Military Low-Level Flying From F-4 Phantom to F-35 Lightning II: A Pictorial Display of Low Flying in Cumbria and Beyond

The United Kingdom has some of the most dramatic landscapes that can be used by pilots to train in the vital skill of low flying. Aircrew preparing for operations in Afghanistan, Iraq, and other potential war zones frequently hone their skills flying through the valleys of the UK, sometimes at near-subsonic speed. Photographers have captured close-up and dramatic shots of these sights, particularly focusing on the action over the hills and valleys of Cumbria and the Lake District.

Format: Hardback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 30 November 2022
Publisher: Pen & Sword Books Ltd

The United Kingdom boasts some of the most breathtaking landscapes that serve as ideal training grounds for pilots to develop the crucial skill of low-flying. Aircrews preparing for operations in Afghanistan, Iraq, and other potential war zones often hone their skills by navigating through the valleys of the UK, sometimes at near-subsonic speeds. In Cumbria, as well as other major training areas within the United Kingdom Low Flying System, such as parts of Scotland and the world-renowned Mach Loop in Wales, pilots can be observed on a daily basis refining their skills as they weave their aircraft, ranging from basic trainers to the latest high-tech fighters, between the hillsides. As a result, these locations provide remarkable opportunities for photographers to capture close-up and dramatic shots. These sights have captivated the imagination of many photographers who have dedicated countless hours and exhibited remarkable patience in waiting to capture dynamic images on camera, with the majority of these since the advent of digital photography. While photographs of military low flying prior to the digital age are rare, the author of this book presents a selection of images to showcase the significant developments since the 1980s, particularly focusing on the action to be seen over the hills and valleys of Cumbria and the Lake District, which has been a major training area for military pilots since 1979. Within these pages, readers are treated to a stunning array of images featuring scores of different types of aircraft, including Jet Provosts, Buccaneers, Hawks, F4 Phantoms, A-10 Thunderbolts, Tornadoes, Typhoons, and F-35 Lightnings, to name just a few. Types such as the Chinook and Sea King represent the many rotary aircraft. Unlike photographs from air shows, none of these were staged; they are all action shots taken spontaneously as the aircraft flew by.

Dimension: 172 x 246 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781399092784