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					<title>Hannants</title>
					<description>Hannants</description>
					<link>http://alpha.hannants.co.uk</link>
					<item><title>Matterhorn Circle MC72022</title>
<link>http://alpha.hannants.co.uk/product/MC72022</link>
<description>de Havilland DH-112 Venom Mk.1 / Mk.1R / Mk.4. Price:&amp;pound;17.99</description>
<author>sales@hannants.co.uk</author>
<guid>http://alpha.hannants.co.uk/product/MC72022</guid>
<pubDate>Sat, 23 Sep 2023 17:16:55 GMT</pubDate>
</item><item><title>Matterhorn Circle MC48023</title>
<link>http://alpha.hannants.co.uk/product/MC48023</link>
<description>de Havilland DH-112 Venom Mk.1 / Mk.1R / Mk.4 Late. Price:&amp;pound;17.99</description>
<author>sales@hannants.co.uk</author>
<guid>http://alpha.hannants.co.uk/product/MC48023</guid>
<pubDate>Sat, 23 Sep 2023 17:15:02 GMT</pubDate>
</item><item><title>Matterhorn Circle MC48022</title>
<link>http://alpha.hannants.co.uk/product/MC48022</link>
<description>de Havilland DH-112 Venom Mk.1 / Mk.1R / Mk.4 Early. Price:&amp;pound;17.99</description>
<author>sales@hannants.co.uk</author>
<guid>http://alpha.hannants.co.uk/product/MC48022</guid>
<pubDate>Sat, 23 Sep 2023 17:14:34 GMT</pubDate>
</item><item><title>Matterhorn Circle MC48004</title>
<link>http://alpha.hannants.co.uk/product/MC48004</link>
<description>North-American AT-16 Harvard / Texan [T-6]. Price:&amp;pound;14.99</description>
<author>sales@hannants.co.uk</author>
<guid>http://alpha.hannants.co.uk/product/MC48004</guid>
<pubDate>Sat, 23 Sep 2023 17:13:59 GMT</pubDate>
</item><item><title>Matterhorn Circle MHN72021</title>
<link>http://alpha.hannants.co.uk/product/MHN72021</link>
<description>de Havilland DH-100 Mk.6 Vampire &amp; DH-115 Mk.55 Vampire Trainer intended for the Special Hobby kit - Decals for 2 Models. Price:&amp;pound;16.99</description>
<author>sales@hannants.co.uk</author>
<guid>http://alpha.hannants.co.uk/product/MHN72021</guid>
<pubDate>Sat, 30 Jul 2022 17:18:57 GMT</pubDate>
</item><item><title>Matterhorn Circle MHN48021</title>
<link>http://alpha.hannants.co.uk/product/MHN48021</link>
<description>de Havilland DH-100 Mk.1, Mk.6 Vampire &amp; DH-115 Mk. 55 Vampire Trainer with the Airfix and future Pilots Replica kits in mind. To build the Mk.1, you will need the Wells Props Models conversion. Decals for 3 Models. Price:&amp;pound;29.99</description>
<author>sales@hannants.co.uk</author>
<guid>http://alpha.hannants.co.uk/product/MHN48021</guid>
<pubDate>Sat, 30 Jul 2022 17:15:13 GMT</pubDate>
</item><item><title>Matterhorn Circle MHN32021</title>
<link>http://alpha.hannants.co.uk/product/MHN32021</link>
<description>de Havilland DH-100 Mk.6 Vampire intended for the Infinity Models kit - Decals for 1 Model. Price:&amp;pound;21.99</description>
<author>sales@hannants.co.uk</author>
<guid>http://alpha.hannants.co.uk/product/MHN32021</guid>
<pubDate>Sat, 30 Jul 2022 17:04:15 GMT</pubDate>
</item><item><title>Matterhorn Circle MHN72018</title>
<link>http://alpha.hannants.co.uk/product/MHN72018</link>
<description>Northrop F-5E/F Tiger Peace Alps Part Two) 
40 years ago the F-5E/F Tiger was introduced into the inventory of the Swiss Air Force. The Tiger was the last Ã¢â‚¬Å¡inexpensive&#039; mass fighter aircraft for the Swiss Airforce, 98 single-seaters and 12 two-seaters were purchased. It was also the last Jet Fighter that was to be crewed by the militia pilot system; men who followed normal professions but also were professional Fighter Pilots. The end of the Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Flying Baker&#039; has been proclaimed for many years. The fleet reduction started already in 2002 when the U.S. Navy became interested in the F-5 to beef up their Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Aggressor Squadrons&#039;.

In the media, the Tiger got called old, night-blind and lame winged. A replacement was required, found and tested, the Saab 39 Gripen came out superior to the Dassault Rafale and Eurofighter. Not everybody liked this and in 2014, three million aviation experts voted not to purchase any new aircraft at all.

Peace Alps Part Two is the story of an aircraft that has reached 40 years of service in Switzerland against all odds and continues flying. This set offers decals for the very first aircraft up to some retirement schemes of today, but is not covering the end, as the final pages still need to be written.

Tigers delivered in the original first batch (J-3001 J-3066 and J-3201 J-3206) did not have the extended Leading Edge Wing Extensions (LERX) or the aerodynamically more streamlined shark shaped radar nose cones. However the second batch (J-3067 J-3098 &amp; J-3207 3212) delivered from 1982 onwards, were built from new with the LERX and the improved nose cone. The prominent VHF antenna was installed behind the cockpit. These modifications were also retrospectively introduced to the earlier Tiger fleet.

As has become an established tradition, the last aircraft off the production line received special nose art and J-3066 became Peace Alps I and featured a flying dove while J-3098 had Peace Alps II titles above a flying witch (both aircraft are featured on the &#039;Peace Alps Part Two&#039; decal sheet). There is hardly any F-5 in Swiss service that did not receive a squadron badge at some time during its service life. Since the aircraft are not assigned to any specific squadron, some aircraft have more than one squadron badge applied or may have had a mix of various badges at different times. Tiger airplanes also participated in training missions and competitions abroad. Sardinia (SAKA) or Waddington (NORKA) in the United Kingdom created new badges. It is imperative to check photo references to get a picture of the exact look of a particular aircraft at any given time.

The paint scheme applied was similar to the USAF F-15&#039;s of the time. The original colors are F9453 Medium Grey and F9452 Light Grey, produced by the company Walter MÃ¤der AG in Switzerland. The closest equivalent is a mix of FS 35237 Grey Blue and FS 36622 Grey in parts 33/67 and 50/50 respectively. With the introduction of the F/A-18 Hornet in 1998, things became easier and the colors were harmonized with FS 36320 Dark Ghost Grey and FS 36375 Light Ghost Grey. This is a matter of evolution, some aircraft were completely repainted, some merely received only a partial replacement while others simply received a touch up, thus leaving a 4 color mottled effect. While similar, the new Ghost Grays are a shade darker than the original colors; a very pleasing challenge to the modeler.

In 2002, the U.S. Navy purchased 32 surplus F-5Es from the Swiss Air Force to strengthen their &#039;Aggressor Squadrons&#039;. Later, a similar deal for an additional 12 F-5E was finalized. Renamed as &#039;F-5N&#039; , these Tigers now serve with VFC-13, VMFT-401 and also VFC-111 &#039;Sundowners&#039; in Florida, a suitable retirement home for ageing airplanes!

Research for this project was extremely interesting and creating the artwork for the decals placed a challenge. I&#039;m aware, that I got carried away. This presents my biggest decal project and while preparing these instructions, I have not seen the finished product myself. I do know, that some registration numbers are missing but they are easy made up with spare numbers. This said with this sheet you will be able to create almost any Swiss F-5 Tiger at some point in time. Extra squadron badges are provided. There is simply not enough space on the instruction sheet for the whole fleet.. Price:&amp;pound;19.99</description>
<author>sales@hannants.co.uk</author>
<guid>http://alpha.hannants.co.uk/product/MHN72018</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 09 Feb 2018 14:41:09 GMT</pubDate>
</item><item><title>Matterhorn Circle MHN48018</title>
<link>http://alpha.hannants.co.uk/product/MHN48018</link>
<description>Northrop F-5E/F Tiger Peace Alps Part Two) 40 years ago the F-5E/F Tiger was introduced into the inventory of the Swiss Air Force. The Tiger was the last Ã¢â‚¬Å¡inexpensive&#039; mass fighter aircraft for the Swiss Airforce, 98 single-seaters and 12 two-seaters were purchased. It was also the last Jet Fighter that was to be crewed by the militia pilot system; men who followed normal professions but also were professional Fighter Pilots. The end of the Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Flying Baker&#039; has been proclaimed for many years. The fleet reduction started already in 2002 when the U.S. Navy became interested in the F-5 to beef up their Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Aggressor Squadrons&#039;.

In the media, the Tiger got called old, night-blind and lame winged. A replacement was required, found and tested, the Saab 39 Gripen came out superior to the Dassault Rafale and Eurofighter. Not everybody liked this and in 2014, three million aviation experts voted not to purchase any new aircraft at all.

Peace Alps Part Two is the story of an aircraft that has reached 40 years of service in Switzerland against all odds and continues flying. This set offers decals for the very first aircraft up to some retirement schemes of today, but is not covering the end, as the final pages still need to be written.

Tigers delivered in the original first batch (J-3001 J-3066 and J-3201 J-3206) did not have the extended Leading Edge Wing Extensions (LERX) or the aerodynamically more streamlined shark shaped radar nose cones. However the second batch (J-3067 J-3098 &amp; J-3207 3212) delivered from 1982 onwards, were built from new with the LERX and the improved nose cone. The prominent VHF antenna was installed behind the cockpit. These modifications were also retrospectively introduced to the earlier Tiger fleet.

As has become an established tradition, the last aircraft off the production line received special nose art and J-3066 became Peace Alps I and featured a flying dove while J-3098 had Peace Alps II titles above a flying witch (both aircraft are featured on the &#039;Peace Alps Part Two&#039; decal sheet). There is hardly any F-5 in Swiss service that did not receive a squadron badge at some time during its service life. Since the aircraft are not assigned to any specific squadron, some aircraft have more than one squadron badge applied or may have had a mix of various badges at different times. Tiger airplanes also participated in training missions and competitions abroad. Sardinia (SAKA) or Waddington (NORKA) in the United Kingdom created new badges. It is imperative to check photo references to get a picture of the exact look of a particular aircraft at any given time.

The paint scheme applied was similar to the USAF F-15&#039;s of the time. The original colors are F9453 Medium Grey and F9452 Light Grey, produced by the company Walter MÃ¤der AG in Switzerland. The closest equivalent is a mix of FS 35237 Grey Blue and FS 36622 Grey in parts 33/67 and 50/50 respectively. With the introduction of the F/A-18 Hornet in 1998, things became easier and the colors were harmonized with FS 36320 Dark Ghost Grey and FS 36375 Light Ghost Grey. This is a matter of evolution, some aircraft were completely repainted, some merely received only a partial replacement while others simply received a touch up, thus leaving a 4 color mottled effect. While similar, the new Ghost Grays are a shade darker than the original colors; a very pleasing challenge to the modeler.

In 2002, the U.S. Navy purchased 32 surplus F-5Es from the Swiss Air Force to strengthen their &#039;Aggressor Squadrons&#039;. Later, a similar deal for an additional 12 F-5E was finalized. Renamed as &#039;F-5N&#039; , these Tigers now serve with VFC-13, VMFT-401 and also VFC-111 &#039;Sundowners&#039; in Florida, a suitable retirement home for ageing airplanes!

Research for this project was extremely interesting and creating the artwork for the decals placed a challenge. I&#039;m aware, that I got carried away. This presents my biggest decal project and while preparing these instructions, I have not seen the finished product myself. I do know, that some registration numbers are missing but they are easy made up with spare numbers. This said with this sheet you will be able to create almost any Swiss F-5 Tiger at some point in time. Extra squadron badges are provided. There is simply not enough space on the instruction sheet for the whole fleet.. Price:&amp;pound;24.99</description>
<author>sales@hannants.co.uk</author>
<guid>http://alpha.hannants.co.uk/product/MHN48018</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 09 Feb 2018 14:41:09 GMT</pubDate>
</item><item><title>Matterhorn Circle MHN72017</title>
<link>http://alpha.hannants.co.uk/product/MHN72017</link>
<description>Pilatus PC-21 Birth&#039; oft he PC-21 started in November 1997 when Pilatus modified a PC-7 with new wings and a Pratt and Whitney Canada PT6 turbine. Based on those trials, actual development started early 1999 metal was cut in 2001 and the Rollout was celebrated in May 2002. Type certification was reached by the end of 2004. Soon after, Pilatus started serial production despite the fact, that they had no orders in their books. The PC-21 was developed with characteristics of a Jet Trainer in mind. The PT6A-68B turbine is throttled electronically to simulate a jet engine the propeller torque is automatically compensated over the rudder. The roll rate of the aircraft is enhanced to 2000/s with additional spoilers on top of the wings. The airfoil is build for speed the PC-21 reaches a top of Mach 0.72 but still lacking the power of a real jet engine. Hart of the system are the flexible avionics depending on the Jet the customer has in mind. The cockpit is equipped with two Martin-Baker CH16C ejection seats. The wing is prepared with 5 hard points 2 wet for long-range fuel tanks. Thus the PC-21 carries no weapons they are simply simulated electronically for the training of the pilot.

The big breakthrough happened in November 2006 when Singapore placed an order for 19 aircraft. The Swiss Air Force followed with an order for 6 JEPAS (Jetpiloten Ausbildungssystem) PC-21. A-101 to A-106 were delivered in 2008 to the Swiss Air Force. Already in the middle of this year, the first pilot training course on the PC-21 with direct transition onto the F-18D Hornet started, avoiding the step via the F-5F Tiger. Training cost for new F-18 pilots could be reduced by 50%. However it was soon realized, that the demand of 6 to 8 new pilots per year could not be satisfied with 6 training aircraft only. A second order of two additional aircraft was placed in 2010 and the handover to the air force in 2012 increased the PC-21 fleet to 8 aircraft.

While the first 6 PC-21 carried a striking red and white scheme, visibility of the aircraft was deemed unsatisfactory - the follow up aircraft were painted all red with white trim. In time, all six PC-21 were painted in the same manner. A further exterior modification are the black leading edges of the wings and stabilizers. The landing gear, wheel wells and inside of the gear doors are painted white, as well as all Antennae. The cockpit canopy has a black trim. As a general note SAF PC-21 are glossy painted and kept in impeccable clean condition.

By the end of 2017, Pilatus has received orders for 209 PC-21. Next to Singapore and Switzerland, the following countries have ordered the type: Australia, France, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom.

As always I like to stress, that the decals should be applied to glossy surfaces. They react well to Micro Sol and Micro Set if you are using a stronger decal softener, please make your own tests. This decal sheet has been designed with a 1/48 scale version as an option. This said in 1/72 scale some markings are ways too small to be readable when screen-printed. On the real aircraft, the maintenance markings are subdued and barely recognizable from a short distance. However I feel to give you the most data as possible on this decal sheet and it is up to your decision, to make use of them, or not. The Whites have been double printed with the intention of a high opacity on the red surface. Before applying the decal for the canopy detonation cord, please dip the canopy into &#039;Future&#039; as the decal will not stick on the bare plastic for a long time.. Price:&amp;pound;14.99</description>
<author>sales@hannants.co.uk</author>
<guid>http://alpha.hannants.co.uk/product/MHN72017</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 09 Feb 2018 14:41:09 GMT</pubDate>
</item><item><title>Matterhorn Circle MHN32015</title>
<link>http://alpha.hannants.co.uk/product/MHN32015</link>
<description>Dassault-Mirage IIIC, IIIS, IIIRS Stencils only with paint masks including national insignia masks. Price:&amp;pound;14.99</description>
<author>sales@hannants.co.uk</author>
<guid>http://alpha.hannants.co.uk/product/MHN32015</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 13 Jun 2017 13:06:41 GMT</pubDate>
</item><item><title>Matterhorn Circle MHN48010</title>
<link>http://alpha.hannants.co.uk/product/MHN48010</link>
<description>BAE Hawk Mk.66. With the Hawk Mk66 the Swiss Parliament ordered an advanced jet trainer in October 1987. This after a thorough evaluation against the French Dassault-Dornier Alpha Jet. The contract worth 395 Mio CHF covered 20 aircraft and included a simulator.

U-1251 flew for the first time on April 7th1989 at Dunsfold (UK) with Paul Hopkins at the controls. This aircraft was handed over to GRD (Gruppe f&#039;r R&#039;stungsdienste) on November 8th and was flown to Switzerland by Manfred Brennwald and Thomas Schwarz.

The official introduction into the SAF inventory was celebrated January 31st 1990. This marked the end of the DH.115 de Havilland Vampire Trainer &amp; DH.100 de Havilland Vampire as Training aircraft.

Please note that the first Hawk Mk66 build in Great Britan was been painted in white with striking red trim on the wings, nose and tail. For better visibility, the scheme was changed and painted red on the belly up half the way of the fuselage. The upper side remained white. Unfortunately, not many pictures of the short lived livery exist. This scheme re-appears on the T-45 Goshawk that was developed for the U.S. Navy. What maintenance markings and walk ways concerns, very view were applied &#039;restricted to the ejection seat warnings and recue items as well as fire extinguishing.

The remaining 19 Hawks (U-1252 &#039;U-1270) were assembled in Emmen &#039;the final aircraft delivered to the air force on October 2nd 1991. As it is a tradition, the last aircraft leaving the line was adored with some special artwork &#039;reflecting a Hawk that carries away a &#039;Walliser Tomato&#039;&#039; some people argue, that it must be an Apricot. Also Flags of the Canton Wallis and City of Emmen are painted onto the fuselage surrounded by grapes.

Already in 2002 the remaining 19 Hawks were put into storage. One aircraft (U-1256) was lost October 15th 1990 in a training accident in the Alps &#039;Nesthorn (VS). Of these, 18 Hawks were purchased by Finland in 2008. U-1251 remained in the Flieger &amp; Flap Museum in D&#039;bendorf. The short service period in Switzerland is simply explained &#039;technology advanced faster than expected &#039;with the introduction of the F-18, the Hawk could not fulfill the requirement of a digital cockpit and despite the low flying hours and excellent condition it was deemed as financially sound to withdraw the aircraft from service. Today, the Pilatus PC-21 fills the slot allowing a straight transition onto the F-18.

This decal sheet has been designed based on painting instructions from the maintenance manuals as well as a thorough visit to U-1251 stored at Duebendorf. Special thanks for assistance go again to the Flieger and Flap Museum Duebendorf and to Bruno Schneider who have been immensely helpful on this project and others in the past. The decals themselves have been screen printed by the UK based Fantasy Printshop and guaranty a top quality product and easy application to the model. The decals must be applied onto a glossy surface to avoid the unwanted silvering. Decal softeners like Mircro Sol &amp; Set work very nice. Once dry, excess glue from the decals should be removed with a soft damp cloth. [Mk.1a]. Price:&amp;pound;19.99</description>
<author>sales@hannants.co.uk</author>
<guid>http://alpha.hannants.co.uk/product/MHN48010</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 24 Feb 2016 16:32:05 GMT</pubDate>
</item><item><title>Matterhorn Circle MHN48014</title>
<link>http://alpha.hannants.co.uk/product/MHN48014</link>
<description>Dassault-Mirage IIIS &amp; IIIRS early [Dassault-Mirage IIIE]. Price:&amp;pound;29.99</description>
<author>sales@hannants.co.uk</author>
<guid>http://alpha.hannants.co.uk/product/MHN48014</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 14 May 2015 11:00:31 GMT</pubDate>
</item><item><title>Matterhorn Circle MHN72012</title>
<link>http://alpha.hannants.co.uk/product/MHN72012</link>
<description>de Havilland DH.115 Vampire Trainer. Vampire DecalVampire DecalMC48006 / MC72006Vampire InstructionsVampire InstructionsVampire InstructionsDownload PDF Download PDF Download PDF Download PDF Michel BerardMichel Berard
Kits:
1/72 Heller / Airfix / CMR
1/48 Classic AirframesBasel 2006 - by Michel BerardMk 1Mk 1Mk 1line upPrisi booklet
DH.100 Vampire / DH.115 Vampire Trainer

The jet age dawned for Switzerland in the summer of 1946. For test and evaluation purposes, the KTA (Weapons Procurement Agency) ordered 3 DH.100 Mk.1 &#039;Vampires&#039; from de Havilland in England. J-1001 was handed over at the de Havilland plant in Hatfield on July 27th 1946. The service life of this aircraft was relatively short and ended only 7 days later when it was written off during a take off accident on August 2nd.

Not to be discouraged however, the Government ordered 75 DH.100 Mk.6 &#039;Vampires&#039; at the end of 1948. These aircraft were to be built by de Havilland, while a further batch of 100 Vampires were to be built under license in Switzerland.

Deliveries from Hatfield started on May 5th 1949. The aircraft were flown to Switzerland by de Havilland company pilots and in particular by John Cunningham, who at that time, was the company&#039;s chief pilot. For the delivery flights, small British registrations were painted next to the Swiss serial numbers which could quickly be removed in Switzerland. The aircraft were painted according to Swiss specifications and already carried service markings in French and German.

&#039;Operation Snowball&#039; took place on February 8th 1950. John Cunningham carried a pair of skis attached on top of the tail booms. For the delivery flight, J-1048 had the title &#039;Operation Snowball&#039; painted on the engine cowling. A total of 75 DH.100 Mk.6 Vampires were flown into Switzerland serialled J-1005 - J-1079.

In the meantime, the manufacturing lines for the license built DH.100&#039;s were being set up in Emmen, Altenrhein and Buochs. 100 Vampires (J-1101 to J-1200) were delivered to the Swiss Air Force between 1951 and 1953. The Goblin Engines were however still built in the UK and most of them were flown in by Swiss Junkers Ju-52s.

In 1953, F+W Emmen (in co-operation with de Havilland) built 3 DH.115 Mk.11 Vampire Trainers (U-1001 - U-1003). Three years later, an additional batch of 7 Vampire trainers (U-1004 - U1010) were produced and on this occasion the Mk.55s were equipped with Martin-Baker Mk3 ejection seats. In 1957 however, these aircraft were re-serialled U-1201 - U-1210. By 1967, a total of 39 DH.115 Mk.55 were being flown by the Air Force, the last 9 of them being surplus RAF aircraft.. Price:&amp;pound;14.99</description>
<author>sales@hannants.co.uk</author>
<guid>http://alpha.hannants.co.uk/product/MHN72012</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 31 Jul 2013 18:40:54 GMT</pubDate>
</item><item><title>Matterhorn Circle MHN72011</title>
<link>http://alpha.hannants.co.uk/product/MHN72011</link>
<description>North-American P-51D Mustang. USAAF pilots delivered the first 26 aircraft to D&#039;bendorf in February 1948 and by the end of August of the same year,
Switzerland had 100 P-51 (D-20 &amp; D-25) in the inventory. The remaining 30 aircraft had to be brought up to flying
condition by Swiss personnel during September and instructor pilots ferried them to Switzerland since the USAAF was
busy with the Berlin blockade. The 130 P-51 included 15 aircraft with reconaissance equipement and 3 two seaters.. Price:&amp;pound;14.99</description>
<author>sales@hannants.co.uk</author>
<guid>http://alpha.hannants.co.uk/product/MHN72011</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 31 Jul 2013 18:40:53 GMT</pubDate>
</item><item><title>Matterhorn Circle MHN48013</title>
<link>http://alpha.hannants.co.uk/product/MHN48013</link>
<description>Morane D-3800 &amp; D-3801 [Morane-Saulnier MS.406C1 ]. Price:&amp;pound;14.99</description>
<author>sales@hannants.co.uk</author>
<guid>http://alpha.hannants.co.uk/product/MHN48013</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 31 Jul 2013 18:40:50 GMT</pubDate>
</item><item><title>Matterhorn Circle MHN32011</title>
<link>http://alpha.hannants.co.uk/product/MHN32011</link>
<description>North-American P-51D Mustang (Decals &amp; Paint Masks) After WWII Switzerland stepped into the jet age in the summer of 1946 and tested the DH.100 Mk.1 Vampire. Subsequently, a large number of these fast jets (DH.100 Mk.6) were ordered to replace the ageing Messerschmitt Bf-109 and Morane D-3801 fighters. To fill the gap until the advanced version of the Vampire became available, a quick and economic solution was found in the North-American Aviation P-51D Mustang.

The U.S. Army Air Force Europe had large numbers of surplus P-47 &amp; P-51 fighters stored at Nurnberg and Ober-pfaffenhofen and did not intend to return them to the US. Having flown and tested a captured P-51B during the war, the choice was swift and favourable conditions for a purchase of 100 aircraft plus 30 aircraft for spares could be negotiated for a price tag for U.S. $ 4000.- (approx. CHF 17000.-) per aircraft.

USAAF pilots delivered the first 26 aircraft to D&#039;bendorf in February 1948 and by the end of August of the same year, Switzerland had 100 P-51 (D-20 &amp; D-25) in the inventory. The remaining 30 aircraft had to be brought up to flying condition by Swiss personnel and Instructor pilots ferried them to Switzerland since the USAAF was busy with the Berlin blockade.

The range of J-901 to J-1000 was assigned for the Mustangs while the numbers J-1001 &#039;J-1200 were reserved for the Vampires on order. However, being Swiss, the 30 &#039;spare part&#039; Mustangs were implemented into the fleet and the required spare parts were cannibalised from other aircraft at Oberpfaffenhofen during October 1948, thus the Swiss Air Force had their own airlift with the Junkers Ju-52/3m transport aircraft. This operation had the consequence that the assigned range for the registration numbers was insufficient and the aircraft had to be re-numbered in the Range J-2001 &#039;J-2130.

Originally, squared national insignia that offered higher visibility were applied on both, bottom and top of the wings as on the rudder. Those days after the war, unpainted aircraft became popular and it was deemed, that for fast aircraft, the control surfaces should remain unpainted. The switch back to the round national insignia was implemented during 1949.

There is an on-going dispute about the color on top of the engine cowling. While the Americans favoured blue and olive drab amongst other bright colors, it is believed that Swiss Mustangs had RLM 24 (a very dark black / blue) applied - while other sources state simply black.

Different low visibility paint schemes were tested during 1952 on 12 airframes, consisting of dark green over light blue or unpainted lower surfaces. The specification (Art. No. xxxx) of these colors are not to a defined standard and the Vallejo Numbers given in the instructions are just close but not a definite match. At the same time, neutrality markings were tested again with the intention that the aircraft could be identified from a distance of 1000 meters.

Unique to the Swiss P-51 were the straight &#039;Ziellinien&#039; applied on top of the wings from 1950 onwards. Some Aircraft originally had angled lines that aided the pilot to hit the target on low level bombing missions. These were duly replaced with the straight version.

&#039;Man&#039;ver Kennzeichnung&#039; was common to a number of airframes in the shape of red, blue and yellow bands behind the cockpit and on the nose. The bands had a width of 1000mm or 500mm. These markings were kept until the phase out in 1957.

The main reference for this decal sheet is the sole preserved P-51D (J-2113) at the Flieger und Flap Museum in D&#039;bendorf. However, I would not have succeeded without the excellent book by Georg Hoch : Farbgebung und Kennzeichen der Schweizer Luftwaffe 1914 &#039;1959. See www.georg-hoch.ch

This decal sheet has been printed by Fantasy Printshop in the UK. They should be applied onto a glossy painted surface to avoid the silvering effect. Decal softeners like Micro Sol &amp; Micro Set work well with these decals &#039;please make tests when using different brands.. Price:&amp;pound;19.99</description>
<author>sales@hannants.co.uk</author>
<guid>http://alpha.hannants.co.uk/product/MHN32011</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 16 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
</item><item><title>Matterhorn Circle MHN72014</title>
<link>http://alpha.hannants.co.uk/product/MHN72014</link>
<description>Re-printed in 2021! Dassault-Mirage IIIS &amp; IIIRS. Price:&amp;pound;21.99</description>
<author>sales@hannants.co.uk</author>
<guid>http://alpha.hannants.co.uk/product/MHN72014</guid>
</item><item><title>Matterhorn Circle MHN48015</title>
<link>http://alpha.hannants.co.uk/product/MHN48015</link>
<description>Re-printing in 2021 Dassault-Mirage IIIS &amp; RS late [Dassault-Mirage IIIE]. Price:&amp;pound;19.99</description>
<author>sales@hannants.co.uk</author>
<guid>http://alpha.hannants.co.uk/product/MHN48015</guid>
</item><item><title>Matterhorn Circle MHN32018</title>
<link>http://alpha.hannants.co.uk/product/MHN32018</link>
<description>Northrop F-5E/F-5F Tiger - Peace Alps Part two. Price:&amp;pound;29.99</description>
<author>sales@hannants.co.uk</author>
<guid>http://alpha.hannants.co.uk/product/MHN32018</guid>
</item><item><title>Matterhorn Circle MHN32019</title>
<link>http://alpha.hannants.co.uk/product/MHN32019</link>
<description>Hawker Hunter Mk.58 / T Mk.68 [FGA.9/Mk.58]. Price:&amp;pound;29.99</description>
<author>sales@hannants.co.uk</author>
<guid>http://alpha.hannants.co.uk/product/MHN32019</guid>
</item><item><title>Matterhorn Circle MHN48019</title>
<link>http://alpha.hannants.co.uk/product/MHN48019</link>
<description>Hawker Hunter Mk.58 early [F.6]. Price:&amp;pound;14.99</description>
<author>sales@hannants.co.uk</author>
<guid>http://alpha.hannants.co.uk/product/MHN48019</guid>
</item><item><title>Matterhorn Circle MHN48020</title>
<link>http://alpha.hannants.co.uk/product/MHN48020</link>
<description>Hawker Hunter Mk.58 / T Mk.68 late [F.8]. Price:&amp;pound;14.99</description>
<author>sales@hannants.co.uk</author>
<guid>http://alpha.hannants.co.uk/product/MHN48020</guid>
</item><item><title>Matterhorn Circle MHN72019</title>
<link>http://alpha.hannants.co.uk/product/MHN72019</link>
<description>Hawker Hunter Mk.58 early [F.6]. Price:&amp;pound;14.99</description>
<author>sales@hannants.co.uk</author>
<guid>http://alpha.hannants.co.uk/product/MHN72019</guid>
</item><item><title>Matterhorn Circle MHN72020</title>
<link>http://alpha.hannants.co.uk/product/MHN72020</link>
<description>Hawker Hunter Mk.58 / T Mk.68 late [F.8]. Price:&amp;pound;14.99</description>
<author>sales@hannants.co.uk</author>
<guid>http://alpha.hannants.co.uk/product/MHN72020</guid>
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