Aviation Photography by Philip Stevens available for any assignment. 1000's of images (mostly action). Features on Air shows, Low Level, Air to Air and Base Visits. Bias towards military aircraft and photographic ideas/inspiration. Images for sale as prints or under commercial license.

   

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RAF Cottesmore
December 2007
 

This is a photo-report using images taken during two days at RAF Cottesmore of mostly the based Harriers. I specifically wanted to capture the Harrier operating in low and crisp winter light. 
The Harriers based here come under Joint Force Harrier (JFH) with 1(F) and 4(AC) Squadrons (RAF) and the Naval Strike Wing (NSW) with 800 and 801 Naval Air Squadrons (NAS). The Harriers here have been operating from Kandahar in Afghanistan under the US led Operation Enduring Freedom in the Close Air Support (CAS) and reconnaissance role since November 2004. 

Departing Harrier GR.7A's, image 072_4098w5
Harrier GR.7A (ZD376/24A) with it's 1(F) Squadron markings removed
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Left to right: Harrier T.10 (ZH657/105) of 1(F) Squadron.
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Left to right: Harrier GR.9 (ZD410) in 4(AC) Squadron's special 95th Anniversary scheme; '95 1912-2007'.
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Left to right: Harrier GR.7(ZD329/10) devoid of markings had recently come out of maintenance and is with 1(F) Squadron.
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Left to right: Harrier GR.7A (ZD404/33A) in 1(F) Squadron markings and multiple mission markings, nose art of 'Lucy' has been replaced by another panel.

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Harrier T.12 (ZH664/112) in 20(R) Squadron colours,
back-tracking down the runway after landing for another short take-off.
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Left to right: Harrier T.10 (ZH664/112) in 20(R) Squadron colours from RAF Wittering.
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Left to right: Harrier GR.9 (ZD379/27) it's 4(AC) Squadron markings removed. It is carrying a Raytheon Paveway III Precision 1,000 lb (454kg) Laser Guided Bomb on the port wing and a 1,000 lb dumb bomb on the other side. It is with the Naval Strike Wing (NSW).
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Left to right: Harrier GR.9 (ZD435/47) in 1(F) Squadron markings about to depart on a low level sortie in LFA7 in Wales.
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Left to right: Harrier GR.9A (ZG478/68A) it's 4(AC) Squadron markings removed as now with NSW, is about to depart on a low level sortie in LFA7 in Wales with '47'.
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Left to right: Harrier GR.7A (ZD376/24A) it's 1(F) Squadron markings removed.
Harrier GR.7(ZD470/60) in 1(F) Squadron markings. 
Harrier GR.9(ZD409/38) with it's 4(AC) markings recently removed as it is now operating with the NSW.

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Harrier GR.9 (ZD409/38) leading out a two-ship.
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Left to right: Harrier GR.9 (ZD463/53) about to depart Cottesmore from the eastern end and Harrier GR.9 (ZD379/27) returning to base with an inert Paveway III Laser Guided Bomb (LGB).