November Special
from Andrew McD.

F/A-18 twin seat Hornet:  Vapor Cone by Glenn Bloore. Taken at MCAS Miramar in San Diego. This is known as a trans-sonic vapor cone (Prandtl-Glauert condensation) which happens right before a plane breaks the sound barrier with the right atmospheric conditions. From Digital Photography Review.

Harrier GR9 ZG857 'EB-Z' 'Observer Corps' named by 41 (Reserve) Squadron at Conningsby to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Britain during which they operated a Spitfire in these markings. It is shown with the insignia of 1 Squadron who were operating it until the last day of Harrier flying. The aircraft is taxying in at Cottesmore after it took part in a sixteen ship final formation over various airfields and local towns. It is unlikely it will ever fly again.

Photo and text by David B

Keeping it topical. A photo of Sea King HAR3 XZ594 taken at RAF Valley on May 12th, 2011.
Seventy years ago Air Sea Rescue was introduced to try to find, and rescue, downed aircrew in the sea. This is now known as Search and Rescue and the vast majority of flights are for reasons to do with civilians and often on land. The helicopter is endorsed with '1941 - 2011, RAF SAR 70, 70 years of life saving' This also appeared on the other two Sea Kings attached to 22 Squadron, C Flight / Search and Rescue Training Unit (SARTU) which are both based at Valley and effectively share the available Sea Kings there.

Photo and text by David B

from Lawrence H

Daily Telegraph 23jun12

[nov10]