Aircraft Of Brazil

[anthonyp]

Here's the next installment of my assault on bandwidth:  Aircraft of the Brazilian Air Force and Navy.

I don't know why, but I've been fascinated by Brazil's markings ever since I happened upon an old decal sheet on eBay.  Actually, any markings that aren't just round I like.  They stand out in a crowd.  And Brazil's myriad of markings are just downright cool!

First up is a re-release of the old 1/72 Monogram Grumman F7F Tigercat, done up in Brazilian Navy colors.  It's a fairly simple kit, though even after I loaded up the front end with ballast, it still has balance issues.

Grumman F7F Tigercat Brazilian Navy

The Grumman F7F Tigercat was a welcome addition to the Brazilian Navy in 1953.  It provided them with a potent heavy fighter for the navy when their WWII era planes were becoming long in the tooth.  Brazil bought a total of 65 Tigercats for use off their license built Midway class ship and from land bases.

The Tigercats flew with distinction off the Independencia until replaced by F-4B's in 1969.



For more pics, click here.

[anthonyp]

Ryan Fireball FR1 Brazilian Navy

The Brazilians were attempting to establish themselves as a legitimate Blue Water navy in the late 1940's, early 1950's.  They expanded their surface fleet to include a license built Midway class ship, as well as two Essex class ships purchased from the US.  With these came requirements for aircraft, that unfortunately led to the aerospace equivalent of Snake Oil Salesmen heading south from the US.  Brazil, for reasons beyond comprehension, bought and deployed 49 Ryan Fireball FR1's before the plane was deemed an utter failure.

These planes flew off of all three carriers in Brazil's fleet, and after upgrading to a more advanced and powerful (though somewhat problematic) FR2 configuration, went onto mild success.  The planes were mercifully retired from active service in 1960, and spent another eight years in reserve units flying from only land bases.



For more pics, click here.

This model is a 1/72 MPM kit.  Typical MPM kit, ie, bad fit, vacform canopy, flash, but they're the only show in town for most forgotten subjects, so what are ya gonna do?

[anthonyp]

Republic P-47H Brazilian Air Force

After the USAAC lost interest in the XP-47H for themselves, Republic and Chrysler went about pitching the plane as an export fighter to the US State Department.  The State Department agreed to allow the firms to market the plane.  Once the issues with the engine were fixed, the plane went onto moderate success in primarily the Americas, with some being sold in the Pacific Rim.  Brazil was the first customer of the P-47H in South America and ended up purchasing 548 of the fighters.  They never really lived up to expectations, but were a good stand in until P-51's were exported in the late 1940's.  Some P-47H's survived in reserve units until the late 1970's, performing COIN missions.



For more pics, click here.

Another 1/72 MPM kit.  Like I said, poor fit, odd shape, vacform canopy, flash, but what are ya gonna do?  There aren't too many 1/72 XP-47H kits out there, and I think it's a pretty neat looking plane.  It did go together easier than the Fireball, though.

[anthonyp]

McDonnell Douglas/Boeing F-15C Brazilian Air Force

The F-15C became Brazil's primary heavy fighter in 1990, when they began to receive exports of the potent fighter.  They replaced F-4's and Mirages in the primary air-to-air role, and allowed the service's F-16's to become more dedicated to the air-to-ground role.

This example is shown prior to a long range Atlantic patrol.



For more pics, click here.

This is a 1/72 ESCI F-15B with some Hasegawa Sparrows on it.

No more Brazilian models for now, need more modern markings.

[Mossie]

Wow, you seem even busier than normal Anthony.  I love Brazillian markings too & the fact that the Air Force, Navy & Army all have completely different versions!  Add to that WWII markings that were often simply painted over the US stars & bars & the short-pointed star variant of the FAB 'roundel' & you've got a lot of variety.  The only 'normal' roundel is that of the Navy's, but even that has an unusual cobination of colours!

A really nice alternate Brazil!

[Brian da Basher]

Wow those are hot, Anthony! I really like your Bazillian Tigercat! It's a treat to see these interesting aircraft in such unique markings.

Brian da Basher

[John Howling Mouse]

mmmmm...!    

[ysi_maniac]

Yes I do love those propeller driven beauties
       

[Shasper]

"You need to get yerself a girl mate"

As usual, they're up to par with everything else! Good show!


Shas B)

[BlackOps]

Anthony, they all look good but I really, really like the Tigercat!!!    

[dragon]

You know, you also could do a modern fighter as a salute to the old Thunderbolts operated by the Brazilians (check out Hannants).  Imagine that F-15 with the "Senta Pua" nose art from WWII. B)  

[ysi_maniac]

Anthony, they all look good but I really, really like the Tigercat!!!  

Everyone likes Tigercat    

[Archibald]

I like tigercats !!