RAF Lossiemouth - 03/05/2007

Following our morning appointment at Kinloss, the afternoon was spent at RAF Lossiemouth, initially at the caravan, and then with JG-71 "Richthofen", while we waited for their F-4F Phantoms to return from their Neptune Warrior mission.

There was decent activity from the resident Tornadoes while we waited for the Phantoms to go.

Just about all of the Phantoms had received 'Spook artwork' on their engine intake plates. Apologies for the quality on some - they're heavy crops.

To be able to get this close to a pair of J79 engines in full reheat was amazing!

With the mission package airborne we headed to the JG-71 ramp where two more aircraft lurked. The first of those was being prepared for its return flight to Wittmund AB, Germany, while the other was a ground spare.

It's hard to deny that the Phantom's a great looking aircraft and one that has a special place in my heart, having grown up just a few miles from RAF Alconbury, when the 10th TRS were resident with their RF-4Cs.

A great end to a trip.

Sincere thanks are extended to the RAF Lossiemouth Media Communications Office staff, and to those of JG-71 who made us so welcome.