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The Lightning airfield decoys including at least one in 23 Sqn. markings survived at Leuchars well into the 1980s although with none looking quite as good as they did in the Fighter Control link shown to the 1977 airshow.

The RAF Leuchars Airshow 2003 was the final event at which I used film cameras and the nuisance of having to ration shots , make speedy film changes at inappropriate moments and remembering to change settings with the vagaries of light. It was also the first (and as it turned out for me for me last) at which the local processor I used offered for an extra pound or so per film to scan all prints onto a CDR with varying results completely unrelated to the original print quality. Some of the images from the Arrivals and Practices on the Friday and Airshow itself on the Saturday are shown below. Completing the other overseas military visitors to both flying and static display with those from Switzerland , Ukraine and the United States. F/A-18C Hornet , J-5021/021 , and F/A-18D Hornet , J-5238/238 , from Fliegerstaffel (Fighter Squadron) 11 of the Swiss Air Force at Dübendorf with the single seater being the display aircraft and the twin-seater the spare , Fliegerstaffel 11 was designated as a Berufsfliegerkorps (Professional Flying Corps) squadron rather than a militia unit. Ilyushin Il-76MD , 76413 , from the 25th. Transport Aviation Brigade of the Ukrainian Air Force at Melitopol in the static display , the aircraft had brought a contingent of troops to take part in a multi-national exercise taking place in south-west Scotland and spent the duration parked across on the opposite side of the country at Leuchars , in a not unusual film based situation I thought that I had shot off a whole series of close-up images only to find that the film had jammed after this frame. F-15E Strike Eagle , LN/97-0221/492 FS , from the 492nd. Fighter Squadron of the United States Air Force based at Lakenheath in the static display with black/white shadow style markings. F-15E Strike Eagle , LN/93-0135 , from the 492nd. Fighter Squadron of the United States Air Force based at Lakenheath in the static display in standard black markings. F-16C Fighting Falcon , SP/91-00352/52 FW , from the 22nd. Fighter Squadron/52nd. Fighter Wing of the United States Air Force at Spangdahlem in the static display with black/white shadow style markings and mission markings below the cockpit canopy. F-16C Fighting Falcon , SP/91-00336 , from the 22nd. Fighter Squadron/52nd. Fighter Wing of the United States Air Force at Spangdahlem in the static display with standard dark grey markings and mission markings below the canopy. B-52H Stratofortress , BD/61-0022/1022 ‘NYPD 11 Sep 01 We Remember’ , from the 93rd Bomb Squadron of the United States Air Force from Barksdale in the static display. KC-135R Stratotanker , 62-3506/3506 , from the 133rd. Air Refuelling Squadron of the New Hampshire Air National Guard at Pease and KC-10A Extender , 83-0082 ‘Let’s Roll’ , from the 305/514th. Air Mobility Wing of the United States Air Force/Air Force Reserve Command at McGuire in the static display. KC-10A Extender , 83-0082 ‘Let’s Roll’ , from the 305/514th. Air Mobility Wing of the United States Air Force (305 AMW)/Air Force Reserve Command (514 AMW) at McGuire in the static display. B-17G Flying Fortress , marked as 124485/DF-A ‘Sally B’ (G-BEDF ex-4485784) , in the markings of the 447th. Bombardment Group of the United States Army Air Forces at RAF Rattlesden took part in the flying display , now in a typical wartime colour scheme and markings for 124485 , although some details are spurious , it was built as 4485784 but did not see active duty and remained on training and other duties in natural metal finish during its service and since being sold onto the civil market has appeared in various colour schemes for different TV and film purposes.

The RAF Leuchars Airshow 2003 was the final event at which I used film cameras and the nuisance of having to ration shots , make speedy film changes at inappropriate moments and remembering to change settings with the vagaries of light. It was also the first (and as it turned out for me for me last) at which the local processor I used offered for an extra pound or so per film to scan all prints onto a CDR with varying results completely unrelated to the original print quality. Some of the images from the Arrivals and Practices on the Friday and Airshow itself on the Saturday are shown below. Following on with the other overseas military visitors to both flying and static display from Germany with the second largest participation following the UK and The Netherlands. What goes up in one piece does not always come back down together , Tornado IDS , 43+47 , from Aufklärungsgeschwader (Reconnaissance Wing) 51 of the German Air Force at Jagel in its former navy Norm ‘87 camouflage departed on its authorisation to display flight on Friday afternoon and returned followed by new found friends from the station fire section shortly afterwards having lost a spine panel while inverted over the Southern Taxiway adjacent to the No.111 Squadron HAS Site , needless to say the display did not go ahead on Saturday. Tornado ECR , 46+49 , from Jagdbombergeschwader (Fighter-Bomber Wing) 32 of the German Air Force at Lechfeld in the static display in its special ‘Flying Monsters’ colour scheme (nickname of 2 Staffel/Flight) carrying underfuselage HARM along with underwing BOZ Countermeasures Pods and droptanks. Tornado IDS , 44+83 , from Jagdbombergeschwader (Fighter-Bomber Wing) 32 of the German Air Force at Büchel in Norm ‘83 camouflage carrying a full transit load of four underwing and underfuselage drop tanks and a Cerberus ECM Pod on the outer wing pylon (BOZ on other side). Tornado IDS , 46+15 , from Marinefliegergeschwader (Naval Aviation Squadron) 2 of the German Navy at Eggebek in naval Norm ‘87 camouflage although with some underwing pylons/stores in the original naval Norm ‘76 colours. Phantom F-4F ICE , 37+12 , from Fluglehrzentrum F-4F (F-4F Flight Training Centre) of the German Air Force at Hopsten taxies in after its display with drag chute in its wake , the former Jagdgeschwader (Fighter Wing) 72 "Westfalen" had decommissioned on 31 January 2002 but the 2nd Staffel (Flight) continued in the training role until mid-2006 retaining the former Wing badge , never an especially clean looking aircraft in Norm ‘90 air defence camouflage 37+12 looked a lot dirtier than most. Phantom F-4F ICE , 38+00 , from Jagdgeschwader (Fighter Wing) 74 "Mölders" of the German Air Force at Neuburg in the static display and while still looking a bit worn in its Norm ‘90 air defence camouflage it looks far cleaner than 37+12 , the difference in radome colours denoted (initially at least) aircraft with different different levels of the Improved Combat Efficiency (ICE) upgrade - black on those with the partial air/ground and tan on those with the full air defence fit. Transall C-160D , 50+97 and 51+05 , from Lufttransportgeschwader (Air Transport Wing ) 62 of the German Air Force at Wunstorf with 50+97 in the static display and 51+05 in the flying display brought the total number of Transalls on base for the show up to three although the Norm ‚83 camouflage of the German aircraft was far more responsive to variations in light/shade than the French colour scheme. F-16AM Fighting Falcon , J-016 , from 323 Squadron of The Royal Netherlands Air Force at Leeuwarden in the special markings of that years solo display aircaft taxies in without pylons and with Smokewinders. F-16AM Fighting Falcon , J-004 , from 322 Squadron of The Royal Netherlands Air Force at Leeuwarden was the display spare for that years solo display jet and while not unusually in standard camouflage it di unsually carry a full set of pylons with droptanks and AIM-9 training shapes. Fokker 60UTA-N , U-04 , from 334 Squadron of The Royal Netherlands Air Force at Eindhoven arrives for the static display , the extensive defensive measures suite sensors and dispensers is rather notable. SH-14D Lynx , 269 , from MARHELI (Maritime Helicopter Group pool for 7 and 860 Squadrons) of the Dutch Navy at De Kooij , the SH-14D was the final common configuration for a variety of different Lynx variants in Dutch service.

The RAF Leuchars Airshow 2003 was the final event at which I used film cameras and the nuisance of having to ration shots , make speedy film changes at inappropriate moments and remembering to change settings with the vagaries of light. It was also the first (and as it turned out for me for me last) at which the local processor I used offered for an extra pound or so per film to scan all prints onto a CDR with varying results completely unrelated to the original print quality. Some of the images from the Arrivals and Practices on the Friday and Airshow itself on the Saturday are shown below. Looking at some of the overseas military visitors to both flying and static display starting with Austria , Belgium and France. Saab J35Ő Draken , 08 , of the Austrian Air Force from 2 Fliegerregiment (Flying Wing) at Zeltweg in special markings attended for the flying display and is seen here returning from its authorisation flight on the Friday however a reheat ignition problem prevented it taking off for public display on Saurday , the aircraft is in the national colours with the logo 'Ostarrichi 996' denoting the High German for Austria and 996 being the earliest documented date of its use. Saab J35Ő Draken , 12 , of the Austrian Air Force from 2 Fliegerregiment (Flying Wing) at Zeltweg in the static display and still wrapped up for bad weather that passed through overnight on Friday , the aircraft is in standard camouflage with an added marking on the fin to mark ‘1,000,000 Flying Hours’. Saab 105ŐE , GF-16 , of the Austrian Air Force from 3 Fliegerregiment (Flying Wing) at Hőrsching took part in the flying display in a scheme showing its ‘Tiger Squadron’ connections. Saab 105ŐE , A , of the Austrian Air Force from 3 Fliegerregiment (Flying Wing) at Hőrsching in the static display in standard metal finish and with ‘Tiger’ badge on the tail seen just after the canopy cover had been removed on Saturday morning. Hercules C-130K , 8T-CC , of the Austrian Air Force from 1 Fliegerregiment (Flying Wing) at Hőrsching in the static display on Friday evening in the colour scheme and with AAR probe (since removed) from its previous RAF service. Embraer ERJ-135LR , CE-01 , from 21 Squadron of the Belgian Air Component at Brussels/Melsbroek departs Leuchars on Friday morning after providing logistical support for Belgian and Dutch participants which always seemed to involve enormous colourful hats and plentiful supplies of beer. F-16AM Fighting Falcon , FA-114 , from 31 Squadron of the Belgian Air Component at Kleine Brogel , the solo display aircraft taxies in on Friday after completing its authorisation display for the show next day , in standard camouflage colours minus pylons and with ‘Smokewinders’. Transall C-160R (C-160F with some C-160NG modifications) , R214/64-GN , from ET02.064 “Anjou” of the French Air Force at Evreux/Fauville still in green/grey camouflage provided support for the Patrouille de France but was rather annoyingly parked head-on between hangars although the AAR probe details of the variant can be seen. Alpha Jet E , 165/0 F-TERE , from the Patrouille de France aerobatic team of the French Air Force at Salon-de-Provence in its 50th. Anniversary 1953-2003 markings heads the team line-up on the flying display ramp. Super Etendard Modernisé , 55 , from 17 Flotille (Flotilla) of the French Navy at Landivisiau carrying a Thomson-CSF ATLIS II Laser Designator Pod on the centreline was one of the last arrivals for the static display early on Friday evening and positioned on the cross runway.

The RAF Leuchars Airshow 2003 was the final event at which I used film cameras and the nuisance of having to ration shots , make speedy film changes at inappropriate moments and remembering to change settings with the vagaries of light. It was also the first (and as it turned out for me for me last) at which the local processor I used offered for an extra pound or so per film to scan all prints onto a CDR with varying results completely unrelated to the original print quality. Some of the images from the Arrivals and Practices on the Friday and Airshow itself on the Saturday are shown below. Moving onto the BBMF visitors for the flying display all remain in service although in some cases are several different paints schemes on from twenty years ago. For the Royal Navy only the Merlin remains in service and even back then the Gazelle shown in Navy colours was already long retired as were the trainers that finish this set. Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Spitfire Vb , AB910 marked as IR-G (AB502) , of No.244 Wing Middle East Air Force as flown by Wing Commander Ian Richard Gleed between January 31 until April 16 1943 when he was shot down. Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Hurricane Mk.IIc , PZ865/Q , in the markings of a No.5 Squadron aircraft (actual serial unspecified) in South East Asia Command colours and markings carried between June 1943 and September 1944. Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Lancaster B.1, PA474 marked as QR-M/M (EE176) ‘Mickey The Moocher’ , of No.61 Squadron at Syerston from November 1943 until October 1944 when it was transferred first to an OCU and then finished the war as a ground instructional airframe. Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Dakota C.III , ZA947 marked as A1 (KG496) , of No. 267 ‘Pegasus’ Squadron aircraft based in Italy and operating over the Mediterranean and Balkans during 1944. Sea Harrier FA.2 , ZH796/712 , from No. 899 Naval Air Squadron at RNAS Yeovilton in the static display with cockpit cover and black tape in place to keep the rain out while No.43 Squadron Tornado F.3 aircrew assess how to use it as a stunt ramp for their bike. Merlin HM.1 , ZH861 , from No.824 Naval Air Squadron at RNAS Culdrose where it trains Merlin crew for the fleet squadrons seen in the static display with external stores carrier fitted to the lower fuselage aft of the crew door. . Sea King ASaC.7 , XV714/R-188 , from No. 849 Naval Air Squadron at RNAS Culdrose/HMS Ark Royal in the static display. Lynx HAS3.SGM , XZ720/GW-344 , from No. 815 Naval Air Squadron at RNAS Yeovilton/HMS Glasgow Flight which was on a port visit to its named city at the time. Jetstream T.3, ZE41/79 , from HMS Heron Station Flight at RNAS Yeovilton , departing Leuchars on Friday morning having provided the usual logistics support for other Royal Navy assets participating in the event. Jetstream T.2 , XX481/560 – CU60 , from 750 Naval Air Squadron at RNAS Culdrose in the static display. Gazelle HT.2 , XW895/51 (G-BXZD) , in the markings of the Sharks Aerobatic Team of No.705 Naval Air Squadron at RNAS Culdrose from the mid-1970s until the mid-1990s , the ‘1936-1996’ logo on the tail refers to 705 NAS itself which formed in 1936 and was disbanded in 1996 although was reformed again in 1997 as part of DHFS. Tiger Moth Mk.II , T7281 (G-ARTL) , in a typical RAF trainer colour scheme (served 1940 to 1951) being helped into position on the ramp to later take part in the flying display (tail skid instead of tail wheels makes towing an issue). Jet Provost T.3A , XM479 (G-BVEZ) , restored to the colours and markings of a late service aircraft with the Central Flying School although following conversion to T.3A it spent its service life as ‘54’ of No. 1 FTS at RAF Linton-on-Ouse. Gnat T.1 , marked as XR993 (G-BVPP ex-XP534) of the Red Arrows aerobatic team during the 1970s with large fin flash/small Central Flying School badge arrives for the flying display , XR993 had served with the team although was with 4 FTS when written-off after a bird strike in 1973 whereas XP534 had not served.

The RAF Leuchars Airshow 2003 was the final event at which I used film cameras and the nuisance of having to ration shots , make speedy film changes at inappropriate moments and remembering to change settings with the vagaries of light. It was also the first (and as it turned out for me for me last) at which the local processor I used offered for an extra pound or so per film to scan all prints onto a CDR with varying results completely unrelated to the original print quality. Some of the images from the Arrivals and Practices on the Friday and Airshow itself on the Saturday are shown below. Starting with then operational RAF aircraft of which with the exception of the Grob Tutor none of the types shown remain in UK service today. Grob Tutor T.1 , G-BYUR/UR , from the East of Scotland Universities Air Squadron/12 Air Experience Flight home based at RAF Leuchars which had formed earlier that year when the resident Aberdeen, Dundee and St Andrews Universities Air Squadron combined with the East Lowlands Universities Air Squadron although the aircraft is actually wearing the tail badge of the University of London Air Squadron. Hawk T.1A , XX313/CE , from No.100 Squadron at RAF Leeming with ‘100 Years Of Flight’ logo on the fuselage carried over from a theme of that year’s Royal International Air Tattoo was one of several Hawks present for both flying and static display. Tornado F.3(T) , ZH559/MT , from No.43 Squadron home based at RAF Leuchars in the static display carrying what was becoming the standard (when carried) tail based marking style for the F.3 fleet although not quite finalised for the ‘Fighting Cocks’. Tornado F.3(T) , XH556/OT , from No.111 Squadron home based at RAF Leuchars being towed onto the static display in what was becoming the standard (when carried) tail based marking style for the F.3 fleet although still to return to the squadron based tail code arrangement which would see it becoming ‘HT’. Tornado F.3(T) , XE786/TF and ZE967/UT , from No.56 (Reserve) Squadron which had moved to RAF Leuchars earlier that year in the static display both in an early version of what would become standard (when carried) tail based marking style for the F.3 fleet although unlike the other F.3 shown here ‘UT’ still retains the original twin spine aerials which had by and large been replaced by a flat GPS disc although the former red position light aft of these had already been upgraded to a clear strobe. Tornado F.3 , ZE203 , from No.11 Squadron at RAF Leeming in the static display in what would become the standard (when carried) tail based marking style for the squadron and would later gain the tail code ‘DE’ in a return to the original squadron based format. Tornado GR.4 , ZD714 , in partial fin cap markings only for No.617 Squadron at RAF Lossiemouth arriving to be placed in one of the hangar displays , aircraft carries a typical load from Operation Telic over Iraq earlier that year with a pair of MBDA Storm Shadow ALCM under the fuselage pair , large 2250 Litre droptanks still bearing traces of ARTF Grey paint and the usual pods. Tornado GR.4 , ZA365/AJ-Y , in full markings for No.617 Squadron at RAF Lossiemouth in the static display , aircraft carries the usual pods and has the larger 2250 Litre droptanks although these would appear to be in the often seen Air Defence Grey rather than the temporary ARTF Grey finish applied for Operation Telic over Iraq. Harrier GR.7 , ZD378/26 and ZD433/45 , from 20 (Reserve) Squadron at RAF Wittering arriving as solo display aircraft and spare , showing off their less than pristine appearance from their day job as well as the different approaches to Harrier aerodynamics with ‘26’ carrying the never operational gun pod shapes and ‘45’ the alternative aerodynamic strakes , both aircraft have empty wing pylons although the latter carries a baggage pod on the centreline. Harrier GR.7 , ZD323/04 , suitable coded for an aircraft from No.4 Squadron at RAF Cottesmore in the static display with empty wing pylons other than droptanks on the innermost , the drip tanks positioned underneath are a normal feature. Jaguar T.4 , XX846/PV , from 16 (Reserve) Squadron at RAF Coltishall arriving as the display spare for that years solo display aircraft , wing pylons are clear and the aircraft carries the squadron colours on the fin replacing the Lossiemouth Tartan band previously carried when the OCU was based there. E-3D Sentry AEW.1 , ZH107/07 , from Nos. 8/23 Squadrons at RAF Waddington arriving for the static display showing the alternate squadron markings on either side of the nose and tail. Sea King HAR.3 , XZ586/S , from D Flight No.202 Squadron at RAF Lossiemouth arriving as airshow SAR standby which was spent on the UAS/AEF ramp , the aircraft still carries the overall Dark Sea Grey colour scheme with some additional ‘lumps and bumps’ (pending its next major servicing and repaint) previously used by the pool of HAR.3 ‘rotated’ through the Falklands after the 1982 conflict until standard fit yellow aircraft were assigned during 1999.

From Amazon Chinook Illustrated book , by Lou Drendel , published by Amazon as the latest release in the Aviation Art, Inc. series , usual format -well illustrated mainly in colour with many detail shots, some technical manual drawings and a couple of the author's original artworks , one rather odd image has part of a distant Special Ops MH-47E in the background somewhere in 'the back country of Afghanistan' and is said to portray 'ground crew checking the security of the camp perimeter' in the foreground - standing , feet apart , hands in front of them at waist height slightly bent forward over a line of angled plastic draining pipes sticking out of the ground.

The RAF Leuchars Airshow 2013 also acknowledged on the programme as being the 65th. Battle of Britain At Home Day returning to a long standing title that had somewhat grown out of favour in previous years. From the first held back in 1946 when most RAF stations had held such events the number had dwindled over the years until Leuchars was the last operational base to host such an event. However with hand-over to the Army approaching and the transfer of operational Typhoon squadrons to RAF Lossiemouth the point had been reached when after 2013 manning levels would have dropped to well under the 1100 required to host such events. Images shown were taken at the show on Saturday 7th. September or during arrivals the previous day. Over a number of years as military budgets tightened and their airshow participation had dwindled the number of civil and warbird participants had grown. Here are some from 2013 although many of the smaller civil light aircraft present have not been included. Before the Grob Tutor (Part 2) the Scottish Aviation Bulldog T.1 served the UAS/AEF at Leuchars and elsewhere for many years and there were two examples on static display , XX546/03 (G-WINI) , in the original red/white/light aircraft grey colour scheme and XX667/16 (G-BZFN) in similar colours but with the vertical light blue fuselage band worn by aircraft assigned to the RAF College Cranwell. Prior to the Bulldog the Chipmunk T.10 had spent many years in the UAS/AEF role at Leuchars and elsewhere and two ex-RAF examples were also present in the static display albeit in Irish Air Corps markings as 169 (ex-WD305/G-ARGG) an170 (ex-WP857/G-BDRJ)d. Plane Sailing’s PBY-5A Canso , G-PBYA , marked as an OA-10A Catalina , 433915/'Miss Pick UP' , of the USAAF’s 5th. Emergency Rescue Squadron based at RAF Halesworth in 1945 flew an excellent but surprisingly quiet display. Sud Aviation Fennec , 51-7545/Fennec No.119 (N14113) , wearing its original US and later French serials along with markings perhaps best described as inspired by rather imitating French service and a colour scheme inspired by a later generation of French Air Force combat jets rather than the overall natural metal worn it was none the less an impressive sight in the flying display for an aircraft designed as a trainer with the pilot perched way up on top. At the other end of the trainer scale were a pair of Gnat T.1 flying in the display as duo giving the impression of the pilots wearing the aircraft , the first Gnat I ever saw was at Leuchars in the mid-60s on a very dull day with low cloud and the aircraft shining in the original silver/dayglo colour scheme very low and very fast as air displays tended to be back then performing a four-point hesitation roll along the line of the runway . . . . . fantastic !! Gnat T.1 , XR538/01 (G-RORI) , taxies in from displaying in the late service colour scheme and markings of No.4 FTS it carried at the end of its service. Gnat T.1 , (XP504/G-TIMM) marked as XS111 which was written-off after an undercarriage collapse in 1976 , aircraft is in a 1970s version of the Red Arrows colour scheme (XP504 never flew with the team) with larger fin flashes and has the Central Flying School crest on both sides of the nose (RAFAT Crest later replaced this on the port side of the Hawk) , Hawker Hunter T.7 , WV318 (G-FFOX) , in a representative No.111 Squadron ‘Black Arrow’ colour scheme first applied when it was assigned one of the few remaining T.7 assigned to support Buccaneer crew conversion with the Maritime Strike Wing at RAF Lossiemouth although it had previously served with 111 , taxies in after a formation arrival with the Gnats. Jet Provost T.5 , XW324/U (G-BWSG) , restored to its final service configuration and markings with Central Flying School crest on the tail and RAF Finningley crest on the air intake arrives for the flying display. Spitfire PR.XIX , PS853/C (G-RRGN) , owned and operated by Rolls Royce in the colours and markings (less company logo) when flown by No.16 Squadron in 1945 seen taxying-in after displaying. Soko J-20 Kraguj (Sparrowhawk) , 30146/146 (G-BXSD) , in SFR Yugoslavia Air Force colours and markings heading out to display with the YAK 52 , designed as a light attack aircraft well suited to what would have been extensive guerrilla operations had the ill-will between Marshall Tito’s Yugoslavia and its former fraternal friends to the east ever gone beyond rhetoric. Strikemaster Mk.82A , 425 (G-SOAF) , in Royal Air Force of Oman colours took part in the flying display and carries smoke dischargers in the rocket pod shapes on the inner wing pylons. YAK 52 , G-TYAK/Betsy , taxies out for its flying display slot with the Soko Kragjui , and like many of the type sold for private flying after the collapse of the Soviet Union carries a faux-camouflage scheme based on WWII Russian fighter types. SAAB Sk60E , 60140 - 5/140 (SE-DXG) , from the Swedish Air Force Historic Flight in Swedish Air Force 5 Wing markings and with ‘SAAB 105 50 ÅR (Years)’ across the upper wings shows off the variety of natural metal panel tones as it taxies in from displaying as well as the unusual wing-tip pressure refuelling point as it gets topped up for its next flight southward. Vampire T.55/Sk28C , 8/A (SE-DXT) , from the Swedish Air Force Historic Flight in Swedish Air Force 8 Wing markings taxies in from its display and later has its drop-tanks re-fitted for an onwards flight to its next display in Jersey. Saab J37 Viggen , 370098 - 7/52 (SE-DXN) , from the Swedish Air Force Historic Flight in Swedish Air Force 7 Wing markings while not quite flying south for the winter had departed Såtenäs early Saturday morning to join the other Flight aircraft at Leuchars (and from there further south to Jersey) arriving before the gates had opened to the public with the newly risen sun nicely picking out variations in the metallic panel finish as it taxied in and then later in the day showing off its distinctive outline as it landed from displaying. Auster J/1N , G-AJAJ , had never seen military service but wore a typical Auster AOP colour scheme seen here in the static display. Spitfire Mk.26 , BL-927/IJ-H (G-CGWI) , is two-thirds size kit-build replica seen arriving for the static display. Eurocopter EC135 T2+ , G-SPAO , formerly of Strathclyde Police but incorporated into the unitary Police Scotland in April that year , sadly the aircraft was lost with its crew and multiple civilian casualties in December. MBB BO-105DBS-4 , G-CDBS , of the Scottish Charity Air Ambulance which works within the same framework as Scottish Ambulance Service helicopter assets but is funded by charitable donations rather than from direct NHS Scotland funding. Beech King Air 200C , G-SASD , of the Scottish Ambulance Service carries out long-range emergency casualty evacuation and inter-hospital patient transfer service connecting the Highlands and Islands of Scotland with specialist hospitals in the Central Belt and further south as required. Jetstream 41 , G-MAJG , in Eastern Airways livery provided transport for British Aerospace corporate guests to the event.

The RAF Leuchars Airshow 2013 also acknowledged on the programme as being the 65th. Battle of Britain At Home Day returning to a long standing title that had somewhat grown out of favour in previous years. From the first held back in 1946 when most RAF stations had held such events the number had dwindled over the years until Leuchars was the last operational base to host such an event. However with hand-over to the Army approaching and the transfer of operational Typhoon squadrons to RAF Lossiemouth the point had been reached when after 2013 manning levels would have dropped to well under the 1100 required to host such events. Images shown were taken at the show on Saturday 7th. September or during arrivals the previous day. Having looked at overseas Typhoon participation separately attention here is on the other Non-UK military assets in attendance. Of these only the Austrian Hercules took part in the flying display during the Air Policing demonstration with the EF2000 already mentioned. Due to a clash of dates with major airshows on mainland Europe none of the aerobatic teams or solo display team aircraft that might have been expected were in attendance. While Germany had been a long-time supporter of the Leuchars event particularly in the static display their only contribution in 2013 was a Tornado IDS there by default having been stranded a few weeks earlier when it broke-down en-route to a major exercise in North America. Because of an ongoing political spat in the United States funding for military participation in airshows and similar events had been withdrawn throughout the year leaving a large aircraft gap in the static display for the RAF (as already described) and RNLAF to fill with their tanker/transport aircraft. Lockheed Hercules C-130K , 8T-CA , from Lufttransportstaffel (Transport Squadron) of the Austrian Air Force at Linz-Hörsching played the role of ‘intruder’ for the Air Policing Demonstration with the pair of Austrian EF2000. F-16 Fighting Falcons from Esk.730 of the Royal Danish Air Force at Skrydstrup taxy-in with F-16AM , E-607 , in the lead followed by F-16BM , ET022. F-16AM Fighting Falcon , E-607 , from Esk.730 of the Royal Danish Air Force at Skrydstrup arrives for the static display. F-16BM Fighting Falcon , ET022 , from Esk.730 of the Royal Danish Air Force at Skrydstrup about to touch down as it arrives for the static display. A pair of Rafale M , 11 and 38 , from 12 Flotille of Aeronavale at Landivisiau taxy-in after arriving for the static display , their attendance being in part at least a response to the overwhelming interest shown during the participation of the Charles De Gaulle carrier group in Exercise Joint Warrior at Leuchars earlier in the year. Rafale M , 11 , from 12 Flotille of Aeronavale at Landivisiau after arriving for the static display , this was one of the earlier deliveries to service , has a very worn appearance overall and carries a centreline drop tank. Rafale M , 38 , from 12 Flotille of Aeronavale at Landivisiau about to touch down for the static display , this was later delivery to service , has a much cleaner overall apearance and carries a pait of underwing drop tanks. Tornado IDS , 45+19 , from Jagdbombergeschwader (Fighter-Bomber Wing) 33 of the German Air Force at Büchel and has the ‘Einsatzgeschwader Mazar-e Sharif’ (Mazar-e Sharif Operational Squadron) badge on the air intake from service in Afghanistan , the aircraft has a full load of drop tanks but no wing pods and had been stranded at Leuchars for several weeks having suffered a technical problem en-route to an exercise in North America , the black markings are tape to prevent water ingress , a few weeks later at the beginning of October the unit was redesignated Taktisches Luftwaffengeschwader (Tactical Air Force Wing) 33. KDC-10 , T-264 ‘Prins Berhhard’ , from 334 Squadron Royal Netherland Air Force at Eindhoven filled a large space in the static display vacated by the usual USAF presence due to internal political upsets although the Dutch airliner conversion seems to present a more impressive visual appearance than the military specific KC-10. F-16AM Fighting Falcon , J-002 , from 323 Squadron of the Royal Netherlands Air Force at Leeuwarden arrives for the static display in the units 65th. Anniversary scheme markings. F-16AM Fighting Falcon , J-628 , from 322 Squadron of the Royal Netherlands Air Force at Leeuwarden arrives for the static display. F-16 Fighting Falcons from 331/332 Skvadrons of the Royal Norwegian Air Force at Bodø clear the runway with F-16AM , 672 , in the lead followed by F-16BM , 304 , both carry the tail markings of the Forsvarets Logistikk Organisasjon (Force Logistics Command) or FLO from which pooled aircraft are drawn as required by squadrons. F-16AM Fighting Falcon , 672 , from 331/332 Skvadron of the Royal Norwegian Air Force at Bodø taxies in for the static display showing tail markings of the FLO pool arrangement. F-16BM Fighting Falcon , 672 , from 331/332 Skvadron of the Royal Norwegian Air Force at Bodø taxies in for the static display showing tail markings of the FLO pool arrangement as well as the preservative staining around the cannon muzzle common to several Norwegian F-16BM.

By the author's apparently limited world view the RAF and FAA collectively forming part of the British Armed Forces as well as Scots , Welsh and Northern Irish individually as members of them must not have been invited to the party.

The RAF Leuchars Airshow 2013 also acknowledged on the programme as being the 65th. Battle of Britain At Home Day returning to a long standing title that had somewhat grown out of favour in previous years. From the first held back in 1946 when most RAF stations had held such events the number had dwindled over the years until Leuchars was the last operational base to host such an event. However with hand-over to the Army approaching and the transfer of operational Typhoon squadrons to RAF Lossiemouth the point had been reached when after 2013 manning levels would have dropped to well under the 1100 required to host such events. Images shown were taken at the show on Saturday 7th. September or during arrivals the previous day. Having looked at Typhoon participation separately attention here is on the other UK military assets taking part of which only the Grob Tutor , Voyager and the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight types (the oldest of all present) still remain in RAF service. The Avenger and Merlin remain in Royal Navy service although the Historic Flight was disbanded in 2019 and its activities assumed by a charitable trust , sadly Sea Fury VX281 was involved in an accident during 2021 and was subsequently written-off. Tornado GR.4 (built as a GR.4A) , ZA400/011 , from No.2 Squadron based at RAF Marham arrives for the static display. Tornado GR.4 (built as a GR.4A) , ZA404/013 , from No.617 Squadron based at RAF Lossiemouth arrives as the display spare. Tornado GR.4 , ZA412 (017) , from No.617 Squadron based at RAF Lossiemouth with Dambusters 70th. Anniversary tail art arrives as the display aircraft for flypasts with the BBMF Lancaster and finally with a Leuchars based Typhoon in the closing Sunset Ceremony. Tornado GR.4 , ZA492 (033) , from No.617 Squadron based at RAF Lossiemouth with Dambusters 70th. Anniversary tail art arrives for static display , while the tail art was identical on both aircraft crew names and panel detail varied. Hawk T.1A , XX321/CI , from No.100 Squadron based at RAF Leeming in the static display was the only Hawk present other than the Red Arrows , the green tape around the nose compartment was to prevent rain ingress. Tutor T.1 , G-CGKJ/KJ , from Leuchars based East of Scotland Universities Air Squadron/12 Air Experience Flight but carrying the badge of No.3 Flying Training School. Tucano T.1 , ZF239/RA-F , from No. 72 (Reserve) Squadron of No.1 Flying Training School at RAF Linton-on-Ouse was the 2013 solo display aircraft and carried a Typical Middle East Air Force colour scheme used by the Spitfires of No.72 Squadron although the code reflected the service rather than the squadron , for the first time in many years there were no Tucano in the static display. Tucano T.1 , ZF264/264 , from No. 72 (Reserve) Squadron of No.1 Flying Training School at RAF Linton-on-Ouse carried underside and fuselage markings to celebrate the that years 70th. Anniversary of the Royal Air Forces Association , the crest on the tail is that of No.1 FTS , the aircraft was the 'display spare' for that years solo display and was parked in a corner of the display aircraft ramp. Beech 200GT King Air , ZK459/X ‘Hercules’ , from No.45 (Reserve) Squadron at RAF Cranwell in the static display. Squirrel HT.1 , ZJ275/76 , from the Defence Helicopter Flying School at RAF Shawbury arriving for the static display. Griffin HT.1 , ZJ708/K , operated by No.60 (Reserve) Squadron from the Defence Helicopter Flying School at RAF Shawbury arriving for the static display. Sentinel R.1 , ZJ692 , from No. 5 Squadron at RAF Waddington arriving for the static display carries its by then very worn and patched original colour scheme with that years freshly painted special V(AC) Sqn. Centenary tail markings , it would later undergo a full repaint in a more durable darker gloss grey and lose its unit markings. VC10 K.3 , ZA147/F , from No.101 Squadron at RAF Brize Norton arrives for the static display , political and fiscal issues at home prevented the normal ‘USAF Heavies’ so the presence of the VC10 on its home base Families weekend was well received. Voyager KC.3 , ZZ335 , from No.10 Squadron at RAF Brize Norton arrives for its first static display visit at Leuchars and for the same reasons as the VC10 above was a welcome visitor. BAE 146 CC.2 , ZE700 , from No.32 (The Royal) Squadron at RAF Northolt taxies out with rank pennant to return the Chief of the Air Staff and other VIP service guests south. The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Lancaster , Hurricane and Spitfire taxy out to begin their formation and solo displays. Spitfire LFIXe , MK356 , marked as MJ250/UF-Q of No.601 (County of London) Squadron taxies back in following its display. Hurricane IIc , PZ865 , marked as HW840/EG-S from No. 34 Squadron in South East Asia Command taxies back in following its display. Lancaster B.1 , PA474 , marked as DV385/KC-A 'Thumper Mk.III' a late war B.1 from No. 617 Squadron taxies in after its display. For all with memories of the Red Arrows support Argosy or Hercules from days of old delivering their red and white painted lightweight Land Rover and various towed ground support trailers the 2013 equivalent came by road in the form of one purpose-built diesel bowser to top up the ‘smoke pods’ and a standard flat bed DAF truck loaded with aforementioned ground support equipment although the budget did cover RAFAT crests on their doors. Sea King HAR.3 , XZ588 , from ‘D’ Flight of No.202 Squadron at RAF Lossiemouth conducted a role demonstration and provided SAR cover for the event , reportedly allocated the tail code ‘D’ this was not carried/had yet to be applied , the small letter ‘B’ on the lower rear fuselage was a standard UK Sea King marking denoting the location of a crash locator beacon. Merlin HM.1 , ZH839 , with nose-art from No.820 NAS at RNAS Culdrose in the static display with the White Ensign leaving no doubt as to ownership. Beech Avenger T.1 , ZZ501 , from No.750 NAS at RNAS Culdrose arrives for the static display. Sea Fury T.20 , G-RNHF/VX281 , from the Royal Navy Historic Flight based at RNAS Yeovilton arrives Friday to take part in the flying display next day with wings starting to fold as it taxies in. Dassault FA20C Falcon , G-FRAW , then operated by Cobham (previously FR Aviation and currently Draken) performs a wide range of target and threat simulation services to UK and overseas military and is seen arriving for the static display.

The RAF Leuchars Airshow 2013 also acknowledged on the programme as being the 65th. Battle of Britain At Home Day returning to a long standing title that had somewhat grown out of favour in previous years. From the first held back in 1946 when most RAF stations had held such events the number had dwindled over the years until Leuchars was the last operational base to host such an event. However with hand-over to the Army approaching and the transfer of operational Typhoon squadrons to RAF Lossiemouth the point had been reached when after 2013 manning levels would have dropped to well under the 1100 required to host such events and like all good things it came to an end and most likely the likes will never be seen again north of the border. Images shown were taken at the show on Saturday 7th. September or during arrivals the previous day. As home to Nos.1 and 6 Squadrons flying the Typhoon FGR.4 and T.3 their aircraft played a far larger part in the event than it might have appeared to the casual observer. ZK316/FA , ZK331/FE , ZK329/FH in No.1 Squadron markings and ZK342/ED and ZK346/ER all departed in a stream take-off in the morning. FA , FE , ED , and ER all returned as a four-ship formation later and then again with the Red Arrows before landing. FH headed off to a Families Day at Brize Norton before returning to close-the show in the Sunset Ceremony flypast along with one the No. 617 Sqn. Dambusters anniversary marked Tornado GR.4. FA and ER returned to the air during the afternoon in a series of set pieces interspersed between other displays to demonstrate their ability to fulfil the Leuchars motto ‘Attack and Protect’. Starting with a maximum performance pairs take-off in reheat to demonstrate their QRA response , emphasised with a formation flypast with E-3 Sentry ZH101/01 from No.8 Squadron and concluding with pyrotechnics in a demonstration of ground attack techniques. The two based squadrons also contributed heavily in the static display with their own aircraft in their own markings along with a line-up of most then current RAF operators in their various markings. But in a move determined to bewilder ‘number-crunchers’ of future generations retaining not only their original serials but also their then assigned 1 (F?) or 6 (E?) Squadron tail codes. For unknown reasons an example from 1435 Flight was not included. Aircraft displayed were FGR.4 and were marked as follows - ZK339/FG 1 Sqn. , ZK310/EL 3 Sqn. , ZK314/EO 6 Sqn. , ZK334/FB 11 Sqn. , ZK311/EK 29 Sqn. , ZK320/EV 41 Sqn. Other No.6 Sqn. Aircraft in their own markings elsewhere in the static display were FGR.4 ZK327/EJ and T.3 ZK331/EX. The only other RAF Typhoon seen on base during the show were the FGR.4 of the 2013 Typhoon Display Team with otherwise unmarked ZK306/BT as the display jet and fully marked ZK344/BQ as the spare Both were operating out of the former No.111 Squadron HAS area on the south side of the airfield and other than for display and departure remained mainly out of sight. Overseas Typhoon visitors came from Austria in the flying display and Italy for the static display. Two Eurofighter EF2000 , 7L-WE and 7L-WD , from the Uberwachungsgeschwader (Surveillance Wing) of the Austrian Air Force demonstrated their Air Policing role intercepting a C-130 and thereafter one-v-one combat manoeuvres in the morning with ‘WE’ demonstrating a solo aerobatic routine on the afternoon. Unfortunately ‘WD’ was only ever photographed against the sun and has not been included. Italy provided a pair of Eurofighter Typhoon F-2000A , MM.7286/36-02 and MM.7300/36-12, from 36° Stormo's 12° Gruppo for the static display and of which one of the pilots had previously served on an exchange posting flying the Tornado F.3 from Leuchars.

From Some Unknown Unselfish Oversharing Soul COVID – three and a half years on and the management and I have it for the first time , would gladly have waited another three and a half - not as bad as the last time we had 'Flu but still would rather be doing without it. From Hornby A brace of Mustela furo without the teeth , claws or smell - two x Airfix A1379 1/35 Ferret Scout Car Mk.2 kits , from my 2023 pre-orders (Gannet due in the UK October according to latest Airfix Model World) . . . . . not sure enough about the Ferret to know if the parts breakdown has much re-box potential to slow down possible consideration of a Saracen or even a Saladin (without annoying niggles) as future projects? From Key Publishing Aviation Archive No.69 – Battle Of Britain bookazine subscription copy , A look at the air forces , their aircraft and some restored/preserved examples along with a mix of images , contemporary archive cutaways (9) and modern colour profiles (8) , all fairly comprehensive although Italy only warrants two pages , unusually no mention of what the next issue will be but my copy included a ‘personalised’ subscription renewal offer so I suppose they are planning one.

Got it but probably not a lot of use in linking with the Wessex - Sikorsky H-34 An Illustrated History - two pages on its use by England with a couple of photos and a paragraph of text on the original HSSS-1 sent over as a test bed and later reengined with a Napier Gazelle. Also have Wessex by Patrick Allen , published 1988 by Airlife , glossy softback and typical style and format of many publishers around that time mainly photographic with brief text covering the development and service of different variant and export users. Link to Amazon - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Wessex-Patrick-Allen/dp/1853100501 - an an example , there are cheaper copies on the market and not surprisingly there are more expensive.

Plenty of free ventilation going for you across in Argyllshire although hope that the prevailing wind does not bring the smells too far to the east.

From Aero Research Military Series No. 1112 USN A-7 Corsair II Part 6 PDF Download , latest addition to the series with 151 images. From Hornby Airfix A11006 1/48 Westland Sea King HAS.1/HAS.5/HU.5 kit , pre-order with free shipping for a few pennies over £40 with Club Discount and Hobby Points applied , a huge amount of plastic. From Phoenix Publications Douglas A-4 Skyhawk Volume 1 – US Navy and Marine Corps Versions book , by Andy Evans , latest release by Phoenix in their Real to Replica White Series , usual series format - well illustrated , colour sideview profiles and several model builds.

Airfix replied this morning that it had been collected yesterday and would be delivered later today which it was although tracking did not appear on the DPD website until after the Airfix response. Bank Holiday weekend was mentioned by them as a factor although suspect Airfix had not expected it to be as some of the paperwork enclosed shows that they were working Saturday and possibly expected the same of their courier.

Built an early service HAS.1 from the Revell kit for a magazine article some years ago but have neither the model nor the article to hand so this is the best I can recall from memory. Check cabin window locations are correct for the HAS.1 and rectify if needed , there are several options pre-marked into the cabin walls. Use the five bladed tail rotor , the six came later Aerodynamic strake not fitted along tail boom. Ice/FOD screen not fitted. 'Orange Crop' ESM plinths not fitted. Dunking Sonar well open. Check tips and cuffs of the main rotor blades as the later style differed from the early and I cannot recall which are supplied in the kit (seem to think that I might have replaced the Revell blades and rotor head with the parts from a Fujimi kit for that reason). Check surface detail on the fuselage as I am sure the Revell kit has some of the reinforcements not present early in service. Check aerial style and fit as this changed quite a bit over the years. Check whether the spotlight within the winch frame was fitted at that time or if the only downward illumination was the small light fitted above the rear cabin door. Position and warning lights were coloured glass/Perspex and not clear strobes. 'Rescue' step below cabin door not fitted. If fitting weapons shackles remember the cable runs on the fuselage sides. If fitting any interior detail the rear internal bulkhead on the HAS.1 was located just aft of the cabin door much further forward than on the later and export versions kitted by Revell. From my research at the time it seemed that some troop seats were installed but folded up against the cabin sides , Royal Navy rear crew station detail was a bit hard to pin down so built the model with door closed and mocked something up roughly following the US pattern out of spare parts just forward of the cabin door and offset to port with two side-by-side forward facing seats at a rather boxy console with the Sonar winding gear as a narrower box ahead of it. Imagine that others will add to or more likely correct the above in due course.

Allowed for that but DPD tracking shows that while a tracking number was provided on Friday they are still awaiting the actual parcel , as they have started to arrive elsewhere ball now in Airfix's court to see if it has got lost in the system.

Curious if anyone in the UK has received Sea King pre-orders direct from Airfix yet? Previous pre-orders have arrived within a day or two at most of being notified the item is available , last pre-order was the Hunter back in June which was delivered just over 24 hours after I was informed it was in stock , Sea King was notified Friday and according the link to the courier they are aware of the package but have not yet received it.

Yes . . . . and . . . . No. All of the Revell (Germany) Sea King kits have the same basic parts but not all share the same detail parts. If you look at the plans download feature for the Revell Sea King on Scalemates the parts included for the original Mk.41 release kit 04427 in 1998 lacks the Royal Navy details. The 04450 HAS.5/AEW kit in 2001 shows the additional sprues which are also shown in the two later Mk.41 kits 04411 in 2003 and 04899 in 2012.

A bit of a busy week From Guideline Publications The Lockheed F-117 Nighthawk book , by Andy Evans , published recently by Guideline as Warpaint No.138 , 50 well illustrated pages with 8 of colour artwork (not all black) , 1/96 plans. From Books etc. Hawker Hunter – A Classic British Jet Fighter book , by Philip Birtles , published and released this week by Fonthill Media , pre-ordered for around two-thirds RRP and with free shipping , 240 page hardback with over 450 black & white images. From Amazon The Avro Shackleton: The Long-Serving 'Growler' book , by Jason Nicholas Moore , published and released this week by Fonthill Media Ltd. , pre-order for around three-quarters RRP , 320 pages hardback with around 200 black & white images , 40 or so colour , 20 colour profile/plan views , line drawings , maps , cutaways , unit and aircraft histories , modelling notes . Via Abe Books THUD – Modern Military Aircraft Series (No. 5004) book , by Lou Drendel , published 1986 by Squadron Signal Publications , following a recent discussion of Thunderchief books here on Britmodeller realised that I only had a PDF copy of this one so when a reasonably priced second-hand copy popped up took the opportunity to rectify , interestingly one of the chapters has images provided by Captain Ben Allen who has signed this copy and annotated some of the relevant images. From Momox North American A-5A/RA-5C Vigilante book , by Steve Ginter , published 1998 by Ginter Books as Naval Fighter Series No.64 , usual format with mix of detail images and technical manual extracts then coverage of operational use by unit , heavily illustrated in black & white with colour covers , second-hand copy as another reference for a future project. From Hannants The Grumman F6F Hellcat – A Complete Guide To The Famous American Naval Fighter book , by Richard A. Franks , published 2020 by Valiant Wings Publishing as Airframe & Miniature No.15 , usual format of 200+ pages with history , images , artwork , technical manual extracts , step-by-step variant overview drawings , 1/48 plans and model builds up to date of release , one of those not uncommon cases where second-hand prices from the usual suspects are over twice those of brand-new copies from Hannants in this case and the publisher to name but two without much of a search . . . . . now the same for the Wildcat would be very useful !! Xtradecals X48102 1/48 Yanks With Roundels – US Aircraft In The FAA Part 1 decals , Martlet/Gannet/Tarpon in EDSG/Slate Grey/Sky and the Corsair in Sea Grey/Olive Drab/Light Grey for some future projects. Eduard D48059 1/48 F65F Hellcat Stencils decals , need the white options for a post-war FR. Mk.II. From Relish Models AFV Club 48105 1/48 Northrop RF-5E Tigereye kit , have an advance order in for some Aztec decals coming out soon that include an option for overall black Saudi examples so thought I would set a kit aside for that , last one Relish had in stock and reasonably priced at £26 before shipping whereas the same parts reboxed with different decals as the RF-5S costs twice that at Hannants and elsewhere. From Aberdeen Modellers Society Show I had priced these kits online earlier in the week for future projects but found them at the show for a combined saving of £8 less than the cheapest elsewhere so covered my entry and a little bit (friendly guy with beard , first vendor on the left past the SCAA stand once through the door). Tamiya 61034 1/48 Grumman F4F-4 Wildcat kit. Tamiya 61046 1/48 Chance Vought F4U-1/2 Bird Cage Corsair kit.

Sea King Illustrated by Lou Drendel published last year in his Aviation Art Inc. series - 125 pages , well illustrated throughout in colour/b&w , includes some technical manual drawings. Link to Kindle version on Amazon Australia , see all formats and editions link to print copy which costs around four times that of the download - https://www.amazon.com.au/Sea-King-Illustrated-Lou-Drendel-ebook/dp/B0BSP2YRPM/ref=sr_1_21?crid=8QEYEVOGIPGC&keywords=drendel+illustrated&qid=1692969907&sprefix=drendel+illustated%2Caps%2C240&sr=8-21

And it is indeed so , my copy from Amazon arrived within the past hour and from the first flick through it looks great.

Visited the cockpit on flights to and from Sharjah for an exercise in early 1973 and can confirm the above , same applied to loadmaster etc. in cabin.