Air International 1995-09
R.Francillon - Aggressive surrogates /Flying colours/
McDonnell Douglas A-4F Skyhawk 154183, of VFA-127, NAS Fallon, June 1989. With the exception of the natural metal jet pipe, it is camouflaged in light sand and two tones of brown overall.
General Dynamics F-16C 87-7269, of the Adversary Tactics Division, Nellis AFB, February 1993. The wrap around grey and two-tone blue camouflage scheme is relieved by the black radome and bright fin markings comprising a yellow and black checkerboard fin band and the full colour Air Combat Command badge.
F-16C of the 57th FW USAF
This view of General Dynamics F-16C 86-0272, of the 57th FWW/57th FW, on approach to Nellis AFB in April 1990 illustrates one of the wrap around camouflage schemes adopted by aggressor units.
McDonnell Douglas F/A-18A 162472, of VFC-12, NAS Oceana, October 1994, in two tone blue wrap around camouflage and low-visibility markings. The black and light grey wedges on the fin tips are to simulate the Sukhoi Su-27 Flanker fin tip shape.
Designated F-21A in US service, the IAI Kfir was operated by both the USN and USMC in the aggressor role. 999731 is illustrated in the colours of VMFT-401, MCAS Yuma, May 1989. The upper surfaces are light tan, medium brown and very light green while the lower surfaces are light bluish grey.
Northrop T-38A of the Naval Fighter Weapons School, NAS Miramar, July 1975, camouflaged in two tones of grey/blue overall (except for the natural metal jet pipes and black anti-glare panel forward of the cockpit). Note the absence of a serial number and national markings.
Northrop F-5E 160792, of VFA-127, NAS Fallon, June 1989, in an overall gloss black colour scheme inspired by the film Top Gun. Although it was a popular attraction at air shows, it stood out like a sore thumb when in flight over the Fallon range.