Due to orders by the higher command of the Luftwaffe, flying displays of their aircraft are not allowed anymore. Thus the only possibility of the wings to represent themselves to the public is by Open Doors or other similar events. And the aircraft enthusiast is eagerly waiting for one of those rare chances to attend a "Photoday", regularly organized by the different wings.
Where?Wittmund AFB When?05/06/2009
The JG71 "Richthofen" in Northern Germany held one of these events in combination with its 50th anniversary week-end on June, 5th. Unlimited in the number of attendances the wing did its best to satisfy the "need" of all those Phantom Phreaks to come to the sole remaining wing operating the mighty F-4F Phantom II in the Luftwaffe.
In relation to the 50th anniversary a special coloured Phantom was also presented and beautifully placed for the purpose of some nice photographs. The basic color of the jet was silver due to the anniversary and the main theme was Manfred Freiherr von Richthofen, after whom the wing was namend, and his famous Red Triplane. Both of these motives could be found on the tail, in combination with various other markings around the rest of the jet.
F-4F Phantom II 37+03 - "50 Jahre JG71"
---- ---- ----
---- ---- ----
Several other visiting jets were also parked around the airfield, with the special coloured Italian AMX and Marineflieger Breguet Atlantic being the main attraction and big surprises. Furthermore a line-up of no less then 11 Phantoms was a sight that will soon be gone. But until the introduction and the final end of the Phantom era with the arrival of the Eurofighter in Wittmund still some time will go by.
some "Warbirds" and the Gateguard at the roundabaout in Wittmund
---- ---- ----
So even with not many resources, but even higher restraints, JG71 succeeded very well in organizing an event that made everyone happy who grasped the chance to attend it!
On the 1700km return-trip from Bavaria some gate-guards in the Wittmund area were also photographed. Sincere thanks go the respective "Infomeister's" at these locations and to one member of our group for 'digging them out'.
Family days at the EADS site in Manching are always something special - a fact that proved once again to be true this year. According to official sources around 100.000 were attracted by this event that…Read More
Every year at the pentecost week-end the Cerny airfield near La Ferté-Alais, which is located around 90km south of Paris, is the big meeting point for the French and European Warbird and Oldtimer-scene. This year…Read More
Another big event and one reason for our trip: the Farewell Show of the Mitsubishi F-1 at Tsuiki.Unfortunately the rain did continue dropping on the roof when we woke up in our cold room on…Read More
Reims, the capital of the Campagne, France's finest wine region, is also home of the French Air Forces (FAF) Base aérienne 112 (Air Base 112) "Commandant Marin-La-Meslée" which host three fighter wings equipped with Mirage…Read More
The JG71 "Richthofen" in Northern Germany held one of these events in combination with its 50th anniversary week-end on June, 5th. Unlimited in the number of attendances the wing did its best to satisfy the "need" of all those Phantom Phreaks to come to the sole remaining wing operating the mighty F-4F Phantom II in the Luftwaffe.
---- 
---- 
---- 
---- 
---- 
---- 
---- 
---- 
---- 
---- 
---- 
---- 
---- 
---- 
---- 
---- 
---- 
---- 
---- 
---- 
---- 
---- 
---- 
---- 
---- 
---- 
---- 
---- 
---- 
---- 
