This is a big moment for Dynamic Vectors and we are overjoyed to be in a position to make this announcement, as we unveil our two official ‘fini’ patches for the end of the Grim Reapers’ F-15 operations at RAF Lakenheath. To be involved with this moment has been an awesome privilege and, as the patches are now delivered to the 493rd Fighter Squadron, we are offering a limited number of enthusiasts the chance to own these little pieces of history.

The first patch is what emerged from our design team as we began this project, seeking to highlight the incredible air superiority achievements of the European-based Eagles, and specifically the 493rd Fighter Squadron, over the course of its history with the jet. Of the many kills attributed to the USAFE F-15s, we selected 86-156 to feature, due to its record of downing two MiG-29s in one sortie - the ‘spiritual’ enemy of the F-15, from each type’s conception to counter the other during the Cold War period.

This patch credits the men and women who contributed to the following air-to-air engagements and subsequent victories achieved by the F-15:

84-010 | Shot down an Iraqi Sukhoi Su-22 on 22nd March 1991, whilst serving with the 53rd TFS, part of the 36TFW at Bitburg.

84-014 | Shot down a Su-22 on 20 March 1991 during Operation PROVIDE COMFORT.

84-015 | Shot down a Pilatus PC-9 on 22 March 1991 during Operation PROVIDE COMFORT.

84-019 | Shot down two Su-25s on 6 February 1991 during Operation DESERT STORM.

84-027 | Shot down a MiG-23 and a Mirage F-1 on 27 January 1991 during Operation DESERT STORM.

86-156 | Shot down two Federal Republic of Yugoslavia Air Force MiG-29s on 26 March 1999.

86-159 | Shot down a Federal Republic of Yugoslavia Air Force MiG-29 on 24 March 1999.

86-169 | Shot down a Federal Republic of Yugoslavia Air Force MiG-29 on 24 March 1999.

The patch features not only the jet releasing flares during an aerial engagement, but also the ominous figure of the Grim Reaper behind. The Head-Up-Display symbology is then accurate to the F-15C, having been developed alongside the Squadron. It features an AMRAAM missile targeting display as a credit to the later developments to the Eagles, with the jet flying at Mach 0.493 as a nod to the 493rd FS. The F-15C’s altitude is fixed at 4800ft in recognition of the 48th Fighter Wing, under which the 493rd operates and the jet’s heading is passing 240; a hint to Lakenheath’s Runway 24. Finally, the shape of a MiG-29 is displayed beneath the lock-up cue which would be achieved in the HUD prior to missile release.

Due to our commitment to delivering these patches to the Grim Reapers in time for their final departures with the Eagle, they will be delivered in two batches. Extras will be dispatched to enthusiasts in two runs - the first being immediately after release, after which back orders can be placed, up to the limit of the production run, and these will be sent out several weeks later.

Type: 3D PVC (Premium)
Code: 22-002
Size: 8.8cm wide by 13.5cm high