The Mach Loop

[Steve Davies]

Gents (and Ladies)

If the mods want to move this to the flying videos thread then I am sure they will, but I thought that this video was so damned good that it deserved its own thread.

The Mach Loop

The video was taken from a hill top in Wales where Air Forces from around Europe come and do their low flying. For the RAF, these low fly areas don't have a minimum altitude restriction, and for USAFE I believe the limit is 500' AGL. In this video, there is some good F-15E action, as well as a C-130J pass for you heavy types. The little black jets are BAe Hawk T.Mk 1As, and the guys flying them are students undergoing the Fast Jet portion of their flying training.

I visited this hill with Hacker last year and can tell you that as the jets go over your head, you can hear the air ripping in their wake. This video conveys a little of that awe inspiring experience.

Anyway, I hope that you enjoy, and kudos to the videographer for doing such a great job!

Cheers

Steve

[Toro]

In this video, there is some good F-15E action

This is the spot where Ricko got the pictures from this thread.

[Hacker]

The forums at www.lowfly.net also have tons of pics from Cad Pass and Bwlch.

[HercDude]

Pretty awesome that in most of those shots the camera is looking down at the jet.

But seriously . . . . Dido?

[LFA7Roundabout]

Hi everyone, this is my first post on a great forum,

I'm a military aviation photographer in the UK and specialize in taking photos of low level aircraft, particularly in the Mach Loop or as you guys call it "the Roundabout". In fact in June last year I was fortunate enough to fly through the loop myself in an RAF Hawk so know just how the experience is first hand.

Since 2008 I have photographed over 20 different F-15s out of Lakenheath flying through these valleys and have taken some awesome photos so I though I'd post them on here in the hope that some of the aircrews may recognise themselves - if you do then drop me a pm and I'll send over some high res copies.

And if you are stationed at Lakenheath at the moment then maybe, perhaps maybe, you would be kind enough to perhaps arange a "photoshoot" in the Roundabout sometime - pm me if this is of interest to you.

I would love to also hear any stories that you have of flying the Roundabout and also the "Stonehenge" tour (Stonehenge, Lands End I believe). From an enthusiasts point of view, to hear an American voice come on freq 278.000 gets the pulse racing, and then to hear the unmistakable noise and then the shadow of an approaching F-15 before finally trying to get the photo that will make the trip worthwhile.

Over to you guys - and thanks from the UK... Alex

Edited May 11, 2012 by LFA7Roundabout

[matmacwc]

Somebody came on 278.000? Gross. Good pics!!

[TrainerModel]

rad pictures

[youngpj]

Great pics Alex!

[rancormac]

I had an incentive ride w/ the 494th and went through the Mach Loop. The O-6 that was flying with us got a call once we landed to investigate a report by some civ on the ground calling in a near mid-air collision. It was pure coincidence that he was in the flight with us, and tasked to investigate it. Although, we were no where near a mid air collision. Don't know what the sheep herder on the ground thought he saw...

[Hacker]

Good words - although thankfully also may be down to some respectful photographers who have photographed some non-squeaky manouvers and thankfully not made them public!!

I don't doubt that is true.

Back when lowfly.net was in full swing a few years ago, there were also some posts from photogs who posted things that could have been interpreted by USAF brass very wrong. I remember seeing threads titled things like, "Lakenheath Eagles Air Show For Photographers in LFA 7!!"

Oh the F-15E ones went public enough...

Which ones are you talking about?

[LFA7Roundabout]

I see that the 493rd have visited the Roundabout every day this week so far. Anyone fancy visiting there next week sometime??? "C"s used to be rarer than hens teeth at low level in the uk

[Toro]

I see that the 493rd have visited the Roundabout every day this week so far. Anyone fancy visiting there next week sometime??? "C"s used to be rarer than hens teeth at low level in the uk

Buried somewhere deep in the is a list of all the ops squadrons who are having to stand down due to budget cuts, but I'm pretty sure at least one of the LK E-model squadrons was affected.

C models in the Mach Loop, huh? Must be time for them to re-hack annual LASDT training.

[osulax05]

They can log LASDT below 10k' though right?

[LFA7Roundabout]

Buried somewhere deep in the is a list of all the ops squadrons who are having to stand down due to budget cuts, but I'm pretty sure at least one of the LK E-model squadrons was affected.

C models in the Mach Loop, huh? Must be time for them to re-hack annual LASDT training.

Hi Toro

Both the 492nd and 494th Squadrons were indeed affected, although some E-model currency flights have taken place this week

[ClearedHot]