As has become tradition on the first Thursday of October, Northolt once again lit up for the latest instalment of its world‑famous nightshoot — Nightshoot XXXV. Conditions were almost perfect, and remarkably mild. Many photographers joked that previous October events required hats, gloves, and a good dose of endurance, yet this year’s edition could easily have been tackled in shorts! True to form for any aviation gathering, there were a number of cancellations, nearly all unfortunately from the UK MOD. Sadly the 815 NAS Wildcat HM2 was unable to attend for a second time of trying, hopefully third time lucky at the next event! There was also due to be two RAF Chinooks in attendance, one from 28 Squadron at RAF Benson and one from 27 Squadron at RAF Odiham. Sadly, both failed to show during the event. It was a similar story for 45 Squadron with the Embraer Phenom T1 although these have attended a number of previous events. The Irish Air Corps had hoped to send a CASA C‑295MW, but that too did not materialise. Despite these setbacks, Nightshoot XXXV remained impressively well attended and without dwelling on what could have been Westleigh Bushell and Mark Empson took a look at the aircraft that did manage to make the journey below in a little more detail.

French Air and Space Force Jodel D140E Mousquetaire IV (209)

France have been incredibly supportive of the Nightshoot over the years, and this strong relationship continued Night shoot XXXV. The Armée de l’air et de l’espace (The French Air and Space Force) sent their oldest active aircraft type, and for most, this one was the highlight of the Nightshoot. When Phil asked the French Air Attaché for a Jodel DR140 it’s probably understandable that this was met with some bafflement, mainly because it’s a type not really known about outside of France, but luckily, the request was sent and permission was granted. Three units operate at three separate bases across France operate fifteen Jodel’s, and EIVV 25.535 (Cordouan) based at BA722 Saintes-Thénac (Western France) were the unit who sent their immaculate Jodel D.140E Mousquetaire IV, F-SDXW (209) to RAF Northolt. Flown by “Frédéric and Celiné” they flew up on Tuesday 29th September to make sure they had plenty of time to play with to guarantee they attended the nightshoot. Departing their home base they flew up to Le Touquet before crossing the English Channel to Headcorn and then the short hop into RAF Northolt completing 7 1/2 hours flying time. This is strongly believed to be only the second visit by a French Air Force Jodel to the UK, F-SDXC (200) visited South Cerney for the world aerobatic championships in 1986.

In service the primarily use is as a glider tug for the Air Force and has been in service since 1966, making this year its 60th year in service. This milestone also puts the type as the oldest type in French Air Force service after the Boeing KC135R’s retired this year.

Royal Canadian Air Force CC-130J (130615)

The Royal Canadian Air Force once again were present for a sixth Northolt nightshoot appearance, attending with another CC-130J Hercules, in the form of 130615. Six attendances clearly shows quite the support the RCAF has for this event. They are however still deployed in the United Kingdom as part of ‘Air Task Force Prestwick’, 436 Squadron ‘Elephants’, 8 Wing stationed at CFB Trenton making it a little easier to participate. The detachment is supporting a number of operations, primarily “Operation Reassurance”, providing support and aid to Ukraine. This visit of the aircraft also proved fruitful as the personnel came with some squadron merchandise in the form of the detachment Patch and coin which can be seen photographed. As per previous events the aircraft arrived from its temporary home at Glasgow Prestwick just before the event as ‘CFC3891’ and leaving at approximately 21:15 directly back to Prestwick.

Civilian Operated Aircraft

Max-Holste MH.1521C Broussard, G-CLLK

Another classic with a French connection was the Max-Holste MH.1521C Broussard, G-CLLK, which is privately owned and based at Oaksey Park, Wiltshire. The owner purchased and imported the Broussard from Canada back in 2019 and was duly restored back to flight in 2020. Although never actually operating with a French military serial, G-CLLK is painted to represent the MH1521M as No 005 30-QA of the French Air Force, but was actually the 7^th built civil MH1521C which served as a company demonstrator for Max Holste and was occasionally flown by World War II ace Pierre Clostermann.

Chipmunk Mk.22 WP803, (G-HAPY)

Chipmunk Mk.22 WP803 (G-HAPY) like the Jodel earned its strips as a glider tug while an RAF T.10 with Oxford University Air Squadron (OUAS) at RAF Bicester. WP803 got its red and white scheme while with 4 Air Experience Flight (AEF) down in Exeter. The next phase of its career saw it moving North to RAF Lossimouth as a squadron tailwheel continuation trainer with 8 Squadron from the late 80’s to early 90’s. WP803 was struck of charge and became a Mk.22 with registration G-HAPY in 1996 and moved into Wycombe Air Park (Booker).

Piper PA-28C, G-PAWA

The last Pan Am movement at RAF Northolt was a Boeing 707-321, N725PA, which unbelievably landed at Northolt instead of London Heathrow back in October 1960, We all probably didn’t expect to see the famous globe grace the pan again, but a stunning rendition of that on Rochester based Piper PA-28C Cherokee, G-PAWA arrived to attend the nightshoot and looked incredible under the lights.

Supermarine Aircraft Spitfire Mk.26, G-CIXM

The last aircraft in attendance at the event was G‑CIXM, a Supermarine Spitfire Mk.26. Most people will assume that Supermarine never built a Mk.26 Spitfire — and they would be correct. This version is a kit aircraft, with the kit manufactured by Supermarine Aircraft, an Australian‑origin company entirely separate from the original WWII manufacturer. The aircraft is built to 80% scale, and one of the most surprising things about the Mk.26 is that it is actually a two‑seat aircraft. Space looks tight for the pilot, let alone the passenger! G‑CIXM is painted in RAF Photo Reconnaissance markings, including black‑and‑white D‑Day stripes, and carries the serial PL793.

It certainly was another enjoyable evening at Northolt. We look forward to the next night photoshoot on March 4, 2027.

You can find out more about the RAF Northolt nightshoots here: https://www.northoltnightshoots.com

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