The Royal Air Force has rolled out a D-Day-inspired special scheme jet for use by the Typhoon solo display team at airshows in 2024.
Photo: Royal Air Force
Typhoon FGR.4 ZJ913 has been painted up in a scheme representing Hawker Typhoon FM-G, flown during Operation Overloard by Sqn. Ldr. Denzil Jenkins of 257 Squadron RAF. It features Typhoon-style camouflage and D-Day “invasion stripes”. The scheme has been nicknamed “Moggy”.
ZJ913 will replace ZJ914 as the primary Typhoon display jet. Known as Blackjack, ZJ914 featured Union Flag decals on an overall matte black paint scheme. Originally intended for the 2021 and 2022 display seasons, Blackjack’s life on the airshow circuit has twice been extended, initially to cover the 2023 display season, and now – it seems – into 2024, as a secondary aircraft.
“Moggy” will likely be used for one season only – not least because it has been applied to a Tranche 1 Typhoon, all of which are currently due to be retired by early 2025.
The Typhoon solo display is currently slated to perform at 21 events this year, mainly in the UK, but also with visits to Czechia and Sweden. Additionally, the team will visit Canada in June – the first time they have displayed in North America. See their full schedule here.