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Saudi Falcons Aerobatic Team at RAF Waddington
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Author:  Tally-ho [ 05 Jul 2023, 08:51 ]
Post subject:  Saudi Falcons Aerobatic Team at RAF Waddington
So, the much anticipated Saudi Falcons arrived yesterday (4 July) shortly after midday, on schedule, from their last overnight stay at Vatry Airport east of Paris. The eight ship Hawk 65A's in that almost luminescent green made a grand entry over the runway at RAF Waddington. Practice commences today for their RAF Families Day display Saturday 8 July, and the team stays on for the annual Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) the weekend after.

I hope to show more over the next few days. :smt023

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The leader breaks over the runway

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About to land - note the photographers all over.

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View from the hedge

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All eight taxiing to their dispersal area

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Saudi support contingent in a C-130H-30 Hercules on short finals
Author:  Dean [ 05 Jul 2023, 09:20 ]
Post subject:  Re: Saudi Falcons Aerobatic Team at RAF Waddington
Cool, thanks for the photos :smt023
Author:  Tally-ho [ 06 Jul 2023, 05:59 ]
Post subject:  Re: Saudi Falcons Aerobatic Team at RAF Waddington
Thank you Dean.

Dropped in to the viewing area yesterday (Wednesday 5 July) but the Saudis were having the day off - no movement of those green Hawks at all. I did however take a shot of the parked C-130H-30 Hercules. Also included here is a shot of all eight Saudi Hawks, on the far side of the base, taxiing to their dispersal area - taken on the day of their arrival.

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Saudi Falcons Aerobatic Team

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Saudi Hercules at RAF Waddington
Author:  AT6C [ 09 Jul 2023, 08:38 ]
Post subject:  Re: Saudi Falcons Aerobatic Team at RAF Waddington
Did the Hawks refuel somewhere on route to the UK?

Would be interesting to see the range of the Hawk's as there's no long range tanks under the wings.
Author:  Tally-ho [ 09 Jul 2023, 09:25 ]
Post subject:  Re: Saudi Falcons Aerobatic Team at RAF Waddington
The route, and refuelling stops were:-

- Tabuk, Saudi Arabia (homebase)
- Chania, Crete
- Lamezia, Italy
- Nice, France
- Vatry (east of Paris)
- Waddington

They depart Waddington for RIAT at Fairford on Wednesday 12 July. :smt023
Author:  Tally-ho [ 10 Jul 2023, 06:35 ]
Post subject:  Re: Saudi Falcons Aerobatic Team at RAF Waddington
Friday 7 July, in good sunny weather, was a designated practice day for both teams, ahead of the RAF Families and Friends Day, on the following Saturday. It was scheduled for midday, so a longish wait after my 09:00 arrival to secure a spot where that blasted perimeter hedge [-X hasn't grown too high. However, when the action commenced, we were not disappointed. Two very good teams, blue skies, sunshine, jet noise, smells and smoke!

Of note was the combined fly-by of both teams, the hosts (The Red Arrows) leading the Saudi Falcons, in two V formations. A rare opportunity!

The Saudis depart for the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) at RAF Fairford on Wednesday 12 July.

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The Saudi Falcons seen from the fenceline, canopies open, preparing for the day.

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Taxiing out for their display - seven Hawk 65A's.

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The Saudis acknowledging their hosts by trailing red and white smoke, doing 'Tornado'.

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Final fly-by showing the colours of the Saudi flag

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The combined fly-past of both teams - a rare opportunity!

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Traffic is stopped by red lights when aircraft land or take-off, hence the photographers on the road.

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Shimmering in the midday heat, a splash of green and red, as the Saudis return.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/tallyho20 ... 0309535042
Author:  Dean [ 10 Jul 2023, 09:24 ]
Post subject:  Re: Saudi Falcons Aerobatic Team at RAF Waddington
Wow, great photo story. =D> :smt023
Author:  Tally-ho [ 12 Jul 2023, 15:57 ]
Post subject:  Re: Saudi Falcons Aerobatic Team at RAF Waddington
Thank you Dean - and to all others that take a look. :smt023

The Saudis left Waddington this morning (12 July) and did the short flight to Fairford for the sold out annual RIAT event - Europe's biggest Air Show.

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Ready to roll

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Eight BAe Hawks, up and away, the camera ship on the right.
Author:  Dean [ 12 Jul 2023, 16:59 ]
Post subject:  Re: Saudi Falcons Aerobatic Team at RAF Waddington
Watched then today on PlanesTV.
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