Retro-look Tucanos join BBMF Spitfire

[buglerbilly]

DATE:21/05/10

SOURCE:Flight International

PICTURE: Retro-look Tucanos join BBMF Spitfire

By Craig Hoyle

Two of the UK Royal Air Force's Shorts Tucano T1 trainers have ditched their usual black colour schemes as part of the service's efforts to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Britain.

Now sporting Second World War camouflage markings, the trainers were flown in formation with one of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight's (BBMF) Supermarine Spitfires on 19 and 20 May.


© Geoffrey Lee/Planefocus

Captured by aviation photographer Geoffrey Lee, the pair flew alongside a Mk 11A fighter piloted by Sqn Ldr Ian Smith, officer commanding the BBMF. The aircraft were flown from RAF Linton-on-Ouse in Lincolnshire, which is home to the RAF's Tucano fleet.

The new-look Tucano was displayed at the Duxford spring show last weekend, and will be flown at numerous other events this year by 72(R) Sqn display pilot Flt Lt Tom Bould.

[JimWH]

That's hot. Why aren't all Toucans in that colour scheme most of the time? And am I the only one who wonders what a Hawk would look like with D-Day strips and retro cam and markings?

[Gubler, A.]

And am I the only one who wonders what a Hawk would look like with D-Day strips and retro cam and markings?

Forget that, I want to see a Hercules or Orion done up in Bomber Command night colours! King Airs in Beaufighter 'whispering ghost' foliage green... A Hornet in Sabre natural metal?

[JimWH]

Those are all very, very good points... I wonder what the penalty for breaking into air bases and repainting the aircraft would be?

[Gubler, A.]

We have ten years to insist on it for the 75th Aniversary of VE and VJ days (2020).

Actually last year with the 65th of D-Day there was a modern fighter painted up with invasion stripes. Have to track that down for you.

[Gubler, A.]

There was this A-10 in 1994: