'But that aircraft didn't fly in that service'

[McColm]

I'm not sure if this topic fits here.
The modeller can use different decals from a host of nations or go to the proflie and CGI page or finished projects page.

Aircraft manufactures and nations buying their aircraft still insist on their markings applied before the sale. Here are a few examples of aircraft painted in different markings but not serving in that force or country.

The Kestrel V/STOL demonstrator was tested and flown by pilots from the air force and navy from the UK, Germany and the USA. The Germans and USA didn't place any orders, but the US Marines who didn't test the Kestrel placed an order for the Harrier Av-8B.

The F-15A was painted in French markings whilst it was doing its promotion tour of Europe. No orders follwed.

The Tornado IDS was seen in Malaysian markings but the order was cancelled.

A B-47 carried Canadian markings but no orders were placed.

The is a similar theme on 'The Aviation Forum', do you know of any more examples?

[Spey_Phantom]

there was a German F-4F that was painted in Dutch markings once.
and there was a Avro Vulcan with a big RNZAF roundel on the nose 

and lets not forget the sole B-47 in canadian service 

[Mossie]

The Kestrel V/STOL demonstrator was tested and flown by pilots from the air force and navy from the UK, Germany and the USA. The Germans and USA didn't place any orders, but the US Marines who didn't test the Kestrel placed an order for the Harrier Av-8B.

It also carried unusual tri-national markings, roundel split into three with German & British fin flashes on the the tail.

There was the Vulcan that was zapped by RNZAF personnel, with a Kiwi replacing the red centre dot of the British roundel (oops, just spotted Nils already mentioned this).

This is quite a common occurrence, but Saudi Tornadoes being upgraded in the UK have been given British roundels & serials.

[elmayerle]

Well, comparable to F-15B 71-291 in French markings, McD flew one or two F/A-18s in Swedish markings are part of an unsuccessful marketing campaign.

[Mossie]

Dare I come out with a whiffing cliche??? Mmmm, F/A-18 in splinter cam....

Edited, got the facts slightly wrong...

[JayBee]

The Kestrel flew in full US markings as the AV-6A.

[martinbayer]

As an opposite example of real world 'false flag' operations, the German Bundesluftwaffe owns and operates T-38 Talons, which for legal reasons carry USAF insignia instead of iron cross markings, at Sheppard AFB in Texas for the Euro NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training (ENJJPT).

Martin

[Geoff]

The F/A-18 demonstrator carried Swedish markings when demonstrated to the Swedes.

[Green Dragon]

The YF-17 carried French markings for a short time while they were testing it.

Paul Harrison

[elmayerle]

As an opposite example of real world 'false flag' operations, the German Bundesluftwaffe owns and operates T-38 Talons, which for legal reasons carry USAF insignia instead of iron cross markings, at Sheppard AFB in Texas for the Euro NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training (ENJJPT).

I believe the UAE F-16E/F aircraft used for training in the USA carry US markings; definitely the most advanced F-16s in US markings.

[Spey_Phantom]

in 1955, Belgium got 5 F-86F Sabre's as part of an evaluation, they were used for about 6 months before being returned to the US. eventually Belgium picked the F-84E instead.

so far, no pictures of Belgiums F-86's have been found (but they are out there), only serials 

[B777LR]

As an opposite example of real world 'false flag' operations, the German Bundesluftwaffe owns and operates T-38 Talons, which for legal reasons carry USAF insignia instead of iron cross markings, at Sheppard AFB in Texas for the Euro NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training (ENJJPT).

I believe the UAE F-16E/F aircraft used for training in the USA carry US markings; definitely the most advanced F-16s in US markings.

The Koreans did something similar with their F-15Ks, and so does Singapore with their F-16s. Luftwaffe has some 50 of those turboprop trainer thingies flying in the US in USAF colours. I heard a story once that the Danish AF had some T-37s also based in the US. Didn't find anything on that since.

[Iranian F-14A]

As an opposite example of real world 'false flag' operations, the German Bundesluftwaffe owns and operates T-38 Talons, which for legal reasons carry USAF insignia instead of iron cross markings, at Sheppard AFB in Texas for the Euro NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training (ENJJPT).

Martin

Back in the day,they also flew F-104Fs (early model TF-104Gs) and F-4Fs from George AFB in California.Both of these aircraft also carried USAF markings but with small,but noticibale differences. The F-104s had a German flag or Red White and blue as the fin strip at the top of the vertical stablizer adn the F-4Fs,while having the star and bar and "GA" tailcodes,they were in the older style dark green/grey splinter camo.

Although,if there are legal reasons for the German Planes to be marked as USAF birds,why not the Tornados at Holloman? Seeing as both F-104s and F-4 (combat types) and the T-37s and T-38s(dedicated trainers) have been marked as USAF,shouldnt the Tornados too?

[philp]

Was thinking the same thing about the Tornados.  One visited Hill during the Open House back in 2006.

[PR19_Kit]

A B-47 carried Canadian markings but no orders were placed.

AFAIK the B-47 was ever considered as a viable RCAF aircraft.

The one that carried Canadian markings was leased from the USAF as a test bed for the monster Orenda Iroqious engine intended for the CF-105 Arrow. It carried the test engine on the aft fuselage under the starboard tailplane (!) and it's quite difficult to see it if the aircraft was viewed from forward or from the port side, thus the appearance of a psuedo-RCAF B-47.

I think that makes it one of the very few (maybe the only....?) 7 engined aircraft to fly.