Fast Jets - RAF Coningsby

Took a trip to RAF Coningsby for a nosey.  Instead of the usual view point by the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight hangar i wandered round to crash gate (3)? which is right at the end of the runway.  I hit it lucky today, the base had some visiting F16's from the Danish airforce and there were quite a few 'spectators' who had come out for a glimpse.  I'm constantly amazed at how close you can get to our frontline fighter force...

There are four Typhoon Squadrons based here, 3, 17, 29 and 11 Squadrons..
Here is one of them taxying to the take off point

The Typhoon can fly at Mach 1.8, cruise at 55,000ft and can be armed to the teeth

The green panel on the cockpit window is the pilots HUD - Head up Display

It's also home to the Tornado...the Tornado has swing wing capability and can sweep them in when going 'hot'

Ready to go...

After burners on and she roars down the runway....The ground shakes and the noise is deafening

It's not all high tech.  Here a Hurricane from the BBMF prepares to take off for a test flight

Nose view of another Tornado

waiting patiently...ready to unleash hell on an unsuspecting tranquil Lincolnshire countryside

THe Hurricane....sortie finished and returning to base

Back for tea and cakes..

The plane causing all of todays excitement ..an F16 from the visiting Danish airforce (6 in all)

The F16- sun glinting of the fuselage as she returns from playing chase with the Typhoons...

A pair of Typhoons in tight formation overflying the base..

You will notice different Squadron markings on the Typhoons..

Seconds from touchdown..this one has mission markings by the cockpit window

Touchdown...different Squadron markings from the shot above (see the tail fin)

Touchdown and the wheels smoke..

The magnificent Tornado..