Our 2016 season brought us to the historic German airbase at Wittmund, where we spent a remarkable day photographing the iconic A-4 Skyhawk in formation with the Eurofighter. It was an unforgettable experience, and we left promising to return. That promise was fulfilled in 2018, though with a very different mood—a mix of excitement and nostalgia—as we knew this would likely be the final opportunity to see A-4 Skyhawks flying in European airspace. Top Aces Inc., the company operating these classic jets, was preparing to transition to more modern platforms, and we hoped for one last chance to capture the Skyhawks where they truly belonged: in the sky.
We were not disappointed. Instead of one aircraft, two Skyhawks joined our first photoflight of the day—an unexpected and incredible gift. To make the moment even more special, two Eurofighters also joined the session, including the striking red tail of the Richthofen squadron. The weather did not fully cooperate, much like in 2016, but with a generous full hour of join-up time, nobody onboard was complaining. Using the brand-new windows of the Skyvan photoship, offering more than 300 degrees of shooting angle, photographers captured an extraordinary collection of formations, including the unforgettable four-ship—two A-4s and two Eurofighters—something we will never see again.
The highlight for many was the rare sight of two Skyhawks tucked in close to the photoship, a moment filled with pure aviation magic. Later that afternoon, the two Eurofighters returned for another photoflight, giving us a second session above the clouds and rounding off an exceptional day at Wittmund. We left the airbase fully satisfied, knowing that the next time we return, a different jet will likely be flying the aggressor role—adding just a bit of mystery to what the future may bring.
