Spitfire MH434…back with the Belgian Air Force

So can we keep her? :p

She does look smart.

Whatever happened to that book idea, about MH434?

Good question, anyone know?

MH434 MN-B & FA-129 MN-B

Another one with F-16AM FA-129

Well, it was a Belgian Military event….

The RAF are ( I believe) putting on just one public show this year . This was at Cosford, and from the photos I have seen the RAF contribution was meagre, and did not include 3 front line fighters. They have very modest ambitions, as regards to showing the public the air force the tax payers are funding.

I was wondering about the temporary markings. Was “ZD” covered over with washable camouflage paint before “MN” was added or did the temporary codes have a coloured background.

It’s a water soluble paint (ARTF to those ex-forces) that is removed afterwards with a detergent mix. I tinted the colours to the required shades, then sprayed it on and once the two colours were dry the “MN” codes were placed on. They were self-adhesive vinyls specifically made to match the dimensions dictated by utilising the existing “B” of the 222 Sqn “ZD-B” codes. Contrary to popular belief the paint doesn’t just wash off if it gets left out in the rain. It will soften to the point where it will smudge if you touch it, but then hardens again when it dries out.

“Perhaps the most famous of all Spitfires still flying today, the Spitfire Mk IX MH434 will be present during the BAFDAYS16 in flying display and in formation with Belgian F-16. It will be a very special moment for the Belgian Air Force, and in particular for the 350 (F)Squadron based in Florennes, since the MH434 actually flew in 350 (F)Sqn during the Second World War and in the Belgian Air Force later on.”

Interesting that the Belgium military supported the event with 3 fast jets in formation, which rather contrasts with the RAF and their presence at UK public events these days ( regal birthdays aside)

Well, it was a Belgian Military event….

I was wondering about the temporary markings. Was “ZD” covered over with washable camouflage paint before “MN” was added or did the temporary codes have a coloured background.

Steve Jones flew it out on Thursday, but not sure if he stayed to display it. Will find out for you tomorrow. A colleague and I removed the temporary markings this morning.

Out of interest, who flew the Spitfire?

Interesting that the Belgium military supported the event with 3 fast jets in formation, which rather contrasts with the RAF and their presence at UK public events these days ( regal birthdays aside)

She does look smart.

Whatever happened to that book idea, about MH434?

Very smart she looks too.