These are only SOME of the problems! There are several RAF C-130Js unairworthy at Lyneham due to shortage of engine spares. Also they have incompatible wingtank hardpoint attachments, so they cannot be fitted with underwing tanks, so the range is limited. On top of that, the engine vibrations are unbearable to carry troops abeam the props, so capacity is reduced. The C-130J has not been cleared for in-flight refuelling with the RAF due to problems, hence the refuelling probes have been removed!
The RAF’s C-130Ks will probably outlive the C-130Js so we are all awaiting the Airbus A400M to replace them!

Helidays

Here are some shots from Helidays yesterday of the Italian AF HH-3F and the HMS Endurance Lynx. Does any one know what the ‘pod’ attached to the port side is for?

As far as I know, the Charles E.Brown photographs ARE catalogued by the RAF M. I went there in 1985 to select some photos for my book, “Aerobatic Teams if the World” and they had contact prints in albums of many of the photos. The Museum staff also had all the glass negatives catalogued and showed some of them to me, but THEY had to handle them and wouldn’t let me touch them. Only authors and researchers with a genuine requirement for prints were allowed access to them at that time, so I don’t know what the situation is now.
At the back of the “Camera Above the Clouds” books is a list of negative numbers, so you can order prints illustrated in the books from the RAFM.
Charles died a few years ago, aged 90 I think.

Hope this helps.

Blimey! I’ve actually managed to attach a photo at last!!! I must go and have a lie down.

Ah, first IAT at Greenham Common July 1973….I remember it well!! 😉

It WAS uncrowded as so many aircraft were missing. Apart from the Italian F-104s, there was nothing from the Air Forces of Austria, Australia, Czech.Rep.,Denmark,Greece,Israel,Norway,Russia,Romania,Saudi Arabia,Slovakia,Sweden,Turkey, Ukraine,all of whom have been regular participants in the past. The Herk-50 ‘line-up’ was a shambles with about 10 Herks on the whole airfield, all well spaced out and mostly USAF! What a shame they couldn’t repeat the same line up they had at Greenham Common in 1979 for the Herk’s 25th? Very surprised not to see Herks from Australia,Belgium, Denmark, Norway or Netherlands at least!

well the BBC says its going to be bad weather dont see the typhoon flying in the wrong kind of weather.. ooh lol got to love southwest trains for coming up with these excuses..lol..

Naa, we’ll just get a Hurricane, Typhoon and Tornado

Nice shots Darren! I’m going to give it a shot on Sat and Sun to attempt to catch a few shots in sunshine 😎 The French Avenger, I think last appeared in the UK ten years ago when it came to Legends in 1994 .

Yup !!

I live quite near Fairford – about 15 miles as the crow flies.

It all looks a bit bleak though – aircraft participation and weather-wise!

Ken

Yup! Heard that Italian F-104s have cancelled and Typhoon cancelled!
Surprise arrival yesterday was a Turkish Army Do-228, but weather is GRIM!
See you there no doubt Ken?