This unique formation of Airbus aircraft was flown over the Camargue in southern France on May 18. French aviation photographer Anthony Pecchi prompted Airbus to consider doing some air-to-airs, but it took two years to make it happen. During this time, the idea grew into a scheme to include an aircraft representing each of the company’s four divisions. They are (left to right) an A350XWB airliner, an A400M airlifter, a Eurofighter, and an H160 helicopter.
Pecchi told AIN that long and complicated discussions took place between himself and the four Airbus test pilots who were at the controls. The governing speed for the formation was the maximum possible for the H160, which was 130 knots. That was no problem for the A350XWB and A400M, but as you can see, the Eurofighter had to be flown at a high angle-of-attack to stay with the formation.
The photo-ship for the event was a venerable Nord Noratlas—the only one still flying. The clamshell rear doors were removed from the twin-boom former French airlifter to facilitate the filming.
“I’m lucky—my passion is my job,” said Pecchi, who has been doing this work for the past 10 years.