RAF Northolt Charity Photocall 2008

Poles

On Sunday 8th June RAF Northolt once again played host to a charity photocall following the annual Families Day. This years event was the third to be staged, following on from two very successful years. And once again the event was blessed with scorching weather. Adam Noonan and Iain Thomson take a look at this growing event, all photos copyright as credited.

There was one major change in the proceedings this year however, as the event moved to the southern ASP, having been held on the north-side the two previous years. This move took advantage of the greater ramp area available. There were however mixed feelings to the actual layout of the aircraft and possibly greater opportunity to get people in the backgrounds of photos. 

The organisers once again did a sterling job in searching for those star items to attend, but as with all airshows and events, there are cancellations and other reasons outside of the organisers control for the non-appearance of items. 
The home squadron provided all three Agusta A.109 helicopters, arranged together in echelon formation upon the apron. This was a late change of plan, after two A-10s from Spangdahlem AFB unfortunately had to cancel at rather short notice. A.109s are no A-10s, but it certainly a nice gesture by the organisers and 32 Squadron. The resident BAe 125s and 146s were not on display, however.

Other RAF aircraft in attendance included one Tornado F.3 from 43 Sqn and a Tornado GR.4 from 41 (R) Sqn; three Hawks from 100, 208 (R) and 19 Squadrons. Much to the delight of enthusiasts, the 19 Sqn example was the airframe painted in the fabulous WWII camouflage scheme - the scheme celebrating the 70th anniversary of the Squadron receiving its first Spitfire. A set of stairs were placed near the aircraft, in order to allow photographers to gain a high angle viewpoint. A RAF Merlin was also in attendance, and was the only aircraft to have a barrier around it. Also two Tucano T.1’s from 207 (R) Sqn and 72 (R) Sqn, both part of 1 FTS were present. The Naval contingent consisted of two NSW Harriers, one with battle marks. A Chinook had actually arrived the previous day, but had to return to RAF Odiham due to a technical problem.

The station’s Polish wartime heritage was evident with the appearance of three M-28 Bryzas and a W-3 Sokol. The three Bryzas consisted of a naval example, a camouflaged Air Force example, and an example from the nation’s Border Guard. An SH-2 Sea Sprite was also down to attend, but unfortunately had to cancel due to serviceability issues.

The French attended for the first time - and hopefully not the last, bringing across an Armée de Terre SA.330 Puma and the Sécurite Civile CL-415 water bomber, both aircraft uncommon at UK events. A Gazelle was due to arrive also, but unfortunately could not make it. The Canadians were also first timers, bringing along a CC-144 Challenger VIP aircraft from 412 Sqn 8 Wg. A set of stairs were also placed near this airframe.

After sending the black example last year, Martin-Baker sent along their silver and dayglo Meteor – a modified T7, used in the testing of ejector seats. Unfortunately, it’s unlikely that we’ll see this particular airframe in public after the Kemble Air Day, due to the fact that it has few remaining airframe hours left.

The German Heeresflieger brought a solitary Bo.105 and the Air Force provided a UH-1D Huey from LTG 63. Although the Americans were unable to bring the pair of A-10s from Germany, a SHAPE Blackhawk was provided by the Army, coming from Chièvres in Belgium. The Irish Air Corps were once again present, sending a PC-9 and EC135. The EC135 attended to make up for the prior withdrawal of the Corps’ AW139.

 Also continuing their support for the event were the Dutch, this time arriving in the shape of the SAR AB.412, suitably painted in a bright yellow colour scheme. Unfortunately the Netherlands Historic Flight was unable to send over their Beaver.

Civilian items were present also, including a pair of Gnats, a Strikemaster in a Republic of Singapore Air Force livery, a Bulldog, Jet Provost, Dragon Rapide in Kings Sqn Colours, Scout in Army colours and a Percival Proctor. The Gnats performed a welcome flypast/run and break, both launching from and landing on the airfield. 

An Army Islander AL.1 was scheduled to take part in the photocall and two did indeed appear, although both aircraft arrived from elsewhere on the Sunday, and proceeded to taxi to the north side of the airfield (unrelated to the event, no doubt). One aircraft was an army example, and one was part of the Northolt Station Flight.

Once again, the event proved to be a success, perhaps even more so than previous years. Blessed with glorious weather since its start in 2006, the event has continued to thrive, attracting aircraft and air forces seldom seen at other shows around the UK. There’s no doubt that the organisers will take pride in what they can achieve at a relatively young and small event, and here’s hoping for a trend that shall continue into following years.

Invites were also extended to: Austria, Finland, French AF, Greece, Hungary, Spanish Navy, USAF (CONUS), UAE and Boscombe Down (QinetiQ, ETPS).