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http://key.aero/view_news.asp?ID=4949&t ... n=historic
But I do not really understand this bit:
which will be placed on permanent display from tomorrow until May 21.
The aircraft is the most recent acquisition to the Museum’s collection and has been selected specifically because of its war-worn condition, complete with numerous mission markings from the deserts of Afghanistan.
ZD433 was one of the last British Harriers in service in Afghanistan operating from Kandahar with 800 Naval Air Squadron.
Most of the Harrier fleet returning for the last time from operations in Afghanistan were overhauled, repainted and repaired and sold to the USA, but not ZD433.
The Curatorial team at the FAAM made the decision not to restore the aircraft, instead it will be kept in its battle weary condition.
Now nicknamed ‘Dirty Harry’because of its condition, it stands as a unique time capsule reflecting recent military history and the impact of operations on an aircraft operating on today’s front line.
Such is the importance of this particular aircraft that Airfix have used it as the basis of its latest 1/72 scale model.
Airfix spokesperson Darrell Burge said “The numerous mission markings on this aircraft make it the most visually dramatic of all the Harrier GR9s.”