Lockheed Martin F-16AM FA-87, the latest special paint aircraft of No. 31 “Tiger” Squadron of the Belgian Air Force was formally rolled out at Kleine-Brogel Air Base on 7 April 2011. The aircraft will participate in the 50^th anniversary Tiger Meet at Cambrai Air Base, France, from 9 till 20 May 2011, hence the special markings on the starboard side of the vertical tail fin. The port side of the tail fin commemorates the formation of No. 31 Squadron 60 years ago, in 1951.

The markings on the port side of the air intake represent the 8 times No. 31 “Tiger” Squadron won the Silver Tiger Trophy. This most prestigious prize to win during the Tiger Meet was established in 1977 through the good efforts of the International Air Tattoo. It is made of solid stainless steel and was donated by the London Silversmiths Mappin & Web. The Belgian Air Force took the Silver Tiger Trophy home in 1978, 1984, 1994, 1996, 1997 2003 and 2007. In 2004, the prize was won joint by No. 31 Squadron and Jagdbomberstaffel 321, which explains the half Silver Tiger marking.

The colour scheme was jointly realised by the Paint Shop of the 10th Tactical Wing and artists Johan Wolfs and Peter Verheyen, who also signed for the design. FA-87 was their 22^nd Belgian Air Force F-16 special paint project since 1991. With three Alpha Jets and a single Hercules, this adds up to a stunning 26 special paint projects.

A pictorial overview: