Al Ain airshow 2011

Just like every year so far, I attended the Al Ain Aerobatic air show. The oasis city, less than 90 mins away from Dubai organizes a full on air show at it's mixed civil-military airport.

Xtreme sBach by Philipp Steinbach      Germany
Unfortunately this year the weather did not fully cooperate. What is normally a four day event, was reduced to a two day one, due to reduced visibility and Shamal winds on the first days. I went on the last day (Saturday Feb 5th) and was not disappointed!

Even though the show is quite small compared to the large European and North American ones, it has matured quite a bit and most of the time has some interesting demos.

Blue Voltige, Italy flying a Fournier RF-4 and RF-5
Blue Voltige, 2 Fournier motor gliders from Italy flying close formation are a great example how something simple can stun a crowd.

Otto, the helicopter
Otto the Helicopter kept the kids busy...

Scandinavian Airshow wingwalkers
These two young ladies of the Scandinavian airshow performed their wing-walking routine, in front of the unique red sand dunes.

Team Viper, formation of three Hawker Hunters
Team Viper is the only Hunter formation display team in the world. The beautiful aerodynamic lines of these 1960's vintage supersonic fighters are just a delight for the eye! 

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The loudest thing I ever heard by far was this Pyro Jet powered truck. Luckily I did not have to pass my yearly pilot medical the next day!
   
This year there were three aerobatic jet teams at Al Ain; 

BAltic Bees flying the L39
The Baltic Bees flying the L39

Saudi Hawks
The Saudi Hawks flying the BAe Hawk Mk65

Turkish Stars flying the NF-5
And finally my favorite team of the show, the amazing Turkish Stars flying the NF-5A/B!

As always, the Al Ain air show is surely a must see if your in the region early February...For more of the images click here.

Till next year,

Click that shutter,
BJORN

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Comments

JK said…
very nice..Esp the BAe Hawk Mk65 clicks..dats just awsome.which lense was used here Bjorn?
Bjorn Moerman said…
Lens used for most images above, Nikkor 70-200 2.8 with 1.7 teleconverter