Signor Marchetti - Belgian National Day 2016

[Homebe]

Seen on July 21st, 2016, at their Beauvechain homebase, ready for the National Day flypast, some Belgian Air Force SIAI SF.260M/D Marchetti.





















V.P.

[PeterR]

Have to say the two grey examples look very smart! What's the story behind the paint scheme?

[Homebe]

Following a decision attributed to the - now just retired - Belgian Defence Chief of Staff, Air Force General G. Van Caelenberge, all the SF.260D (ST-40 to ST-48) are to receive this grey livery. These trainers are also operated by the HQ & Staff pilots for their flying hours. Wagging tongues report that they prefer to fly in grey than in yellow birds as they're fighters not student pilots.
The yellow SF.260M Marchetti (ST01 to ST-36) are mainly dedicated to the basic flying training mission while the red ones are those from the Red Devils display team (https://www.facebook.com/Red-Devils-Bel ... 870444088/).
All these aircraft are currently operated in pool by the 5th "Egyptian Falcon" and 9th "Green Cocotte" Squadrons from the 1st Wing /Basic Flying Training School at Beauvechain AB.
The 1st Wing emblem is a Wolf head.





More about Belgian's Marchettis:
http://www.belgian-wings.be/Webpages/Na ... epage.html
http://belmilac.wikifoundry.com/page/Si ... +-+SF.260D

V.P.

[PeterR]

Thank-you for the detailed response, very useful!

[capercaillie]

Have to say the two grey examples look very smart!

Good grief, they're horrid!

Great pictures though

[Stagger2]

Breaking News....They are Trainers! (not 'Nike' I grant you)
If the Boss wants a 'warplane' image, then at least add 'sharksmouth & eyes' to them. A full colour Unit badge & cheat-line wouldn't hurt too? Great pics from the event!

[Wes_Howes]

I quite like the grey versions, with the orange band on the tip tanks, they're a bit reminiscent of the Italian MB-339s

[capercaillie]

I quite like the grey versions, with the orange band on the tip tanks, they're a bit reminiscent of the Italian MB-339s

Which are also equally having used to be smart little disruptive camo schemes with dayglo markings. Its like the John Major fanclub is taking over.

[Wes_Howes]

Its like the John Major fanclub is taking over.

And what's wrong with that? I was born in his constituency I'll have you know Indeed the camo '339s were better looking but in these desperate times, a flash of orange is better than nothing, in this sea of grey

[soundbarrier]

Great series, thanks for posting

On the grey scheme. Here it looks great because pictures are taken from above and the national insignia gives it some color.

But generally you picture them side-on, than its a lot of ugly grey ...

[PhilS]

I think the grey looks quite good with the higher viz areas.

Maybe a candidate for a Northolt Nightshoot at some point!

[st24]

I think the grey looks quite good with the higher viz areas.

Maybe a candidate for a Northolt Nightshoot at some point!

Yes, definitely better in the dark!!

[Stagger2]

Win, Win!... It won't show-up 'coz it's dark & it won't show-up 'coz mostly they never do!!