5 October 2009
'Red Stars' rising over Newark
Steady progress is being made on repainting the Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-27 “Flogger” 61912507006 “71” and the iconic red star markings of the Russian Air Force are once again shining out on this former Soviet Bloc jet fighter.
Unusually the top coats of paint and major national markings have initially been applied to just one half of the airframe i.e. that side that is most easily photographable. However the other side of the airframe [closest to the wall of the museum’s Hangar 2] has been primed, but it still awaits the top coats of paint, which will be applied during the coming weeks.
Most of the minor restoration work required on the airframe has now been carried out. This was mainly on some small areas of corrosion on the trailing edges of the wings. New wheel guards have also been fabricated and fitted to the MiG-27.
An extensive amount of research into the paint scheme has been carried out by the local aviation enthusiast who is undertaking the repainting work; but the news scheme largely follows the ‘combat worn’ markings that had become a hallmark of this airframe.
Along with its MiG-23 sister airframe the MiG-27 is on loan with the Newark Air Museum and the new paint scheme will provide vital protection against the British weather.
For more information go to: www.newarkairmuseum.org
Photo: Howard Heeley - Down To Earth Promotions |
