RAF Fairford 18-21 July 2025
The special colours that now adorn both airliners and military aircraft have evolved considerably since the days of cheat lines hand sprayed to match the height of windows. The jumbo jet inspired liveries that relate to the size of the aeroplane providing a canvas of creativity. The other, more significant development was the arrival of digital design and applied vinyl inspiring national and sporting ‘special marks’ and anniversary markings. Hence, this year’s Air Tattoo hosted a number of aircraft with special marks to complement our full show report that concentrates on images of complete aircraft.
For over a decade many NATO squadrons became ‘tiger’ squadrons with an annual meet and, usually, a specific aircraft painted or badged accordingly. This has featured on F-16 Fighting Falcons through to the Eurofighter Typhoon. Even cuddly toys have been used to decorate bases and static aircraft emphasising this alliance.
This year’s star visitors can from the Pakistan Air Force, led by an impressive Ilyushin 78 tanker that brought two J-7 Thunder fighters across Europe. It was a great pleasure to see Soviet and Chinese designed aircraft back at RIAT. Although one of the Thunders had special marks it was the supporting C130 Hercules that brought ‘art’ into focus; the nose was decorated as a bird’s nose along with feathering. the tail fin bore different patterns on either side.
Almost by chance, and a tribute to those who plan the static line-up, by placing the Pakistan Hercules among other Hercules; notably from Poland, Germany and Canada, this allowed a Jordanian Air Force example to stand beside the Pakistan Hercules that was also painted differently on each side along with the nose art pictured earlier in this article.
The fighter squadrons are more familiar in ‘special marks’ and this year was no exception with the F-16 Fighting Falcon carrying elaborate celebratory schemes. Other aircraft wore badges or cartoons creating individual identities that outshine the repetitive grey low visibility colours. No doubt many of these vinyl decorations would be removed in the event of conflict.
