Return of the Reapers! We’re so pleased to finally arrive at another big moment in our calendar, after so much work to get here. If we felt honoured to have worked on the pair of patches released at the start of the year to mark the withdrawal of the 493rd Fighter Squadron’s F-15C’s from Europe, then we were equally staggered to be invited to roll out two more to mark the advent of F-35 operations!

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.

We’re celebrating the Reaper’s Return in more than one way, as we not only roll out our new patches for the 493rd Fighter Squadron at RAF Lakenheath, but this wonderful new piece too - the second fine art print in our range by Chris Dodd.

It marks the transition from the mighty Eagle to the Lightning II and depicts an F-15C pilot walking to his jet for the final time as two F-35s break to land above. The Eagle is none other than the specially marked 86-0172, which was adorned with a black tail and airbrake displaying artwork commemorating the type’s withdrawal from Europe. Lightning surges forward out of the dark clouds above, as the Grim Reapers once again establish their dominance at RAF Lakenheath, taking their rightful place once again as part of the 48th Fighter Wing.

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.