Hi Woodsy, I attended the Southport Air show, northern England, last weekend and as usual took a few
snaps. Thought maybe you and the blog readers might like to see one or
two.
There was plenty to see, wing walkers, helicopters, aerial display flying,
parachutists and the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.
But, like most overgrown schoolboys with Thunderbirds in the blood the Jet
displays are what I look forward to.
The show opened with the fabulous Red Arrow display team, always a crowd
pleaser. Seen them dozens of times but their precision flying never fails to
impress me.
As with last year the mighty Vulcan XH558 once again flew majestically
over Southport beach. I’m told that next year might be its last outing as it’s
Olympus engines would by then have reached the end of their operational life.
Another restored vintage aircraft also made an appearance. The Gloster
Meteor, the first operational British jet fighter. Looking like a design
straight out of a Dan Dare comic strip, these jets first saw service towards the
end of the Second World War, shooting down V-1 flying bombs. Unfortunately,
these planes were involved in quite a few crash landings, as they proved a bit
too fast for pilots at the time who were used to flying Hurricanes and
Spitfires.
Coming right up to the present day, the Typhoon Eurofighter multi-role
combat aircraft flew past the crowds at a fantastic pace. This futuristic plane
is capable of Mach 2, around 1,400 mph.
Finally, two Tornado GR4 swing-wing aircraft treated the crowd to a
simulated bombing run, complete with a pyrotechnic display. Both Tornado’s
sped above the onlookers from either direction accompanied by loud explosion's
and clouds of smoke coming from the beach.
Great stuff.
Watch The Skies
Mike Scoop B
Glenn Field
WAY COOL! I haven't seen a Vulcan since the early '80s when one appeared at a George AFB, Victorville, CA air show. I would LOVE to see the Meteor. I didn't know there were any operational. Working here at Nellis though we see the USAF Tunderbirds practicing all the time so after awhile it becomes kind of old hat. Our air show (Golden Air Tattoo) won't be until November.
ReplyDeleteP.S. Forgot to say: Many Thanx for those pics Mike!
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome, Ed. It's fun taking the jet pictures but they do move like lighting so a lot of my shots turn out to be just sky!
ReplyDeleteSounds like you have a few planes to look forward to in November. I've a Brother -in -law who likes to attend at least one American or Canadian air show a year. Some of the planes he sees are fantastic.
If you' re planning to go to the air Tattoo in November don't forget to take a few pics for us to see : )
Back in 1980 when I was learning to drive, a Vulcan was flying overhead as I was doing my best to drive my instructors car properly! For a couple of miles the aircraft flew parallel with us, and it was really low too, with the sinister wind sound quite audible. Quite an experience! And here is an odd fact, both the Vulcan and the Lancaster have exactly the same wingspan...
ReplyDeleteWings of beauty Mike. Lovely shots. Thought you might have slipped Zero X in too! ha ha!
ReplyDeleteZero X was due to fly over but at the last minute was called on to do a mission to Mars and couldn't make it - maybe next year. ; D
ReplyDeleteYou're right about that sound the Vulcan makes , Bill. Very eeire.
I'm fairly sure that a Vulcan is hangared near me in Doncaster. Wonder if its the same one you photographed Mike?
ReplyDeleteIt's the one, Woodsy. The XH558 Vulcan is based at Doncaster Robin Hood Airport.
ReplyDeleteCool! I think the Airport is on the old RAF Finningley site. I'll cadge a lift with 'em to Glenn Field next time they fly your way! ha ha!
ReplyDeleteRight again, Woodsy.
ReplyDeleteI'll keep my eyes peeled for an escape capsule next time it flies over. ; D
I will try to make it this year. Last year I didn't feel at all good so just watched what I could from Da Hood (I only live 3 stoplights from Nellis).
ReplyDeleteI was talking to my Jim, my Brother-in-law today, Ed and guess where he's going in November- you got it. The Golden Air Tattoo at your home town. It sure is a small world : D
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