Republic P-47D-40-RA 44-33721 Mexican Air Force 201st Fighter Squadron Aztec Eagles

These are 1/72 scale decals for Republic P-47D-40-RA Thunderbolt 44-33721, assigned to the 201st Fighter Squadron (Escuadrón 201) of the Fuerza Aérea Mexicana (Mexican Air Force) — the legendary "Aztec Eagles" (Águilas Aztecas) — wearing natural metal with an Olive Drab (ANA 613) anti-glare panel, bold black nose and tail bands, and the distinctive red, white, and green Mexican national markings including the inverted triangle roundel and tail stripes, with modex 18.

The 201st Fighter Squadron was the only Mexican military unit to see combat in World War II, and one of only two Latin American units to fight alongside the Allies in the Pacific Theater. Trained in the United States and equipped with P-47D Thunderbolts, the Aztec Eagles deployed to the Philippines in 1945 as part of the 58th Fighter Group, 5th Air Force, flying ground attack and close air support missions against Japanese positions on Luzon and Formosa. Their participation was a matter of enormous national pride for Mexico — the country's first combat deployment since the Mexican Revolution — and the squadron's performance earned the respect of their American comrades.

The striking combination of natural metal with bold black nose and tail bands, the red/white/green inverted triangle Mexican roundel on the wings and fuselage, and the green/white/red tail stripes make this one of the most visually dramatic P-47 schemes in the ootbModels range. The Fuerza Aérea Mexicana crest and 201st Fighter Squadron eagle patch are included on the decal sheet. Includes serial 44-33721 and modex 18 in two sizes each.

A landmark subject in Latin American aviation history — an essential addition to any WWII Pacific, P-47, or foreign operator collection. Please allow some time for decal printing and shipping.