Patrouille Suisse at Waddington - My Take

[Tally-ho]

There we were, about a dozen vehicles parked opposite Crash Gate No2, next to the busy A15 at RAF Waddington, under heavy dark grey skies with imminent rain very visible. However, sit and wait is what we're used to, canopies opened and canopies closed ... and then the rain came ... in bucket loads

So, I will open my account on matters Swiss Aerobatics with a picture taken through the windscreen during the deluge, of the obviously cancelled Friday afternoon practice sortie. Hopefully better luck tomorrow!

[paddyboy]

Doh

Should be bright and dry all day for you today

Fingers crossed for all you there

[Tally-ho]

Firstly, thank you for taking the time to look.

It was a most enjoyable sunny morning at the Waddington fenceline. May I introduce you all to Capt. Flat 'Flatty' Eric, the mascot of the Swiss Aerobatic Team! This team understands PR, remember in order to show 'Flatty' properly the canopy needs to be open, and that is precisely how the entire team taxis to the runway threshold. And all of them acknowledged the photographers at the fenceline.
Now I need to do some editing, more pictures will follow later.

[Tally-ho]

From start-up to taxiing to runway 20 threshold -

- they taxi with their canopies open, all the way to the threshold
- all of them waved and / or acknowledged the photogs at the fenceline
- as a team they are clearly in a 'happy place' - you will know what I mean
- they took off in two flights of three

Patrouille Suisse you did not disappoint - quite the opposite!


1. The view from the A15 fenceline


2. Taxiing for the runway threshold


3. The Leader - Maj. M Duft - leads from the front


4. Ready to roll ... !

Thank you for taking the time to look!

Update 3 to follow ...

[KeBul]

Nice ones Marius,

Glad the weather was better for you today.

Thanks for sharing

Kev

[paddyboy]

What can I say

Gorgeous set and gorgeous subject aircraft

Thanks for posting

Paddyboy

[Tally-ho]

Thank you 'KeBul' and 'paddyboy' for your comments!

Onwards to Update 3, showing heat and more heat and the return to Waddington from the morning's validation at Duxford:-


Blasting down the runway, showing heat haze, midday heat and turbojet heat, with a 'Rivet Joint' and the Vulcan in the background.


Returning from validation at Duxford, a neat entry into the circuit.


Across the A15 on short finals.


All six returning, and then via 'LAZY' way to their dispersal area - bird chaser centre right.

Thank you for your visit!

[paddyboy]

Top work yet again there

Thanks for posting

Paddyboy

[Tally-ho]

Cheers 'Paddyboy'!

Update 4:-
Departure day in lovely sunshine. Strobes went on at 09:10 and engine start soon after. Long range fuel tanks fitted back on and the Boss led the team out onto the taxiway, making for runway 20.
Again take-off in two sets of three with No7 bringing up the rear. Once clear they banked to port and it was evident that a last fly-by was to happen as they continued their turn back towards Waddington. Smoke on and down the runway they came for a last hurrah, 14 General Electric turbojets providing the music. Until next time!


The Team is led out by the Boss Maj. M Duft


Long range fuel tanks fitted


Departure from Waddington watched over by the Vulcan


One last hurrah from all seven aircraft ... smoke on ...

Thank you!

[paddyboy]

Splendid last update

Thanks for posting

Paddyboy

[Boneyard1]

Brilliant! Thanks for posting!

[andynixon]

From start-up to taxiing to runway 20 threshold -

- they taxi with their canopies open, all the way to the threshold
- all of them waved and / or acknowledged the photogs at the fenceline
- as a team they are clearly in a 'happy place' - you will know what I mean
- they took off in two flights of three

Patrouille Suisse you did not disappoint - quite the opposite!


1. The view from the A15 fenceline


2. Taxiing for the runway threshold


3. The Leader - Maj. M Duft - leads from the front


4. Ready to roll ... !

Thank you for taking the time to look!

Update 3 to follow ...

Great photos!!