New livery for RAF's Typhoon display team for the 2024 season
On April 22nd, 2024, the RAF Typhoon Display Team unveiled their new display jet during a live stream on their social media platform. The new display jet, Typhoon FGR4 ZJ913, sports a unique D-Day-inspired design. It features a camouflage pattern and D-Day invasion stripes, similar to those used by the Royal Air Force Hawker Typhoons during the Normandy landings, making it a visually stunning aircraft.
Replacing the iconic ZJ914, also known as the Blackjack, which is nearing the end of its service life, the new jet will serve as the primary aircraft for the upcoming season. The team is excited to showcase the new jet and confident that it will be a crowd-pleaser. The Blackjack will continue to serve as a backup for the team during the season.
Typhoon FGR4 ZJ913 ‘Moggy’
(Royal Air Force Copyright)
The livery
The Typhoon Display Team has meticulously chosen a unique livery for their new jet, and this selection was not arbitrary. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Normandy, which took place during World War II and played a significant role in the Allied victory. In honor of the brave men and women who fought in that historical conflict, the team decided to pay tribute by replicating the same camouflage pattern of the Hawker Typhoon of the 257 squadron that fought in June 1944. The aircraft features the letters FM-G, FM was the lettering of 257 squadron RAF, and the last aircraft to wear FM-G was flown by squadron leader Denzil Jenkins.
The Hawker Typhoon was a British single-seat fighter bomber that played a crucial role in supporting ground fighting during the Normandy campaign. It was renowned for its ability to attack enemy forces, particularly tanks, in support of British or other Allied troops. The new livery features a camouflage pattern of green and brown on the top and a light blue underbelly, complete with invasion strips on the fuselage and wings, inspired by the Hawker Typhoons' original paint scheme.
Typhoon FGR4 ZJ913 ‘Moggy’ during the roll out
(Royal Air Force Copyright)
The Typhoon Display Team wanted to ensure that the new jet's livery would be a fitting tribute to the brave men and women who fought in World War II and that it would serve as a reminder of their courage and selflessness. The team meticulously researched the original paint scheme and consulted with historians to replicate the same pattern. They also ensured that the new jet's livery would be as historically accurate as possible, down to the smallest details. For instance, the FM-G lettering on the aircraft was hand-painted, just like it was during the war.
The Typhoon Display Team hopes that their new jet's livery will not only honor the past but also serve as a symbol of hope for the future. By remembering the bravery and sacrifice of those who fought in World War II, they believe that we can work towards a future where peace and harmony prevail. They also hope that the new jet's livery will inspire future generations to learn about the history of World War II and the sacrifices made by those who fought for freedom and democracy.
Invasion stripes
(Royal Air Force Copyright)
Squadron leader Denzil Jenkins
Squadron Leader Jenkins was an exceptional pilot and the Commanding Officer of No.257 (Burma) Squadron, operating Typhoon Fighter Bombers in Belgium and Holland in support of the Army. He joined the squadron in August 1943 as a flight sergeant pilot, was commissioned in January 1944, became a flight commander in August, and was squadron commander on 14th October, quickly rising through the ranks. When he completed his training as a Pilot, he was appointed an Instructor at Ternhill S.F.T.S. and served there for two years. Despite continually requesting an operational posting, he was not immediately granted one. In February 1943, he was posted to Gibraltar, where, for over six months, he ferried 250 Hurricane IIc aircraft to Cairo for the Russian campaign, losing only one aircraft during that time.
Squadron Leader Jenkins carried out both high and low-level dive-bombing attacks against a wide variety of targets, including Shipping, Noball sites, Bridges, Gun Positions, Railway Marshalling Yards, Trains, Airfields, etc. He has successfully completed over 40 Sorties with R/P directed against enemy communications, Tanks, AFVs and Met, Radar Stations, Chateaux used as H.Q., and Tunnels housing long-range Railway Guns. Despite encountering intense flak on all these missions, he pressed on to ensure the complete success of the operation without regard for his own personal safety. He nobly played his part in the vital preparations for the invasion and the destruction of enemy Radar from Cap Gris Nez to Cap de la Hague, thus effectively screening the approach of our vast Armada on "D" Day.
First public display at Midlands Air Festival
If you are an aviation enthusiast, you wouldn't want to miss the first opportunity to witness the Typhoon Display Team's brand-new display jet this season. You will get to see them in action on Friday, May 31st, at the Midlands Air Festival's opening 'NIGHTFIRE' show. The show promises to be a thrilling spectacle of aeronautical prowess, featuring an array of world-class pilots and aircraft.
If you can't make it to the Midlands Air Festival, don't worry! The Typhoon Display Team will also be performing at the English Riviera Airshow on the 1st and 2nd of June. The English Riviera Airshow is a two-day event that takes place over Torbay's stunning waterfront, which is renowned for its exciting aerial displays and entertainment on the ground.
So mark your calendars and attend one of these events to enjoy some of the best aerial displays in the world. It's an experience you won't forget!
New display pilot
The highly anticipated Typhoon display this season will be presented by Flight Lieutenant David Turnbull, who is also known as Turbo, as he takes on the role previously held by Flight Lieutenant Matthew Brighty in 2023. Turbo is a skilled fighter pilot with over six years of experience flying the Typhoon. He has participated in multiple missions, including Operation Shader in Iraq, Exercise Saif Sareea in Oman, and Exercise Bersama Lima in Malaysia. Turbo's experience and expertise make him the perfect candidate for showcasing the Typhoon's exceptional maneuverability and remarkable thrust-to-weight ratio through a series of exciting new maneuvers during the 2024 display.
The Typhoon Display Team is comprised of talented individuals exclusively selected from No 29(R) Squadron, the RAF's Typhoon Operational Conversion Unit (OCU). The Squadron is the largest fast jet operator of the RAF and is located at RAF Coningsby in the picturesque county of Lincolnshire. The team consists of skilled engineers, dedicated ground support personnel, experienced public relations staff, and management, all of whom work together to ensure a seamless and successful display. The team's selection process is rigorous and ensures that only the most capable individuals make it through. The Typhoon Display Team is a source of pride for the RAF and is eagerly anticipated by aviation enthusiasts both within and outside the UK.
