We were delighted to be invited to roll out two patches to mark the advent of F-35 operations!

‘Let’s Ride’ is the first of the new patches, showing the moment a 493rd FS Lightning II pilot ‘saddles up’ to take the fight to the enemy. The front profile of the F-35 with its charismatic front-opening canopy is so recognisable and we had never before seen a patch illustrating that moment a pilot climbs aboard to meld man and machine ahead of a flight. So much detail has been crammed into this miniature piece of art - you’ll be able to enjoy the myriad of kit worn by this Lightning driver, from g-suit to O2 connections and more, when you look closely!

‘Eagle Transition’ is a patch close to our heart, as it stays true to our love of hiding small, significant elements within a larger design - telling a story in art form. The idea grew from an idea pitched by the 493rd themselves and an F-15C shadow below the F-35A. Rather than depict the new kid on the block on the ground or include a shadow in isolation we sought to find a way which brought more dynamism to the piece. Again, with an eye on the return of the Reapers to UK skies, we focused on the moment the jet leaves the runway and the speed of the takeoff. The sense of speed captured through motion blur in photography inspired us, but instead of a blur that can’t be replicated in PVC, we elected to break the runway up in the jet’s wake. Not wishing to stop there though, the design breaks into digital pixels - symbolising the transition from the legacy, but much-respected F-15, to the modern Lightning II.

Both of these new patches feature a new Grim Reaper character top right. Staying faithful to the original design from our Eagle patches, these refreshed designs offer a wonderful complement to the original pair but bring us right up to reality. A new start. The beginning of a modern era, with a jet which has already begun to make its mark in European skies.It has been a privilege to design these sets for the 493rd Fighter Squadron. Whether or not the future holds more, we are exceptionally grateful to have been involved and Dynamic Vectors wish the Grim Reapers much success in years ahead.