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 Where? Duxford
When? 22.08.2008
After the first edition of the American Air Day in Duxford in 2007 the event was celebrated once again this year to remember the historic links between the US Air Force and Duxford.
It was supported by RAF Lakenheath and Mildenhall and other USAFE bases across East Anglia.
Additionally to flight displays of Duxford based warbirds current US military aircraft took to the air over Duxford. The official flight program in the afternoon was opened by a fly-by of a 3-ship formation of Lakenheath based F-15E Strike Eagles. Some time later a KC-135R Stratotanker arrived from Mildenhall for two fly-bys and a MC-130H Hercules landed at the historic airfield.   
 
Unfortunately the planned HH-60G Pave Hawk search & rescue demonstration had to be cancelled as the aircraft went unserviceable shortly before the event. However another HH-60G could be visited on the ground throughout the day as well as tours of the Hercules were given. And even if there was not a lot of flying the arrival and departure photos of the Hercules und the Pave Hawk, which is very rarely seen at airshows, made my day.
Towards the end of the American AF’s display bloc the KC-135 even returned for a final fly-by with a total of 4 F-15s along its wings. USAFE fly-bys with KC-135 / F-15E & MC-130HMC-130HHH-60GDuxford based aircraft also went up in the air later in the afternoon and included a Spitfire, P-51 and the F-86 Sabre jet. Besides their solo displays all 3 were also presented in formation, which was another special highlight as with the P-51 and F-86 both North American aircraft are rarely seen together in the air. SpitfireF-86 Sabre JetP-51 Mustang
Of course some other aircraft went in the air as well throughout the day or left for other airshows, and together with an most interesting walk through the hangars to have a look at the currently on-going restoration and preservation projects at Duxford the day was despite a slow flight program very worthwhile attending. but there were also some other aircraft in the air:and in the museum, of course...Duxford's homepage can be reached via > http://duxford.iwm.org.uk/ <. |
