8356 by Ciaran Hickey, on Flickr

ImageFinally a visit to Aviation Mecca, F4EJ 57-8357 of 301 Sqn takes off. by Ciaran Hickey, on Flickr

ImageF4 97-8378 launches at Hyakuri. by Ciaran Hickey, on Flickr

ImageF4EJ take off roll on a stormy afternoon. by Ciaran Hickey, on Flickr

ImageThe 301st TFS is a squadron of the JASDF based at Hyakuri Air Base. It is equipped with F-4EJ Kai Phantom II by Ciaran Hickey, on Flickr

ImageF4EJ Kai's taxying back. by Ciaran Hickey, on Flickr

ImageJASDF F4EJ Kai. by Ciaran Hickey, on Flickr

ImageJASDF F4EJ Kai. by Ciaran Hickey, on Flickr

ImageJASDF F4EJ Kai. by Ciaran Hickey, on Flickr

ImageThe 301st TFS is a squadron of the JASDF based at Hyakuri Air Base. It is equipped with F-4EJ Kai Phantom II by Ciaran Hickey, on Flickr

ImageF4EJ 17-8439 301 Sqn by Ciaran Hickey, on Flickr

ImageF4EJ 87-8315 "Yellow Special" gets airborne by Ciaran Hickey, on Flickr

Image301 Sqn on ops @ Ibaraki by Ciaran Hickey, on Flickr

Image301 Sqn Phantoms Hyakuri by Ciaran Hickey, on Flickr

ImageF4EJ 301 SQN by Ciaran Hickey, on Flickr

ImageJASDF F-4EJ debuts its special paint scheme at Hyakuri on 301 Sqn's # 07-8436.-8436 by Ciaran Hickey, on Flickr

Image301 Sqn afternoon sortie. by Ciaran Hickey, on Flickr

ImageJASDF F4EJs on ops by Ciaran Hickey, on Flickr

ImageF4EJ Kai 87-8315 by Ciaran Hickey, on Flickr

ImageFinally a visit to Aviation Mecca, F2 of 3 Sqn banks to land. by Ciaran Hickey, on Flickr

ImageF-2 Viper Zeroes of 3 Sqn by Ciaran Hickey, on Flickr

ImageT4 86-5768 of the 32nd training Sqn. by Ciaran Hickey, on Flickr

ImageKawasaki T-4 ‘96-5620 / 620’ by Ciaran Hickey, on Flickr

ImageUH60J Air Rescue Wing Hyakuri Detachment by Ciaran Hickey, on Flickr

ImageMitsubishi F2 Viper Zero by Ciaran Hickey, on Flickr

ImageJASDF U-125 by Ciaran Hickey, on Flickr
Last edited by ciaranchef on Wed 25 Nov 2020, 5:57 pm, edited 1 time in total.
"It is generally inadvisable to eject over the area you just bombed"
http://www.flickr.com/photos/ciaranchef/

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Alpha Delta 210
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Re: Japan 2020

Post by Alpha Delta 210 »

Stunning shots. Excellent panning in #1 & #2.

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Draken
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Re: Japan 2020

Post by Draken »

Lovely set!
Spotting in Japan is something else... Not just taking pics, as you mentioned - local spotters are very friendly and curious - language is not a problem, just showing them your pics make them very happy :)
I spent 2 days in Gifu, making instant friends with local guys, no matter that only one (from 5) was able to communicate in basic english :)
Hyakuri spotters were super kind as well and I had really great time anywhere near bases or civil airports.
Regarding Phantoms... 20/11/2020 was the last day of 301st Sq operations...
Samurai Phantoms will be missed...

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ciaranchef
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Re: Japan 2020

Post by ciaranchef »

Alpha Delta 210 wrote:
Sat 21 Nov 2020, 8:39 pm
Stunning shots. Excellent panning in #1 & #2.
Thanks a lot.
"It is generally inadvisable to eject over the area you just bombed"
http://www.flickr.com/photos/ciaranchef/

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ciaranchef
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Re: Japan 2020

Post by ciaranchef »

Draken wrote:
Sat 21 Nov 2020, 8:46 pm
Lovely set!
Spotting in Japan is something else... Not just taking pics, as you mentioned - local spotters are very friendly and curious - language is not a problem, just showing them your pics make them very happy :)
I spent 2 days in Gifu, making instant friends with local guys, no matter that only one (from 5) was able to communicate in basic english :)
Hyakuri spotters were super kind as well and I had really great time anywhere near bases or civil airports.
Regarding Phantoms... 20/11/2020 was the last day of 301st Sq operations...
Samurai Phantoms will be missed...
Thanks , yes Samurai Phantoms will really be a loss to the spotting world but they have had a great career..
"It is generally inadvisable to eject over the area you just bombed"
http://www.flickr.com/photos/ciaranchef/

Patrik S.
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Re: Japan 2020

Post by Patrik S. »

These are indeed great shots of a great plane.
Patrik

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ciaranchef
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Re: Japan 2020

Post by ciaranchef »

Patrik S. wrote:
Sun 22 Nov 2020, 10:24 am
These are indeed great shots of a great plane.
Patrik
Thanks Patrik.
"It is generally inadvisable to eject over the area you just bombed"
http://www.flickr.com/photos/ciaranchef/

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Blackbird
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Re: Phantoms & Vipers Japan 2020

Post by Blackbird »

Great shots from a terrific opportunity👏👏

Andy

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ciaranchef
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Re: Phantoms & Vipers Japan 2020

Post by ciaranchef »

Blackbird wrote:
Sat 05 Dec 2020, 5:44 am
Great shots from a terrific opportunity👏👏

Andy
Thanks Andy.
"It is generally inadvisable to eject over the area you just bombed"
http://www.flickr.com/photos/ciaranchef/

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stevebrodie
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Re: Phantoms & Vipers Japan 2020

Post by stevebrodie »

Superb
Viper: Good morning, gentlemen, the temperature is 110 degrees

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