Formation

[Skeeter]

taken from the EDA fotostream

Last flight during an exercise called "Italian Call" in Italy 2011.
There was a second runway looking similar like this. They joined in flight for a huge formation.

[Eric Hunt]

Only 20??

Pah!

We ran a 28-ship formation up Sydney Harbour in the mid-90s to advertise the arrival of the Toyota Prado, which was hanging on a string under a B212.

But a mix like in that photo looks good, doesn't it!

[2.2]

taken from the same exercise

[cassidy_copter]

Skeeter wrote:
There was a second runway looking similar like this. They joined in flight for a huge formation.

= 40 versus only 20 (Sorry Eric . . . Let me check if you have any misspellings, while I am at it -I am just being a wise guy, as everyone else seems to get away with it)

What is interesting is the mixed fleet. I am sure it would have made for an interesting formation, considering the Pilot Flying would have different training and background and use a different sight-picture to hold his unique aircraft's position in the formation.

Would have liked to be a fly on the wall during the briefing . . . "Ya but" and "What if".

I recall graduation day from Army flight training and the massive formation . . . We were well practiced, current, and it was effing scary we were all over the sky! There is ALWAYS someone who thinks he knows better than the Air Mission Commander or the guy giving the briefing.

That guy will pull pitch early, accelerate faster, accelerate slower -and it has a domino effect or like the sharp end of a whip that was merely subjected to a twitch at the handle.

[Heli]

We used to put up a few, when they were not busy doing anything

[Twistgrip]

That's pretty impressive Heli! However I do luv the opening thread photo! Absolute cracker!

[Heli]

What are they following me for?

[Robinsondog]

Might have been 41, black burn mark in background. What is the vehicle with the wings folded?

[Fling Wing]

I think with that huge airbrake at the back, it would have to be a Blackburn Buccaneer. UK low-level aircraft with nuclear weapon delivery capability. No longer in use.

[Heli]

Yes, the Buccaneer: our nuclear strike bomber, carried similar nuclear weapon to our NDB 600lb bomb, only they had a better chance to get away from the blast

OT, the RAF decried it in favour of the TSR2, then found it to be the best low level aircraft around. Red Flag exercises in Nevada always had the Vulcans and Buccaneers running rings around the defence, until one day when they found and 'shot down' a Vulcan inbound on a low level strike, ~100 agl. The defence disengaged after their 'kill', but didn't hang around to take out the two Buccaneers who were hiding under the Vulcan's wings We got used to sitting in a 40' ASW hover and watching the strike inbound at our height: or lower!