Where? Hamamatsu, Japan
When? 23/10/2011

The show at Hamamatsu was one of the reasons for the Japan trip 2011. Not that much of a well known destination for aircraft enthusiasts as many of the other fast jet bases around Japan Hamamatsu hosts the T-4 training wings as well as the Airborne Warning & Control squadron equipped with 4 Boeing E-767.

Photography-wise the decision was quickly taken to spend the day outside for some nice photos. The spot in question was well known from my last stay there in 2005 and I lined my ladder up with many more Japanese photographers.

Unfortunately heavy showers spoiled some of the displays, including the one of the F-2 from Gifu.

To celebrate the 100th anniversary of Hamamatsu und the 50th anniversary of the Air Rescue Wing as well as to commemorate the Earthquake disaster relief efforts a S-60 helicopter and a U-125 were adorned with special colours. The conditions were not the best to accentuate the scheme on the dark blue helicopter, but it presented very well its both sides of the scheme.

Contrary to this the weather was better for the E-767 and how often do you to see a 767 flight display? The aircraft was very well presented during different fly-bys and a touch&go.

By coincidence another airshow took place the same day at Komaki. My Japanese friend that I would be able to get there driving 'German style' and to also see the KC-767 tanker aircraft of the JASDF on the very same day.
After some more kilometres on the road and many more Yen for the highway toll I was at Komaki.