Location: RAF Northolt Fly Navy 100 Photocall
Date: 7th May, 2009
Northolt temporarily became 'RNAS Northolt' for a day as the Navy based the 20-odd helicopters taking place in a flypast over Greenwich here. A group of just over 100 enthusiasts was allowed on base to record their departure eastwards and subsequent arrival. the two specially-painted Sea Kings were present - one in the type's original dark blue colours on entry into service 40 years ago and the green and white arctic 'Junglie'. Undoubted highlight of the day was the sight and sound of all 24 choppers rotors turning and waiting for right time to leave for the flypast. Close on its heels was being by the Lynxes as they left en-masse - one hovering almost within touching distance as it waited its turn to join the queue to leave.
First to arrive were the Merlins from Culdrose. ZH834 leads ZH833 in.
ZH834 and ZH833
ZH833 with ZH861 landing behind,
Merlin line-up.
ZA137/20 wears the Navy red and grey search and rescue colours.
ZA137
Arctic-schemed ZF115 and ZF121.
In the original Sea King colours from 40 years ago is XV648/818.
ZF115
The only representitive from the Marines was Lynx AH7 XZ648.
ZF115
ZA137 with XV648 sandwiching Sea King ASac7 XV707.
XV648 moves off while XV707 waits.
Merlins ZH834/86 and ZH833/85 return to Northolt.
A line of Sea King Junglies lead by ZF121/T.
ZF115
Sea King ZD625/P taxies while XZ648 hovers behind.
ZF115
