Harriers in YBCS????????
Thread Starter
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 75
Likes: 0
From: Back in Oz
Living under the flight path of 33 in Cairns, you see some interesting, and loud stuff every now and then, but I'd bet my left one that three Harriers just flew in. Only saw the third one, but I'm sure it was a Harrier. Anyone know what this would be about????
Check Attitude
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 476
Likes: 0
From: Queensland, Australia
Didn't see the Harriers, but heard three mil jets fly in on rwy 33, later noticed a USAF KC135 (B707 tanker/refueller) parked just outside the International apron on the loop taxiway. will have a look tomorrow.

Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 4,704
Likes: 589
From: 500 miles from Chaikhosi, Yogistan
One departed this morning in a loud rush over my joint at Yorkey's. Seemed Harrierish with the high anhedral wing although the short nose seemed more rounded. I am not too good on Mil types, suffice to say it was NOT an F111 nor an FA18.
Ran and grabbed the telephoto lens for the rest of 'em, but silence followed by the grinding of a 146....
Ran and grabbed the telephoto lens for the rest of 'em, but silence followed by the grinding of a 146....
Check Attitude
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 476
Likes: 0
From: Queensland, Australia
No Harriers, heard that one was an A6 Intruder, all had "Omega 7x" callsigns ( Omega 73, Omega 71 etc), and, wait for it, the tanker was a civilian contractor, don't know if it was Shell or Mobil ! , no logo's on the KC135. Yes, they departed Cairns about 2330Z, headings 270, 180 and 210 for intercept at FL 240.
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 101
Likes: 8
From: Everywhere
There are no active A-6's in service. You may have seen an EA-6B Prowler, however they are severly overstretched and it would be suprising if they spared any for Avalon (if that's why they are here).
Right, spotter anorak off....
Right, spotter anorak off....

Joined: Nov 2001
Aviation Qualifications: PPL
Posts: 538
Likes: 1
From: Oz
F18 and EA6B departed in trail off 33, climbed to FL240 in formation. B707 tanker (private operator from Ireland) departed about 5 minutes behind them - formated with the lighties about 30NM SW Cairns and flew to Avalon for the airshow. They came in the previous day from Guam.




