The hulk of a Sherman tank hidden among trees provides a typical example of targets for specific tasks set for the Maple Flag participants. They included eight Buccaneer S Mk 2s from No 208 Squadron RAF taking part in a major exercise for the first time since their grounding last year.

Seen over the nose of one of the RAF's Buccaneers, an F-4E from the 4th TFW at Seymour Johnson AFB taxies past 388th TFW F-16s from Hill AFB and 180th TFG A-7Ds of the Ohio ANG, Toledo.

A Buccaneer of No 208 Squadron, RAF, displays its naval ancestry by folding its wings.

In some specific operations in the course of Maple Flag Seven, the Buccaneer force was joined by USAF F-15 Eagles, but the eight aircraft of this type from the 1st TFW also flew at times in a defensive role.

The F-16 Fighting Falcons from the 388th TFW proved well capable of defending themselves in the course of the exercises.

A mixed line-up including an A-7D, two CF-104s, an F-16A and two F-4Es.

This pair of Lockheed CF-104s from the CAF's No 417 Squadron were the only Starfighters participating in Maple Flag Seven.

Among the extensive USAF participation was a single Air National Guard unit, the 112th Tactical Fighter Squadron of Ohio's 180th TFG, which usually flies its A-7D Corsair Us from Toledo Airport.

The F-16 Fighting Falcons from the 388th TFW proved well capable of defending themselves in the course of the exercises, Canadian participation in which included CF-101 Voodoos from three squadrons. As shown some of the CF-101s were flown in a makeshift camouflage with green poster paint applied over the basic finish; it proved surprisingly effective, but ground crews prayed regularly for no rain!

As at the Red Flag exercises held regularly under USAF auspices at Nellis AFB, Northrop F-5Es of the 57th Fighter Weapons Wing provide Aggressor forces at Maple Flag.