Warton 17-11-09

[vickersfour]

Hello folks

Visited Warton on the only half decent day (weather wise) this week. Figured that if they were going to fly at all this week it would on Wednesday. Arrived late morning to see two Nimrod MRA4 and four Typhoon outside on the north apron and a RSAF Hercules on Cargo.

One of the based PC-9 ZG969 kicked off the flying.


Then early afternoon the first Typhoon movement in the shape of ZJ938.


Followed after the cloud had arrived by a first flight by ZK308, which was marked '2009 Final Assembly - end of year milestone'.






The final Typhoon movement was ZJ699 which was toting Paveway IV.


With the light going fast by late afternoon a couple of Hawk T2 ZK025 and ZK026 departed and shortly after so did I.




No Nimrod movements and the final Typhoon remained un-identified.

Cheers

Shaun

[ian531]

Hi Vickersfour

Another great set of pics. The PC-9 is amazing

These 'photographers' are putting some of us mere 'camera pointers' to shame ;D ;D

Thanks for posting

Ian

[vickersfour]

Thanks Ian. I still get the same kick out of taking photos of aircraft as i did when i got my first SLR in 1975. I am still a spotter at heart though.

Cheers

Shaun

[superian]

i agree with the above, great pictures.
ian.

[Deleted]

No Nimrod movements and the final Typhoon remained un-identified.

I was around there the following day, and there were Nimrod movements, but no others (as far as I could tell), so you were lucky!
Excellent pics - I didn't realise you could still get close enough for that level of definition - even with a telephoto.

[GHB]

Yes quality photos especially liked the three of ZK308 particularly the one of it climbing out.

Regards Cliff

[sawilson]

Can anyone enlighten me as to why BAE systems operates the PC9 please?

Regards

Steve

[viscount]

Don't know the answer for certain, but suspect it could go back quite some time, to the days when the MoD/RAF held a competitive tender fly-off to decide a trainer to replace the Jet Provosts. BAe teamed up with Pilatus to offer a customised version of the PC-9, Shorts teamed up with Embraer with a customised/modified Tucano. Shorts won the contract. Suspect it suited BAe to keep their British Specifiation PC-9s for use with training aspects of the Saudi contracts.

Anyone confirm ?

[vickersfour]

I think 'Viscount' got it pretty much spot on. Only thing to add is that both the Warton based PC-9 are ex-RSAF.

Cheers

Shaun

[Wings11]

Awesome pics !!