Marham ASCOT 9511 F-35B Arrival 6 June 2018

[Cyberfox]

Hi Mike

Cracking Hawk shot

Thanks for posting

Paddyboy

That's funny!

What a fuggly thing the F-35 is. And why all the flaps? There appears to be a lot 'going on' considering all it's having to do is land!!

Certainly not the most graceful bird the RAF has ever flown!

It's certainly no Hunter or Canberra is it.

Every year this hobby gets less interesting. Better to look back and enjoy the air force we once had. It'll all be drones soon anyway.

1950 to 1990, those were the halcyon days.

[paddyboy]

Cyberfox: I hate to say it, but I suspect there is more than an element of truth in your reply

[The Phantom]

Cyberfox: I hate to say it, but I suspect there is more than an element of truth in your reply

Sad but true

[paul1978]

Thank you for posting the photos .
Yes I agree with you all it nice to see our wonderful RAF keeping up with the rest of the world. But I do miss the old day around here when I was growing up with the F-111s A-10 ,Tornados Jaguar , Canberra , And Such like . Got such good memories of all the low flying we used to get . Miss the Airfetes but I have a question for you all . If they brought them back would they be the same as they was .

[bobthegas]

Top Pic's Well Done

[Droptank]

Paul 1978.

Regarding the Air Fete's, I am assuming you mean the ones at Mildenhall primarily, although there were some great shows at Upper Heyford and Alconbury too.

I know it's slightly off-topic but in response to your question about them "being the same", undoubtedly not, as they were halcyon days for all European Air Forces.

That said, I really miss the fact that we don't have a "USAF" show any more (I don't see RIAT as a USAF event) and if you do think about it there is still a whole load of varied aircraft that could attend to make it an exciting and action-packed event even in these times of fleet reduction and austerity.

Thinking back to "Air Fete" days, and I went to most of them, most of the attendees were primarily European air arms with Mirages, F16s and Mig 29's added to the USAF line up
consisting of B52, B1, KC135, RC135, KC10, E3A, F15, A10, P3, TR1, C5...all those aircraft are still active in one way or another!

Add to that more modern inclusions such as Rafales, Typhoons, F35s, B2, Voyager, Su27, F18, F22, C17....and you could have a right old line up!

All you need to add to replicate the "good old days" at Mildenhall would be the magnificent burgers and ice cold Budweiser!

It could be done.......but sadly I doubt it ever will.

I know our friends at RIAT put on a world-class show each year, and this year is no different, but somehow it doesn't capture the same spirit as Mildenhall Shows did.

Anyway, enough reminiscing, things are the way they are, let's just be thankful we were fortunate enough to have experienced things as they were and don't overlook the fact that now are the "good old days" for many future generations who didn't get to see Tornados, Harriers, A7s and F16s fly!

Droptank.

[paddyboy]

Glad I am old enough to have attended every single Air Fete, plus those at Alconbury, UH, Benty, Sculthorpe, Colt, Marham, Coningsby, etc., etc

As for bringing any back, as the great JWL once said about a Beatles reunion 'you can't reheat a soufflé; it was what it was; let it go'

[paul1978]

Sorry if I have upset anyone .

[XWP29]

Very nice Mike, right place and some cracking shots. Well done.
All the best Nick

[F3]

I can only share Reach1985's sympathy for the modelling fraternity. Now, back to that Airfix EE Lightning kit with the choice of 56 or 74 Sqn. markings...