Belize was granted independence in 1981; neighboring Guatemala refused to recognize Belize, claiming that it was Guatemalan territory. It would have invaded the country, had the UK not stationed 1,500 British troops and a Harrier detachment. Foreseeing the need for an independent Belize Air Force, the UK shipped four well used Hunting Percival Jet Provost T.3s and spares in late 1981.
The start of the Falklands War and the threat of an extended war with Argentina prompted the UK to remove the Harriers from Belize, leaving the country with only a few unarmed trainer aircraft. Guatemala saw this as an easy opportunity to take over Belize.
Unknown to the Guatemalan government, the UK "obtained" several UB-20-80 rocket pods and an ample supply of S-8 rockets meant for the Sandinista Government's Hind helicopters. These supplies were mysteriously "lost" in transit to Nicaragua, possibly bu Contras, or just bad luck. The otherwise unarmed Jet Provosts were quickly modified to accept the rocket pods.
The first incursions into Belize from Guatemala happened in early May, 1982 along CA13/Western Highway with some M-113s, M-8 Grayhounds and several trucks and buses carrying troops. The Jet Povosts destroyed two M-8 Grayhounds, one M-113, a troop carrier and damaged the customs/border house on the Guatemalan side of the border (honest mistake). The Guatemalan army withdrew back into Guatemala after a 1KM incursion into Belize.
Here is Jet Provost 1810 of the Belize Defense Force (with partial UK markings):
Cockpit detail:
The model is the
excellent Airfix kit:
I originally bought it for the British roundels - it was cheaper than buying a decal sheet! This kit is nicely detailed and went together well, with logical assemblies and a fantastic, complete decal sheet. Great fit overall, too, although I forgot to add enough nose weight, so it's a tail-sitter.
I added an Eduard colored photoetched interior and used their masks for the canopy; the Eduard cockpit interior really isn't needed - the kit seats and cockpit details are fine. It was a fun kit to build - Airfix doesn't seem to get the respect it deserves, especially with their newer releases.
The two rocket pods are from the ancient DML "Modern" Soviet Aircraft Weapons, Set 3: Rockets and Bombs. Decals are from the kit (I used a mix of the stenciling) and self printed. Weathering was with inks, and it got a bit out of hand.
Thanks for looking!