— —

What is up with the paintjob on top of the wing? Every time I see this aircraft it looks like more paint has come off.

Could it be a part of a defensive suite of anti-radar detection and/or anti-satellite detection? Given these aircraft would often be flying low altitude and AWACS commonly fly well above 30,000 ft looking down etc, the 'paint' job could perhaps be able to deflect radar from above....New technologies etc.?

Incredible vapor trails off the tips of the propeller blades! Dowty propellers, being driven by Rolls Royce Trent turboprop engines.

These are strain gauges protections to measure the constraints of structure encountered during the various phases of flight.

Super Transporter, but with a very high price tag!