Thursday, 2nd October 2025 marked the 33rd edition of the RAF Northolt nightshoot, once again attended by AeroResource editors Mark Empson and Nick Thompson. Photographers enjoyed favourable conditions—despite some cloud cover, the skies remained dark and free from London’s light pollution, with mild temperatures and no wind or rain. A regular highlight of the UK’s winter nightshoot calendar, the event delivered excellent photographic opportunities, even with a notably sparse aircraft line-up. While the absence of a major “headline” aircraft and several last-minute cancellations were disappointing, those that did attend were well-positioned at a 45-degree angle, ideal for photographers. The smaller turnout of attendees, though unfortunate for organisers, did allow for a more relaxed and spacious event compared to the last shoot when at times onlookers were five rows deep!

During the event a total of eight aircraft were available to be photographed, four of which were already based at RAF Northolt and whilst not an official theme, there was very much a major presence of executive jet types. Unfortunately there were a number of notable cancellations including the Lockheed 12A Electra Junior (G-AFTL), grounded due to poor weather caused by Storm Amy, and another appearance of the Irish Air Corps PC-12NG Spectre, which also failed to appear. However among the highlights were a pair of RAF Phenom T1 trainers from RAF Cranwell and three Falcon 900s—two from 32 (The Royal) Squadron, RAF Northolt, and one from the French Air and Space Force’s Escadron de Transport 60.

French Air and Space Force Falcon 900EX EASy

27th June 2025 saw Escadron de Transport 60 (ET 60) twin with No. 32 (The Royal) Squadron, and this edition of the event was intended to celebrate that partnership. Like the Royal Air Force, ET 60 has recently completed the acquisition of two Dassault Falcon 900EX aircraft. These “new” Falcons were acquired to replace their two ageing Dassault Falcon 2000s. Both aircraft were purchased second-hand after service in the executive civilian sector, and F-RAFR (construction number 145) was, in fact, an ex-Dassault demonstrator aircraft often seen ferrying spares, maintenance equipment and personnel. Unfortunately, the celebration did not go entirely as hoped, as the all-white Falcon 900 (F-RAFR) was flown to the event rather than F-RAFS, which wears the full French VIP scheme. It is hoped that, with the twinning of the squadrons, ET 60’s other fully painted example will make a future appearance. Despite this, it was still a very welcome attendee at the event and very much in keeping with the other attendees. The aircraft departed back to its home base of Paris Vélizy-Villacoublay Air Base as ‘CTM1280’ at approximately 21:15 that evening.

RAF Dassault Falcon 900LX Envoy IV CC1’s (G-ZABH & G-ZAHS)

Northolt nightshoot XXXIII provided an opportunity to photograph both RAF Envoy IV CC1s since their official entry into service on 1 June 2022. To date, only G-ZABH had been showcased to photographers, but it was great that both aircraft looked resplendent in their very patriotic Union Jack–themed markings. This was a welcome contrast to the all-white French Falcon 900 also in attendance.

Both Dassault Falcon 900LX Envoy IV CC1s are currently civilian-registered and operated partially with civilian crews; however, the intention is that both aircraft will transition to full military registration and operation. The aircraft are currently operated by No. 32 (The Royal) Squadron, based at RAF Northolt, and provide the Command Support Air Transport (CSAT) role, replacing the BAe 146 aircraft previously operated. The purpose of CSAT is to provide air transport for VIP military personnel and critical freight in a secure and timely manner, and it includes flying members of the Royal Family.

RAF Embraer Phenom T1s (ZZ334 & ZZ335)

Perhaps considered by many the highlight of the evening, it was great to see not one, but two RAF Phenom T1 trainers make their Northolt nightshoot debut. The aircraft were flown from their home base at RAF Cranwell with 45 Squadron crew arriving prior to the event commencing. The were on display for the entirety of the shoot, staying overnight before departing the following day. 45 Squadron, in partnership with Affinity Services, operates five examples of the type, which are used for multi-engine pilot and mission aircrew training. The aircraft play a wider role in the UK Military Flying Training System (MFTS) for the Royal Air Force and are essential in training its future pilots — in particular those destined to fly multi-engine aircraft. 45 Squadron has operated the five examples of the twin turbofan jet aircraft from new, with training commencing in 2018 after they replaced the Beechcraft King Air 200s, which had also appeared at previous Northolt events.

Royal Canadian Air Force CC-130J (130606)

The Royal Canadian Air Force once again were present for a fifth Northolt nightshoot appearance, attending once again with a CC-130J Hercules, in the form of 130606. For the ‘number crunchers’ this aircraft had previously attended in October 2023 and is still on deployment in the United Kingdom as part of ‘Air Task Force Prestwick’, 436 Squadron ‘Elephants’, 8 Wing stationed at CFB Trenton. The detachment is supporting a number of operations, primarily “Operation Reassurance”, providing support and aid to Ukraine. As per previous events the aircraft arrived from its temporary home at Glasgow Prestwick just before the event as ‘CFC2963’ and leaving at approximately 21:00 directly back to Prestwick.

London’s Air Ambulance Airbus Helicopters H135’s (G-LAAA & G-LAAB)

As strong supporters of the Northolt nightshoot events over the years, London Air Ambulance put both of its H135s on display for the event. Unfortunately, it felt a little like they were there to boost the number of aircraft on display, but thankfully they were well positioned for the photographers and provided some lovely angles and photo opportunities.

Since the H135s were registered in mid-2024 and officially taking over the role from the MD902 Explorers in October of the same year, the event effectively marked a year of operations. The charity chose the H135 primarily because of its relatively small size and suitability for operating in compact urban areas. The helicopter only requires an area of around 80 feet by 80 feet to land — about the size of a small tennis court — a great capability when space is at a premium in a large city like London. Since arriving, both helicopters have been named by the charity: G-LAAA was named Amy and G-LAAB Beth, after Amy Johnson and Elizabeth Garrett Anderson — two inspirational, trailblazing women in their respective professions of aviation and medicine.

The team at Aeroresource would like to extend their thanks to Phil Dawe and the rest of his team at RAF Northolt for organising another excellent Northolt nightshoot.

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

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