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RAF Transport Markings


757flyer

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Was there a markings standard for RAF transports in the Cold War era (late 60s/early 70s lightning bolt scheme)?  Specifically for roundels, tail flashes and RAF titles?  Along that vein of thought, what were the sizes of those items on the Shorts Belfast?  I have seen names on the Belfast photos of that era.  Were all the transports named in the late 60s/early 70s time frame?

 

Many thanks in advance for your help!

 

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There was no 'standard' as such, each aircraft type had the titles/roundels/fin flash applied to fit the airframe. The Comet C4s had quite small " ROYAL AIR FORCE TRANSPORT COMMAND" titles when delivered, but these were enlarged around 1965/66, then the titles were changes to 'AIR SUPPORT COMMAND" from 1st.October 1967, as they were on all RAF transports. The titles on the Belfasts were fairly small to fit on the forward fuselage. The 'lightning bolt' flash also varied between types, with the VC10s have a much sharper 'zig-zag' than all the other types. The Britannias all had names of stars or constellations, the Comet 2s had Greek mythological names, but the Comet 4s never received names for some reason. The Belfasts were named after Greek Gods and the VC10s were named after famous WW1 pilots that received the Victoria Cross (VC) medal. From 1971, Air Support Command became defunct when it merged into Strike Command and all RAF transports from then til date just carried 'ROYAL AIR FORCE' titles in white or black. Hope this helps.

Edited by AMB
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4 hours ago, tweeky said:

I thought they merged in to support command, strike command being fighters and bombers.

 

No, Adrian is correct - Support Command was initially maintenance, then absorbed Training Command, etc.

 

Air Support Command and its predecessor, Transport Command, contained a rather special large unit, No 38 Group, which was in a sense a self-contained tactical air force, with fighter-bombers (Hunters to Jaguars in that 60s to 70s period) and tactical transports (Beverleys to Herks). It made sense to combine this combat unit with Fighter & Bomber Commands into Strike Command. The 'shiny fleet' (VC-10s, Comets, Britannias, Belfasts) came along as well.

 

Of course, since this time the RAF has contracted to such an extent that the Commands have more or less disappeared and the Groups of today may not 'map' well to their history - today's 38 Group is a support organisation rather than a tactical air force.

 

Kevin

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