Early October saw the latest (now biannual) night shoot take place at RAF Northolt.
A first for this occasion was the arrival and hot running of a McDonnell-Douglas C-17A Globemaster III from 99 Squadron.
The new format for apron access once again allowed photographers to get fairly close to their subjects, although this also had its drawbacks. A nicely composed longish exposure could easily be ruined by fellow enthusiasts pouring forward to get closer still.
Also present was the first of the new Airbus Eurocopter EC-135-T3 helicopters for the London Air Ambulance Service, on show next to their existing 2 MD Helicopters MD 902 Explorers.
A Douglas C-47 Sktrain was present, which, along with many of the other participants, performed an engine run, giving the opportunity for spinning prop discs.
Also available to photograph were two representatives from 32 Squadron, the base VIP Transport team – the Dassault Falcon 900LX Envoy IV CC1 and Agusta A109SP GrandNew.
The French Air Force was well represented, with a pair of Pilatus PC-21’s and an Embraer EMB 121 Xingu.
Last but not least was a Eurofighter Typhoon FGR4 from 29 Squadron – sadly not the display airframe, affectionately known as Moggy due to the paint scheme and aircraft code worn, which would have looked spectacular under the lights – however the Typhoon was still a very welcome participant.
Once again, thanks must go to Phillip Dawe, Lee and the team of volunteers from the RAF at Northolt who gave up their time to help shepherd the photographers around the ASP, as well as the Catering team who provide tea, coffee and jacket potatoes.
Mention must also be made of Group Captain Jonathan T W Hough, Station Commander RAF Northolt, who is supporting the night shoots with great enthusiasm and using his influence to get aircraft to participate.
Thank you one and all.
