Ray Proudfoot posted a link/video of a Hawk Trainer doing the Mach Loop in Wales. That video was in reference to MSFS (yep it was impressive all round!) but the thing that caught my attention was this is a fascinating simulation challenge no matter what aeroplane you choose. It is a challenge because it is basically done at 500 ft AGL (+/-) and involves some very tricky or demanding flying and navigating but the whole thing is very short. Basically starting at EGOV or Valley Field and going doing to the loop, do the loop which is around a series of hills via the valleys and then exit back to EGOV again.  It would be great fun for real and it is great fun to do in the sim and you can do it over and over again changing your aircraft type and the weather for added fun.

I have seen videos of this being done for real in Hawks, Tornados, F15 eagles, C130 and a C141 so it is obvious one of those little challenges that no pilot can not want to do - in short a real tester, very short but a hoot! Not to mention people trundling down there to watch or catch some flyby's from the ground. 

So I thought rather than hijack the other thread which was about P3D and how people are going with that I thought this was one of those flights that we all could have fun doing, and doing again. So feel free to post your experiences and ideas. 

Now first thing I noted is that the RAF take a particular path down to the Mach Loop do the loop then head back up before a dog leg rejoin at EGOV. I also noted that there are a couple of other videos about of the loop and people take a different run to get to the loop. So is there a standard routing - I would say in real life given that this area is rural and you have to miss a few towns and being the military yep they would use a standard route down and back or a couple. 

So now the fun starts getting a decent map if your completely unfamiliar with the area (like myself) working out an accurate flight plan and then actually doing it! I have not got anything authoritative yet but thought it deserved a little thread - so off we go!

Ok now here are some video links to wet your appetite:

The Hawk run (flown by a real life Hawk Pilot) 

Kevin Firths version in P3D

and here is another done in the IRIS Grob in P3D (different route excep the loop)

 

For those who would like it here is a link to an online ONC Navmap data base so you can get an accurate map or the area. Save the image and use your image viewer to get yourself a map. 

https://maps.lib.utexas.edu/maps/onc/europe-asia-africa-index.html

The map resource is a good link.

Here's another for .pln format mach loop flight plans.

https://www.fs2000.org/2016/01/04/fsxp3d-machloop-flight-plans/

There is both a south and north entry point plan.

Cheers

Here you go CD; my attempt about a year ago.😃

I must have another try in my Kodiak 😎