“You either die a hero, or live long enough to see yourself become the villain...”

We’re giving you a ‘Two-Face’ kind of choice and welcoming you to the world of IX (Bomber) Squadron.

The story of Batman has long been linked to IX Squadron and has carried through from the Tornado GR.4 to Typhoon. Marham’s Hardened Aircraft Shelter complex - which housed the Squadron’s Tornados - proudly displayed the sign ‘Welcome to Gotham’ at its entrance and the link still endures. Nowadays the Typhoons operate out of RAF Lossiemouth in Scotland, displaying the green bat from their official badge on the jets’ tails.

They now provide aggressor services to the rest of the RAF’s fast jet community, simulating adversaries that could be faced in a real-world battle space. They do this with a platform like Typhoon, which can perform significantly better than the alternative option through 100 Squadron’s Hawks. Another extremely knowledgable and capable unit but with limited ability to fly and fight against modern 4th and 5th generation types where the Typhoon has a dangerous edge.

IX Squadron made moves toward painting their fleet black, to reflect their aggressor status and change their appearance to suit. Only one jet eventually received that scheme, ZJ914, which sadly later passed on to 29 Squadron, becoming the Typhoon Display primary jet for 2021, known as ‘Blackjack.’

IX Squadron however, remain unique in having operated the jet in this paint and it contrasted well with the other jets, such as ZJ924. With that dark streak still in their recent past, ideas began to form...

The Batman and the Joker are faces that have become synonymous with good and evil, yet some versions of the hero have been flawed and invoked deeper discussions on where the line is, or indeed can be drawn, between the light and the darkness. With just one number differing on the sides of our chosen Typhoons, the parallel was irresistible...

And so was born this concept for IX(B) Squadron. The choice between being Gotham’s Dark Knight or barrelling into the fight and ‘Playing the Joker’ in the furball that ensues...just remember to leave your calling card.

We’ve helped the Squadron continue their links to Gotham and given you the choice...

Do you want to be the hero, or the villain...?

Type: 3D PVC (Premium)
Code: 21-010
Size: 9cm wide by 12cm high