| LAKENHEATH, SUFFOLK - The UK Home of the USAF F15 Eagles of the 48th Fighter Wing
This was a base tour organised by the Aviation Photographer's Club from Aircraft Illustrated Magazine. The tour commenced with launches viewed from approximately the mid point of the main runway at 8 in the morning on a very grey and windy day. However, we were kept warm by the reheat! Soon however the wind changed direction just enough to permit launches from a more favourable direction and we were duly bussed to the 'EOR' - via a quick view of the 'hot refuelling' are - so that we could be in the best position. Here, in increasingly better light, we were able to not only get all the take-offs and landings of the morning, but also see at very close quarters the last minute preparations on each jet as it taxyed over, stopped for final checks and arming, and engine run-ups. There was very little that was barred to us photographically, so long as it didn't include 'open panels'. Next we were escorted to the Hardened Aircraft Shelters (HAS). Two were opened up to us. One contained an F15C and the other an F15E Strike Eagle. Steps were provided to get that 'different' angle, though for the 'E' I did experiment, successfully, with the camera mounted on a monopod and held an additional 8ft up - including arm length! Once again, thanks to the personnel at the base, we were able to get all the photos that we wanted. During this period, we were also able to capture another F15E outside its shelter being prepared for the afternoon launches. After a quick revisit of the runway for a few more launches, the day ended with a stop at The Memorial Garden with its dynamic presntation of F-4 Phantom, F-111 and F-15 Eagle. Close by is a poignant memorial to the famous 'Eagle' Squadrons of the RAF that were manned by American pilots during WWII. The squadrons are represented by a plinth mounted full-size replica Spitfire and a plaque telling the story of the squadrons. An excellent trip organised by Richard Cooper and huge thanks to all concerned at USAF Lakenheath for the welcome and excellent access that was provided. |
0815 F15E 1301 Armed & Ready |
0815 F15E 1309 |
0815 F15E 134 & 1332 EOR |
0815 F15E 219 |
0815 F15E Heat Haze |
0815 F15E Streaming Vapour |
0815 F15E Takeoff |
0815 Local Wildlife |
0820 F15C Closeup |
0820 F15E 034 |
0820 F15E 1332 |
0820 F15E 134 |
0820 F15E 154 |
0820 F15E 219 |
0820 F15E 219 |
0820 F15E Damp Hot Launch |
0820 F15E streaming Vapour |
0850 F15E 134 Landing |
0850 F15E 217 Landing |
0850 F15E 217 Landing |
0850 F15E 605 Landing |
0850 F15E 605 Landing |
0850 F15E 605 Landing |
0850 F15E Landing |
0850 F15E Landing - Airbrake |
0905 F15E 133 Armed & Ready |
0925 F16C 6154 EOR |
0925 F16C 6154 EOR |
0930 F15C 6159 Landing |
0930 F15C 6159 Landing |
0930 F15C 6159 Landing |
0930 F15C 6167 & 6154 Takeoff |
0930 F15C 6167 Takeoff |
0930 F15E 0313 Takeoff |
0930 F15E 0313 Takeoff |
0930 F15E 219 EOR |
0930 F15E EOR |
0930 F15E EOR |
0930 F15E EOR |
0930 F15E EOR |
0935 VIP Training Flight |
0937 F15E 1309 Taxy Out |
0939 F16C 'Champ' Morris |
0940 F15E 0313 & 1309 |
0940 F15E 1309 Landing |
0940 F15E 1309 Landing |
0940 F15E EOR |
0940 Photographers |
0940 Photographers |
0942 F16C 6167 Takeoff |
0943 F15C 6154 Takeoff |
0943 F15C 6154 Takeoff |
0943 F15C 6154 Takeoff |
0950 F15E 1329 Aborted Takeoff |
0950 F15E 1329 Aborted Takeoff |
0950 F15E 1329 Aborted Takeoff |
0950 F15E 220 Takeoff Run |
0955 F15E 219 EOR |
0955 F15E EOR |
0955 VIP Training Flight |
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© 1998-2008 Simon Fenwick - All copyrights rest with the Author [ descript.ion | Index ] |