500 Ferrari Cars by velocicrapper
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No AI - This artwork was created entirely by hand or with traditional digital tools.
Description
Wow it's been a long time since I posted! Hello everyone! The silent resident aviation photographer lives! I've been super busy between Comic Con International in San Diego and Airshows all around California.
::: Part 28 of a series of Warbird Photos :::
Taken at Hawthorne Airport (Jack Northrop Field) in Hawthorne, California (August 14, 2004)
I've been slowely getting more status as a aviation photographer, and so I was able to get press access to the Hawthorne Air Faire 2004 show. It was quite awesome to see a F/A-18 Hornet take off a mere 35 feet or less from where I was standing! This aircraft is a Boeing F/A-18D Hornet, VMFAT-101 'Sharshooters' from MCAS Yuma, Az. and MCAS Miramar, CA (they alternate between bases). The Sharpshooter squadron was originally stationed at MCAS El Toro, CA until the bases's closure. This Hornet is a double seater (thus the D model) Marine-used hornet that we nicknamed the 'Working Man's Hornet'... she was REALLY dirty all over. Some Pine Sol probably could have done wonders to her, but she was amazing to see as any F-18 is. Hawthrone's runway is really short, just a little strip in fact, so the FAA states that the F-18 'cant' land at the airport ("it's too short"). The pilots of the F-18 told me they could do it in 2/3rds the space, but the FAA says they 'cant.' So, they had to land her via a carrier-like arrestor wire. It definatly amazing to see a F-18 landing in less space than a house! So, when taking off... the Hornet had to basically do a FULL burner take-off to get off the runway in time.
This shot is of the F-18 with full burners lifting off into the SoCal sky. So why 500 Ferraris? Well, just one of those two F404-GE-402 engines can generate the same thrust as 250 Ferrari cars...
Camera is a Canon Rebel EOS 300D DSLR (6mp) with a Canon USM IS 100-400mm lens. Image was reduced in size, no color or exposure alterations.

Comments (16)
Sweet!
That is so impressive! Well done dude!
Congratulations Velo!!!! ....off into the wild blue yonder eh.....Extremely elated for you! Thrilling times ahead ! The bug has bitten hard. wink wink.!!!
Xcellent capture my friend!!! Loooove it!!!
Awesome shot !!!! :D I vote !!
...Lovely image...
Nice to see You back! :) Your shots always are full of pure tech power and machines in Your pics always look very ... hmm ... sexy! That's why I enjoy Your images. And this one is simply outstanding!!
Excellent shot! Right up the tailpipe!
Awesome shot!
Awesome point of view. Hey, is there a way I can get one of those engines for my bicycle?
Great shot. Like the way you captured the thrust haze.
I've heard those babies takin' off from the flight deck of the carrier I was stationed on...I know what you mean abt the noise!
awesome. Realy cool Capture and good luck with your new job!
I'm always amazed at your photo's! You should really think about publishing a book ( if you haven't already ) I also love reading the information you include with your photo's, it's just so cool that you share your knowledge. I had the pleasure of being at the Brantford Annual airshow on Sept 1st, and watched an awsome and thrilling close-up demonstration of the F-18 Hornet. Thousands of us all waving our Canada flags and cheering on the breathtaking aerobatics of the Snowbirds, and we all stood in awe of our beloved Skyhawks Paratroopers as they drifted down with an enormous American flag while the American national Anthem was playing, and then the Canadian National Anthem, it just fills you with pride. I always visit the airport the day before the show because I just love seeing that great big Lancaster bomber roar in and touch ground. Sorry i babbled on but i wanted to share what a great show it was. keep those photo's coming!!! ^_^
great photography, excellent exposure, you have been good, compliments.
Amazing Shot! I love the heat distortion from the jet engines using the afterburners! Well done!