Tactical Fighter Meet 86 - Waddington

[F3]

Given that enthusiasts flock to Waddington twice a year for the Cobra Warrior exercises which involve a couple of dozen jets from a few nations I wonder what they would have made of this event which attracted over 70 jets (incl 12 different types) from eight nations. As this predated the construction of WAVE and the Lincs Police issued stern warnings about parking in the highway outside the base the sensible decision was taken to hold a Photocall for enthusiasts at the w/end. Despite the limited number of tickets available many took the opportunity and found that examples of aircraft from all the participants had been put on static display. Here is a selection of the more interesting ones incl. stateside based F-15, F-16 and FB-111. I would invite anyone who has any photos of the Meet other than the Photocall to add them to the thread, particularly any from the Otterburn guys who have been posting on FC Mess.

TFM - Jaguar T2 54 Sqn by Michael Britton, on Flickr

TFM - Jaguar FAF EC 4-7 (1) by Michael Britton, on Flickr

TFM - CF-18A CAF 439 Sqn by Michael Britton, on Flickr

TFM - F16A USAF 747 TFW by Michael Britton, on Flickr

TFM - F-16A BAF 350 Sqn by Michael Britton, on Flickr

TFM - Mirage F1 FAF EC 2-30 by Michael Britton, on Flickr

TFM - Mirage V BAF 1 Sqn by Michael Britton, on Flickr

TFM - FB111 USAF 393 BMS by Michael Britton, on Flickr

TFM - F15C USAF 1TFW by Michael Britton, on Flickr

TFM - Tornado IDS Jabo 38 by Michael Britton, on Flickr

TFM - NF-5A RNLAF 313 Sqn by Michael Britton, on Flickr

[Nighthawke]

Yes that was cetainly a great afternoon spent wandering round such rare frames. Thanks for the memory jogger.

[F3]

Yes that was cetainly a great afternoon spent wandering round such rare frames. Thanks for the memory jogger.

One of the best Photocalls I was fortunate to attend. The only other one that comes close was the Canberra Anniversary one held @ Wyton a few years later.

[teeonefixer]

Fantastic memories!
I remember the lines of people lining the fence while they were flying (can't remember where we all parked though).
The long lines of aeroplanes taxying out were impressive, but it took a while. (Anyone remember the large 56Sqn flag being flown by the Nav?). I'd be interested to hear how they coordinated the packages to be on time on the ranges.

[Mustang531]

Thanks for sharing these with us, some great shots and memories here, so much variety. I attended a photocall at Waddington in 1990 which was similarly impressive. Such a shame that we don't get the same events nowadays.

[luxto]

Some great memories there, thanks for posting. Spent some superb days at the East end cine filming the USAF participants but couldn't record everything due to the astronomical cost of the film. Best items for me were the 5 FB-111A's from the 509th BW which arrived from Lakenheath on the 30th of July using the very apt "Bockscar" c/s. These had flown Pease to Lakenheath on Sat the 19th of July. Remember one launch being held up by someone in a mini stopped by the 21 holding point with F-15's lined up behind them. In order to get the launch going the runway controller had to vacate the caravan and run over to the car to get them to move out of the way - it looked highly amusing. Easily the best tactical exercise I've been to.

[paddyboy]

Superb set, Mick

A visit from FB111A’s was, indeed, rare

That Canberra event at Wyton was awesome

Paddyboy

[F3]

Thanks for the appreciation guys. As for the parking the only places within walking distance I can think of would be either the village of Bracebridge Heath at the north end or the back road (B1178) at the south end. We decided to avoid the hassle (and the Peelers) and forked out the quite reasonable fee (£6?) for Photocall tickets.

[warthog56]

Great post Mick. My visit was on a flying day - caught the bus up to Bracebridge Heath then walked down the A15 (hairy with the speeding vehicles!). But in those days there wasn't a hedge or fence to contend with so photography was easy. Oh to have had digital equipment in those days............................

[F3]

Great post Mick. My visit was on a flying day - caught the bus up to Bracebridge Heath then walked down the A15 (hairy with the speeding vehicles!). But in those days there wasn't a hedge or fence to contend with so photography was easy. Oh to have had digital equipment in those days............................

Do you still have any of the pics you took mate? I'd be interested in seeing them.

[DanBeeden]

Super shots - fantastic to see the 'Dark Vark' especially. What a great looking jet this was. Many of the 509th jets wore 'nose' art but on the nose gear doors. '196 as seen here was named 'Ruptured Duck'.

[grimm31]

Thanks for sharing these, they bring back great memories. Myself and a couple of mates caught the train from Norwich to Peterborough and then to Metheringham and then cycled to Waddo. Absolutely awesome day at the A15 end. The next day we got the overnight train to Newquay for the St Mawgan Airshow! Looking back it was amazing what we managed to see without being old enough to drive.
Andrew.

[Doughnut]

Was a regular visitor to Waddo in them days, dont recall any parking issues. Before WAVE that area and hardstands in front of the air ambulance / fire training areas were accessible.