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JohnC
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« on: October 11, 2010, 07:12:32 pm » |
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I was at home at 11.30 this morning and we're used to helicopters flying overhead - the police, the Air Ambulance, private helicopters to our aerodrome which is a helicopter base as well as for fixed wing aircraft , also we get an SAS ( I believe) Chinook fly over from their base in Hereford to wherever and we recognise the engine noise from all these but the the noise from this one was different. I went outside and had to take a second look - it was a US Apache,-AH-64....I've googled 'Apache images' and that's the one. I saw the 'profile' of it with the 4 underslung missile bays and recall seeing it on TV. What it was doing flying two circuits over our estate I don't know but the second run had given me a chance to grab the camera.  |
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martinastro
Martin Mc Kenna
Global Moderator
Hero Member
Posts: 5182
Maghera, N. Ireland
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« Reply #1 on: October 11, 2010, 07:34:57 pm » |
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Wow, that's an impressive image John, you done well to get such a good shot so quickly. I love these Apache gunships and have never before seen one in live in the flesh. What was it doing? - there seems to be alot of military activity in your area. Keep your camera close to hand for more...
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rjgjr
Guest
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« Reply #2 on: October 11, 2010, 07:41:42 pm » |
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A very beautifu yet lethal 'Bird". We have the same here John, Life Flight choppers and U.S. Coast Guard fly just about daily about a thousand yards west of me right along the beach, too far to photograph them. But every once in awhile, that distinctive sound of the Apache, usually 4-6 flying from Northern California up to Astoria on training flights. Thanks for the photo!!
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paulster78
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« Reply #3 on: October 11, 2010, 08:32:47 pm » |
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Cool shot John, love these choppers too-you've froze the action nicely there.  |
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JohnC
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« Reply #4 on: October 11, 2010, 09:49:55 pm » |
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I wondered if anyone would be interested tbh. I'm really pleased I posted it now- It's because it wasn't a real close up but that was at 400mm (max. with my lens) on a 1.6 X camera, so, in effect 620mm. I didn't think to check the shutter speed until Paul mentioned it . I've just checked and the settings were manual (camera not the lens)-320 ISO 1/2500 sec. at f8. That's why it's turned out well-the high shutter speed and f8... Must be great to see several at the same time ,Richard.
I mailed someone who I knew would be able to give an answer. I wonder if it will copy/paste. YES.Brilliant. So here we are. Tomorrow, I'll pack a lunch and go to Salisbury Plain-it's about an hour and a half from here- weather permitting , I really need some decent light with this 100-400, it should be ok, we're forecast breaking cloud.
Here's the Email.
For the last week and continuing for this week there is an Apache pre-deployment exercise going on around Salisbury Plain and Devon.
They have 8 forward deployed to Hullavington airfield near RAF Lyneham for the exercise and their operating areas are Salisbury Plain to their south and Dartmoor/Chivenor to the west near me.
Some have been taking deviations on their courses and been working in Wales as well.
So what you saw was an Apache either on its way back from south Wales or it was utilising staverton for some training. They have been doing the rounds at airfields over the weekend (Exeter, Swansea, and a few others) and even along the south coast on Sunday.
Ive had them overhead my house everyday for 7 days now on their way back to Hullavington from Dartmoor on long range escort missions designed to be similar to what they go through in Afghanistan.
Seakings, Lynx and Apaches are involved in this particular exercise.
So it looks like you enjoyed your first Apache sighting! It is the most advanced Apache in the world, we have 67 of them and designated the WAH-64 Apache AH.1. It is the AH-64D Longbow variant.
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