picture 173512

Acquired as interceptors in the 1960s, the Mirage IIICZs were originally left in bare metal overall. In the mid-1970s, they received the rst of several camouage patterns applied over the following years: this consisted of bronze green (applied with sharp borders) on deep bu (which tended to bleach into yellow, as shown here) in semi-gloss nish on upper surfaces and sides, and light admiralty grey (BS381C/697) on undersurfaces. Initially, the unit insignia of No. 2 ‘Flying Cheetahs’ Squadron (shown inset) was applied high on the n, and the rudder painted in South African national colours: both were removed by the time of assault on Cassinga. This example (serial 805) is shown carrying the famous Matra JL.100 combined launcher for 68mm unguided rockets and drop tank under its inboard underwing pylon. (Artwork by Tom Cooper)