Not an expert myself, FlyingCroc , but I do know that objects closer to the shadow produce darker shadows than ones that are farther away. Also, really have a good look under that 4-engined beauty - there is definately a shadow.
30+ years work for an agency known for its' .. erm . . photo work should count for something, shouldnt' it ? (ie photopro) I did mention that since hi-res originals were not available to my gentleman analyst that there is a 5% chance you are right.
Also, surely we can agree that the AF flights pictured here were not the first (nor likely the last) big-iron flights to be caught in such a great (albeit interesting) photo at this lovely locale.
regards,
vap