Highlights from the Finnish Air Show in Turku, FLARES! NATO!
Discussion
The annual national air show in Finland was this year held in the coastal town of Turku. Turku while having facilities for a small military dispersal, is really mostly a civil airport. While Finland is a small nation, it has an impressive aviation history and this particular air show had enough clout to pull some pretty exciting attendants, which I look forward to sharing with you!
Arrivals day was important for me, because there were some really nice airframes on static display. I missed the F35s from Lakenheath arrival by 5 minutes, but i think we will all have plenty of time to see those aircraft in future years.
I was able to catch this beautiful AN-2 from Latvia, quite a radical digicamo scheme for an old biplane!
The team that came with the Antonov were very friendly and ushered me on board, I was impressed by how immaculate and beautifully maintained she was.
The big draw for me this year was the very exciting inclusion of the Sukhoi SU-22 from Poland, a type i've never seen flying, and one that will be retired very shortly. This will most likely be the last year of Sukhoi ops in Western Europe.
Also an unusual arrival was this PZL M-28B Bryza in Estonian service. I've only ever seen Polish Navy ones before.
Another new type to me was this Let 410 serving the Lithuanian nation
The Lithuanians were also rumored to be bringing a MiL-8 helicopter, but understandably that rather predictably didnt show up. They instead provided us with a static display of this rather nice Search and Rescue Dauphin
Then the fast jets started to come in, first of all the Belgians turned up:
next was the Danish F16, I was expecting big things from the Danes, having seen their display many years ago. I was not to be disappointed.
Here is the Swiss F-18 display jet flexing it's muscles. It is always nice to have another Hornet display to compare to the home teams Finnish Hornet display.
We also had a C-17 from Hungary and the SAC Heavy Airlift Wing.
I also was invited into the cockpit of this big lass by the friendly pilot. Having never visited a C-17 before, I was surprised to see it is piloted by a stick rather than a yoke, and it comes equipped with head up displays. It's basically the biggest fighter jet ever
It was also nice to have another larger attendee, this "open skies" Airbus from the German Republic.
Thanks for viewing, next up, some flying shots from the Saturday/Sunday!
Arrivals day was important for me, because there were some really nice airframes on static display. I missed the F35s from Lakenheath arrival by 5 minutes, but i think we will all have plenty of time to see those aircraft in future years.
I was able to catch this beautiful AN-2 from Latvia, quite a radical digicamo scheme for an old biplane!
The team that came with the Antonov were very friendly and ushered me on board, I was impressed by how immaculate and beautifully maintained she was.
The big draw for me this year was the very exciting inclusion of the Sukhoi SU-22 from Poland, a type i've never seen flying, and one that will be retired very shortly. This will most likely be the last year of Sukhoi ops in Western Europe.
Also an unusual arrival was this PZL M-28B Bryza in Estonian service. I've only ever seen Polish Navy ones before.
Another new type to me was this Let 410 serving the Lithuanian nation
The Lithuanians were also rumored to be bringing a MiL-8 helicopter, but understandably that rather predictably didnt show up. They instead provided us with a static display of this rather nice Search and Rescue Dauphin
Then the fast jets started to come in, first of all the Belgians turned up:
next was the Danish F16, I was expecting big things from the Danes, having seen their display many years ago. I was not to be disappointed.
Here is the Swiss F-18 display jet flexing it's muscles. It is always nice to have another Hornet display to compare to the home teams Finnish Hornet display.
We also had a C-17 from Hungary and the SAC Heavy Airlift Wing.
I also was invited into the cockpit of this big lass by the friendly pilot. Having never visited a C-17 before, I was surprised to see it is piloted by a stick rather than a yoke, and it comes equipped with head up displays. It's basically the biggest fighter jet ever
It was also nice to have another larger attendee, this "open skies" Airbus from the German Republic.
Thanks for viewing, next up, some flying shots from the Saturday/Sunday!
Moving on to the flying displays, I have to say, I am pretty chuffed with some of these!
The Belgians are great supporters of air shows Europe-wide, and this years Snake display is no different. Great flying.
The Swedes bought one of their Blackhawks and flew a very in-your-face dynamic display
One of the greatest highlights was the first sight of B1-B Bone in Finnish skies. Two took a break from operations out of their Fairford temporary base to come and see us, guided in by a local Hornet.
Another big arrival on the Saturday was a Belgian A400.
You might be cool, but are you "throwing signs whilst flying an F-16" cool?
|https://thumbsnap.com/ZGQFwAX3[/url]
The Swedish air force put on an exceptional Gripen C display
Thats enough for the Saturday, lots more to come from the Sunday and then departures day. I hope you have enjoyed these!
The Belgians are great supporters of air shows Europe-wide, and this years Snake display is no different. Great flying.
The Swedes bought one of their Blackhawks and flew a very in-your-face dynamic display
One of the greatest highlights was the first sight of B1-B Bone in Finnish skies. Two took a break from operations out of their Fairford temporary base to come and see us, guided in by a local Hornet.
Another big arrival on the Saturday was a Belgian A400.
You might be cool, but are you "throwing signs whilst flying an F-16" cool?
|https://thumbsnap.com/ZGQFwAX3[/url]The Swedish air force put on an exceptional Gripen C display
Thats enough for the Saturday, lots more to come from the Sunday and then departures day. I hope you have enjoyed these!
Edited by Jake899 on Monday 10th July 11:47
RizzoTheRat said:
Some great paint jobs there.
Surprised the Swiss F-18 has folding wings, I thought that was usually just for carrier based aircraft.
The F18 IS an aircraft designed for carrier use. Spain, Australia, Finland, Switzerland etc all use airframes from the same production line as the USN/Marines. Surprised the Swiss F-18 has folding wings, I thought that was usually just for carrier based aircraft.
They all have folding wings, tail hooks, beefy undercarraige etc. They are built like an 18th century railway bridge.
In Finland they are loved for their distain for bad weather, and their ability to land on roads and austere landing strips.
Jake899 said:
The F18 IS an aircraft designed for carrier use. Spain, Australia, Finland, Switzerland etc all use airframes from the same production line as the USN/Marines.
They all have folding wings, tail hooks, beefy undercarriage etc. They are built like an 18th century railway bridge.
In Finland they are loved for their distain for bad weather, and their ability to land on roads and austere landing strips.
I'd assumed it was like Phantoms or F35s where there are various differences between the carrier or land based versions. Every day's a school day.They all have folding wings, tail hooks, beefy undercarriage etc. They are built like an 18th century railway bridge.
In Finland they are loved for their distain for bad weather, and their ability to land on roads and austere landing strips.
First up on the Sunday was the Belgian demo, this time flown in the spare.
The C-17 left and returned
As did the Polish CASA 295
Then over the course of the day I turned my camera towards some of the more, what we would say "run of the mill" acts, which is to say domestic display aircraft that we see here in Finland most years.
First up, Finlands lovely domestic DC3/C47
A welcome return to the skies to this graceful Clemm, which flew such a tight display the pilot could probably practice his routine inside his garage.
We were also treated to a formation display by four ex-Finnish AF Saab Safirs. A Safir always seems to me a better chice than any Piper Cheiftain or Cessna 172 for GA flying.
This year we were also treated to a DeHavilland Vampire two seater flying in Finnish colours. The Vampire was the first jet in Finnish service.
We also had a visit from President Sauli Niinistö in the Finnish Air Force 1
Here is a rare bird, unlikely to be seen outside of Finland, It's a VL Viima wartime trainer, based somewhat on a Steiglitz.
Finland flies Grob Tutors in the primary Ab Initio training role. A very acrobatic little aircraft, very pleasant to watch.
Back to some more dynamic acts, and the Finnish Army displayed one of their NH90s with lots of flair, and lots of flares.
And also the Army displayed the MH500 Little Birds, traditionally the bad guys ride in every episode of Airwolf
Sticking with rotary wing aircraft, also attending was a welcome Chinook from the RAF
I think that's about enough for this post, I will do one last post later with some more fast jet action and the highlights from departure day, featuring more of that lovely Polish SU-22! Stay tuned!
The C-17 left and returned
As did the Polish CASA 295
Then over the course of the day I turned my camera towards some of the more, what we would say "run of the mill" acts, which is to say domestic display aircraft that we see here in Finland most years.
First up, Finlands lovely domestic DC3/C47
A welcome return to the skies to this graceful Clemm, which flew such a tight display the pilot could probably practice his routine inside his garage.
We were also treated to a formation display by four ex-Finnish AF Saab Safirs. A Safir always seems to me a better chice than any Piper Cheiftain or Cessna 172 for GA flying.
This year we were also treated to a DeHavilland Vampire two seater flying in Finnish colours. The Vampire was the first jet in Finnish service.
We also had a visit from President Sauli Niinistö in the Finnish Air Force 1
Here is a rare bird, unlikely to be seen outside of Finland, It's a VL Viima wartime trainer, based somewhat on a Steiglitz.
Finland flies Grob Tutors in the primary Ab Initio training role. A very acrobatic little aircraft, very pleasant to watch.
Back to some more dynamic acts, and the Finnish Army displayed one of their NH90s with lots of flair, and lots of flares.
And also the Army displayed the MH500 Little Birds, traditionally the bad guys ride in every episode of Airwolf
Sticking with rotary wing aircraft, also attending was a welcome Chinook from the RAF
I think that's about enough for this post, I will do one last post later with some more fast jet action and the highlights from departure day, featuring more of that lovely Polish SU-22! Stay tuned!
moving on to departure day, usually my favourite day of an air show, no crowds, better access, a chance to see all the static aircraft fly..
The Danish contingent start to leave. They also had bought a lovely B model for static display.
The lads also made time for me to walk the flight line in the morning to get some shots of the line up.
The Lithuanian Dauphin heading out
And the big lass heading back to Hungary, taxiing past the F-35s, which, due to a national holiday stateside, would not leave until Tuesday.
And a few shots from the hometown hero, the Finnish Hornet, this year sporting a special tail. The Hawk fleet are grounded after a loss in spring, so the Hornet was left alone to uphold Finlands honour!
Which I would say it did quite well. In this shot check the unusual catch of both burners lit, but showing quite different colours.
I also wanted to share with you the support from the Finnish border guard. They regularly display their immaculate Dornier Do228.
and also one of their Airbus Super Pumas, in this case doing a winching display from a Turku fire engine.
Now, finally a chance to see the Sukhoi SU-22 Fitter in the air as it left us back to Poland. What a cracking aircraft!
Well, that's about it from this summers show at Turku. Certainly my aviation highlight of the year, and thank you for all your kind comments!
Blue skies!
The Danish contingent start to leave. They also had bought a lovely B model for static display.
The lads also made time for me to walk the flight line in the morning to get some shots of the line up.
The Lithuanian Dauphin heading out
And the big lass heading back to Hungary, taxiing past the F-35s, which, due to a national holiday stateside, would not leave until Tuesday.
And a few shots from the hometown hero, the Finnish Hornet, this year sporting a special tail. The Hawk fleet are grounded after a loss in spring, so the Hornet was left alone to uphold Finlands honour!
Which I would say it did quite well. In this shot check the unusual catch of both burners lit, but showing quite different colours.
I also wanted to share with you the support from the Finnish border guard. They regularly display their immaculate Dornier Do228.
and also one of their Airbus Super Pumas, in this case doing a winching display from a Turku fire engine.
Now, finally a chance to see the Sukhoi SU-22 Fitter in the air as it left us back to Poland. What a cracking aircraft!
Well, that's about it from this summers show at Turku. Certainly my aviation highlight of the year, and thank you for all your kind comments!
Blue skies!
Voldemort said:
Great pics. Do you have special/press access for some of the pics?
I have an organisers pass, but basically I'm more or less lumped in with the press/spotter group. My company supplies some products to the show organisers and as a little perk I can come to take some pics of said products for our channels and at the same time indulge in photographing the rest of the show.Occasionally I get even better access, two years ago when the air show was over the bay in Helsinki for example, I was able to have unique access to the pan at Helsinki-Vantaa airport where everything was based. So I was able to get some pretty unique take off/landing/taxiing shots on one day, and then head down to the bay the following day. It's a nice little perk I certainly enjoy!
Slowboathome said:
Those are terrific photos.
They are indeed. 
The press-access will definitely help vs what a regular punter would be able to take, but that's of no use without good kit and a good eye.
I'll be happy if I've got anything close to those from RIAT, especially as I spent most of the time 50m+ back from the flight-line.
RizzoTheRat said:
Jake899 said:
The F18 IS an aircraft designed for carrier use. Spain, Australia, Finland, Switzerland etc all use airframes from the same production line as the USN/Marines.
They all have folding wings, tail hooks, beefy undercarriage etc. They are built like an 18th century railway bridge.
In Finland they are loved for their distain for bad weather, and their ability to land on roads and austere landing strips.
I'd assumed it was like Phantoms or F35s where there are various differences between the carrier or land based versions. Every day's a school day.They all have folding wings, tail hooks, beefy undercarriage etc. They are built like an 18th century railway bridge.
In Finland they are loved for their distain for bad weather, and their ability to land on roads and austere landing strips.
All Phantoms were built with folding wings, and I'm sure all had tailhooks as well (UK ones did as they were used for emergency landings) and only difference might have been the extra length jackable nose leg u/c on the UK F.4K versions which the UK F.4M's didn't have as they were land based.
The USN, USMC and USAF Phantoms never had this as their carriers were much bigger.
Gassing Station | Boats, Planes & Trains | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff