AVIATION "MACRO" PHOTOGRAPHY
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The Yak-18T was designed in the late 60's, as a civilian aircraft. The aircraft has a nosewheel, is a four- or five-seater, and has a nine-cylinder 360 hp radial. The Yak-18T shares systems with the Yak-50/52 family. These aircraft all have the 265 kW (355 hp) Vedneyev M14 nine-cylinder radial engine as well as the same underlying compressed-air system for engine starting, brakes, undercarriage and flaps. The propeller, avionics and other parts are also shared. The Yak-18T, like all Russian aircraft used for training, is aerobatic. (Wikipedia)
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Christie
BA8 Maceda, Portugal
Origins & Early Service (1978–1986)
•Formed in January 1978 from the Helicopter Transport & Liaison Squadron (AL III) at Montijo’s BA6 base.
•Operated Alouette III helicopters in maritime surveillance, coastal search & rescue, and as forward air controllers during wildfire operations.
•Engaged in exercises such as “Miscaros” and “Júpiter,” deployed across Portugal, and even supported flood rescue in Santarém (1979).
•Disbanded in September 1986, its assets merged into Squadron 552.
Reactivation & Modern Role (2023–Present)
•Reactivated on 24 November 2023 at Air Base No. 8 in Ovar, now focused on wildfire suppression and air mobility, earning the nickname “Panteras”.
•Equipped with UH 60A Black Hawk helicopters (refurbished ex-US Army), outfitted for aerial firefighting via Bambi Buckets; first firefighting flight took place 12 April 2024.
•Initially six UH 60As were procured; in September 2024, this was expanded to nine helicopters with three UH 60L variants - including advanced avionics and engines - expected to arrive by 2026.
The ATTAS (Advanced Technologies Testing Aircraft System) was in operation as a research aircraft at the German Aerospace Center (DLR) in Braunschweig from 1985 to 2012.
The base is the VFW 614 commercial aircraft, the first passenger jet developed and built in the Federal Republic of Germany.
The development of the aircraft type VFW 614 began in the mid-1960s at the United Aviation Engineering Plants VFW - a merger of Focke-Wulf, Weser Flugzeugbau and Ernst Heinkel Flugzeugbau in Bremen. This was the forward-looking conceptual design of a short-haul commercial aircraft for up to 44 passengers.
The M 45H turbine jet engines developed specifically for this purpose by Rolls-Royce/SNECMA had a large by-flow ratio of 3:1. The arrangement of the engines on pylons above the wing distinguished the VFW 614 strikingly from other aircraft. This avoided the suction of foreign bodies during operation on unpaved slopes.
The plane was not a commercial success. Only 19 aircraft were manufactured between 1971 and 1977.
The last flying VFW 614 was the ATTAS, which was used as a research aircraft at DLR for 27 years from 1985 to 2012. The ATTAS was equipped with flight test equipment for this purpose. In addition to a measuring system, this included data recording and additional sensors as well as modern experimental avionics, in particular an electrohydraulic flight control system (fly-by-wire/fly-by-light) in duplex design.
The ATTAS (Advanced Technologies Testing Aircraft System) was in operation as a research aircraft at the German Aerospace Center (DLR) in Braunschweig from 1985 to 2012.
The base is the VFW 614 commercial aircraft, the first passenger jet developed and built in the Federal Republic of Germany.
The development of the aircraft type VFW 614 began in the mid-1960s at the United Aviation Engineering Plants VFW - a merger of Focke-Wulf, Weser Flugzeugbau and Ernst Heinkel Flugzeugbau in Bremen. This was the forward-looking conceptual design of a short-haul commercial aircraft for up to 44 passengers.
The M 45H turbine jet engines developed specifically for this purpose by Rolls-Royce/SNECMA had a large by-flow ratio of 3:1. The arrangement of the engines on pylons above the wing distinguished the VFW 614 strikingly from other aircraft. This avoided the suction of foreign bodies during operation on unpaved slopes.
The plane was not a commercial success. Only 19 aircraft were manufactured between 1971 and 1977.
The last flying VFW 614 was the ATTAS, which was used as a research aircraft at DLR for 27 years from 1985 to 2012. The ATTAS was equipped with flight test equipment for this purpose. In addition to a measuring system, this included data recording and additional sensors as well as modern experimental avionics, in particular an electrohydraulic flight control system (fly-by-wire/fly-by-light) in duplex design.
BA8 Maceda, Portugal
Origins & Early Service (1978–1986)
•Formed in January 1978 from the Helicopter Transport & Liaison Squadron (AL III) at Montijo’s BA6 base.
•Operated Alouette III helicopters in maritime surveillance, coastal search & rescue, and as forward air controllers during wildfire operations.
•Engaged in exercises such as “Miscaros” and “Júpiter,” deployed across Portugal, and even supported flood rescue in Santarém (1979).
•Disbanded in September 1986, its assets merged into Squadron 552.
Reactivation & Modern Role (2023–Present)
•Reactivated on 24 November 2023 at Air Base No. 8 in Ovar, now focused on wildfire suppression and air mobility, earning the nickname “Panteras”.
•Equipped with UH 60A Black Hawk helicopters (refurbished ex-US Army), outfitted for aerial firefighting via Bambi Buckets; first firefighting flight took place 12 April 2024.
•Initially six UH 60As were procured; in September 2024, this was expanded to nine helicopters with three UH 60L variants - including advanced avionics and engines - expected to arrive by 2026.
•So far, four of the initial batch have arrived, the remainder two are expected to arrive in the next few months.
Lovely birds; painstaking to get them in flight with identical outstretched wings and tail feathers flared.
But again, so worth it!
I like the lighting on this shot.
The ATTAS (Advanced Technologies Testing Aircraft System) was in operation as a research aircraft at the German Aerospace Center (DLR) in Braunschweig from 1985 to 2012.
The base is the VFW 614 commercial aircraft, the first passenger jet developed and built in the Federal Republic of Germany.
The development of the aircraft type VFW 614 began in the mid-1960s at the United Aviation Engineering Plants VFW - a merger of Focke-Wulf, Weser Flugzeugbau and Ernst Heinkel Flugzeugbau in Bremen. This was the forward-looking conceptual design of a short-haul commercial aircraft for up to 44 passengers.
The M 45H turbine jet engines developed specifically for this purpose by Rolls-Royce/SNECMA had a large by-flow ratio of 3:1. The arrangement of the engines on pylons above the wing distinguished the VFW 614 strikingly from other aircraft. This avoided the suction of foreign bodies during operation on unpaved slopes.
The plane was not a commercial success. Only 19 aircraft were manufactured between 1971 and 1977.
The last flying VFW 614 was the ATTAS, which was used as a research aircraft at DLR for 27 years from 1985 to 2012. The ATTAS was equipped with flight test equipment for this purpose. In addition to a measuring system, this included data recording and additional sensors as well as modern experimental avionics, in particular an electrohydraulic flight control system (fly-by-wire/fly-by-light) in duplex design.
Father and son aerobatic stunt team... please see the previous image
Father: John Mrazek -Harvard Mark IV
Son: Richard Mrazek - Yakoviev 18T
1979 Yakovlev Yak-18T C-FAME Richard Mrazek
The 18T was designed in the late 60's, as a civilian aircraft. The aircraft has a nosewheel, is a four- or five-seater, and has a nine-cylinder 360 hp radial. The Yak-18T shares systems with the Yak-50/52 family. These aircraft all have the 265 kW (355 hp) Vedeneyev M14 nine-cylinder radial engine as well as the same underlying compressed-air system for engine starting, brakes, undercarriage and flaps. The propeller, avionics and other parts are also shared. The Yak-18T, like all Russian aircraft used for training, is aerobatic.
Compared with other four-seat light aircraft such as the Cessna 172 or the Piper PA-28, the Yak-18T is only a little wider and longer but it is much heavier and is equipped with a considerably more powerful engine. The Yak-18T is perhaps better compared with the Piper Saratoga which has two extra seats but which has a similar maximum weight, together with a retractable undercarriage and a similarly powerful engine. The Yak-18T is, however, distinguished by its strong construction, aerobatic capability and docile yet responsive handling characteristics.
Wikipedia
I appreciate your visits & kind words of support. My thanks to you all, for taking the time to view and acknowledge my photography.
~Christie by the River
**Best experienced in full screen
The ATTAS (Advanced Technologies Testing Aircraft System) was in operation as a research aircraft at the German Aerospace Center (DLR) in Braunschweig from 1985 to 2012.
The base is the VFW 614 commercial aircraft, the first passenger jet developed and built in the Federal Republic of Germany.
The development of the aircraft type VFW 614 began in the mid-1960s at the United Aviation Engineering Plants VFW - a merger of Focke-Wulf, Weser Flugzeugbau and Ernst Heinkel Flugzeugbau in Bremen. This was the forward-looking conceptual design of a short-haul commercial aircraft for up to 44 passengers.
The M 45H turbine jet engines developed specifically for this purpose by Rolls-Royce/SNECMA had a large by-flow ratio of 3:1. The arrangement of the engines on pylons above the wing distinguished the VFW 614 strikingly from other aircraft. This avoided the suction of foreign bodies during operation on unpaved slopes.
The plane was not a commercial success. Only 19 aircraft were manufactured between 1971 and 1977.
The last flying VFW 614 was the ATTAS, which was used as a research aircraft at DLR for 27 years from 1985 to 2012. The ATTAS was equipped with flight test equipment for this purpose. In addition to a measuring system, this included data recording and additional sensors as well as modern experimental avionics, in particular an electrohydraulic flight control system (fly-by-wire/fly-by-light) in duplex design.
The CC-295 Kingfisher is a Canadian military aircraft used for search and rescue missions. Developed by Airbus, it is based on the C295M platform. The aircraft features advanced avionics, extended range, and a robust airframe, making it ideal for operations in Canada's diverse and challenging environments.
Delivered as a HC-144A but upgraded in 2022 to HC-144B standard, which encompasses the Ocean Sentry Refresh (OSR) modifications (installation of a new flight management system, which serves as the primary avionics computer for communication control, navigation and equipment monitoring) and the Minotaur mission system, which integrates installed sensors and radar and provides dramatically improved data fusion as well as information-processing and sharing capabilities.
Lockheed Martin/Boeing F-22 Raptor climbing out from RAF Lakenheath in Suffolk.
The Lockheed Martin/Boeing F-22 Raptor is an American twin-engine, jet-powered, all-weather, supersonic stealth fighter aircraft. As a product of the United States Air Force's Advanced Tactical Fighter program, the aircraft was designed as an air superiority fighter, but also incorporates ground attack, electronic warfare, and signals intelligence capabilities. The prime contractor, Lockheed Martin, built most of the F-22 airframe and weapons systems and conducted final assembly, while program partner Boeing provided the wings, aft fuselage, avionics integration, and training systems.
XW626 : DH104 Comet 4 AEW : RAF, A&AEE
Modified and used by BAe and Marconi Avionics as a development aircraft for the future (and unsuccessful) Nimrod AEW.3
Taxing out for departure from Prestwick International Airport is this Beechcraft T-6C Texan II (Texan T1).
The Beechcraft Texan T MK1 (Texan T1) has taken over the basic fast jet training role currently fulfilled by the Tucano T.Mk 1. Students will progress onto the aircraft from the Prefect and move forwards to the Hawk T2.
Continuing the precedent set by the Tucano for employing a tandem-seat turboprop basic trainer, the Texan II replaces the analogue cockpit of the earlier machine with a digital glass cockpit featuring modern avionics. The aircraft’s mission system is capable of generating simulated air-to-air targets and scoring against the release of simulated air-to-ground ordnance.
Convair 580, Honeywell's former avionics testbed. Photographed in Phoenix about a year before its retirement.
Lockheed Martin/Boeing F-22 Raptor departing from RAF Lakenheath in Suffolk.
The Lockheed Martin/Boeing F-22 Raptor is an American twin-engine, jet-powered, all-weather, supersonic stealth fighter aircraft. As a product of the United States Air Force's Advanced Tactical Fighter program, the aircraft was designed as an air superiority fighter, but also incorporates ground attack, electronic warfare, and signals intelligence capabilities. The prime contractor, Lockheed Martin, built most of the F-22 airframe and weapons systems and conducted final assembly, while program partner Boeing provided the wings, aft fuselage, avionics integration, and training systems.
Playing around within my achieved shots this morning, I decided to take one of my favorite non-family, non-wildlife shots and see what it looked like in black and white. I love B&W photograph as for at least me, it takes away many distractions and displays the soul of the subject.
Below is the write up I shared on the color version back in October of 2021 as I am far too lazy to retype the tale!
Coffee in hand and just a tad past five AM, I sit in the comfort of my edit desk this morning downloading some 752 photos from this year’s Juniper Club fishing trip. As the thumbnails populate the screen, I am overwhelmed by the number of blessings received. In many cases while there on location and in the moment, I had no idea if I had captured the shot or not. Distractions including the heat, the breeze that just disappeared, the dozens of chigger bites on my feet and ankles, the unknown thing crawling on the back of my neck, the rocking of the boat and even the oversized breakfast consumed were all front of the mind issues! It is now while editing that I can offer 95% focus on beauty captured…the chiggers are still receiving the remaining 5.
One of the many blessings offered at the Juniper Club is the active bombing range on Lake George. The lake is 6 miles wide and 11 miles long making it Florida’s second largest lake. The range is on the other side of the lake, but the planes and helicopters often maintain the lowest of altitudes and fly right over Silver Glen. This week was a little different.
I had just returned from a photo trip along the north western shores of the lake when I heard the roar of jet engines closing in fast. As in many of my blessings captured, I had my camera already in my hands. I assumed they were the Air Guard jets that I photographed a year ago, so I wasn’t overly excited. Then a friend hollered that they were A-10’s…this had me doing double time up the small hill and out in the front yard of the clubhouse. I had no idea at that time that the perfect location had been selected!
Extending my monopod as quickly as possible, and adjusting my camera settings for the fastest of action, I only had a second or two to spare as the two jets came back into view. Having no idea of their intended flight path, I started taking shots as they began circling back for another pass. I adjusted my feet and hands to provide the best possible stability and took in my last breath before they cleared the trees for a pass over Silver Glen.
As often happens, I assumed wrong. As the first A10 cleared the trees it wasn’t over the glen…it had adjusted its flight path, while dipping its nose as if it was using the clubhouse for targeting. When the sun reflected the top of the plane’s wings, in an instant I knew that I was capturing a view that few had ever seen…looking directly into the 30mm barrel of an A10 in flight…and living to tell about it!
Adventure before dementia!
Lockheed Martin/Boeing F-22 Raptor on finals to land at RAF Lakenheath in Suffolk.
The Lockheed Martin/Boeing F-22 Raptor is an American twin-engine, jet-powered, all-weather, supersonic stealth fighter aircraft. As a product of the United States Air Force's Advanced Tactical Fighter program, the aircraft was designed as an air superiority fighter, but also incorporates ground attack, electronic warfare, and signals intelligence capabilities. The prime contractor, Lockheed Martin, built most of the F-22 airframe and weapons systems and conducted final assembly, while program partner Boeing provided the wings, aft fuselage, avionics integration, and training systems.
The Northrop Grumman B-2 Spirit is an American strategic bomber designed for stealth missions. Introduced in the late 20th century, its distinctive flying-wing design incorporates advanced technologies for low-observable capabilities. The B-2 is equipped for both conventional and nuclear payload delivery, emphasizing precision and penetration of enemy air defenses. Its radar-absorbing coating and sophisticated avionics contribute to its stealth capabilities. With a range exceeding 6,000 miles, the B-2 plays a crucial role in strategic deterrence and remains a key asset in the United States Air Force's bomber fleet, showcasing advancements in stealth and long-range strategic capabilities.