R.A.F Northolt Photocall 2009
Once again the month of June brings with it what has now become an annual event at R.A.F Northolt, situated to west of London. Organised to raise money for various charities, previous years photocalls had found many varied and interesting military aircraft taking part, providing unimpeded access for photographers. It had also been fortunate in being blessed with good weather on each occassion.
Having experienced a mini heatwave during the week building up to this years photocall the typically British weather took a turn for the worst a couple of days prior to the event and the outlook was somewhat gloomy. The first aircraft began to arrive late Thursday afternoon, that being a regular 'Photocall' visitor in the guise of one of the Martin-Baker Gloster Meteors (WL419), next to arrive was a Tutor from R.A.F Wyton in Cambridgeshire.
Over the next couple of days a steady stream of aircraft arrived from a variety of countries, in anticipation of adding to Northolts reputation of providing access for enthusiasts and photographers to get unlimited access to military aircraft on its ramps. As to the weather...........................
A very welcome visitor was this ex-German Air Force Rockwell OV-10B Bronco. Now on the British civil register
as G-BZGK, it was once operated by the Luftwaffe as a target towing aircraft.
Making another debut at this years event was this immaculate Agusta-Westland AW.139 from 301 Squadron
Irish Air Corps based at Baldonnel
As with previous years the Royal Air Force supported the event, albeit in lesser numbers than previously.
This Agusta-Westland Merlin HC.3 from 28 Squadron at RAF Benson making an appearance.
Bae Hawk T.1A XX222/CI from 100 Squadron
ZF137 from 207(R) Squadron at Linton-On-Ouse basks in glorious sunshine
Only one Tornado GR.4 attended this years event, this being ZA557/048 from 13 Sqn at RAF Marham
Bae 125 CC.3 ZD703 was one of three such aircraft able to be photographed at this years event
The Koninklijke Luchtmact brought their Gulftream IV from 334 Squadron based at Eindhoven
In addition to the Gulfstream above, two Pilatus PC-7's from 131 Sqn also made an appearance
Seldom able to be photographed at such close quarters was this USAF Sikorsky HH-60G Blackhawk
from the 56th Rescue Squadron at Lakenheath
Martin-Bakers Gloster Meteors have become annual visitors at Northolt Photocalls.
It is clear to see the 'scorch marks' behind the rear cockpit from the rocket motors of its many ejection seat trials
One of two Armee de L'Air aircraft taking part, this SOCATA TBM.700 was making its first visit to Northolt
The second French Air Force visitor was this Bregeut Alphajet E38/314-LH from Tours Air Base
BN.2 Islander AL.1 from 1 Flight British Army Air Corps was also in attendance. Its strange how RAF Northolt has
two Islander aircraft based but neither have ever been made available for a photocall......................
Finally, for many the star of the show was this Turkish Air Force Cessna Citation 650 from 11 Wing at Etimesgut.
It wasn't actually due to be on the list of Photocall exhibits but arrived around 2pm during the event to drop of
some visiting personnel. Thankfully the powers that be managed to get it hauled over to be positioned for the
enthusiasts to photograph. A popular move and a big thanks to those involved for making this happen.
So as you can see, the sun shone, sometimes, but it was a case of waiting and waiting to get the perfect light at each location and then making the best of the opportunities available. Thankfully though the rain held off, but as usual some of the promised participants failed to arrive, a sign of the times I am afraid. In any case, a 'Well Done' once again to those involved for their time and effort in getting the aircraft that did materialise in place and making sure that everything went smoothly.