Centrepiece of the RCyAF and the SLAF for all of the 1960s and 1970s were 12 DHC-1 Chipmunk T.Mk 10 basic trainers, acquired in three batches between 1952 and 1953. About a dozen generations of future pilots earned their wings while flying the type before this was withdrawn from service in 1985. For most of that period, Sri Lankan Chipmunks wore the livery illustrated here, consisting of ‘high speed silver’ finish overall, and the yellow ‘trainer band’ around the rear fuselage. Serials were reapplied several times, and thus varied in size and form over time. Illustrated in this colour profile is the original shape of national insignia applied on this type, with a sizeable gap between the roundel and its ‘wings’ on the fuselage. Notably, the roundels applied on top and bottom surfaces of the wing had their ‘wings’ applied in complete fashion. (Artwork by Tom Cooper)