Swing Wing Swidwin

[Latinbear]

Sorry, I couldn't resist the title!

 

Alpha Delta has already posted some cracking images from the Centre for Aviation Photography's trip to Poland earlier this month and as the group was kept closely together it's been a challenge to try and find some different images. The weather on day one of the Swidwin visit provided some great light. Unfortunately day two saw low cloud and heavy rain which has resulted in less then stellar pictures.

 

1. The flight line.

 

2. Some of the Fitters have been fitted with a laser designator in the nose. As part of a discussion with an instructor pilot the Fitter's reconnaissance role was raised with enquiries about the type of reconnaisance missions they fly being met with a polite "no comment".

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5. If the mission is over water and the sea temperature drops below 15c then immersion suits are required.

 

6. We were told that in the depths of winter it can hit minus 20c at Swidwin. Not great for working outside.

7. All aircraft were subject to a "last chance" check before take-off.

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9. I was surprised to learn that the aircraft can take-off from unpaved runways but this capability isn't used owing to the risk of FOD damage. The pilot told us that the aircraft is very sturdily built.

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12. During out chat with the pilot he expressed some bemusement at the grey camouflage scheme bearing in mind the aircraft's low level strike role.

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15. The bizarre paint scheme on the front of the HASs seemed at odds with the attempt to blend them in with the landscape.

16. It was raining hard with a very strong cross wind at this point. In between flying we retreated to an unused HAS to get out of the rain.

17. Having caught one strobe I fired off a lot of shots trying to catch another.

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19. At the cessation of the day's flying the aircraft were towed to these HASs.

20. Returning to the line.

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23. Brake chutes ready to be fitted.

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25. End of flying.

26. We would all have liked a go!

27. This PZL3 was performing an engine test. I felt rather nervous as it rocked around on its undercarriage just in front of us.

 

 

Thanks for looking!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Alpha Delta 210]

Some excellent shots, there Latinbear. I particularly like the "hopping chopper" with the evil eyes!

[batcode]

some superb pictures, thanks for posting

[Latinbear]

Thank you gents, glad you like them!

[upnorth]

Awesome pictures.

 

WIth regards the Fitter and recce work. I thought they had a camera and sensor pod for that and the window in the nosecone was for a laser designator for guided bombs.

 

[Latinbear]

Oopps! You're right! I thought it was a camera and the discussion with the pilot didn't bring in pods or laser designating capabilities but in fact it is as you say. Text has been corrected. Ta for pointing out the error.

 

Thanks for the compliment re the shots.

[Latinbear]

In case anybody is interested the February edition of "Combat Aircraft" magazine has a ten page article on the Fitters at Swidwin and the overhaul work carried out at Bydgoszcz. 

[Hook]

That grey scheme really is rather fetching on a Fitter - thanks!

 

Cheers,

 

Andre