48th FW Heritage Eagles

[Phartycr0c]

Yesterday I had the great privilege of being present at RAF Lakenheath for the unveiling of the first of the 48th Fighter wing heritage aircraft. 

 

One aircraft from each of the based squadrons will be repainted in WW2 heritage squadron colours to commemorate the 75th Anniversary of D Day, all three taking part in the flypast on 6th June in Normandy. 

 

First taxi off the rank is the scheme for the 492nd Fighter squadron the "Mad Hatters"  Firstly, I must point out that the schemes have caused a little argument amongst both the based squadrons and aviation enthusiasts alike because the Hatters squadron colour is a blue tail stripe with thecatch phrase Bleed Blue So why has it been painted in red? 492 aircraft sported red tailed aircraft at the time of D Day. Likewise 493 (currently yellow) were blue and 494 (currently red) were yellow. 

 

All 3 squadrons were flying p47's at the time of the landings. 

 

Anyhow, back to the event. The existence of the repaints came completely out of the blue, one of the best kept secrets, no rumours, nothing. 

 

Also attending the reveal was the 492'd squadron marked P47 "Nellie" which was used as a backdrop behind the gathered throng of senior officers and civillian dignitaries including representatives from the Imperial War Museum.  

 

The presentation began with two short videos depicting archive footage of 48th FW Thunderbolts on operations, followed by a time lapse video of the 10 "bulldogs" (the nickname of the 48th FW corrosion prevention squadron ) at work on the repaint. 

 

Following the visuals, each of the painters received a commendation and award from the base commander from where they filed off stage left. A short while later following a further speech the paint shop doors were drawn back to reveal a stunningly painted F15 E. 

 

Words were difficult to find. The quality of the detail that has gone into this repaint is incredible. Worthy of note is the beautiful Mad Hatters  logo together with the Liberty on the tail fin. 

 

The design mimics perfectly the markings worn by 48th FW aircraft during WW2. 

 

Anyway enough chat, its time for you folks to make your own mind up. On with the show! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Part two follows 

[Phartycr0c]

Part 2

 

 

 

Sublime, Aint it? 

 

Anyhow following the presentation, both aircraft were re positioned for more photos

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Part 3 to follow

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Phartycr0c]

Part 3

 

 

 

 

Next In for paint will be the 493rd F15 C The markings will be similar with the exception that the rudders gun port and other detail will be blue, similarly the 494th will be yellow. 

 

Enjoy!