Saturday, February 09, 2008

Weighty Matters

Is This Another Battle Of The Bulge?


Photographs copyright: DAVID McMAHON

This week's theme is "Heavy", so I had to rack my brain as I reviewed some of my photo folders. This is one of the heavier objects I've photographed recently. Any idea what it is? If you're not sure, have a look at the objects reflected in the huge metal bulge.

Here's another view of it. As you can see, I was trying to get a really unusual angle of the object.


It's an F-111 of the Royal Australian Air Force. This series of photographs was shot at Australian International Air Show at Avalon Airport.


This angle (above) intrigued me for a couple of reasons. First, because grey is the over-riding colour across most of the frame. Second, because of the angle of the open twin canopies and their own reflection.


This shot (above) shows you some of the armament lined up on the tarmac in front of the F-111. This is the reflection you can see in the first frame. Another point of interest is this: the nose is painted matt black. It's not a paint with a glossy finish - and yet the reflection in the first frame suggests that the matt black paint has a sheen to it.

On another note, if you thought Steve Martin had an impossibly long nose in the film Roxanne (with Daryl Hannah) where he played a modern-day Cyrano de Bergerac, think again. Ain't nuthin' got a longer nose than this flying machine.

VERSE & WORSE: Check out Looney Limerick Competition #3.

72 comments:

  1. wowza David..this beauty puts Pinochio to shame!..what super photos..ok I'm a greedy Nyer, I want a ride in THAT too!..LOL

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  2. Cute birdie! :-)

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  3. Ah the old Aardvark! Scared the hell out of Kadafi and would have killed him too if the freakin' French weren't such A-holes!

    I remember how futuristic they looked back in '66 when one landed at DaNang. Quite impressive then and still flying.

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  4. Anonymous8:26 AM

    That is a weird looking plane.

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  5. Phwor, great shots....!

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  6. David- Those are great shots of the plane! I saw an air show this summer for the first time in years. It was awesome. Nothing like seeing the plans up close =)

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  7. Can't say I've ever seen anything quite like that in the U.S.--but then again, would I know it if there was?

    First impressions?:
    The last shot reminded me of a rodent with a really long nose.
    The third shot looks like an insect.
    And I won't tell you what I thought of when I saw the 2nd shot...

    Of course I thought they were all fabulous and interesting shots!





    (Am I kicked off your blog?) :S

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  8. Anonymous9:24 AM

    I suspect that the paint is an anti-radar or similar canceling paint. I've seen paint like that on the target drone engines.

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  9. I think the second photo is my favorite!

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  10. Great shots for the theme- as always!
    happy hunting and happy weekend :)

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  11. Hey David...cool post!

    Yes, those Valentine's are for you;) Sorry I've been away, skiing in Vail until Sun. One foot of new powder today!

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  12. Interesting looking plane with some nice angles. :)

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  13. You got some interesting shots of the plane. I could tell from the first shot that it was an airplane but I didn't know what kind. My heavy post is up too. I hope you have a great weekend.

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  14. I knew it was a plane before I scrolled down to the other photos. I remember you posted picutres from the air show not too long ago. I will have a heavy picture up soon (it's still Friday here.)

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  15. Heavy is right!

    Just viewing the first photo, I thought of a close up of a cement mixer on the road. ,-)

    Well, that was way off. :-)

    Mari-Nanci

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  16. Wow, those are great shots and perfect for the theme. Mine is about aircraft too.

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  17. good choice David. When looking at the first one, I kept thinking...."why are their fish on the ground under that plane????" tee hee
    Have a great weekend.

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  18. Hi WomanHonorThyself,

    Yes, I'd love a joyride. See you at the side of the plane in 15 minutes?

    Keep smiling

    David

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  19. Hi Vienna for Beginners

    A heavy bird, too!

    Keep smiling

    David

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  20. Hu Mushy,

    Er, um, is this a good time to reveal that my mother was half French, which technically means I am one-quarter French?!!!

    Keep smiling

    David

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  21. Hi Vic,

    In the air, because they're swing-wing aircraft, they look incredible graceful.

    Keep smiling

    David

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  22. Hi Julie,

    Thank you. I knew you would appreciate the choice!

    Keep smiling

    David

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  23. Hi Colleen,

    The only thing better than seeing 'em close up would actually be going up in one!

    Keep smiling

    David

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  24. Hi Amn2deep,

    No, you're safe. I spoke to Mushy and he said to let you stay!!!

    Keep smiling

    David

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  25. Hi Seamus,

    You've got me interested in that theory. Another of my readers was in the RAAF and knows all about the F-111. I'll do a quick check ....

    Keep smiling

    David

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  26. Hi Tammy,

    You and me, both. It's just such an unusual angle!

    Keep smiling

    David

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  27. Hi Mar,

    Thank you very much. Glad you liked the shots. I've never forgotten that you pointed me in the direction of TNChick's blog for the Photo Hunt details, so thank you very much.

    Keep smiling

    David

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  28. Hi Nap Warden,

    Shucks, all for me? Just for me? Incredible!

    Glad you enjoyed your ski trip. The only powder here in our hot, dry summer comes in a can!!

    Keep smiling

    David

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  29. At first glance it looks like a particularly wicked bee...then as you pull away it becomes clear what it is. But it's beauty lies in the long view...altho...."I'm ready for my close up, Mr. DeMille...oh yes, I see it now. It's a thing of beauty at any angle.
    Sandi

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  30. Heavy,? but it flies David.lol.
    great post tho,

    Mine is heavy, where yours fly, mine sinks, which is heavyest.??

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  31. Woah!! Those must have been quite a sight :)
    We're having our Aerospace 2008 show in Singapore next week from 19-24 Feb :)Mcmahon! come come come down to Singapore!!! heehee..

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  32. What a great series, David. Wow. Puts safety and peace in a new light!

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  33. Very nice picture! I'll have to email my dad to look at this. He retired from the USAF in '71. The last thing he flew was an F-106 Delta Dart.

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  34. Guessed it from the first pic.

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  35. Those are great pics of an amazing aircraft. Wow.
    My niece is in the Air Force and has been sending me some fabulous shots from Iraq. Just incredible engineering.

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  36. Wow nice photos!
    Amazing that they are still flying those!

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  37. Fun take on the theme!

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  38. Anonymous3:51 PM

    Once again, I am fascinated with your photos! Great ones for this weeks theme. Have a great weekend!

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  39. These are great photos for the heavy theme David. I don't think there will be any more planes this week.

    Have a great weekend.

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  40. You have some good shots here this week David. I love the F-111 a lot.I think I should make an effort to visit the next air show over here.

    Come in for some fun in Criz’s Sanctuary and/or some serious matter in Insight Criz. Have a nice weekend!

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  41. That is amazing,looks like it could do lots of damage.

    to answer your question on my blog yes it is ok to add me to yours as i have added you as well

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  42. Anonymous6:03 PM

    Wow, those are great photos!

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  43. Our friend Red (who shows up in our journal from time to time) was flying those when we first met. Although some referred to them as Flying Edsels, Red said that they were a very nicely handling craft.

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  44. Anonymous7:44 PM

    WOW! Such amazing shots here:)

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  45. wow. i am amazed by the matt paint job reflecting the ammo. cool shots.

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  46. David, here's more information on Singapore Aerospace 2008 if you're coming next week :P Do let me know when you're coming :)

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  47. sure 'nough!!! Heavy bombs.

    My heavy is posted...hope you can drop by and celebrate my birthday with me. Happy Hunting!

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  48. that fits heavy in two connotations doesn't it?

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  49. Anonymous12:42 AM

    Those are GREAT, David!

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  50. I thought those were bombs but didn't want to believe my eyes. The shape was familiar. It's quite a clean plane: no bug spots ;0) You had fun with this one! The photos are great. My Photo Hunt — Heavy is here. Thank you.

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  51. Anonymous1:14 AM

    I am always amazed that such heavy things can fly.

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  52. Yeah i would say that one is pretty heavy. Great choice for the theme. Happy weekend!
    Baby Pushing Mommy

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  53. Wow, David! What a fantastic job of photographing from all angles! Thanks for that! Happy PH! :)

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  54. Anonymous2:56 AM

    Wonderful shots! Thanks for sharing these with us!!!
    :)

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  55. You gotta wonder about the nose on that thing. Looks like it's meant for ramming, but I don't think that's a very effective strategy with Mach speed jets.

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  56. Beautiful shot - its hard to think of that is heavy when I am dependent on them staying aloft with the clouds in the sky. For the record - I love the French, the half french and all the degrees inbetween. Vive la France

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  57. David,

    Great first shot as are the others.
    I caught your comment at The Teach's post and was hoping to read a sneak peek of your novel. Be sure to let me know when it is posted, please. It intrigues me.

    Blessings,
    Mary

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  58. That plane wasn't exactly what you'd call sleek. I had to take some photos at a company called Aerial Machines yesterday for a magazine layout and they make equipment and harnesses for Navy Seals, the Coast Guard, the military, etc. It is Government owned and it was just such a cool mission. I thought of you when they would have some photos of the wall with pilots and their fancy military planes. I think you would've enjoyed the tour at this facility.

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  59. You have the coolest photos... thanks for sharing.

    Mine is up at
    4SeasonsOfMyLife
    . Hope you can visit me too. Happy Photo Hunting.

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  60. What superb photos! I'm glad you posted the last one, or I might not have believed you about the matt black nose - just how did those reflections happen?

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  61. what an amazing bird...

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  62. Great shots David. I love the angles of the first three shots.

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  63. Odd looking plane....but as usual great photography. I hope you will stop by my blog someday.

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  64. You always have great pictures. Great for the theme.
    Have a great weekend.

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  65. Sure glad that baby's on the ground and not looking for me. I would imagine it could put a hurtin' on.

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  66. Not my favorite subject, but cool shots, nonetheless. :)

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  67. These are great photos -really like the one with both canopies open. Terrific choice for The Hunt - haven't seen anything like it.

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  68. Anonymous8:58 PM

    This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

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