1. A retouched photo of a Yakovlev Yak-52, part of the Red Stars who flew at SAR 06.
2. This picture was not retouched.
3. A stunning Nanchang CJ-6.
4. Another CJ
5. Pics 5 -- 7 are of an immaculate Yak 52.
6. Pics 6 -- 8 are of an immaculate Yak 52.
7.
8. This is a Yakovlev Yak-52TW, built new with "taildragger" landing gear for the "Western" airplane market. (That's what the W stands for.)
9. This CJ-6A is owned by Jason whose last name I did not note.
10. If Jason or another good person will e me, I will be glad to add his last name to this page.
11. The front office of Jason's bird.
12. N number of Jason's Nanchang.
13. This Nanchang
- N368MB - is owned by Tom Bennett.
14. 68MB access panel on the nose.
15. 68NB
16. Bennett's N number.
17. Red Stars were generous with their flight time, making several passes in different formations each day.
18. Only 10 Nanchangs and Yaks participated in SAR 06. Weather and mechanical glitches kept several away.
19. Every Red Star pilot I talked with was convivial and obviously glad to be visiting Springfield.
20. The sky was particularly cooperative in providing a scenic backdrop for the Red Stars.
21. This picture shows two formations of three as they approached air show central. Note two different aircraft types. Check the wings.
22. This picture is the picture on the left (21) retouched to suggest a deeper bank than was flown. It's a more eye catching picture, but it is not reality.
23. Most of the Red Star pilots are not "air show performers" but do enjoy the challenge of formation flying and the pleasure of each others' cameradierie.
24. This formation is different from the one pictured left and was flown after the Stars re-positioned themselves during the part of the field circuit that took them briefly away from air show central..
25. Same formation here . . .
26. . . . and here a few seconds later.
27. May of these pictures were taken before noon. It's easy to tell because the sun shines on the airplanes flying down air show central. In the afternoon, camera people shoot into the sun as it appears to gradually descend the western sky and airplanes appear to be in shadow as the crowd views them. .
Red Stars have become one of the most eagerly awaited returning elements at SAR. They don't tear up the sky with their flying, but the sight and sound of so many aircraft in the sky is terrific.