Airspeed - The Magazine for Aviation Photographers

Airshow Reviews Air to Air Photography and Much More!

Eric Mason

WELCOME TO THE 2023 NOVEMBER ISSUE OF AIRSPEED! Air Tattoo RIAT 2023 Dragos Munteanu

Aviation American Adventures In North America Eric Coeckelberghs and Aviation Photo Crew Staff

How I Got The Shot Scott Slingsby Steve Zimmermann José M. Ramos

Photographing 20 Acres of Aviation History Gary Daniels Craig Swancy John Ford Gary Edwards

Front Cover US Marine Corp Mounted Color Guard followed by the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing Band Larry Grace/ISAP President Camera: Nikon Z9 Lens: Nikon 70-180mm f/2.8 Shutter speed: 1/800 ISO: 125 Exposure: f/4

California Capital Airshow 2023 Rob Tabor Orlando Air and Space Show Ricardo Mejia The September Family Says Farewell: Final Flag Gary Daniels 20th Annual Apple Valley Airshow Tom Spanos Air Defenders 2023 Dragos Munteanu Wings Over Houston Kevin Hong Photo Calls and Base Visits Kristopher Haugh 2023 MCAS Miramar Airshow America’s Airshow Larry Grace Glenn Bloore José M. Ramos Kelley Whitaker Field Test: Testing Nikkor Lenses José M. Ramos Larry Grace ISAP Members’ Showcase Mark Streit Eric Wafford Eric Mason

Keith Charlot

Airplane Silhouettes John Ford

Back Cover Air to air with Ayres Thrush 510G Aviation Photo Crew Staff Camera: Canon EOS-1D X Mark II Lens: Canon EF100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM Shutter speed: 1/250 ISO: 160 Exposure: f/14

Mark Streit

NEW AND RETURNING ISAP MEMBERS David Barrera

Robert Eastman

Andy Lay

Timothy Smith

Michael Bennett

Mike Forrestal

Christopher Bryan Martin

Tom Spanos

Brent Blue

Jim Froneberger

Shawn Malone

Mark Streit

Todd Brisson

Taggart Gorman

Cedrick Murray

Rob Tabor

Michael Corazelli

Munnaf Joarder

Thomas O’Keefe

Steve Zimmermann

Douglas Currie

Paul Job

Michael Pliskin

Connie Decatur

Gregory Knott

James Reeder

The goal of International Society for Aviation Photography (ISAP) is to bring together our members who share a love of aviation, and want to preserve its history through their images. Through our organization, members can seek to enhance their artistic quality, advance technical knowledge, and improve safety for all areas of aviation photography while fostering professionalism, high ethical standards, and camaraderie.

ISAP continues to help our members to better their photography skills, workflow, and set up resources to help with business questions that our members have. Updates are being made to the ISAP website and member portfolio section, and we are showcasing ISAP members’ images and accomplishments on our social media pages.

The new Airspeed magazine will highlight ISAP members and their photography, experiences, and their passion for aviation from around the world.

From military and commercial aviation, you’ll be able to see it all while learning about aviation photography, post processing tips in Lightroom and Photoshop, aviation history, air show reports, aviation museums, and more. We look forward to sharing our members’ images and articles with everyone.

Enjoy this issue of Airspeed!

Sincerely, Larry Grace, ISAP President Kevin Hong, Airspeed Editor International Society for Aviation Photography www.aviationphoto.org • www.facebook.com/ISAPorg Airspeed is a periodic publication of the International Society for Aviation Photography and is used to communicate news, functions, convention information, and other information of interest on the local, regional, and national scenes. The views and opinions expressed in this magazine are those of the authors and should not be construed as the views or opinions of the International Society for Aviation Photography.

The Air Tattoo – the Royal International Air Tattoo by its full name is really the main element of the European air show circuit. If the EAA Venture in Oshkosh is the world’s biggest airshow, the RIAT is the biggest military airshow by far. The airshow is organized yearly at the RAF Fairford airbase. This year’s Air Tattoo (14-16 July 2023) saw 253 aircraft being present representing 25 different nations and with 200,000 people in attendance. The public days are from Friday to Sunday, but the Spotters can easily spend nearly a week at Fairford, with packages that include two arrival days (Wednesday and Thursday) and the Monday departure day when all planes depart in a 7-hour window.

The 2023 edition was a great one, with many surprises and very rare protagonists. The biggest one for sure was the presence of 2 B-52s Stratofortress, one even in the flying display. The presence of strategic bombers at Fairford is not so rare as Fairford is the only European airbase suitable for USAF bombers and regularly hosts Bomber Task Forces deployments in the region.

But there were many more other highlights at RIAT 23. When more and more F-35s appear in Europe it was nice to be able to see two countries bringing their operational AV-8B Harrier II at Fairford. The Spanish and

Multinational Multi-Role Tanker Transport – A330 MRTT

Italian Navies who still operate the type have brought 2 planes each, the Spanish also being part of the flight display, including a joint pass with the RAF F-35B. The theme of this year event was Sky Tanker – and this brought many tankers in the static display and a few even in the flying display. This included a rare French Air Force Boeing-C135FR Stratotanker which took part in the flying display on the Friday in very tough weather conditions – rain and wind. Most of the Friday flying display had to be scrapped because of very tough weather – wind and heavy rain. The few planes that operated generated some amazing water sprays – like the A330 MRTT landing and throwing large waves with its thrust reversers. Saturday and Sunday the weather allowed for flying displays as rain came in on and off allowing for some periods of sun and blue skies.

Another rare first was the flying display of the Messerschmitt Me-262 replica belonging to the FLUGMUSEUM MESSERSCHMITT. In fact, it was the first time a ME-262 was flying in British skies after World War II. To highlight the Sky Tanker theme, we were greeted with some unique flypasts of tankers and receiving planes. The German Air Force brought the Luftwaffe Airbus A400M cargo / tanker and performed

some flypasts with two Panavia Tornadoes and the USAFE (USAF Europe) showed a MC-130J Commando II and CV-22B Osprey from RAF Mildenhall simulating an inflight refueling. The German Tornadoes did a few high-speed passes to the pleasure of all and especially the UK spotters as the type is not anymore operated by the RAF. Another nice surprise / rare participant was the German Sikorsky CH-53G – the type is very rare in Europe, Germany being the only operator in the Region. The Polish Air Force has sent a Sukhoi Su-22 Fitter swing-wing fighter bomber which was present in the static display. Another aircraft that is rarely seen away from its country is the Agusta A129 Mangusta attack helicopter – the helicopter is only operated by the Italian Army – only 60 operational aircraft have been produced. Its presence in RIAT was very notable, especially being present also in the flying display.

The Romanian Air Force brought to Fairford an Antonov An-26 cargo plane for the static display. The aircraft is from the 902 squadron in Otopeni, Bucharest and was decorated with a shark mouth nose paint specially for this airshow.

In terms of fast jets displays the program had the main European representatives: the home country UK with the Eurofighter Typhoon Solo Display, France with the Rafale Solo Display, Finland with the F-18 Hornet, Italy with the Eurofighter Typhoon and the Swedish and Czech with their respective SAAB Gripen displays. There were plenty of display teams in the program – of course the home team the Red Arrows but also the Saudi Hawks and the UAE Al Fursan team.

Interesting paint schemes was also part of RIAT 23, the German Air Force binging a Eurofighter Typhoon adorned with the flags of Germany and Israel in honor of the 2023 join Blue Flag exercise between the two air forces. The Czech Air Force displayed a Mi-8/17 with a livery combining all the liveries that the type saw in its long active service.

The Air Tattoo is always offering amazing photographic opportunities – it is really the place to be in Europe for a great aviation event. The 2024 edition will take place between the 19th – 21st July 2024 and hope to see you there!

AIR TATTOO RIAT 2023 THE UNMISSABLE AIRSHOW Article and photos by Dragos Munteanu

Dragos Munteanu German Air Force Panavia Tornado

Dragos Munteanu Spanish Navy – AV-8B Harrier II

Dragos Munteanu Polish Air Force SU-22 Fitter

Dragos Munteanu Romanian Air Force An-26

Dragos Munteanu

German Air Force Eurofighter Typhoon

Dragos Munteanu

Italian Army – Agusta A129 Mangusta

Dragos Munteanu

Messerschmitt Me-262

Dragos Munteanu

German Air Force Airbus A400M and 2 Panavia Tornado

Dragos Munteanu

German Air Force Airbus A400M and 2 Panavia Tornado

AVIATION AIRCREW ADVENTURES IN NORTH AMERICA Article by Eric Coeckelberghs Images by Aviation Photo Crew Staff

In August our team went back to North America to fly the very first project in Canada.

The Abbotsford International Airshow is one of the few shows in Canada with a legendary status, taking place already for decades, and being the host for some of the most iconic aircraft in history as that famous visit of the SR-71 in 1986.

That other thing the airshow is renowned for…the scenery with Mount Baker in the background of a few million aviation photos! The Skyvan photoship came all the way from New York – yea, that’s a pretty long ferry flight – and would operate out of the Chilliwack Airport, to have the full flexibility we needed for the photo missions.

We planned to fly four days in a row in the days prior to the airshow weekend, Tuesday till Friday.

Fortunately, the weather was with us on all four days, and that scenery definitely didn’t disappoint! On the first day we rediscovered how awesome it is to fly with GA and vintage aircraft, welcoming a bunch of them behind the Skyvan: RV-9, Navion, Pitts, Ercoupe, Yak-18, T-6, the four Yaks of Yak Flight, and a real bush plane of course! That’s a lot of ‘propeller practice’, and the backdrops…just wow!

Of course all photographers joining us were also hoping to get some of that military participants joining us, Wednesday was the day we had one of so many ‘SURPRISE!!!’ moments. We love to trick photographers by saying we gonna fly with – in this case – the RCAF Hawk…only to see two CF-18’s showing up first. The picture of the 3-ship landed our first magazine cover in Canada!

The RCAF gave us the full support, and even with some tech issues and last minute deployments and cancellations, we were still able to enjoy the C-130J, Hawk, CF-18s, Cyclone, Harvard II two-ship, Twin Otter, Beech Baron. Also the USAF showed up with the C-17. While the hottest ‘surprise’ moment was the amazing join-up of the two ANG F-15s.

The Abbotsford photo missions also provided us with a chance to have a real sunset flight with Melissa Burns flying the Edge 540, and even the after sunset join up with Nathan Hammond in the Super Chipmunk, with fireworks!! It’s at a moment like this you realize how good that new generation system camera’s are in the low ISO…very impressive and noiseless photos.

Also on the warbird side we were spoiled, very spoiled! It was a true privilege to fly with the Mustang of Greg Anders, one of the founders of the USAF Heritage flights. The last surprises out of the big goodie bag came from our friends in Madras. The Erickson collection had four warbirds coming to the show: Mustang, P-40, Bearcat and Corsair… and yes, we got to fly with all 4 of them! Even overhead the Abbotsford showground, winning us another cover as the P-40 will grace the latest issue of ‘Airshow’, the magazine of ICAS. With the PC-6 of Skydive Vancouver also joining the party, there was just one thing left to do…end the photo missions with a real float plane! In total we were fortunate to get 33 join-ups in just 4 days of flying, that is as much as the ‘big’ project we fly each year for the Royal International Air Tattoo. We can say we pretty much crushed it in Abbotsford, with a fantastic collection and great variety of aircraft and helicopters joining plus that stunning scenery. So YES, we will be back in 2024!

In September, Pacific Airshow was gonna be our first real big airshow project we would fly in the USA. For American standards the airshow has an impressive program, but due to the lack of large static planes the expectation to have a ton of aircraft joining the Skyvan is of course not realistic. But no worries, as the Aviation Photo Crew has a lot of friends in California.

The Skyvan photoship was based at the busy ramp of Clay Lacy, operating out of John Wayne airport. That came with benefits, being not only a very efficient system, but if the AS350 chopper from the Sheriff is parked next to you, it means that that’s gonna be our first target! Good practice for us, to explore the scenery from the air. We were lucky enough that the ATC guys provided us with a second ‘photo join up ‘ area along the California coastline, making it possible in the ever busy airspace to joinup with some of the hottest military jets. The US Navy Rhino team was tack sharp on time with their two Super Hornets, needless to say that view makes an incredible impression on all the photographers onboard.

The highlight for many, the Marines F-35C came in the afternoon, and absolute joy with a super join-up showing the jet from all angles: plus

gear swing, fuel probe out, hook down, thumbs up, very nice to see the fifth generation Air power like this.

Unfortunately we also had a bit of bad luck. The USAF paperwork did not come in time, but they promised us to be fully ready for 2024 (I’ll take that promise folks!) and both the Growlers and ANG F-15s suffered mechanical issues and delays, missing the join up this time but also eager for the next opportunity.

Pacific Airshow is well known for attracting some of the best aerobatic aircraft out there, and oh yes that is absolutely true!! Huntington Beach as a backdrop (to have some signature photos with the pier) for the Red Bull BO105 helicopter, Tom Larkin’s MiniJet, Samy Mason and Mike Goulian flying the Extra’s add the incredible jet powered Jet Waco biplane, all present to join the Skyvan! Our nicest join-up that evening was a chance to get the T-33 two-ship flown by ‘Wired’ and ‘Scratch’ in the golden hour. We missed them during our test flights in March, but here they were…golden sunshine on two metal fuselages…A-MA-ZING. To make sure that a ‘big’ project is also a good number of join-ups, we opened up the goodie bag for the photographers, when we flew out two days – yes, again by ‘surprise!! – to Camarillo to fly with our friends from the Commemorative Air Force, So Cal Wing. It’s pretty mouthwatering what they have flying there, and on top of it the most famous of all DC-3’s ‘That’s All Brother’ was visiting and of course it would join the Skyvan photoship. In just 2 days we flew with 11 of their most precious warbird, the Mig-17 flown by Jason Somes included! The best was saved for last, flying in the Californian golden hour along the coast with the Hellcat and PBJ….what a treat for all photographers. And needless to say that we will return to Pacific Airshow and Camarillo with a big smile in 2024!

Just to relax from a busy 2023 season, we flew the Skyvan two more days in Arizona, just for a bit of fun and to check what they all have to offer. Only in the Phoenix area there are so many interesting aircraft that we plan to several 1-day projects there next year.

Only after 15 airshow seasons flying the Skyvan photoship all across Europe, we finally got a chance to fly our very first sunrise join-up!!

But so worthwhile if you have a great subject aircraft (the T-33 from the Arizona Aviation Historical Group) and the combination with a formidable backdrop in the shape of Superstition Mountains. Both days saw us fly also in the golden hour again with pretty much unbeatable light conditions. We flew with a bunch of aircraft where the first prize goes to Greg Sembower in his immaculate Mustang. For 2024 we plan to fly with the best Arizona has to offer, both civilian as military should be in the mix for 2024.

Our 2023 photo flight in the US and Canada has learned us a lot in the short time, certainly challenges and unexpected hurdles, but most were solved very fast in a very sweet way. We are ready for a bigger 2024 season, where we will fly the Skyvan again in Abbotsford International Airshow, Pacific Airshow and Camarillo, Arizona flights, and very happy to add a full week of aerial join-ups in Florida when we head out to Lakeland…yes, it is Sun ‘n Fun!

Aviation Photo Crew Staff

Aviation Photo Crew Staff

Aviation Photo Crew Staff Eric Coeckelberghs

Aviation Photo Crew Staff Eric Coeckelberghs

Aviation Photo Crew Staff

Eric Coeckelberghs

Aviation Photo Crew Staff

Eric Coeckelberghs

Aviation Photo Crew Staff

Aviation Photo Crew Staff

Aviation Photo Crew Staff

Aviation Photo Crew Staff

NATIONAL

MUSEUM

OF

THE

UNITED

STATES

AIR

FORCE

P HO T O G R A P H I N G

20 ACRES OF AVIATION HISTORY Article and photos by Gary Daniels, Craig Swancy, Gary Edwards, John Ford

Storage hangar Camera: Nikon D850 Lens: Sigma 15mm f/2.8 Shutter speed: 1/60 ISO: 1250 Exposure: f/4

Gary Daniels John Ford has a unique lifestyle. He keeps his southern California home rented most of the year. That funds his RV excursions around the United States with his cute travel companion, Sadie, an exuberant black lab rescue that loves the life on the road. As a photographer that specializes in aviation, John points his mobile photo unit towards the next aviation venue down the road to work his magic. He is quite the magician with a camera.

In mid-summer of this year, John called fellow ISAP members Gary Edwards, Craig Swancy, and Gary Daniels to discuss an idea he had.

It was a good idea. John would be spending two weeks at Oshkosh.

He proposed that the three of us meet him at the National Museum of the United States Air Force in Dayton, Ohio the week after Oshkosh. Since we were looking for any chance to escape the terrible Texas summer heat, we jumped at the opportunity. Edwards has a very nice RV, so we loaded it up and headed north.

The Swoosh. This earliest remaining B-17 variant has the ‘shark-tail’ vertical, side gun blisters, and undermounted ‘bathtub’ belly gun position.

The Swoosh was in the Philippines when the war started and flew some of the first combat missions against the Japanese. It was later evacuated to Australia and became a VIP transport which is why it survived the war.

This aircraft will be an amazing addition to the museum when restored and on the museum floor for public viewing around 2030. We also saw the B-17G Shoo Shoo Shoo Baby, broken down into major sections, as it was being readied for transport to the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum’s Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center. This B-17G has been in the care of the museum since 1988 and was shipped to Udvar-Hazy in late August where it will be reassembled and put on permanent display.

For me, this museum has been a bucket list item for some time.

Having the opportunity to visit this historic facility, with three other aviation photographers, was a real treat. The museum consists of four cavernous hangers, housing more than 350 aerospace vehicles and missiles in 20 acres of enclosed space. And the museum is celebrating its 100th year of operation. For our first day, we had a special bonus.

John arranged a private tour of the museum’s restoration and storage hangars with public relations specialist, Ken LaRock. Ken is very knowledgeable with a contagious enthusiasm for aviation history.

After leaving the restoration hangar, we were driven to the storage hangars. Upon entry, there was a simultaneous, “WOW!” from all of us!

Remember the last scene in the movie Raiders of the Lost Ark where the ark is place in the warehouse? These hangars had that same feel about them. The first hangar was packed full of very historic and very dusty aircraft. Wandering in and around these tightly stored aircraft felt like we were exploring hallowed ground. The second hangar contained all manner of aircraft pieces and parts on the ground or in tall racks.

These racks were filled with wooden crates that had black stenciled lettering painted on them. As you walked past the crates, the stenciled letters might read ‘ME262 PARTS,’ or ‘WRECKED ZERO FUSELAGE,’ etc. We marveled at the aviation history tucked away in these hangars.

We certainly hated to leave when our tour came to an end.

For us “av geeks” with cameras, we were stopped in our tracks when we entered the restoration hangar and saw the only surviving B-17D, named

Our mission for day two and three was to practice our craft in the massive museum. The museum has a very liberal policy toward photogra-

phers, even allowing tripods and minimal lighting. Staff members and volunteers were also very helpful. The four of us headed our separate ways, with cameras in hand, to capture that ‘perfect image.’ One aspect I enjoy about photographing with a group of accomplished photographers is how differently we see and capture the same subject and how the images are processed so uniquely.

I hope you enjoy this collection of imagery of the National Museum of the United States Air Force seen through the eyes of four ISAP members.

And, if you have not been there, be sure to add it to your bucket list.

You will not be disappointed.

To find out more, visit: www.nationalmuseum.af.mil

De Havilland DH-4 Camera: Nikon D850 Lens: Nikon 24-120mm f/4 Shutter speed: 6 sec ISO: 100 Exposure: f/13

Gary Daniels

Gary Daniels

Boeing X-32 Prototype Camera: Nikon D850 Lens: Nikon 24-120mm f/4 Shutter speed: 1/400 ISO: 1250 Exposure: f/4

Gary Daniels Convair B-36 Peacemaker Camera: Nikon D850 Lens: Nikon 200-500 mm f/5.6 Shutter speed: 1/4 ISO: 100 Exposure: f/5.6

Gary Daniels

Sikorsky CH-3E Black Mariah Camera: Nikon D850 Lens: Nikon 200-500 mm f/5.6 Shutter speed: 1/15 ISO: 100 Exposure: f/5.6

Boeing B-17F Flying Fortress ‘Memphis Belle’ Camera: Nikon D850 Lens: Nikon 24-120mm f/4 Shutter speed: 1/2 sec ISO: 100 Exposure: f/6.3

Gary Daniels

Gary Daniels

Missile Gallery Camera: Nikon D850 Lens: Sigma 15mm f/2.8 Shutter speed: 1 sec ISO: 100 Exposure: f/9

Gary Daniels

CRAIG SWANCY

11 shot panoramic photo of the North American XB-70 Valkyrie Prototype Camera: Nikon D850 Lens: Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8 Shutter speed: 1/80 ISO: 800 Exposure: f/5

Rockwell B-1B Lancer Camera: Nikon D850 Lens: Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8 Shutter speed: 3 sec ISO: 200 Exposure: f/18

Craig Swancy

Northrop Grumman B-2 Spirit Camera: Nikon D850 Lens: Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8 Shutter speed: 1 sec ISO: 200 Exposure: f/18

Craig Swancy

Boeing B-29 Superfortress – The other B-29 Camera: Nikon D850 Lens: Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8 Shutter speed: .5 sec ISO: 800 Exposure: f/9

Craig Swancy

Boeing RB-47 Stratojet – The other B-29 Camera: Nikon D850 Lens: Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8 Shutter speed: 1.6 sec ISO: 200 Exposure: f/16

Craig Swancy

Convair B-36J Peacemaker Camera: Nikon D850 Lens: Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8 Shutter speed: 1.6 sec ISO: 200 Exposure: f/18

Craig Swancy

Lockheed SR-71A Blackbird Camera: Nikon D850 Lens: Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8 Shutter speed: 2.5 sec ISO: 200 Exposure: f/18

Craig Swancy

Boeing B-17F Ball Turret Camera: Nikon D850 Lens: Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8 Shutter speed: 0.6 sec ISO: 200 Exposure: f/8

Craig Swancy

GARY EDWARDS

Bristol Beaufighter Mk.VIF Camera: Canon 5D Mk IV Lens: Canon 24-105mm f/4L Shutter speed: 6 sec ISO: 200 Exposure: f/5.6

Boeing B-17D “The Swoose” Camera: Canon 5D Mk IV Lens: Canon 24-105mm f/4L Shutter speed:1/25 ISO: 320 Exposure: f/8

Gary Edwards

Gary Edwards

Boeing B-17D “The Swoose” Camera: Canon 5D Mk IV Lens: Canon 24-105mm f/4L Shutter speed:1/40 ISO: 320 Exposure: f/8

Gary Edwards

North American Aviation F-86H Camera: Canon 5D Mk IV Lens: Canon 24-105mm f/4L Shutter speed:1.3 sec ISO: 160 Exposure: f/11

Gary Edwards

National Museum of the US Air Force Acquisitions Storage Hangar Camera: Canon 5D Mk IV Lens: Canon 24-105mm f/4L Shutter speed:1/800 ISO: 640 Exposure: f/7.1

Gary Edwards

North American Aviation XB-70 Valkyrie Camera: Canon 5D Mk IV Lens: Canon 24-105mm f/4L Shutter speed:1/13 ISO: 640 Exposure: f/5.6

Gary Edwards

Chance Vought/LTV XC-142A Camera: Canon 5D Mk IV Lens: Canon 24-105mm f/4L Shutter speed:1/160 ISO: 0.6s Exposure: f/11

JOHN FORD

The Rocket Pavilion Camera: Canon Z8 Lens: NIKKOR Z 14-30mm f/4 S Shutter speed: .3 sec ISO: 200 Exposure: f/8

Detail of Tail Rotor, Sikorsky HH-3E Jolly Green Giant Camera: Canon Z8 Lens: NIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S Shutter speed: 2 sec ISO: 200 Exposure: f/11

John Ford

Engine & Prop Detail of Curtiss C-46 Commando Camera: Canon Z8 Lens: NIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S Shutter speed: 5 sec ISO: 200 Exposure: f/11

John Ford

Rear View of a Junkers Ju-52 Camera: Canon Z8 Lens: NIKKOR Z 14-30mm f/4 Shutter speed: 1/20 ISO: 200 Exposure: f/16

John Ford

Spanish Casa 2.111 in the Storage Hangar Camera: Canon Z8 Lens: NIKKOR Z 14-30mm f/4 Shutter speed: 1.3 sec ISO: 200 Exposure: f/11

John Ford

B-2 Seven Shot Focus Stack Camera: Canon Z8 Lens: NIKKOR Z 24-120mm f/4 S Shutter speed: 2 sec ISO: 200 Exposure: f/16

John Ford

P-38 Detail 10 Shot Focus Stack Camera: Canon Z8 Lens: NIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S Shutter speed: 3 sec ISO: 200 Exposure: f/11

John Ford

John Ford

John Ford

Lockheed Hudson in the Storage Hanger 3 Shot Focus Stack Camera: Canon Z8 Lens: NIKKOR Z 24-120mm f/4 S Shutter speed: 1.6 sec ISO: 200 Exposure: f/16

John Ford

Engine Detail of the SR-71 11 Shot Focus Stack Camera: Canon Z8 Lens: NIKKOR Z 24-120mm f/4 S Shutter speed: 3 sec ISO: 200 Exposure: f/11

When the Northern hemisphere starts to recline and we approach the Autumnal Equinox, I start to get that instinctual feeling in my bones that it must be time for the California Capital Airshow. The California Capital Airshow is always on my annual to do list. Not only because is it close to home, but it invariably offers a great line up of flying, static displays and is one of the few airshows that has a photo tour that is specifically tailored for aviation photographers.

This year’s show marked the return of the Thunderbirds and had spectacular first time visit from the Air Legends Foundation VC-121A “Bataan”. Unfortunately, this year there was no Friday evening show, but as always Bruce did a great job to make the best of the photo tour.

Hopefully it will make a return next year, but I’m just thankful to have the opportunity to go to an airshow and point a camera at airplanes for three days. As always one my absolute favorite part of airshows and the aviation photography culture is being able to share the experience with good friends and like-minded individuals. I always value the opportunity to laugh with one another and to learn from each other’s experiences.

I would like to add a special thanks to Bruce Boehm, the organizer of the CCA photo tour, and all the volunteers that make the tour the amazing experience that it is. Thanks Guys! Looking forward to seeing everyone next year!

California Capital Airshow

2023

Article and photos by Rob Tabor

Rob Tabor

Rob Tabor

Rob Tabor

Rob Tabor

Rob Tabor

Rob Tabor

Rob Tabor

Rob Tabor

I had looked forward to the Orlando Air and Space Show for a variety of reasons: 1) It would be my last time seeing the Thunderbirds this season, 2) it was to be Major Kristin “BEO” Wolfe’s final performances as Commander of the USAF F-35A Lightning II Demo Team, and 3) I would get to hang out with a bunch of Florida aviation photography friends.

As a bonus, while I was enjoying the mid-80’s temperatures in Orlando, my home in Denver, CO was hit with the first winter storm of the season!

The weekend started on Thursday afternoon with the arrival of the Thunderbirds solo pilots, making several passes as they surveyed the site before landing. A short time later the diamond minus one arrived.

The Slot Pilot, #4 Maj Lauren Schlichting was delayed enroute and arrived later. The 3-member diamond made a few passes before landing.

The late afternoon sun combined with the clouds made for some very cool looking photos. After all planes had recovered, I was able to snag an interview with Thunderbirds Opposing Solo Pilot, #6 Maj Eric “MIAMI” Tise about sneak passes.

During the Friday afternoon practice, the Thunderbirds took up Hometown Hero Lt Benjamin Wootson III of the Orlando Fire Department for the ride of his life. Rushing to make it for the departure, I forgot to grab earplugs and unfortunately experienced the sound of 7 F-16 Fighting Falcons idling at close range. Fortunately, Todd Whitaker saved the day by providing me with earplugs!

The Thunderbirds put in two signature performances, and not to be outdone, the West Coast Rhino Demo Team put the spurs to the F/A-18 Super Hornet. Then there was Major Kristin “BEO” Wolfe and the F-35A Lightning II. As many times as I’ve seen her perform, I am always in awe of how she flies.

BEO has been my favorite airshow performer for the past two years.

She very graciously signed some prints of her I had taken at the Pacific Airshow a month earlier. Once framed, they will be displayed prominently in my home. At the conclusion of her final performance on Sunday, the Orlando Sanford International Airport Fire Brigade gave her the traditional retiring pilots water cannon salute as she taxied in. BEO will be missed!

This well-run, and well attended show was the final stop of the 2023 AirDotShow Tour, and in addition to the Thunderbirds and the F-35A Lightning II Demo Team, featured the Navy F/A-18 West Coast Rhino Demo Team, aerobatic ace Michael Goulian, the beautifully restored Quicksilver P-51 Mustang, an Air Force Heritage Flight with BEO in the F-35A Lightning II and a P-51 Mustang, a Navy Legacy Flight with the F/A-18 West Coast Rhino and an F4U Corsair, and the RE/MAX Jump Team.

Saturday and Sunday the weather was warm and breezy, and the sky a mixture of blue sky and large fluffy clouds which made for a dramatic background. The Thunderbirds performance features two solo sneak passes. The first pass I have down, but was hit and miss with the timing of the second sneak pass so as this was my final Thunderbirds show for the year, I was determined to get it. Saturday I was just a bit late, but on Sunday I nailed it. Mission accomplished!

Orlando Air and Space Show Article and photos by Ricardo Mejia

2023

Ricardo Mejia

Ricardo Mejia

Ricardo Mejia

Ricardo Mejia

Ricardo Mejia

Ricardo Mejia

Ricardo Mejia

Ricardo Mejia

The September Family

Says Farewell to its Reno Home

FINAL F Article and photos by Gary Daniels

This past March, the Reno Air Racing Association (RARA) announced that 2023 would be the final year of air racing at Reno-Stead Airport.

Citing challenging economic conditions, rapid area development, and public safety issues, the 59th National Championship Air Races would be the last to be held in Reno. RARA CEO and Chairman of the Board, Fred Telling said, “While not the outcome we had hoped for, we will take this challenge in stride and emerge stronger than before. Our September Family has always pulled together through all these years! We remain undefeated, undaunted, and determined to re-launch the National Championship Air Races from a new home in 2025.” 2023 would be the last year spectators would be thrilled by the sights and sounds of high-performance jet and piston aircraft rounding the pylons at breakneck speed in the ‘Valley of Speed.’

Hearing this news, aviation enthusiasts from around the world who have always wanted to see the Reno Air Races, but hadn’t, made plans to do so. And those that have attended multiple years, or even decades, were not going to miss this last Reno…no way, no how! And, come they

did! Attendance was up almost 40% over the past 10 years. The daily crowds filled the giant bleachers and sponsor boxes. The food providers were overwhelmed, and the souvenir vendors sold out of all ‘last Reno’ commemorative swag by the middle of the week. An estimated 140,000 attended to show their support and witness the ‘Final Flag.’

My very first Reno Air Race would be the very last Reno Air Race. Over the decades, I have watched the legendary races from afar. Career and family responsibilities made it too difficult to attend. But each year, I would soak up the news, video, and photos while the races were underway. I was always in awe of the pilots and aircraft making history. Names like Slovak, Gardner, Shelton, Destefani, Hinton, Holm, Lockwood, Swager, Leeward, Brown, Penny, Zaccagnino, Vandam, Van Fossen, and Buehn flying aircraft with names like American Spirit, Viper, Red Baron, Rare Bear, Strega, Voodoo, Dreadnought, Miss TNT and Midnight Miss III. For me, I saw the event as a pinnacle of aviation I must see one day.

With the March announcement, I pulled out all the stops to attend the Final Flag at Reno.

FLAG

I arrived at the fabled Reno-Stead Airport mid-week, missing all the excitement of the qualification races. This year, six classes competed instead of the usual seven. The Biplane Class could not participate due to the results of a very unpopular lawsuit. More than 150 aircraft and pilots competed across the six classes. The aircraft classes are what makes the Reno Air Race so unique. The Jet Class first competed at Reno in 2002 and features ‘vintage’ jets exceeding speeds of 500 miles per hour.

The racecourse for the Jet Class is 8.1025 miles. The Unlimited Class is one of the original classes from 1964. This class races stock or modified World War II fighters. There have also been a few ‘scratch-built’ racers over the years. Aircraft in this class can reach speeds nearing 500 miles per hour. The Unlimited Class course is 8.0851 miles. The T-6 Class races the World War II advance trainer North American Aviation T-6/ SNJ/Harvard. These stock and modified warbirds achieve speeds in the 220 to 240 miles per hour range. The T-6 Class course is 4.9352 miles.

The Sport Class features high performance and innovative kit-built aircraft. These aircraft are sleek and surprisingly fast, reaching speeds nearing 350 miles per hour. The Sports Class course is 6.9680 miles.

The Formula 1 (F-1) Class is one of the original classes from 1964.

These small aircraft are powered by the Continental 0-200 engine and can exceed 250 miles per hour. Many of these aircraft have been built by the pilots that race them. The F-1 Class course is 3.1875 miles. The last is the unique STOL Class. This is a new class added in 2021. The STOL Class does not fly fast, fly low, and turn left like all the other classes.

Instead, they fly a straight 2000-foot track. The goal of these light, fattired hot rods is to race down the track, land, come to a full stop, turn around, take off and race back down the track to land and come to a full stop. Whichever aircraft can do all that the fastest wins.

Gary Daniels

Laden with 25 pounds of camera gear, I certainly put my steps in each day. My days started at sunrise and ended after dark. Like a wide-eyed child trying to take it all in, I explored from one end of the expansive airport to the other, spending a considerable amount of time in all the class pit areas. I had heard the phrase ‘September Family’ from several people and had first seen it in the press release about the ending of the race at Reno. It is in the pit areas that I began to understand what this phrase meant. The ‘pits’ are concentrated mostly on the west side

of the field, with the Jet Class and STOL pits on the east side of the grandstands. Whether in the F1 hangar, or in the open-air Jet, Unlimited, T-6, Sport, or STOL class pits areas, I gradually became aware of a feeling that I couldn’t quite put my finger on, but I knew it was special.

Each of the pit areas were frenetic with activity: teams working hard to ready their aircraft for the various races of the day, panels off, wrenches turning, parts being replaced, surfaces wiped down, and aircraft being pushed out to the tarmac for engine runs. Within each of the pits, I heard

Gary Daniels

laughter and bantering. These folks were working hard and having a great time while doing so. I saw family members present in the pits, children darting about, wives preparing lunch, friends dropping by and hugging each other with that hug you give to a good friend you haven’t seen in a while. I began to realize that this is the ‘September Family’ I have heard about, that wonderful family that all these people have become a part of by coming to Reno for years or even decades.

In the Unlimited pits, I caught the eye of my friend, Mike Hastings, and ask to come into the pit. Mike is one of those aviation superstars that is ever so humble and believes in helping others however he can. He was at Reno as part of the support team for Race 44, a P-51D named ‘Sparky’ being flown by Brant Seghetti. I asked Mike about his emotions as he was working at the last Reno ever. Mike thoughtfully replied, “I have been going to Reno for almost 25 years. Spanning the beginning of my airline, warbird, and aerobatic careers up until now, Reno has been so many things for me over the years. I’ve been a fan, a spectator, support crew, and mechanic.

I have been the beneficiary of incredible grace from others, a friend of so many, and part of a very special family. We celebrated together, and we grieved together. I will forever hold dear the unique aviation passion that

Gary Daniels

Gary Daniels

exists only in Reno. Reno is a chapter in my life that will never fade in my memory.” Ah yes, that September Family. I was beginning to understand.

While passing though the T-6 pit area, I noticed several of the teams applying speed tape over every fuselage and canopy seam. The silver speed tape gave the aircraft a messy appearance that seemed to fit in with the grittiness of the racing environment. I spotted John Lohmar, pilot of Race 88 T-6 ‘Radial Velocity,’ and ask him if the taping really

helped that much. John pointed to a section of fuselage just taped and replied, “If I can get a tenth of a knot here and a tenth of a knot there by taping the airframe, well, that may just make the difference in the race.”

All of these teams were at Reno to win!

There were four aircraft at Reno that did not come to race, just to wow the crowds and participate in the Final Flag at Reno. Warren Pietsch

Gary Daniels

brought his stunning P-51C ‘Thunderbird.’ Throughout the week, Bernie Vasquez would lift off in Jimmy Stewart’s old ride and thrill the audience.

Also present was Bob Hoover’s P-51D ‘Ol Yeller,’ the Planes of Fame P-51D ‘Wee Willy II,’ and the recently restored P-47D Thunderbolt ‘Bonnie.’ For the opening ceremonies on Saturday morning, a missing man formation was flown with ‘Thunderbird’, ‘Ol Yeller’, Vick Benzing’s P-51D ‘Plum Crazy’, and ‘Wee Willy II.’ A very special tribute indeed.

On Sunday afternoon, the last race ever to be flown at Reno would be the T-6 Gold heat. After the race, during the recovery of the race aircraft, Chris Rushing and Nick Macy perished in a terrible accident. The races were ended by mid-afternoon. Emotions flooded the entire airfield, especially the T-6 pits. With my ‘journalist’ cap on, I walked to the T-6 pits to investigate and report. Someone had wisely stretched ropes across the pit entries to keep the public out. I honored that wish and

moved on. It is important to remember that in the 59-year history of the race, 24 aviators and 10 spectators lost their lives.

The grandstands emptied quickly as the air race spectators left Reno-Stead for the very last time. A sadness prevailed in every area of the airport. I could see that the September Family was dealing with a terrible loss. I took a step back just to observe. For me, I felt like a very small bird that had landed on the very top of a gigantic and beautiful tree. The tree being a metaphor for Reno…the trunk and limbs the rich history of Reno…the leaves the countless friendships made over the years forming the canopy of family. The small bird is me, landing for the first time on this amazing tree for just a fleeting moment, never to be a part of the tree, but so grateful it exists.

Mike Steiger finished a five-year stint as the RARA president of the Jet Class after the 2023 races. His story illustrates the Reno experience.

Mike related to me, “My family and I wait impatiently all year to spend two weeks with our aviation “family” and to compete in the fastest class in the fastest motor sport in the world! I have created lifelong friends at Reno. We are rivals while we race, but when the checkered flag waves at the end of six laps, we are close friends again.”

Mike continued, “In 1975, my parents made the Reno Air Race our family vacation. As a 10-year-old aviation enthusiast, it was the thrill of a lifetime when I was in the Unlimited pits and asked to pull the chocks on Mac McClane Race 5, a Griffon powered RB-51 with counter rotating propellers. Next door was Darrel Greenameyer, who became a hero

Gary Daniels

to me with his yellow F8F Bearcat named ‘Conquest 1’. Across from McClane was Lyle Shelton in his F8F. I was hooked.

Thirty-two years later, in 2007, Ed Noel asked me to crew for Race 5, an L-39 named ‘American Spirit.’ In 2012, I found myself in the cockpit of Race 55, an L-29 named ‘Spirit of Freedom,’ once owned by Mira Slovak who was the winner of the very first Reno Air Race in the Smirnoff Bearcat. In 2015, I was given the opportunity to pilot Race 25, an L-39

named ‘Czech 6’ and raced it for two years to third place in the Gold.

Ed Noel then asked me to be the alternate pilot in Race 5. In 2018, I became the primary pilot for Race 5 and flew her to victory winning Jet Gold. In 2019, I placed second in the Jet Gold in Race 5. Race 5 did not participate in the 2021 or ’22 races. For 2023, we dusted off Race 5 for the last Reno not knowing how she would compete. We were surprised, Race 5 took the Gold! The Noel Air Race Team was honored to be a part of the last Final Flag at Reno.

Gary Daniels

The new location for Reno will be announced in December. I cannot wait to see where it will be.

Hopefully, all our September Family will continue to race at the new location. All of us will miss Reno.

This is where I, and so many others, learned air racing. As long as we have our September Family, we will be happy racing anywhere.”

Gary Daniels

Gary Daniels

Gary Daniels

20th Annual Apple Valley Airshow. Situated in the High Desert on the southern edge of the Mohave Desert is Apple Valley, the home of a long running air show that is a favorite of Southern California aviation enthusiasts. The Apple Valley Airshow combines a family friendly event with great access for photographers. The mountains situated behind the aerobatic box make for unique and dramatic images. The 20th annual Apple Valley Airshow and NAPA® Auto Parts Car Show took place on Saturday October 7th, with a practice day on the Friday the 6th.

The flying schedule was comprised of a captivating mix of hardware and routines. Early morning media access provided stunning sunrise images of the resting flight line hardware. The Dawn Patrol Formation Team filled the sky with thrills and smoke from their various RVs. Round Canopy Parachute paratroopers jumping from the C-53 Skytrooper D-Day Doll.

John Collver showing off his AT-6/SNJ “Wardog”. And an assortment of vintage World War II aircraft from the Palm Springs Air Museum and the Planes of Fame Air Museum showcasing the history of war birds.

Airshow attendees had a wide range of activities to enjoy prior to the actual start of flying. On the ground there were experimental and vintage airplane static displays, military vehicles, and the NAPA® Auto Parts Car “Show and Shine”. The STEM Expo tent featured exhibits and activities allowing the young, and young-at-heart, to learn to fly a plane, build an airplane, or a rocket!

Breathtaking aerobatics kept the crowds excited and cheering. Air Racer Tony Higa seemingly defied the laws of aerodynamics in his Pitts S-1S. Rob Harrison “Tumbling Bear” demonstrating the real meaning of tumbling during his aerobatic flight segment. Chuck Coleman in the Extra 300L performed extreme aerobatics. Coleman flight trained eight actors of “Top Gun: Maverick” in the same airplane he flew at the

20 ANNUAL th

APPLE VALLEY AIRSHOW Article and photos by Tom Spanos

Airshow. REDFOX Airshow’s Yuichi Takagi in his Pitts Special S-2S and the Undaunted Airshows aerobatics team featuring Stephen Christopher in his RV-7 and Todd Rudberg in his RV-8 added the frosting to the aerobatic cake.

Both old and new jets were well represented. Torrey Ward flying the SubSonex JSX-2 Microjet. Jason Somes thrilling the crowds with low and fast passes of the High Alpha Airshows MiG-17. And wrapping up the memorable day was the USAF A-10C Thunderbolt II Demonstration Team with Captain Lindsay “MAD” Johnson performing a full show, along with an Air Force Heritage Flight segment including a P-51.

The demonstration jet was painted in Vietnam era Southeast Asia camouflage. To honor the Prisoners of War, Missing in Action and

Veterans, the starboard side of the A-10’s nose features the names of members of the 357th Tactical Fighter Squadron who lost their lives or were captured during the conflict. People attending the Friday practice were treated to see the backup A-10C in the more traditional operational paint scheme. Can hardly wait for what is being planned for 2024!

Sunrise On the Flight Line

Tom Spanos

Flag arrival for National Anthem

Tom Spanos

Dawn Patrol / RV Formation Team

Tom Spanos

Tony Higa / Pitts S-1S

Tom Spanos

Jason Somes / Mig-17

Tom Spanos

Rob “Tumbling Bear” Harrison / Zlin 142C

Tom Spanos

Captain Lindsay “MAD” Johnson / A-10C

Tom Spanos

Torrey Ward / SubSonex JSX-2 Microjet

Tom Spanos

Chuck Coleman / Extra 300L

Air Defender 2023 was a big air exercise organized and hosted by the German Air Force in June 2023 (between 12 – 23 June). The aim of the exercise was to test NATO capabilities to project and deploy a large number of air assets across countries, even continents – a very relevant objective given the present global situation.

The United States provided a large number of planes, lots of them deployed over the Atlantic specifically for the exercise. For the spotters it was an amazing opportunity to catch airplane types that are not usually found in Europe. The exercise took place in several airbases in Germany – myself I could only travel to Hohn airbase to get some pictures. Hohn is in the North of Germany, 100km North of Hamburg and quite close to the Denmark border. In Hohn airbase there were maybe the most interesting heavyweights that took part in the exercise.

The base saw F-15s from the Air National Guard, Super Hornets and Growlers from the US Navy, Eurofighter Typhoons from the Royal Air Force and F-18C Hornets from the Finnish Air Force. Schleswig Airbase – which is quite close to Hohn saw the presence of the F-16s and A-10s from various units of the Air National Guard. Tanker and AWACS support was provided from the airbase in Geilenkirchen, and other German bases held transports and of course the German Air Force assets operated from their home bases. In total 25 countries participated with 10,000 people and 250 aircraft.

AIR DEFENDER LARGE US DEPLOYMENT IN EUROPE Article and photos by Dragos Munteanu

2023 Royal Air Force Eurofighter Typhoon

Dragos Munteanu FOD Walk at Hohn airbase

Dragos Munteanu US Navy F-18F VFA-213 Blacklions

Dragos Munteanu C-130J Texas Air Guard

Dragos Munteanu F-15C Louisiana ANG

US Navy EA-18G Growler VAQ-142 The Gray Wolves

Dragos Munteanu

F-15C 104th Fighter Wing, Massachusetts ANG

Dragos Munteanu

Finland Air Force F-18C Hornet

Dragos Munteanu

Preparing the Eagle for flight

Dragos Munteanu

Every year the Wings Over Houston Airshow takes place in October in Houston, Texas. This was the first Wings Over Houston without B-17 Texas Raiders and was very difficult to see another B-17 park in her spot but we were very fortunate to have Yankee Lady come to honor the B-17 and P-63 crew.

With the Thunderbirds performing and the F-35 demo season coming to an end for Major Kristin ‘Beo’ Wolfe, the airshow continued to have a great crowd. During the airshow we even had a solar eclipse.

Solar shades were donated by Houston Camera Exchange to over 50,000 people to experience of a once in a lifetime event while planes were flying.

There was also something different during the Tora act. B-25 Yellow Rose filled the position of flying Tora in place of B-17 Texas Raiders and did a great job.

If you have never been to the Wings Over Houston airshow it’s a great way to also see some planes from NASA based at Ellington Field and may be lucky enough to see a Predator drone on display. From photographing the kids at the special show, warbirds, and working with some great volunteers, this airshow is a great one that should be added on every photographers bucket list.

It was great having another B-17 at the airshow and photographers enjoyed shooting a polished B-17 at sunrise. Every year we sell out both days for the photo pit and sunrise tour.

WINGS OVER HOUSTON 2 0 2 3

Article and photos by Kevin Hong/Airspeed Editor

Kevin Hong

Kevin Hong

Kevin Hong

Kevin Hong

Kevin Hong

Kevin Hong

Kevin Hong

Kevin Hong

Kevin Hong

Kevin Hong

Kevin Hong

It is not unusual in our field to have the chance to visit a military base more than once. Many photographers have visited Naval Air Facility El Centro on multiple occasions and have captured some amazing images. However, the location for shooting the live take-offs and landings has not varied much. Most photon harvesters have a treasure trove of similar images. So here is a thought…challenge yourself to perfect a new technique. Case in point, despite not liking airplanes, I have been trying forever to capture rotor/prop blur on a cell phone.

I achieved this legendary accomplishment on October 19, 2023 at exactly 12:05 pm. How I did it was simple enough, using my iPhone 12 Pro Max, I took a “live” photo of one of the Navy’s CMV-22B Ospreys.

When you go into “Photos” to view it, you will see a little icon in the upper left corner that says “live” tap that and a range of options pops up.

I selected “long exposure” and SHAZAM! I finally got a shot similar to all of you pros who visit the base.

but I did start asking some of my younger Sailors how they achieved certain effects on their Instagram and other social media pages.

This pointed me in the right direction on what I should try. All I needed was opportunity and a subject; both appeared during a recent photo call.

The rest is documented history.

So, what’s my point to you all? Be curious. Try new things. Push your boundaries. But most importantly, do not be afraid to ask others how they “got the shot.” Now go out there and create magic that you have never created before…and celebrate. The feeling is incredible.

[Photo Caption: CMV-22B practicing “touch-and-gos” at Naval Air Field El Centro during a Fall photo call at the base using an Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max. Image courtesy of the U.S. Navy and Mr. Kristopher Haugh, Public Affairs Officer.]

Now, a lot of you may know about this technique. I am sure if you have young ones up to the age of about 30, they know this as well. I did not,

Photo Calls and An opportunity to experiment Article and photos by Kristopher Haugh

Base Visits

2023 MCAS Miramar

AIRSHOW America’s Airshow Article and photos Larry Grace / ISAP President

The commanding officer of Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Col. Thomas M. Bedell, and the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing Commanding General, Maj. Gen. Michael J. Borgschulte, invite the San Diego community and aviation enthusiasts to America’s Airshow at MCAS Miramar, Sept. 22-24, 2023 This year’s airshow told the story of the United States Marine Corps – from their history to their capabilities to forward-thinking innovation that will span the next decade and beyond.

“This is not just the Marine Corps Air Station Miramar Airshow; this is the largest military airshow in America. Come see ‘America’s Airshow’ and hear a story of innovation that spans a century of

American military aviation,” said U.S. Marine Corps Col. Marty Bedell, MCAS commanding officer.

This year airshow features a mix of civilian and military performers along with the unique Marine Air-Ground Task Force demonstration and the renowned USN Blue Angels.

The review of the airshow we will showcase images from our ISAP members who capture the action over the three day of the airshow.

Next year MCAS Miramar Airshow will take place on September 27-29, 2024

Left to Right: Col.Thomas M. Bell, Maj Gen. Michael J. Borgschulte, Alexa “Ali” Gilmore, British Ambassador to the US Karen Pierce, Chaplain CDR Scott Mason

MCAS Miramar, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing Band.

Camera: Nikon Z9 Lens: NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR Shutter speed: 1/160 ISO: 100 Exposure: f/6.3

Larry Grace

While the airshow had great weather on Saturday and Sunday, Friday give us overcast skies. Most of the time photographers want to showcase images with good skies. On day one of the airshow I wanted to test out the Nikon Z9 with the new 180-600mm and 70-180mm lens and to look at making images with the overcast and cloudy skies.

Camera: Nikon Z9 Lens: NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR Shutter speed: 1/1250 ISO: 560 Exposure: f/7.1

Larry Grace

Public Affairs MC1(AW/SW) Bobby Baldock capturing images of the demo in flight.

Camera: Nikon Z9 Lens: NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR Shutter speed: 1/3200 ISO: 800 Exposure: f/5.6

Larry Grace

USMC MV-22B Osprey demo - An American multi-mission, military, tilt-rotor aircraft with both a vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL), and short takeoff and landing (STOL) capability. It is designed to combine the functionality of a conventional helicopter with the long-range, high-speed cruise performance of a turboprop aircraft.

Camera: Nikon Z9 Lens: NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR Shutter speed: 1/160 ISO: 64 Exposure: f/5.6

Larry Grace

Maj Michael ‘Champ’ Frazer with the VMFAT-502 Flying Nightmares and F-35B demo pilot pulling vapor during the high-speed pass.

Camera: Nikon Z9 Lens: NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR Shutter speed: 1/160 ISO: 64 Exposure: f/5.6

Larry Grace

Larry Grace

Marines before the Marine Air Ground Task Force (MAGTF) demo watching the F-16 demo.

Camera: Nikon Z9 Lens: NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR Shutter speed: 1/3200 ISO: 800 Exposure: f/5.6

Maj Michael ‘Champ’ Frazer showcases the F-35B landing vertically like a helicopter and take-off within very short distances, allowing it to operate from austere, short-field bases and a range of air-capable ships.

Camera: Nikon Z9 Lens: NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR Shutter speed: 1/3200 ISO: 720 Exposure: f/6

Larry Grace

Watching the Lockheed U-2 Dragon Lady from the 9th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing I waited and as the U-2 was heading toward the sun and was directly under the sun I captured this image.

Camera: Nikon Z9 Lens: NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR Shutter speed: 1/3200 ISO: 64 Exposure: f/6.3

Larry Grace

In having the opportunity to work with the Communication Strategy and Operations (COMMSTRAT) marines over two airshows at MCAS Miramar sharing my photography knowledge and how to look at capturing different images of their airshow. Here are two of the marines in the airshow box during the MAGTF demo.

Camera: Nikon Z9 Lens: NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR Shutter speed: 1/3200 ISO: 140 Exposure: f/5.6

Larry Grace

F-16 Viper Demo with Capt. Aimee”Rebel” Fiedler and P-51 Mustang with Steven Hinton showcasing the USAF Heritage Flight Demo during the 2023 MCAS Miramar Airshow.

Camera: Nikon Z9 Lens: NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR Shutter speed: 1/320 ISO: 64 Exposure: f/7.1

Larry Grace

Ground and Air access for the Marine Air Ground Task Force (MAGTF) demo getting ready to head out.

Camera: Nikon Z9 Lens: NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR Shutter speed: 1/250 ISO: 140 Exposure: f/5.6

Larry Grace

A pair of F/A-18 Hornets with the VMFAT-101 “SharpSHooter” getting airborne for the Marine Air Ground Task Force (MAGTF) demo.

Camera: Nikon Z9 Lens: NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR Shutter speed: 1/2500 ISO: 800 Exposure: f/5.6

Larry Grace

KC-130J Super Hercules from the VMGR-352 “Raiders” landing with the marine ground force for the MAGTF. I wanted to see if I could handhold the Nikon Z9 w/NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR at a slower shutter speed.

Camera: Nikon Z9 Lens: NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR Shutter speed: 1/50 ISO: 64 Exposure: f/10

Larry Grace

Hot Streak ll Jet Truck with Hayden Proffitt racing Vickey Benzing in her 1940 Boeing Stearman.

Camera: Nikon Z9 Lens: NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR Shutter speed: 1/400 ISO: 100 Exposure: f/5.6

Larry Grace

Announcers Rob Reider and Matt Jolley keep an eye on the airshow and share their knowledge and humor with the airshow crowds.

Camera: Nikon Z9 Lens: NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR Shutter speed: 1/400 ISO: 100 Exposure: f/5.6

Larry Grace

GLENN BLOORE

Vicky Benzing in the Stearman 450.

Camera: Nikon Z9 Lens: NIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S Z TC-1.4x Shutter speed: 1/320 ISO: 180 Exposure: f/8

VMFAT-502 “Flying Nightmares” F-35B on the short take off.

Camera: Nikon Z9 Lens: NIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S Z TC-1.4x Shutter speed: 1/2500 ISO: 1100 Exposure: f/7.1

Glenn Bloore

Heritage Flight with P-51D and F-35B. Camera: Nikon Z9 Lens: NIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S Z TC-1.4x Shutter speed: 1/320 ISO: 80 Exposure: f/6.7

Glenn Bloore

F-35B Lightning II making some of its own weather.

Camera: Nikon Z9 Lens: NIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S Z TC-1.4x Shutter speed: 1/2500 ISO: 320 Exposure: f/6.7

Glenn Bloore

Capt. Aimee “Rebel” Fiedler in the beautiful Viper Demo F-16.

Camera: Nikon Z9 Lens: NIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S Z TC-1.4x Shutter speed: 1/2500 ISO: 560 Exposure: f/7.6

Glenn Bloore

VMGR-352 KC-130J taking off during the amazing MAGTF Demo.

Camera: Nikon Z9 Lens: NIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S Z TC-1.4x Shutter speed: 1/80 ISO: 64 Exposure: f/16

Glenn Bloore

HMLA-267 AH-1Z Cobras coming in to clean up during the MAGTF Demo.

Camera: Nikon Z9 Lens: NIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S Z TC-1.4x Shutter speed: 1/200 ISO: 64 Exposure: f/10

Glenn Bloore

KELLEY WHITAKER

Kelley Whitaker

Kelley Whitaker

FIELD TEST

Testing the Nikkor Lens 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 and Nikkor Z 70-180mm f/2.8 at MCAS Miramar AIrshow Article by José M. Ramos Photos by José M. Ramos and ISAP President Larry Grace

I’ll admit, early on I converted to Nikon’s Z system when they released the Z6 and Z7 back in late 2018. Regardless of what its detractors said online, I liked its ergonomics and performance for my aviation work and found the quality far out paced my D500 and D7200. Therefore I made the jump to full frame and mirrorless simultaneously and never looked back.

There was one thing though that did frustrate me about the system, the lack of native Z mount lenses. Nikon had published an impressive roadmap of lens development but with no firm dates on future releases that left many frustrated as well. For me, it mostly stemmed from the fact that I was coming from the DX format and even though Nikon had produced a great way of adapting existing F mount glass to the Z bodies via the FTZ adapter, most of my glass would not be suitable for full frame and I was left with a dilemma because I did not want to buy legacy lenses to adapt to the new format and then rebuy them in Z mount when someone released it. So I made do with what I could, yet, I still looked at the lens roadmap lustfully for a host of the future releases but none so much as the 200-600mm, especially since I was so blown away with the performance of the the 24-70mm, the 24-120mm and 14-30mm Z mounts I was using. I had enjoyed using the Nikon 200-500mm F mount when I could get my hands on it on the D500, with the crop factor it

put me at the equivalent of 750mm on the long end. This is why I didn’t consider it for my Z system, I really liked that extra reach. With no inkling of a release for the 200-600mm, I had to bite the bullet and settled on the Sigma 60-600mm Sport which came highly recommended by Larry Grace and Jim Koepnick and the FTZ lived on that lens all the time.

It’s an incredible lens and has served me extremely well, but I knew I would eventually migrate to a native equivalent once either Nikon, Sigma or Tamron released one if it met the performance I needed.

That day finally came this year as Nikon announced the 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3. I don’t think anyone was ready for what Nikon had accomplished here. Now there had been a lot of speculation about this lens over the last five years, from its ergonomics, size and of course price.

In conversations with Larry, I said I fully expected them to release it at a price point that would blow everyone away, much the way they did with the 200-500mm. And low and behold, Nikon set the cost of the lens at basically $1,700 USD. Between that and the published specs, I immediately put in a preorder the morning it was announced. But what was amazing was the buzz the lens was getting online, even some of Nikon’s biggest critics were singing the company’s praises on what they had done with the lens. I was bristling with anticipation.

My lens arrived the first week of September (Happy Birthday to me) just a few days after the release date. Larry Grace received his about the same time and we immediately began to compare notes. First of all, no amount of online reviews will ever beat getting your hands on the actual product and at first glance, I was impressed. It was lighter than the Nikkor 200-500mm and my Sigma 60-600mm. Significantly so.

This is important as being a one man band, I’m already overloaded on assignments with not just cloths and camera gear, but flight gear and on an ever increasing frequency, my lighting kit. Being lighter it was a bit smaller than I thought it would be, this makes it extremely manageable.

The fact that its an internal zoom adds to this, it doesn’t telescope out as you change focal lengths. It has an incredibly short throw for the zoom ring, so short that you really have to get your hands on it to appreciate it. When shooting, I usually rest the tripod foot in the heel of my hand and crab the zoom ring back and forth with the thumb, index and middle fingers. With lenses with a longer throw, this usually meant I couldn’t rack the focal range very quickly though I found it more stable than ham-fist or manhandling the zoom ring. Now with the 180-600mm, its the perfect range for my preferred technique.

After a week or so of playing with it at the local wildlife refuge I was more than happy with its image quality. Larry had been spotting at Luke AFB with it and his images we equally impressive but he said he’d give it a proper shake down at Miramar. Turns out I was going to be in San Diego at the same time for a friend’s retirement so we decided to meet up at the Marine Corps Air Station Miramar and cover the airshow and give the lens a run through the ringer.

First of all, let me say that Miramar was an excellent location for a real workout for the lens, and truthfully, for some of my atrophied skill sets.

The Marines know how to put on a good show. This was only my second time attending an open house at a Marine Corps Air Station, the first being Cherry Point years ago, and I realized that neither event was a fluke, they put on the best shows I have ever attended. With demos that included the V-22, F-35B, C-17, a hand full of civilian acts, the highlight was the Marine Air Ground Task Force (MAGTF) demo and the headliners, the Blue Angels. It was time to shake the cobwebs off and get to work. I had the Z9 set for Auto ISO in manual mode, AF-C and though I tried a variety of focus modes, I settled on Large Area AF with Auto Subject detection mode, firmware 4.1 with airplane subject detection mode would not be available for another two weeks. VR was set in camera to Sport, there is no switch on the lens for that, only an AF range limiter and AF - M selector. And so, it was time to hit the tarmac. The lens did not disappoint.

forces moved onto the field. It required one to constantly change shutter speeds depending on the subject ranging from 1/250 up to 1/3200 of a second. Sometimes there wasn’t time to adjust the camera settings as the pace was almost as fast as actual combat operations. Even so, those times I missed or didn’t have the opportunity to adapt for the subject, the lens and camera continued to perform amazingly. There were times where due to my own shortcomings that I missed a pass, either by my settings being off or my panning wasn’t what it should have been and there times I should not have gotten the shot, but I did. The AF and VR combination on the Z9 and the 180-600mm are just that amazing.

Even shots at low shutter speeds with warbirds produced a significantly higher hit rate than I had at previous shows. But one part of the weekend is the one that I use to illustrate the capabilities of the new 180-600mm.

During the Sunday show, after the Blue Angels diamond performs one of the overhead formation changes, we all expect the sneak pass, I picked up #5 with plenty of time and tracked him across the line, a solid green box superimposed on the cockpit as he did so, I quickly turned around to catch #6 and he performed his sneak pass from behind the crowd.

With the media tent, blocking most of my view, I didn’t have the luxury of tracking the Super Hornet. It was a snap shot. And the lens immediately picked up the F/A-18E and locked in on it, every frame tack sharp.

With the weekend complete, I was more than satisfied with my investment.

The Nikkor 180-600mm was everything hyped up to be and more.

While some critiqued the fact that it is not an S series lens, much of what goes into it is S series quality and it shows. This lens was definitely worth the wait. It was great getting together with Larry Grace, really appreciate his company that weekend and meeting fellow ISAP member Mike Bilek.

But most of all, I’d like to thank the US Marine Corps, especially the Public relations team and the 3rd Marine Air Wing and MCAS Miramar for the assistance, their hospitality and their trust in helping us get where we needed and wanted to be to document the show. Semper Fi!

In real life the cooperation between these units would be challenging enough. Shrinking it down into a small area for the benefit of the public to see and better understand the complexity and demands of the Marine Corps capabilities and mission and is a testament to their professionalism. For the photographer it is an incredibly diverse number of subjects that included almost everything in the Marine Corps Aviation inventory; AH-1Z, C-130, CH-53, F/A-18, F-35, UH-1Y and V-22s were all represented. The biggest challenge was switching from panning and tracking extremely fast movers as Hornets and Lightnings simulated BDA and Show of Force passes to much slower helos performing their attack runs on simulated enemy positions to over-watch keeping as ground

José M. Ramos

The biggest test for the lens, and for me, was the MAGTF demo.

The demonstration throws everything at you, exactly like the combat operations it simulates. If you’ve never experienced one of these at a Marine Corps open house, you’re missing out. Its a display of the coordinated efforts of fixed wing, rotary wing and ground forces in taking an enemy air field.

JOSÉ M. RAMOS

PHOTOS TAKEN WITH NIKKOR 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3

C-17 Globemaster from the 452nd AMW from March AFB. Camera: Nikon Z9 Lens: NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR Shutter speed: 1/2500 ISO: 400 Exposure: f/6.3

US Marines AH-1Z Viper helicopters.

Camera: Nikon Z9 Lens: NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR Shutter speed: 1/3200 ISO: 450 Exposure: f/6.3

José M. Ramos

US Navy Blue Angels Fat Albert takeoff.

Camera: Nikon Z9 Lens: NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR Shutter speed: 1/250 ISO: 64 Exposure: f/7.1

José M. Ramos

Airshow announcer Rob Reider informing the crowd.

Camera: Nikon Z9 Lens: NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR Shutter speed: 1/250 ISO: 64 Exposure: f/9

José M. Ramos

Formation of T-34s with smoke on.

Camera: Nikon Z9 Lens: NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR Shutter speed: 1/250 ISO: 64 Exposure: f/10

José M. Ramos

F/A-18 Hornet high speed pass.

Camera: Nikon Z9 Lens: NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR Shutter speed: 1/2500 ISO: 500 Exposure: f/6.3

José M. Ramos

Blue Angels member teaches kid to use a light gun to signal the team.

Camera: Nikon Z9 Lens: NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR Shutter speed: 1/800 ISO: 72 Exposure: f/5.6

José M. Ramos

CH-53Es showing the lift capabilites during the MAGTF demonstration.

Camera: Nikon Z9 Lens: NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR Shutter speed: 1/250 ISO: 64 Exposure: f/9

José M. Ramos

Blue Angels opposing solo knife edge pass.

Camera: Nikon Z9 Lens: NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR Shutter speed: 1/3200 ISO: 500 Exposure: f/6

José M. Ramos

Blue Angels #6 surprising crowd from behind.

Camera: Nikon Z9 Lens: NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR Shutter speed: 1/4000 ISO: 1400 Exposure: f/6

José M. Ramos

Blue Angels Delta pitch up.

Camera: Nikon Z9 Lens: NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR Shutter speed: 1/4000 ISO: 720 Exposure: f/5.6

José M. Ramos

LARRY GRACE

PHOTOS TAKEN WITH NIKKOR 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3

Lt. Cmdr Julius Bratton flying the BA#7 jet with the 2024 Blue Angels #3 Left Wing pilot Lt. Wes Perkins during the high speed sneak pass.

Camera: Nikon Z9 Lens: NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR Shutter speed: 1/3200 ISO: 450 Exposure: f/6.3

Larry Grace

Up close with a F/A-18 Hornet with the VMFAT-101 “SharpSHooter” during the Marine Air Ground Task Force (MAGTF) demo.

Camera: Nikon Z9 Lens: NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR Shutter speed: 1/3200 ISO: 1000 Exposure: f/6.3

Larry Grace

T-6 Texan with the Warbirds over Miramar taking off for the demo passes these aircraft will be doing.

Camera: Nikon Z9 Lens: NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR Shutter speed: 1/200 ISO: 64 Exposure: f/6.3

Larry Grace

Up close with C-17 Globemaster from the 452nd AMW from March AFB. Camera: Nikon Z9 Lens: NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR Shutter speed: 1/3200 ISO: 800 Exposure: f/6.3

Larry Grace

Larry Grace One of the Marines getting ready for the Marine Air Ground Task Force (MAGTF) demo.

Camera: Nikon Z9 Lens: NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR Shutter speed: 1/3200 ISO: 800 Exposure: f/6.3

Lt. Cmdr Julius Bratton flying the BA#7 jet with the 2024 Blue Angels #3 Left Wing pilot Lt. Wes Perkins showing off the top side of the Super Hornet.

Camera: Nikon Z9 Lens: NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR Shutter speed: 1/2500 ISO: 400 Exposure: f/6

Larry Grace

LARRY GRACE

PHOTOS TAKEN WITH NIKKOR Z 70-180mm f/2.8

Members of the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing Band entertain the fans before the start of the airshow.

Camera: Nikon Z9 Lens: NIKKOR Z 70-180mm f/2.8 Shutter speed: 1/160 ISO: 100 Exposure: f/6.3

Two young airshow fans pointing out and enjoying the static aircraft around them.

Camera: Nikon Z9 Lens: NIKKOR Z 70-180mm f/2.8 Shutter speed: 1/320 ISO: 200 Exposure: f/6.3

Larry Grace

Larry Grace

Marines of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) getting set up their display to showcase their work to the airshow attendees.

Camera: Nikon Z9 Lens: NIKKOR Z 70-180mm f/2.8 Shutter speed: 1/200 ISO: 280 Exposure: f/6.3

USMC MV-22B Osprey static and setup for tours for the airshow attendees.

Camera: Nikon Z9 Lens: NIKKOR Z 70-180mm f/2.8 Shutter speed: 1/160 ISO: 280 Exposure: f/6.3

Larry Grace

ISAP MEMBER’S SHOWCASE Photo by Mark Streit

4th Fighter Wing over Seymour Johnson AFB launching countermeasure flares.

Camera: Canon R6 Mk II Lens: Canon RF100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM ISO: 125 Shutter speed: 1/400 Exposure: f/11 RAW CR3 Processed in Adobe Lightroom CC 2023 w/ the Topaz Photo AI

ISAP MEMBER’S SHOWCASE Photo by Eric Wafford

(2-Ship) A-10 on approach Runway 12 at Davis-Monthan AFB Tucson Arizona.

Camera: Sony A1 Lens: Sony FE 200-600mm F5.6-6.3 G OSS ISO: 1000 Shutter speed: 1/3200 Exposure: f/8

ISAP MEMBER’S SHOWCASE Photo by Eric Mason

F-22 Raptor in full afterburner at NAS Oceana.

Camera: Sony A1 Lens: Sigma 60-600mm DG OS HSM Sports Lens ISO: 360 Shutter speed: 1/2500 Exposure: f/8

ISAP MEMBER’S SHOWCASE Photo by Keith Charlot

Brad Wursten and the Brad Wursten Airshows MX-2 with the Blue Angels F-18E Super Hornets 5 & 6 above Grand Junction, Colorado October 12, 2023.

Camera: Nikon 500 Lens: NIKKOR DX 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 ISO: 125 Shutter speed: 1/200 Exposure: f/10 Processed in Adobe Photoshop

HOW I GOT THE SHOT Article and photo by Scott Slingsby

This is one of those images that I said to myself that I would get around to some day. It only took me six years to get back to it. At the end of day during AirVenture 2017, I was walking the line of trainers in the warbird section when I spotted the thunderhead growing in front of a row of AT-6s and BT-13s. This plane was lined up the best with the weather so I did a five shot HDR and processed it in Lightroom then converted it to black and white in Silver Efex Pro. Camera: Nikon 500 Lens: NIKKOR DX 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 ISO: 125 Shutter speed: 1/200 Exposure: f/10 Processed in Adobe Photoshop

HOW I GOT THE SHOT Article and photo by Steve Zimmermann

In March, 2023, Rich Cooper and Steven Comber of COAP (the Centre of Aviation Photography) and ISAP member Joe Copalman organized a week of air-to-air photo missions in the Phoenix area. As in all endeavors of this kind, the stars did not align for every opportunity on the planning list. Even so, we were able to fly to remote wilderness locations and shoot a modified Bell 412 from Dillon Aero; we were privileged to photograph, air-to-air, the world’s only flyable Consolidated PB4Y-2 Privateer; and in one remarkable, three-hour mission we photographed four air-to-air subjects in two widely separated locations: two Yak-50s from the Red Star Squadron, a pristine T-33 owned by Dillon Aero, and a Lear 35. For the latter mission seven still photographers and a videographer clustered around the open jump door of a Cessna Caravan.

Camera: Nikon Z7 Lens: NIKKOR VR 100-400mm f/5-6.3E ISO: 160 Shutter speed: 1/320 Exposure: f/14 Processed in Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom Classic

HOW I GOT THE SHOT Article and photo by José M. Ramos

Capt Ken Ham (USNRet) and Scott Glaser of Tactical Air Support Inc fly wing on a General Atomics MQ-20 Avenger drone at Edwards Air Force Base. All three aircraft were fitted with the Lockheed Martin next-generation TacIRST and participated in a test flight to provide Air-to-Air Moving Target data in addition to demonstrate the cross platform capability of the system.

Camera: Nikon Z9 Lens: NIKKOR 24.0-120.0 mm f/4.0 ISO: 160 Shutter speed: 1/1000 Exposure: f/8 Processed in Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom Classic

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Identify these aircraft. The answers are found next to the Kenyon Gyro Ad.

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Delkin’s New BLACK CFexpress™ Type B Cards Deliver Up to 1700 MB/s Sustained Speeds

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ISAP Board Members President and Board Chairman

Larry Grace

Vice President and Vice Chairman Jim Wilson Treasurer Gary Edwards ISAP Board Member George Kounis ISAP Board Member Kevin Hong ISAP Staff Member John Sepp Chairman Emeritus Jay Miller Airspeed Editor Kevin Hong

Airspeed is a periodic publication of the International Society for Aviation Photography (ISAP) and is used to communicate news, functions, convention information, and other information of interest on the local, regional, and national scenes. The views and opinions expressed in this newsletter are those of the authors and should not be construed as the views or opinions of the International Society for Aviation Photography (ISAP).

Please contact us at info@aviationphoto.org

Airspeed is a publication to showcase our members’ work in capturing aviation events.