Military aircraft spotting

[jamest1988]

I've just seen the BBMF post regarding the possible (probable really) cancellation of the Lancaster fly over around ladybower. On my 30 before 30 list, I have see some military jets of some kind and I had been looking forward to this for a while.

As I have the day off anyway, does anyone know any location within a 2-3 hour drive of Sheffield where it likely I might see some interesting hardware tomorrow? I could wait for an air show but as I've got the day off anyway, I'd love to see something!

Thanks in advance!

[AndrewEH1]

Maybe drive to RAF Coningsby and you'll probably see some modern Typhoons

[frodo_monkey]

Should be a nice day - try the Lakes or (outside your range) the Mach Loop in Wales

[steveo3002]

raf lakenheath isnt too bad ...just about 3 hrs i guess

[Krikkit]

AndrewEH1 said:

Maybe drive to RAF Coningsby and you'll probably see some modern Typhoons

This, they've been up every weekday for the last week training.

Worst case, on the way home get yourself over to the pub next to RAF Scampton (just off the A15 near Lincoln), full of interesting gear and a lovely pub too.

[frodo_monkey]

steveo3002 said:

raf lakenheath isnt too bad ...just about 3 hrs i guess

Sorry, I meant the Lake District - you’ll normally see someone going through there on a sunny day. Dunmail Rise probably the best bet there. Mach Loop would be my choice if you can face the drive - I’m not a spotter but as an aircrew mate I’d normally plan Wales/the Lake District at low level on a nice day.

[diff lock]

AndrewEH1 said:

Maybe drive to RAF Coningsby and you'll probably see some modern Typhoons

Coningsby are on night ops this week, so probably not a lot happening until mid / late afternoon.

[jamest1988]

Thanks for the tips guys, I think I'll wait for an update tomorrow, fingers crossed the wind dies down a bit!

[jamest1988]

Lancaster cancelled but replaced with a typhoon, best outcome given the conditions. Fingers crossed they go low and slow!

[Krikkit]

jamest1988 said:

Lancaster cancelled but replaced with a typhoon, best outcome given the conditions. Fingers crossed they go low and slow!

If it's accompanied by a Spit then it'll be pretty pedestrian by their standards!

[Frank7]

Not what you’re looking for, but the thread title reminded me of a time in Warsaw, 1974, with my Polish girlfriend, visiting her family in Poland.
We’d driven from Poznan with her cousin and his wife, and were staying on the top floor of the Forum Hotel, (now the Novotel) opposite the Palace of Culture.
I was getting ready one morning, while she was in the shower, when I heard the unmistakable ‘whop whop’ of chopper blades.
I looked out at three helicopters going by, maybe 6 or 7 hundred metres from the window.
I picked up my camera, and was focussing, when suddenly Jadwiga came out of the bathroom, and knocked the camera from my hands.
“Are you nuts? You’ll wind up in Mokotów prison you clown, they’re Russian!”