Military aircraft galleries, action photography and airshow reports.
All images copyright to Andrew Philpott. ©
RAF Leuchars, in Fife is one of only a few
airfields in the UK to still hold a Battle of
Britain show. With three squadrons of based
Tornado F3’s there’s always plenty of action.
But for once a year the gates are opened for
aircraft enthusiasts and families to see what
Scotland's air defence station does on a day
to day basis. As usual Scotland’s weather
was to play a major part in the days events.
Pilots did well to cope with the strong wind
and low cloud.
Fortunately, apart from a few spots, the rain
held back allowing the flying display to
progress as planned. An interesting display
was the tactical demonstration which
included four Tornado GR.4’s from
Lossiemouth and four based F3’s. Using
pyrotechnics the GR.4’s simulated an airfield
attack. (Pictured on preview page.) The F3’s
were then brought in, to intercept the enemy
force. No fewer than four Eurofighter
Typhoon’s were present at the show.
With two in the static park and one plus a
spare in the flying display. For those
disappointed at Fairford failing to see
Typhoon in twenty nine squadron markings.
The example in the flying display was in
the markings of twenty nine. (Pictured on
page #5.) Other aircraft in the flying were
a Belgian F-16 AM and Dutch F-16 AM.
This years show was very much dominated
by the British Forces.
With a Jaguar GR.3 Tornado GR.4, Harrier
GR.7, Hawk T1A and a Tornado F3 in the
flying. Also a Chinook and Royal Navy
Sea Harrier. (Pictured above.) The highlight
for most being the Royal Air Forces
aerobatic team The Red Arrows. Static
displays were mostly RAF with some foreign
visitors. These being a German Air Force
Tornado ECR, Phantom and two Portuguese
Alpha Jets, one of which was painted in a
special tiger scheme.
For fighter aircraft enthusiasts this
years event was something special with
four Typhoons landing one after another
on the arrivals day.
A sneak preview of the future at
RAF Leuchars ...
Click next to view the images and
continue with the action!
