Iruma AB airshow 2011

Iruma Air Base is part of the Japanese Air Self-Defense Forces organization and home to YS-11, T-4 and T-1 aircraft. Originally an airfield established by the Imperial Japanese Army Air Force until the end of World War II when it was taken over by Allied Forces and renamed Johnson AFB. It operated as a US base until 1962 when it reverted to JASDF control with USAF support units, completely coming under JASDF control in 1978.

Iruma AB is the host to the most popular airshow in Japan due to the close proximity to the population of Tokyo. Upwards of a quarter-million people enter and surround the base during the show. My Japanese friend suggested we perch outside the perimeter fence near the south end of the runway which gave us a nice view of the action. The weather wasn't the best but new aircraft in ANY light is always a delight.

Japanese Air Self-Defense Force Kawasaki T-4 Blue Impulse demo team at Iruma AB, Japan

Mid-field break by Japanese Air Self-Defense Force Kawasaki Heavy Industries C-1 18- 1031 and 78-1023 402nd Tactical Airlift Squadron

Japanese Air Self-Defense Force U-125 (BAe.125) 39-3042 of Flight Check Squadron

Japanese Air Self-Defense Force NAMC YS-11FC 52-1151 of Flight Check Squadron

Japanese Air Self-Defense Force Kawasaki T-4  3-ship 06-5650 56-5736 and 96-5776 from Shien Hikotai

Japanese Air Self-Defense Force Kawasaki Heavy Industries C-1 402nd Tactical Airlift Squadron

Japanese Air Self-Defense Force Kawasaki T-4 96-5621 from Shien Hikotai

Japanese Air Self-Defense Force Kawasaki T-4 06-5650 and 96-5776 from Shien Hikotai

Japanese Air Self-Defense Force Kawasaki Heavy Industries C-1 5-ship formation from the 402nd Tactical Airlift Squadron

Japanese Air Self-Defense Force Kawasaki Heavy Industries C-1 78-1023 402nd Tactical Airlift Squadron

Japanese Air Self-Defense Force Kawasaki Heavy Industries C-1 18-1031 flying the colors of the 402nd Tactical Airlift Squadron

Japanese Air Self-Defense Force Kawasaki Heavy Industries CH-47J 67-4495 of Iruma Herikoputa Kuuyutai

Japanese Air Self-Defense Force U-125A (BAe.125) 22-3020 of Air Rescue Wing- Hyakuri

Crowded perimeter fence at Iruma AB, Japan during the annual air show.

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Yokota AB Friendship Festival 2011

A small sampling of aircraft on display during the 2-day Friendship Festival held annually at Yokota Air Force Base, Japan. The event is open to the general public and features food and entertainment in addition to military aircraft from both the USA and JSDF branches.

A-10C Warthog 78-0685 of the 25th Fighter Squadron "Assam Draggins" / 51st Fighter Wing Osan AB, Republic of Korea

F-16CJ Viper 92-3886 14th Fighter Squadron “Samurais” / 35h Fighter Wing Misawa AFB, Japan

Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force Lockheed P-3C Orion 5063 from 3rd Squadron Atsugi AB, Japan

Japanese Air Self-Defense Force C-130H Hercules 75-1075 of the 401st Tactical Airlift Squadron at Komaki AB, Japan

Japanese Air Self-Defense Force Mitsubishi Heavy Industries F-2 03-8555 from 3rd Squadron at Misawa AB, Japan

Japanese Air Self-Defense Force Kawasaki Heavy Industries C-1 78-1023 402nd Tactical Airlift Squadron at Iruma AB, Japan

Japanese Air Self-Defense Force Northrup Grumman E-2C Hawkeye 54-3458 of the Airborne Early Warning Group Misawa AB, Japan

Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force Kawasaki Heavy Industries OH-6D 31220 of Eastern Army Aviation Group Tachikawa Airfield, Japan

Japanese Air Self-Defense Force Northrop Grumman E-2C Hawkeye 54-3458 of the Airborne Early Warning Group Misawa AB, Japan

Japanese Air Self-Defense Force Boeing E-767 84-3504 Air Warning Control Squadron Hamamatsu Air Base, Japan

US Air Force Fairchild A-10C Warthog 78-0685 of the 25th Fighter Squadron "Assam Draggins" / 51st Fighter Wing Osan AB, Republic of Korea

Looking to license images for your website or publication? Aviation and travel images by James O'Rear available for licensing can be viewed here.