Japan winter 2012 Iwakuni

[Ronaldsnl]

Hey,

Just back from a wonderful Japan trip. In 10 days almost 4000 km. One of the bases we visited was MCAS Iwakuni. Since the new runway is in use the photo opportunities dramatically improved. Wow what a base. Only sad that the sun started shining after 1 o'clock and by that time the sun is not in a favourable position anymore. At the moment you can see 3 squadrons of USMC F-18's here: VMFA 121, VMFA 115 and the based VMFA 242

Here a small selection, straight from the camera with a minimal rework. All pictures with a 300 mm lens on a digital body (crop 1.6)












If you are not in for the heavy jet noise during take off you can also choose your position at the crashgate, many of the F18's take the last exit.




2 MH53's from HM14 were a very nice visitor, unfortunately they left when the sun was not in a good position anymore.

I hope you like the pictures. Pictures from other bases will be online soon.

Regards

Ronald Stevelink

[CBR]

Thanks Ronald for the info & pics. Looking forward to the rest.

But what changed now?, where were you standing?? and what runway was in use?? Please clarify ... I believed only in the afternoon the sun was right ...

[Stratofreighter]

2 MH53's from HM14 were very nice visitors

Okay, so not the best picture around, but these rotary behemoths are indeed very interesting!

[Ronaldsnl]

Thanks Ronald for the info & pics. Looking forward to the rest.

But what changed now?, where were you standing?? and what runway was in use?? Please clarify ... I believed only in the afternoon the sun was right ...

Please check Google maps (via Scramble or something), there you see the new runway. They reclaimed new land and buid the new runway. The old one is not in use anymore. The whole base is one big construction site now in preparation of CVW-5 who will move from Atsugi to here in 2014.

There is a small road around the runway end where you can stand. The base site is surrounded with a 3 mtr orange wall. The runway end is now closer to the road so aircraft stay lower. All pictures are with northern wind. Runway is almost north south and the best spot is on the east side because the aircraft bank more to the right in take-off to avoid chemical plant. So after 1 o'clock you have to move to the other side but aircraft are banking away from you

See the phototag from Paul Nann: http://forum.scramble.nl/viewtopic.php?f=41&t=81269 , posted thursday Jan 12 and scroll down to the end.


Regards
Ronald

[dinovandoorn]

All pictures are with northern wind. Runway is almost north south and the best spot is on the east side because the aircraft bank more to the right in take-off to avoid chemical plant.

But what me was told 90% off the time it is southern wind at Iwakuni and the other side is not this good

[Ronaldsnl]

All pictures are with northern wind. Runway is almost north south and the best spot is on the east side because the aircraft bank more to the right in take-off to avoid chemical plant.

But what me was told 90% off the time it is southern wind at Iwakuni and the other side is not this good

Northern wind is very common at Iwakuni area, that's what i have heard form Japanese spotters. Most of the pictures what I have seen from Iwakuni are pictures in take off, this means with northern wind. But if the wind is from the south this spot can be very good for landing shots but I don't know how short the circle to turn before landing of the F-18's is.

Ronald

[CBR]

So if I understand correctly there is a small road north leading to the east side of the new runway.

Here a video were the banking during take off can bee seen http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TtpWjNF40UQ , but is it on the old or new runway?

[Ronaldsnl]

So if I understand correctly there is a small road north leading to the east side of the new runway.

Here a video were the banking during take off can bee seen http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TtpWjNF40UQ , but is it on the old or new runway?

I think this is the new situation, the crashgate is clearly visible, the same spot where I took the picture of the commander F/A 18 from VMFA 242. From there there is a road with a tunnel under the runway end to the other side. Plse check the photoforum link as mentioned above with all pictures of the new situation. The road is constructed for the local people to go fishing with at the end parking for around 8 cars. The road is only accesible from 8 AM till 10 PM.

It's really a great place.

Ronald

[CBR]

Thanks Ronald for explaining, I did not scroll down completely. Now its clear to me. Must be indeed a great place for pics ...

[dinovandoorn]

All pictures are with northern wind. Runway is almost north south and the best spot is on the east side because the aircraft bank more to the right in take-off to avoid chemical plant.

But what me was told 90% off the time it is southern wind at Iwakuni and the other side is not this good

Sorry i mean northern wind is very common indeed so you are lucky at Iwakuni when you have southern wind to get these kind pictures.
The other side is a bit disapoiting in my opinion if you compare with the other JASDF bases Only the P-3's stay low in takeoff for some good pictures...