Four F-35A's of the USAF at RAF Lakenheath and two F-16's from the Aviano Air Base, blast through the low level flying area in the Lake District.
So we were at Dunmail Raise on the 15th March 2022, in the Lake District, which is also an area for low flying aircraft. The UK is divided into 20 separate low flying areas and are numbered 1-20. Three of these areas are known as Tactical Training Areas (TTA). The area we are in is known as LFA17. You may have heard Mach Loop, this is LFA7.
You do need luck when visiting Low Flying Areas and I really put Ted to the test. You see, Ted has never let us down and always brings the luck. It was a 4.5 hour journey for us and originally, we were going to check out a different location at Thirlmere. However, due to storm damage, all the roads leading to the area were closed off. So, we headed southbound on the A591 and parked up at the foot of Dunmail Raise. 8 minutes climbing up at around 300ft, we set up the two cameras. This was the first time we used a second camera on a tripod to act as a speed camera sort of thing. And my word...10 minutes after setting up, we heard the whoosh and road of an approaching fighter jet in the distance. This was the only warning sign we would get...
We didn't even know what aircraft it was, but the main priority was to hit RECORD on both cameras. It was only when I got level with the aircraft did I realise it was an F-35. As far as the second camera was concerned, I had no idea if I got anything in the frame.
Ted's luck brought two F-35A's from RAF Lakenheath. We can just about make out the LN tail code when freezing the frames. This happened around 1030 and within 30 minutes, two more F-35A's from RAF Lakenheath came through too. No, I stressed about pressing RECORD. I forgot to press record on the second camera but double checked while the 1st F-35 came through and realised that I had failed, which is why you will only see one going through on Camera 2. No worries, we all make mistakes. But, at least I recorded it on the main camera.
One thing I did notice about the four F-35's is that they were both at different altitudes. They were about what about 100ft in difference? The top of the peak across from us is about 530ft and we were positioned around 280ft ASL. We were slightly above the first F-35's that came in the 2-ship, so this gives you an idea of how low they come through.
Later on in the afternoon, something was coming in very fast but at higher altitude. It was one of two F-16CG Fighting Falcons from the Aviano Air Base. They are currently on an Out of Area deployment at RAF Lakenheath. They are soon to be involved in NATO exercises in Norway I believe.
Aircraft flying through Low Flying Areas are very exciting to watch, but it does require luck and some sort of planning too. The aircraft won't usually fly in low cloud and bad weather as a rough guide. Check NOTAM's and other factors too before making a journey to an area. Also, think about a Plan-B should the weather change and become vulnerable to the elements.
About the aircraft:
The four Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II are from the 495th Fighter Squadron "the Valkyries" stationed at RAF Lakenheath, a US Air Force Base. These have the LN tail code, indicating that these F-35's are from Lakenheath.
The two F-16 Fighting Falcon (Viper) on the other hand are on an OOA (Out Of Area deployment) deployed to RAF Lakenheath. They are from the 510th Fighter Squadron, nicknamed "the Buzzards". They bear the tail code AV, which means they are from the Aviano Air Base, in Northern Italy. Aviano AB is a USAF base. Their serials had an 88- so I believe these were F-16C/D but not sure which block they were, possibly 40/42. What I do know is that they are an F-16CG upgraded variant.
For more info:
www.gov.uk/gui...
www.gov.uk/gov...
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29 сен 2024
