The Turkish Stars are a suitable introduction to my contribution from the fabulous AF 100th Anniversary show at Cigli AB, near Izmir. Apparently the team aircraft have a reputation for swapping tip tanks making identification tricky, but this one should be ex RNAF K-3039

One of the Turkish Stars Team

The Turkish Stars use former Dutch NF-5s. Their commentator is an indispensable member of the team and makes sure you won't forget the Türk Yildizlari.

Turkish Stars aircraft from 134 Filo

The Canadian Air Force used five different aggressor color schemes on a few of their CF-5Ds. This 419 Squadron aircraft is one of two painted in the "lizard" scheme, but the only one that wrapped around the underside. Delivered December 9, 1968, is was withdrawn and stored in 1994. It's displayed in front of the Ordnance Museum in Montreal, Quebec at the time of uploading.

The N in the NF-5A's designation stands for the Netherlands. The Dutch originally ordered and operated this variant, which introduced automatic leading edge manoeuvering flaps. The serials of the Turkish Stars NF-5s might have to be taken with a grain of salt since they're only painted on the interchangeable tip tanks.

Delivered January 6, 1971, but due to budget constraints was put into storage before flying with 433 and 434 Sqns. Transferred to the Aerospace Engineering Test Establishment at CFB Cold Lake in 1989, it would move to 419 (Moose) squadron in 1990 for training. Painted in this special color scheme, it would appear at many airshows across North America before the type was retired in 1995. Mounted at Fulton Field airport, Kamloops, BC named for 419 Squadron's first commander W/C J. "Moose" Fulton.

Taken on strength April 1974, withdrawn and stored in 1995, this two seat Freedom Fighter went to the USA July 2011. It was eventually registered N841LG.

Originally delivered to the Netherlands air force as K-3070 in 1971 - hence the Turkish serial.

The elegant lines of the F-5.