Had a day of two halves down at RAF Lossiemouth today. With 3x Hawk T2s deployed and all three squadrons on station I expected a busy day's flying, it didn't start that way with a good three quarters of an hour before the first movement after our arrival. They were on 05 and the T2s were already airborne.
Thanks to the locals for the company.
1. My morning started with a three ship of XVsqn jets..
Onto the active by
Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr
2. A jet waits to receive attention on the bomber loop whilst another one behind departs.
One way, or another by
Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr
The rest of the morning shots aren't really worth showing, so I continue to after lunch for the afternoon wave. A few Tornados were airborne on arrival and the Hawk T2s were just getting ready for their sortie.
3. Another local Tornado prepares to depart.
Onto the active by
Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr
4. Lining up to the sun.
The shining by
Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr
5. One of the T2s taxi-ing out.
Mono hawk by
Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr
6. Sunset began to kick in..
Over the top by
Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr
7. Another Hawk lines up under difficult conditions.
Bright sunlight by
Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr
8. Big tanks on this 617sqn jet.
Blue fire by
Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr
9. Burning towards the sunset..
Burn, burn by
Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr
10. Testflight Tornado overshoot.
Rising by
Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr
11. Early re-entry to the circuit.
Golden Tornado by
Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr
12. And safely down.
Return to deck by
Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr
13. Back on deck, returning to his hardstand.
Shape but no detail by
Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr
14. After the sun was fully back down, the skies turned pink.
Pink skies by
Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr
15. And then neared black..
Back before nightfall by
Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr
16. Leaving the little left light available to allow the shiny paint scheme on the Hawk to work its magic.
Quick mirror by
Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr
Enjoy,
Chris