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!

‘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!

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.

Type: 3D PVC (Premium)
Code: 22-016
Size: 8.6cm wide by 14.2cm high