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The second instalment of the biannual RAF hosted Cobra Warrior aerial warfare exercise is scheduled for 4 September to 22 September 2023. Support aircraft, medium and heavy lift transports, to rotate in and out the week before 4 Sept and again after conclusion of the exercise.

Participants

Confirmation thus far:-
- RAF assets various and multiple
- 18 x USAF F-16CJ based Spangdahlem (Germany) flying from RAF Mildenhall
- 7 x Canadian CF-188 Hornets RAF Waddington
- 1 x Canadian CC-150 Polaris tanker/transport RAF Waddington
- 3 x USAF HH-60 Pave Hawk helicopters RAF Leeming
- 2 x Dornier Alpha jets from Top Aces for 'Red Air' adversary support RAF Leuchars* [ https://www.topaces.com/our-fleet/dornier-alpha-jet ]
- 6 x Norwegian F-35A seems very likely RAF Lakenheath*
- 2 x Nato Boeing E-3 RAF Waddington**
- 1 x Italian E-550 (Gulfstream CAEW [Conformal Airborne Early Warning) RAF Waddington**

Rumours:-
- Gripens from Hungary (seems unlikely update *26 Aug)
- F-35A's from Norway (see above, update *26 Aug)
- Dornier Alpha jets from Top Aces for 'Red Air' adversary support (see above, update *26 Aug)
- various Nato fixed wing early warning assets (see above, update **28 Aug)

Night flying during week three.

To be updated as necessary.

*Updated 26 Aug with red Asterix*
**Updated 28 Aug with two red Asterix**

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https://www.flickr.com/photos/tallyho2015/albums

We can only hope for some photos...

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There's no such thing as a good or bad gun. A gun in the hands of a bad man is a very dangerous thing. A gun in the hands of a good person is no danger to anyone except the bad guy.

Photos, I hope to get some!

Of concern is the ever growing pressure on areas to view aviation from, the hobby / pastime as we knew it is under threat. Officialdom, bossy authorities, and public disregard for sense and sensibility (the few spoiling it for the many) are all contributing to this issue.

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https://www.flickr.com/photos/tallyho2015/albums

Some pictorial updates.

The hedge opposite the designated viewing / parking area needs trimming - fingers crossed! As it is you need more than a two-step ladder to see over.



The bales of hay a farmer has put across entrances to his field. Most people understand that walking all over his land is a no-no, but there are always some idiots.



The first of the heavy transports (advance support) arrived, and departed again, on Friday 25 Aug. Canadian Air Force CC-177 Globemaster, seen on the southern perimeter of RAF Waddington. It arrived near midnight Thu 24th and departed Fri 25th late afternoon, back to Canada.

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https://www.flickr.com/photos/tallyho2015/albums

List of participants updated - see the first post at the beginning.

Bombardier CRJ900 from Global Reach Aviation (OY-MIT) about to land at RAF Waddington on Sunday 27 August, bringing advance support personnel for the start of Exercise Cobra Warrior 2023-2 later this week. The flight originated at Orland Air Base, Norway, which is home to both Nato and Norwegian Air Force assets.

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https://www.flickr.com/photos/tallyho2015/albums

So it starts...

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How come every time my ship comes in, I'm at the airport?

Indeed!

List of participants updated again, dated 28 Aug** - see the first post at the beginning.

Expected arrivals at RAF Waddington today:-
- 3 x Canadian CF-188 Hornet. Another 4 x CF-188 due this week (tomorrow?). The first three arrived in Prestwick yesterday evening, escorted by CC-150 Polaris tanker, which returned to Canada for the remaining four. Also a RCAF CC-130H arrived and remained overnight in Prestwick, Scotland.
- 2 x Nato Boeing E-3
- 1 x Italian G-550 (E-550 CAEW)
- 1 x Italian G-550

Expected arrivals at RAF Lakenheath on Wednesday 30 Aug
- 6 x Norwegian F-35A
- 1 x Norwegian A330-MRTT tanker / transport

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https://www.flickr.com/photos/tallyho2015/albums

A summary of my few hours at RAF Waddington, from 09:30 - 14:00.

I was there soon after the gates opened to secure a usable spot for my two-step ladder, and here's the reason -


That blasted hedge needs trimming, many photographers were left disgruntled.

The first arrival was at 12:42, an Italian Gulfstream G550 AEW (Airborne Early Warning) soon followed by another Italian G550 in VIP configuration.


G550 AEW (MM62303)


G550 (MM62332)


A nice bounce from the second G550

News had by now reached us that the Canadian CF-188 Hornets would only arrive at Waddington today (30 Aug) once all seven had arrived at Prestwick, Scotland, from their base in Canada. The second flight of four, presumably with their A-330 MRTT, will fly to Waddington directly. So, we hope to see 7 x Canadian Hornets later today - hopefully before dark?! This has all the makings of a long day ahead ...

Two Nato Boeing AWACS arrived late afternoon and early evening at Waddington, from Norway, but I had left by then.

I have read that 12 x USAF F-16's, in flights of four, have arrived from Spangdahlem (Germany) at RAF Fairford. Balance to follow.

Patience is a virtue.

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https://www.flickr.com/photos/tallyho2015/albums

7 x Canadian CF-188 Hornets are on the deck at RAF Waddington - Mission Accomplished!

They arrived in two flights, 3 x CF-188 at 11:28 and 4 x CF-188 at 18:47. No, I did not sit at the fence all day, I made two trips and was fortunate as regards useable space at that overgrown hedge. I have edited pictures of the first flight of three, and here they are, shown in landing order, tail numbers in brackets.


There was a real kerfuffle in getting the first flight down, reason(s) unknown to me,
but they were kept in a holding pattern for ages.


A fighter style break as they did a fly-by down the runway from southwest to northeast


Tail markings show the graphics of the 2021 demonstration season I believe (188735)


StrongAtHome says the graphics on the nose strake, of the demo jet. (188735)


(188774)


Bringing up the rear as they taxi to their dispersal area on the southern side of the base. Nato 2 x AWACS and a RAF Boeing RC-135W 'Rivet Joint' in the background. (188757)

I need to edit pictures of the second flight, taken early evening and with the setting sun directly in front of the camera ...

In further news I have read that 6 x Norwegian F-35A's have arrived at RAF Lakenheath. Most participating assets have arrived, Cobra Warrior 2023-2 is a go!

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https://www.flickr.com/photos/tallyho2015/albums

Those are great photos, you found a good spot.

Put a "Reserved" sign there.

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How come every time my ship comes in, I'm at the airport?

Thank you Dean.

More pictures:-

The second flight of Canadian CF-188 Hornet arrivals was a four ship, taken at 7pm Wednesday 30 Aug.


Second flight of arrivals for Exercise Cobra Warrior 2023-2 (CW23-2) just before 19:00 local. In the background are two Nato Awacs aircraft.
Note the arrestor cable across the runway.


The full frontal


That blasted hedge has still not been trimmed


These were the final four, from a total of seven, taxiing to their dispersal area in fading light as the sun sets.


Taken over the weekend from one of the crash gates showing the seven parked Canadian Hornets


Taken over the weekend from one of the crash gates showing the seven parked Canadian Hornets

RAF Waddington, in terms of visitors, currently has the following:-
- 7 x Canadian CF-188 Hornets
- 2 x Nato Boeing E-3 AWACS (Airborne Warning and Control System)
- 1 x Italian Gulfstream G550 CAEW (Conformal Airborne Early Warning)

Thank you!

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https://www.flickr.com/photos/tallyho2015/albums

Yesterday I ventured up north to RAF Leeming, North Yorkshire, about a two hour drive from home. The plan and hope was to see the three USAF Sikorsky HH-60G 'Pave Hawk' search and rescue helicopters, based there for the duration of Exercise Cobra Warrior. RAF Leeming is close to a major British Army base, Catterick Garrison. Result!

The three 'Pave Hawk' helicopters were visible from the viewing area, although it required long shots and a biggish crop for a picture. A heavy sky was prominent for the three hours I spent there, luckily no rain - which came after I'd gone.


Parked on the main ramp


The long refuelling probe and the low noise signature are features of the type.


The long refuelling probe and the low noise signature are features of the type.

Ex Cobra Warrior is now into its second week.

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https://www.flickr.com/photos/tallyho2015/albums

Hi Tally-ho,

Did the exercise take place?

Yes, it took place and ended on Friday 22 Sept.

Aircraft from the invited Air Forces were based at six different RAF bases, which made it more difficult to photograph, unless you were prepared to travel all the time. RAF Waddington which is nearest to me, only had the 7 x Canadian F-18 Hornets.

The USAF HH-60 'Pave Hawk' helicopters have already gone back to their German base, the Canadian F-18's leave this coming week. Not sure about the Norwegian F-35's and USAF F-16's.

This last week was mostly night flying, and we were entertained with jet noise well into the night ...

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https://www.flickr.com/photos/tallyho2015/albums

Tally-ho thank you for the photos that you took and showed us.