F-22's Operating from the UK *photographs*

A Dozen F-22's deployed to RAF Lakenheath over the last week (in three lots of four) and they are due to remain for three weeks, alongside the visit starting today from that nice mr Obama who runs the gaff over there in the old colony.

This, by extreme good fortune, coincided with my wife getting me to take her to Norfolk for a mini break over the weekend. Having successfully applied (to her) for a morning pass, I was able to get myself to Lakenheath on Monday for the start of operations. Here is a random selection of images for your perusal and ( I hope) enjoyment.

Interesting to note that some of the F-15's were carrying live missiles too, is this normal for an exercise?

a reply to: waynos

Depends on what the exercise is. Sometimes they involve loading from a cold start so they'll load live missiles. Then just fly with them and download them at the end of the day when they have plenty of time.

Always like to see the Squadron jets.

Warmonger scum, we're at an age where these planes may as well have corporation logos stamped on their tail planes haha

a reply to: Zcustosmorum

And yet, thanks to those "warmonger scum" so much of what we take for granted now exists.

As you mentioned, Obama is in town, is it all possible it is some kind of security protocol? Hence the missiles.

Or like Zaphod says, some kind of exercise?


Great pics by the way. That F-22 is an awesome looking thing!

a reply to: brace22

They're doing a memorial flyby in France, and then heading to some other training with NATO members before they leave. The timing is coincidence.

After a while I decided to have a nosey at Mildenhall, having never previously been south of Lincolnshire, and lo and behold, some F-22's and F-15's were forced to divert while the football crowd sized audience waited for them up the road, so i was one of about three people there to witness their arrival.

One of the F-15's received attention from the base's emergency vehicles.

Also, does this KC-135 looks like its wings have been clipped?

a reply to: Zaphod58

ooooo but is it? What if something "happens" while he is there?

Sorry, your comment took me straight to "conspiracy"! LOL

Nice pic's OP. Thank you for sharing.

a reply to: chiefsmom

I too wonder if it's more than mere coincidence. Heard that B-52's came into Fairford today too

a reply to: chiefsmom

What like some kind of "London's Falling" scenario?

I imagine Obama will be more than sufficiently protected.

Maybe they were worried about the RAF shooting down AF1 to stop the horrible weasel interfering in the democratic process over here?

a reply to: waynos

No, they look normal to me. Probably just the angle.

And they even managed to get the base stripe legal. Ha.

a reply to: waynos

It's exercise season for a lot of people. We always had several in the spring into summer every year.

a reply to: waynos

Awesome pics as usual now we need some HD video.

And like Zaph mentioned I could see anything a miss on the KC. I blow it up on the big screen to make sure.

a reply to: waynos

Man the F-15 is such a sexy looking plane compared to the F-35

originally posted by: Zaphod58
a reply to: Zcustosmorum

And yet, thanks to those "warmonger scum" so much of what we take for granted now exists.

Haha, I'm going to assume that was a joke

originally posted by: SprocketUK
Maybe they were worried about the RAF shooting down AF1 to stop the horrible weasel interfering in the democratic process over here?

I'd be more worried about them shooting down Ed Force 1.The president we can do without,but a world without Iron Maiden is unthinkable.

Nice photos by the way Wayne,I take it Mildenhall is still easier for ground shots than Lakenheath? I seem to remember the only decent view of the base at Lakenheath was from the sand dunes to the west of the base.

Waynos and Zaphod58, i have to ask. How do you guys know when these planes are where they are? I'd live to come and watch these landing and taking off...im in London.

Edited due to atrocious spelling

a reply to: Zcustosmorum

No, I was completely serious. Many products that we take for granted now came from either the military or space program.

m.mentalfloss.com...
www.mandatory.com...
www.digitaltrends.com...

a reply to: 3danimator2014

Lots of experience finding dots here and there and learning how they fit together.