Formation flying or dogfighting training?

[J0hn]

Hey Chaps, another lovely day on the edge of The Fens and have already been treated to a flypast of a couple of Spitfires. I wish my camera was a little better - I have to lower the resolution and zoom right in (10x optical plus 3x digital zoom), which reduces the res from 3684x2736 to 640x480 and if I lose the subject from the viewfinder, that's it. It also struggles to focus properly at those sort of ranges.

However, I did manage to snap some of the Grob Tutors, probably from somewhere like Cranwell or Barkston Heath. Most of the snaps were once again just a blur - but I did get these two:





I was amazed at just how close they were flying to each other - sometimes even more than you can see in the first shot. Maybe it's Red Arrows future pilot training!

But then they start 'chasing' each other around the sky. At first, I thought this might be elementary air combat manouevres, but they are often so close together, I think it must be formation flying that is being practised.

They do this quite regularly, once or twice a month, and spend a lot of time doing it.

Opinions welcome

[J0hn]

Looks like I found my answer:

http://www.raf.mod.uk/equipment/tutorgriffin.cfm

Though I still don't know what "WSO" training is

[PaulC]

Weapons Systems Officer I think. Like the chaps in the rear of the Tornado.

[Effoh]

Been over my place last week as well....