The Royal International Air Tattoo is a yearly event held at Royal Air Force (RAF) station Fairford in the UK. Each year the aircraft in attendance for the show are a cross-section of everything from civilian aircraft through warbirds and the latest military hardware. Arrivals for the show are often a good time for spotters and avgeeks to get a good look at which aircraft will be attending the show.
This video documents the arrivals for the 2017 version of RIAT ahead of the show that runs from July 14-16. There was a significant crosswind component on the active runway so some of the approaches and landings are “interesting.”
Aircraft included in the video are a USAF Boeing B-52H Stratofortress, two USAF Lockheed U-2S Dragon Ladies, a RAF Embraer 500 Phenom 100E, a Textron Airland Scorpion Jet, a Gulfstream G550, a USAF Rockwell Boeing B-1B Lancer, a pair of French Dassault Rafales, several Lockheed C-130 Hercules airlifters, Saab J-39 Gripen jets, Aero L-39 Albatros jets, an EADS CASA C-295 airlifter, a couple of KC-135R tankers, a pair of Spanish Air Force Boeing EF-18A Hornets, and the Extra EZ-300Ls of the Royal Jordanian Air Force Falcons aerobatic team, one of whom experiences one of those interesting landings.
A Raytheon T-6A Texan II trainer makes an appearance, as do Alenia G.222 airlifters, the RAF King Air Display Team, French Mirage jets, Turkish F-16 Vipers, an RAF Tornado GR4, an Alenia Aermacchi M-346 Master trainer, and two of the few remaining operational F-4E Phantoms IIs from the Greek Air Force. That’s all the clues I’m willing to hand out. There are some very cool surprises in this video. Many of the aircraft are wearing special commemorative paint schemes too.
The Boeing B-17G Madras Maiden, 44-8543 CN 7943-DL and registered as N3701G, was built by Lockheed-Vega and accepted by the United States Army Air Force at Lockheed-Vega’s plant in Burbank California on October 17, 1944. She was one of 2,750 B-17s built by Lockheed-Vega in partnership with Boeing. 44-8543 was first assigned to the Flight Test Branch at Wright Field in Dayton, Ohio. She was modified to be a Pathfinder aircraft and as such was equipped with the H2X Mickey (AN/APS-15) bomb-through-overcast radar system in place of the ventral ball turret. Between 1944 and 1959 44-8543 spent its entire military career as a research and development aircraft. She is the sole remaining Pathfinder B-17. Posted by Ed Whisenant, enjoy the video of his flight aboard Madras Maiden.
As a military aircraft 44-8543 spent most of her time based in Ohio doing weather research and testing as well as being loaned out for other long-term test programs. Flown to the boneyard at Davis Monthan Air Force Base (AFB) in 1959, she was declared surplus the same year.
Purchased for the value price of $5,026 from the Air Force in August 1959, 44-8543 was registered as N3701G in 1960 (a value of about $42,000 in today’s dollars). She began a career unremarkable for B-17s flying during the 1960s, hauling produce between Florida and the Caribbean and doing what she could to eradicate fire ants as an aerial sprayer in Alabama. She was damaged in 1976 and sold three years later. Restored by the Vintage Flying Museum in Dallas and the Military Aviation Museum in Virginia Beach to her original military configuration and perfected by the Tillamook Air Museum in Oregon. Previously flown as Chuckie for several years, 44-8543 now wears the colors of the 381st Bomb Group.
Rare L-1011 flight makes emergency return on what was supposed to be its last flight.
Update #1 7/15/2017: We received updated information that the jet made a precautionary return yesterday due to an oil pressure issue and a few other problems. After a few hours of maintenance, the jet was ready to go. The jet took off today again enroute from Tucson to Kansas City International. The planned flight takes it across New Mexico, the Panhnadle of Texas, Oklahoma and Kansas. Planned flight level is FL270. You can follow the flight here.
A Lockheed L-1011 TriStar on its first flight in over 15 years landed safely today in Tucson, Arizona after experiencing an “engine out” failure in the air over New Mexico shortly after takeoff from Tucson International Airport this afternoon.
John Springer Walmsley Junior was born on January 7th 1920 in Baltimore Maryland. He graduated from High School in Silver Springs in 1936 and attended the University of Maryland. In September of 1942 Walmsley enlisted in the United States Army Air Forces (USAAF). He was assigned to pilot training first at Maxwell Field in Alabama, then at Orangeburg in South Carolina, followed by Bush Field in Georgia, and finally Turner Field in Georgia where he received his wings and commission during November of 1943.
Official US Air Force Photograph
First Overseas Assignment
Walmsley remained stationed at Turner Field as a flying instructor until the end of the war. During 1946 he transferred to Japan and spent the next three years as a bomber pilot in Douglas A-26 Invader medium bombers. Now an officer in the United States Air Force (USAF), Walmsley returned stateside from the Far East to attend the Air Tactical School at Tyndall Air Force Base in Florida, graduating in July of 1949. As a newly minted captain John became a specialist and worked with a series of air control and warning squadrons. He was also loaned to the Army at Fort Bragg in North Carolina for its training exercises, including Operation Swarmer, the 1950 mock invasion of the Eastern United States.
52nd FS P-82 Twin Mustang. Official US Air Force Photograph
Twin Mustang Pilot
Captain Walmsley was assigned to the 52nd Fighter Wing Fighting Hawks to fly all-weather North American F-82 Twin Mustangs from McGuire AFB in New Jersey in February of 1951. In June of the same year John shipped out to Korea for duty with the 8th Bomb Squadron Blackbirds of the 3rd Bomb Group Grim Reapers Fifth Air Force flying Douglas B-26 Night Invaders. On June 27th 1950 8th Bomb Squadron B-26s flew the first Air Force bombing mission of the war from Yokota Air Base and staging from Iwakuni Air Base in western Japan.
When Routine Was Anything But
When Walmsley returned to the Far East he joined the 8th Bomb Squadron, then based at Kunsan Air Base (K-8) on the west coast of South Korea. Early on missions flown by the 8th were generally routine bombing runs dropping 260 pound fragmentation bombs and shooting at targets of opportunity with the B-26’s wing-mounted .50 caliber machine guns. During the summer of 1951, the United Nations (UN) and North Korea seemed to be nearing a truce. However, as the negotiations continued, North Korean and Chinese troops began moving supplies to the front lines while negotiations were taking place- especially at night.
Strangling Enemy Supply Lines
The UN countered with Operation Strangle. This was a new interdiction campaign designed to attack supply lines using arc lights attached to the undersides of the B-26s. These super-bright lamps (80 million candlepower worth) would enable the B-26s to spot movement of trucks, personnel, and trains at night but would also draw fire from every Communist weapon on the ground that could be brought to bear. The North Korean and Chinese trains were heavily fortified as were the valleys through which the train tracks were laid and the roads snaked.
Getting Theirs at Night
Captain John Walmsley was one of the first pilots to volunteer for the dangerous mission. And so it began. The Night Invader pilot and crew flew 20 arc light missions and only three others. At this point in the war it would have taken about 60 missions to earn rotation out of the war zone and back the States. Emboldened by a successful 24th mission during which he attacked a convoy with 500 pound bombs and destroyed or damaged 16 trucks, John decided to fly his B-26 “Skillful 13” (tail number 44-34314) on a mission into North Korea alone on September 12th 1951.
Working on the Railroad
Walmsley’s September 14th mission, his 25th, began as they usually did. Along with him in Skillful 13 that night were bombardier/navigator Second Lieutenant William D. Mulkins, photomapper Captain Philip W. Browning, and air gunner Master Sergeant George Morar. Nearly 100 miles behind enemy lines, they spotted an armed train moving supplies. Skillful 13 expended all available ordnance but only managed to damage the train. Walmsley called in a second Night Invader from Kunsan to finish the train off. When the second B-26 arrived Walmsley turned on his arc lights to illuminate the target for the newly arrived bomber.
Heroic Deeds Cost More Than One Hero’s Life
Walmsley flew over the armed locomotive no less than three times, illuminating it but receiving heavy and accurate antiaircraft fire from both the train and enemy emplacements along the rail line. Walmsley not only illuminated the train but also allowed his aircraft to absorb most of the antiaircraft fire. This allowed the other B-26 to finish off the train. But Walmsley’s aircraft was severely damaged. He was able to make it only about two miles from the now-destroyed train before hitting the ground. The only survivor of the crew was the gunner Morar, who was severely burned but survived the crash itself and was taken prisoner. He survived the war. Four weeks later the arc lights were removed from all UN aircraft and not used again during the Korean War.
Unique Recipients of The Medal
Walmsley’s crew each received a Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary heroism. Walmsley however, was awarded the Medal of Honor posthumously on June 12th 1954. Walmsley’s widow, Flora Katherine, was presented with the Medal of Honor on that date at Bolling AFB in Washington, D.C. Walmsley was one of four USAF personnel awarded the Medal of Honor in the Korean War. All four were pilots who were killed in action. They were the only members of the USAF to receive the Army version of the medal because the USAF version was created later and not awarded until the Vietnam War. In recognition of the Wing’s distinguished service, the 3rd Bomb Wing was assigned to fly the very last bombing mission over North Korea an entire war after they flew the first bombing mission and only minutes before implementation of the ceasefire of July 27th 1953. John Walmsley would have approved.
Medal of Honor Citation
Capt. Walmsley, distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. While flying a B-26 aircraft on a night combat mission with the objective of developing new tactics, Capt. Walmsley sighted an enemy supply train which had been assigned top priority as a target of opportunity. He immediately attacked, producing a strike which disabled the train, and, when his ammunition was expended, radioed for friendly aircraft in the area to complete destruction of the target. Employing the searchlight mounted on his aircraft, he guided another B-26 aircraft to the target area, meanwhile constantly exposing himself to enemy fire. Directing an incoming B-26 pilot, he twice boldly aligned himself with the target, his searchlight illuminating the area, in a determined effort to give the attacking aircraft full visibility. As the friendly aircraft prepared for the attack, Capt. Walmsley descended into the valley in a low level run over the target with searchlight blazing, selflessly exposing himself to vicious enemy antiaircraft fire. In his determination to inflict maximum damage on the enemy, he refused to employ evasive tactics and valiantly pressed forward straight through an intense barrage, thus insuring complete destruction of the enemy’s vitally needed war cargo. While he courageously pressed his attack Capt. Walmsley’s plane was hit and crashed into the surrounding mountains, exploding upon impact. His heroic initiative and daring aggressiveness in completing this important mission in the face of overwhelming opposition and at the risk of his life, reflects the highest credit upon himself and the U.S. Air Force.
Here’s some nice video footage of an operational B-26 Invader produced in 2016.
The Navy’s EA-18G GrowlerElectronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 132, the “Scorpions” from Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Washington, are currently at Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Base Amberley in Queensland, Australia to participate in Exercise Talisman Saber 2017.
A 57-year old woman from New Zealand was killed on Maho Beach late Wednesday afternoon (July 12), after being blown off her feet by a jet blast from an aircraft taking off.
When one travels this great country the unexpected can be expected to be found almost anywhere- around the corner or roadside. Many of the Veteran of Foreign Wars (VFW) and American Legion posts around the country display military hardware to be appreciated by anyone who is compelled to stop and take a gander. One such American Legion post is Post 533 in Bastrop, Texas. Located along Highway 21 just outside of town, adjacent to highway 150 and Bastrop State Park, Post 533 has an M115 8 inch howitzer sitting out in front. That monster could throw a 200 pound shell almost ten and a half miles. Impressive enough, but that wasn’t why I stopped.
F-4D 66-8768 out in front of American Legion Post 533 in Bastrop Texas
Also outside the post is McDonnell Douglas F-4D-31-MC Phantom II 66-8768 (CN 2620). The jet’s paint is faded and it has seen better days, but it’s identified as a Phabulous Phantom easily enough. This particular F-4 was a gate guard at the former Bergstrom Air Force Base (AFB) near Austin in Texas, where it last served with the 704th Tactical Fighter Squadron Outlaws of the 924th Tactical Fighter Group (TFG). The jet actually belongs to the National Museum of the United States Air Force and is on loan to Post 533.
Another Outlaws F-4D showing off the striking camouflage scheme worn to Gunsmoke competitions in the mid to late 1980s. Official US Air Force Photo
66-8768 was built at the McDonnell Douglas plant in St. Louis Missouri in 1966. The jet was first assigned to the 25th TFS Assam Dragons of the famed 8th Tactical Fighter Wing (TFW) Wolf Pack. From there the jet was flown by the 492nd TFS Blue Bolars of the 48th TFW Statue of Liberty Wing. Between 1976 and 1979 the 23rd TFS Fighting Hawks of the 52nd TFW had 66-8768 on charge. Then 66-8768 was flown by the 307th TFS Stingers of the 401st TFW. Up to this point after return from Vietnam the jet had been flown primarily in Europe. When the Outlaws began flying 66-8768 they rotated to Korea several times and attended Gunsmoke competitions at Nellis AFB in Nevada. The paint scheme last worn by the Phantom was applied for the 1987 version of Gunsmoke, where it was a huge hit at the meet.
66-8768 landing in Korea for Team Spirit 1985. Note the Texas colors on the baggage pod. Official US Air Force Photograph.
When the Outlaws jets were switched from F-4Ds to slightly younger F-4E models in 1989, 66-8768 became a candidate for gate guard duty. Many of the 704th TFS F-4Ds were transferred to South Korea. Host to several Phantom-phlying fighter and reconnaissance squadrons at one point, the AFB portion of Bergstrom closed down in 1993 leaving the fourth busiest commercial airport in Texas to enjoy only hum-drum airliner flights. 66-8768 sat outside a gate at Bergstrom for roughly six years until 1996. It was then that she was partially disassembled and trucked about 31 miles to her present location. The jet shows no signs of vandalism due at least in part to the stout fence that completely surrounds it. She needs some fresh paint and a cover to protect her from the relentless Texas sun and heat wouldn’t hurt either. But she’s all Phantom and still beautiful in a difficult to define way.
Close-up of the dedication plaque. Note the exclusion of a digit in the serial number. When the jet was brought to Bastrop all they saw was the 66-768 on the tail so that’s what’s on the plaque.
Fortunately the jet is free of graffiti and other human-caused negative effects so often found on displayed military hardware. The data block is visible in this shot, as is the faded 924th TFW insignia and unit award ribbon insignia.
The F-4D was equipped with GE J79-GE-15 engines. These look like they would still push this monster along pretty well. Note the heavily faded paint scheme and deployed air brakes.
Note that this F-4D does not have slatted stabilators but the “thick” wing is evident. Also note that the jet is not sitting on its tires…always a good thing.
A rear view of the aircraft reveals that the engine exhausts are not covered. I don’t know if I have ever photographed a Phantom without capturing this view. Unique!
The 704th TFS insignia is faded and cracked like the rest of the finish but the airplane is still attractive in that Phantom sort sort of way.
Look aft at the F-15-type center line drop tank. The plane has three tanks mounted. Also note the engine inlet cover protecting the innards of the jet.
No missing seats or obvious equipment removed from this jet. The cockpit probably still contains most of what was in there when the jet was retired and de-milled almost thirty years ago.
Closeup of the lumps and bumps associated with the AN/ALR-69 (v)-2 RHAW antennae (Herpes mod) and TACAN aft of the radome. That was once a Texas flag on the nosegear door.
All the probes and stuff modelers always break off are still there. Even the Remove Before Flight streamers are still in place. Remarkable.
The F-4Es that replaced the F-4Ds at the 704th retained the striking paint scheme first worn on their F-4Ds. To the best of my knowledge this was a unique paint scheme on US Phantoms. Official US Air Force Photograph
When the General Dynamics / Air Force film “Champion of Champions” was produced in the early 1960s, the United States Air Force (USAF) was flying several manned bomber types. Brigadier General James M Stewart, USAF (ret) did the narration and makes several appearances in the film. In fact, he climbs out of the pilot’s seat of a Convair B-58 Hustler, appearing in the film’s opening scene. We’re told that Stewart joined the Mach 2 club when he flew a Hustler. Of course, Stewart was still in The Air Force Reserve when the film was made and there is plenty of documentation of his flights aboard Convair B-36 Peacemakers, Boeing B-47 Stratojets, and Boeing B-52 Stratofortress bombers. He may actually have flown the B-58 before he retired from the Air Force in 1968. Either way, the film is entertaining in a what-if sort of way.
B-58s entered service in 1960 and served for a tumultuous ten years before they were retired. The film makes mention of the B-58’s low-level flight performance, which is ironic because the B-58 was originally designed for high altitude penetration missions.
Of course, when in 1960 the capabilities of Soviet surface-to-air missiles (SAMs) became apparent, Strategic Air Command (SAC) was forced to change their mission parameters to low-level penetration sorties. The B-58 could not use its greatest asset (its speed) as effectively at low altitude. The change to low-level work spelled the end of the B-58 in SAC front-line service.
B-1B Lancer bombers assigned to the 9th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron from Dyess AFB, Texas conducted a “sequenced bilateral mission” with South Korean F-15 and Japanese F-2 fighter jets this weekend, in response to “increasingly escalatory actions” by North Korea (most recently on July 3 when they launched an ICBM test).
The USAF called it, “part of the continuing demonstration of the ironclad U.S. commitment to our allies against the growing threat from North Korea’s ballistic missile and nuclear programs.”
They also flew a bilateral mission with two Japan Air Self-Defense Force F-15’s over the East China Sea on July 6, marking the first time U.S. Pacific Command B-1s have flown combined training with JASDF fighters at night.
“Bilateral training fosters increased interoperability between Japan and U.S. aircraft,” said the USAF. “Participating in bilateral training enables the operational units to improve their combined capabilities and tactical skills, while also building bilateral confidence and strong working relationships.”
Check out some of the images from their weekend below.
Credit: USAF / Tech. Sgt. Richard P. Ebensberger
a bilateral mission with two Japan Air Self-Defense Force F-15’s over the East China Sea, July 6, 2017. This mission marks the first time U.S. Pacific Command B-1B Lancers have conducted combined training with JASDF fighters at night, demonstrating our increasing combined capabilities. Credit: USAF / Airman 1st Class Jacob Skovo
Credit: USAF / Airman 1st Class Jacob Skovo
Credit: USAF / Airman 1st Class Jacob Skovo
Credit: USAF / Tech. Sgt. Richard P. Ebensberger
Credit: USAF / Airman 1st Class Jacob Skovo
Credit: USAF / Airman 1st Class Jacob Skovo
Credit: USAF / Airman 1st Class Jacob Skovo
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– Follow Mike Killian on Instagram and Facebook, @MikeKillianPhotography
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When the Jolly Rogers of VF-103 departed for their 2004 Operation Iraqi Freedom deployment as part of Carrier Air Wing Seventeen (CVW-17) aboard the aircraft carrier USS John F Kennedy (CVA-67) on July 10th 2004 they were beginning their final cruise as Fighter Squadron One Zero Three (VF-103).
When they returned to Naval Air Station (NAS) Oceana in Virginia the following December they turned in their Grumman F-14B Tomcats and began the transition to the Boeing F/A-18F Super Hornet. The squadron was re-designated Strike Fighter Squadron One Zero Three (VFA-103), and as part of that process shifted to CVW-7.
It was the end of an era for the Fighting 103, who were actually the Sluggers for the majority of their existence. The previous Jolly Rogers of VF-84 were disestablished on October 1st 1995. In order to keep the rich tradition of the Jolly Rogers alive, VF-103 changed their name and squadron insignia to the skull and crossbones of the previous VF-84 and became the “new” Jolly Rogers.
The 2004 deployment was also the final cruise of the Kennedy. Along with VF-103, CVW-17 consisted of the Boeing F/A-18C Hornets of VFA-34 Blue Blasters, VFA-83 Rampagers, and VFA-81 Sunliners. The Jolly Rogers were the only VF squadron aboard Kennedy for this deployment.
Electronic attack was the specialty of Grumman EA-6B Prowler-equipped VAQ-132 Scorpions. VAW-125 Tiger Tails provided airborne early warning and control with their Grumman E-2C Hawkeyes. Helos aboard for the deployment were the variants of the Sikorsky SH-60 Seahawk flown by HS-15 Red Lions.
When airborne gas was needed it was usually passed by Texaco VS-30 Diamond Cutters Lockheed S-3B Vikings. The 2004 Kennedy cruise was also the final deployment for the Diamond Cutters, who were dis-established in early 2005.
Here at Avgeekery.com we know how much our people enjoy Skyhawks. This gem of a film was produced by McDonnell Douglas in the early 1970s to familiarize potential customers with their model A-4 model light attack jet- specifically the A-4M Skyhawk II, although they show but don’t mention the Mike model until about halfway through the picture. The A-4E, A-4F, TA-4F, and TA-4J are also shown. A Naval Air Weapons Station (NAWS) China Lake A-4C sneaks in to videobomb the film late. And as the film points out, Skyhawks had been flying combat missions over Vietnam for several years before the film was produced. When the last A-4 rolled off the production line in 1979, 2,960 of them had been built (all variants). Many Skyhawk fans would agree that wasn’t enough of them!
Skyhawks from VMA-311 Tomcats, VA-125 Rough Raiders, VA-127 Batmen, VA-164 Ghost Riders, VMT-103 Sky Chickens, VA-55 Warhorses, VMA-211 Wake Island Avengers, VT-22 Golden Eagles, and VA-56 Champions appear in the film. Some really nice quality air-to-air footage is included. Naturally the superior characteristics of the A-4M are listed, from the uprated Pratt & Whitney J52-P408 engine to the increased ammunition capacity for the internal twin 20 millimeter cannons, improved angle-rate bombing system, and larger cockpit enclosure.
There’s more, but the film does a better job listing the deltas between the Foxtrot and the Mike than I can. Enjoy this rare look at the A-4 Skyhawk!
We will keep this story updated as we learn more facts.
UPDATE #4 7/11/17 8:40PM ET: The Marines issued an update on the crash. It is confirmed that 16 members of the military (15 Marines and 1 Navy Corpsman) were killed in the accident. Here is the statement:
The Marine aircraft that crashed Monday evening was a KC-130T from Marine Aerial Refueling and Transport Squadron (VMGR) 452, Marine Air Group-49, 4th Marine Aircraft Wing, Marine Forces Reserve. The flight originated from Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., as the squadron was supporting a requirement to transport personnel and equipment from there to Naval Air Field El Centro, Calif.
The crew and passengers consisted of 15 Marines and one Navy Corpsman. Equipment on board included various small arms ammunition and personal weapons. An Explosive Ordnance Disposal team is at the scene as a precaution in the interest of safety.
The identities of the personnel whose lives were lost in this tragic accident are still being withheld to allow time for their loved ones to be notified appropriately. While the details of the incident are being investigated, our focus remains on providing the necessary resources and support to the family and friends of these service members as they go through this extremely difficult time.
General Robert Neller, the Commandant of the Marine Corps, also issued a statement. His tweet is below.
UPDATE #3 7/10/17 10:40PM ET: WLOX (a TV station in Biloxi, MS) is reporting that 16 people were onboard the USMC KC-130 when it crashed in Leflore County, MS.
UPDATE #2 7/10/17 10:36PM ET: Video of the crash site (provided by KXAN’s Facebook page)
UPDATE #1 7/10/17 9:07PM ET: The US Marine Corps have issued a short statement that the C-130 that crashed was a USMC KC-130. Here is the tweet:
A USMC KC-130 mishap occurred the evening of July 10. Further information will be released as available. pic.twitter.com/QEFhooJZmC
