actos i wl unos : = J by Dana Bell illustrated by Don Greer and Rob Stern ~~ squadron/signal publicationsJUADRONSIGNAL PEBLIESTIONS, INC. ‘CARROLLTON, TEXASTSOE-SOIO [ar of this publication mage eproduced, stored in 2 ited in any form by ER eclectic or povnsion of the paler ps of aircraft, armor, salers or ships of any wartime snapsbots, why not share them with ws and jgnal’s book all the more interesting und complete in Photograph sent to as willbe copied and the origina ill ie fully credited for amy photos wsed, Pease send Ecamy Bac ecr» gororpagum camoneron, noopyxenms mIo60M ctpaHks, ocoGeHHO, CHHKH BeMeH 1 cso n vouceerteiscers sone nee Scxaapou/Curviax ene mTepecee. Mut nepectnMen gororpagmn u vepuew opmruuamy. Haexa npucsanut SyAYT compopoxsaTs nce onyOmuKoBaHHMe boTor pad {Aflght of 8-17Ds ofthe 7in Bomb Group arrve over Pear Harbor on TOKEMYAIcTa, ipuuchinaitre GoTOr padiMH No anpecy ‘the moming of7 December 194 during the Japanese attack Syuadron/SigalPaeatins, In 1115 Crowley Drive Carvaltion, TX 75011-50100 Em REOR. RE HRSCoACAALTHSRORIRGLeveeLe? Bem COTLEREE. RE CEBEN ALON REANOTE. paimn/ spate 8 HA SUDTUEAE SS ALAGE—wexl muacracewesat. secHEN RD GRE ARORA LU2L1y. unm ScrAeMMLAN SU, eTRMROS EME SExmREF. saute -H <120. The Mr. the 11th BS. The fuselage is glossy Olive Drab, while the wings ‘and tail are Yeliow. The propeller blades have been given a stand- ard coat of Maroon antiglare paint. (USAF)Acknowledgements A history can be no better than its sourees, and this book is no exception, Without the aid and assistance of a number of individuals tnd organizations, much of the infurmation within these pages would not have been located. ‘Marilla B. Guptil of the National Archives, Modern Military Branch, was extzemely helpful in discovering reports and correspon once in the Army Air Corps and Army Air Foree files. Mr. Richard ‘Thurm, of the Archives’ Still Photo Branch, contributed his time in the search for photos in the 18-WP and 80-G fies, ‘The National Air and Space Museum was a source of photos and countless details, and 1 am indebted to John M. Eliott, Robert C. DMikesh, and especially fellow Nutmegger Jay P. Spenser, for all thei help. Several offices within the Department ofthe Air Foree helped in & variety of ways. Naney Hogue of the Recognition Programs Branch, AFMPC, traced the records af several of the insignia shown in our color plates. Lt. Col, James L. Delaney of the Air National Guard History Office sent information on the National Guard units between, ‘the wars, David Schoem and Lawrence J. Paszek opened the files of the Air Foree Office of History in Washington, D.C, and Jerry Hasslewander of the Albert F. Simpson Historical Research Center located a copy of Air Corps Board Study #42. Capt. Rick P_ Du- Charme and Maj. Paul K. Kanl, Sr, of the Magazine and Book Branch, provided photos from the Air Foree Suill Photo Depository. ‘The research staf ofthe Air Force Museum, in particular, Charles G Worman, Ruth G. Hurt, and Patricia Tumer were always there with encouragement and answers to my questions ‘The Army’s Institute of Heraldry was kind enough to provide a ‘drawing of the insignia for the Command and Staff School, and the Defunse Intelligence Ageney provided photos from its files. Mr. Ken- neth L. Kelly of the National Standards Institute gave access to Yintage color specications and samples, and helped interpret color ‘Members of the International Plastic Modelers Soviety (IPSS), and the American Aviation Historical Society (AHS), as well as & ‘number of buffs and enthusiasts contributed in more ways than space permits me to deseribe. Towe a great ileal to friends such us Peter ML Bowers, Robert Cressman, Arthur Bich, Roger A. Freeman, Wil- lism Greenhalgh, Jr, Monty and Pat Groves (of Rarebirds), William ‘T.Larkins, David Luceabaugh, James Maas, Ernie MeDowell, David W. Menard, Joe Mizrahi (of Sentry Books), Mike Monaghan, Kenn C. Rust, Roy M. Stanley II, Paul C. Schmelzer, Osamu Tagaya, and Kenneth D. Wilson. Upon earning ofthis project, Ross Whistler boxed two years of his ‘own research materials, and shipped it via a well known national parcel delivery service, The package was losin transit, with no hope ‘af recovery. The loss of these reeurds, representing so much han work, Istragie, That it should happen to one as generous as Ross ean only add to my personal regret. Many of the color equivalents at the back of this book are copied from his monograph “USAAF Camou- ‘age, 1983-1969". Robert L. Cavanagh went out ofhis way to help with this book. He ‘contributed scores of phatos and dozens of records, and put in many hours on the telephone, talking out the rough points. He proofread several sections of the text, adding many important details that had ‘been overlooked. Bob's contributions have been so great, that if he ‘had done much mare, [would have had to list him as co-author! Bruce Culver, Rob Stern, and Don Greer at, Squadron/Signal Publications helped pull the finished produet together, bringing up all the right questions and generally doing all the good things that publishers do. They somehow remained tolerant each time a deadline had to be extended, and were a great help whenever things jammed up. In partieular, Don and Rob provided the excellent art yori on oar color pages, would like to thank all of these individuals for their many contri- Dbutions, and their support. ‘3 Introduction ‘This book begins study of US Military aireraft color schemes from 192% to the 1980s, ‘The early years, from the post:-WWI formation of the Army Air Corps to the establishment of a separate U.S. Air Force, were marked by phenomenal growth and development in all arvas of aviation — all of which was reflected in changing; markings ‘and colors. A great deal has been written about this period elsewhere, bbuta brief overview may help the reader place details in their histoti- cal perspective Tn 1926, the Army Air Service was less than eight years out of World War I. Strength was about 9,700 officers and men (about one ‘twentieth of the wartime total) in thirty-two combat squadrons. The tactical foree in the continental United States was organized under the Lat Pursuit Group, 2nd Bombardment Group, Srd Attack Group, and Sth Observation Group, with an independent observation squail- ron assigned to each Army’ carps. Overseas squadrons were formed {nto composite groups, of which there were three (the dth Composite Group in the Philippines, the 6th in Hawaii, and the 6th in Panama). Curtiss P-'s, Boeing PW-0's and Douglas0-2's were beginning their service careers, but the majority of alreraftin inventory were older designs, such as the Curtiss Jennies and American-built DH's ‘There had been many bright spots in the years sinee the War _Airpower had been established in the publiceye by such events as the sinking of the captured German battleship Ostfriesland in 1921, the non-stop, coast to coast dight of a Fokker E2 in 1923, and the round- ‘the-world flight ofa pair of Douglas World Craisers in 1924, But 1925 ‘nad ended with the court-martial of Colonel William “Billy” Mitchell, former Assistant Chicf of the Air Service, and outspoken proponent of military aviation, Mitchell’ evticism af his superiors in the Navy and War Departments did much to bring what he described as, “the incompeteney, the criminal negligence, and the almost treasonable administration of our national defense” to publie attention, but his Statements were to eause his own dovrnfall, (On July 2, 1926, Congress passed the Air Corps Act, creating the Army Air Corps and beginning a five-year modernization program. New unita were to be activated, new aireraft purchased, and person- nel strength inereased to over 16,500 men and officers. But the basie organieation, 2 sore point with Mitchell and his followers, remained unchanged. The Air Corps was to be a logistical and training organi- zation, just as the Air Service had been. Tactical training of combat lunits, and operations were the responsibilities of the various ground {oree commanders to whom these units were assigned. While much hhad been written about aerial armadas that could strike deeply at an enemy's industrial heart, doctrines of the day placed aviation in support of the armies, much like some form of fying artillery or a mobile observation post. ‘The next five years were to see a great deal of shifting, as combat squadrons were reorganized into training units, and then reorganized againtoformnew combat groups. By 1882, the AirCarpshad reached {te goalof fifteen tatieal groups in Mareh, 1985, the General Headquarters Air Force (GHQAF) was formed to centralize tactical control of all domestic pursu, bombardment, and attaek units. This organization was separate from the Air Corps which contined to he responsible for personne tan ing and logistics. Te was not until June, 1941 that the Air Corpe and {Air Foree Combat Command (a redesignation of GHQAF) combined tororm the Army Alt Fores. ‘Although rearmament was well under vay, the USAAF was not prepared when War came that December By dune of 162, Japanese expansion had been checked in the Paife, but the Navy's vetory at Mulway, the turning point in that theatre, required litle effort from the AF. The Solomons Campaign had no yet bagun, nor had Amer canal operationsin Eueape antl the Middle East. The color sehemes and markings of these campaigns, trough the end ofthe war tothe establishment ofthe US Air Force wil be the subject of Volume Tl of {hs series, Certain other schemes, which were in inited use before ‘June of #2, willalso be covered in Volume Il. (These schemes include Sea search, haze pain, and night camouflage.) ‘The correlations between Air Corps history and aireraft color Sehetnes can take many forms. The need fora radio eall designator for an alrerat without a radio was as unllkely as the need fora natura inetal finish on afabrie-covered plane, Sinlaty, eatly organizational markings emphasized the squadron or ight, as these were the base Units to a flying formation. By the time 1000 plane raids became common, wing and division markings predominated. Bugetarycon- Sierations, particularly during the lean years of the Depression, brought about many esonomy finishes, suchas the unpainted metal of dhe ate'B0s, "A good deal of information is available from regulations, general oners, echnical onlers, and specifications of the period, though a certain caution must be exerdsed in their use. ‘This particularly ppliesto dates of publieations:t might require years fora change to become effective in all ils, or a change may be published to legalize 2 practie that had been widespread for months, Unit markings, ienerated atthe ar base level, are more dificult to trace, Coverage Oall the markings of groups and squadrons would be beyond the Scope ofthis volume, although an attempt has been made include as many as posible, Inignla drawings are included inthe color section, bhtagain, these are not insive, Numerous woffical emblems were simon a were minor vara of he be digi, A unis wwere often redesignated, retaining the origital insignia, This was Particularly true ofattade units, which all wore redsignated ns ombardmertunits n 1969, and pursue units, which became fighter nits in May of 1942 ‘American ctes were not lid siege during the Second World War Publie recurs and archives were not captured or sucked, and yet, surprisingly tte documentation remains to explain the eolors of is Penlod. Every effort has heen made to locate remaining fle, but Theres tila great deal missing from the pete, Someday, acache of records may be found, no ulikea warehouse fll af Africa Conpa pith helmets, but until then, this book may serve asa primerred circle inside of a white, five-pointed star inside of a blue circumserited circle. The circumference of the inner cirele shall he tangent to the lines forming & pentagon made by ‘connecting the inner points of the star” @ Director ofthe Air Service, May 17,1919.) Standard Insignia, Markings and Colors Army aireraft markings and colors were prescribed by a serie of technical unlers,spocitetins and gtandanis, These publications lated dae loch acs sncelorofmarknge, aswell ae mataiais {ole use and metho of appieaton. A ey manufactured ai pie, ove bap tied bom oveSdal 263 Gn Was spate Sve hse sane spl, sig tgs 4D ‘The national markings in early 1996 were four starinsignia placed on wings, with three vertical gripes onthe ren The seasieigia teyan to replace the re white and ive World War Ustsle tree: ticle insta (ockades) in May, 1918. Alu 3 rere sewers Sears to eomplsely change all reat, by 1985 all the threesrle wing markings were probably gone. Tigra Soiree oes ol aoe aor peRiUG a ‘he Gest Wa sine tte he sean al cen he athe Fer jst, fllowed by white and then by re. Tis marking toonte poe however Now mcder stipe, fecinendedty Caries Nr Morte Boing Satie engineet were approved bythe Sere tary of rin November 192, snd spedicatons were end i January, 1927, The revised markingseed a verte hve stripe athe ‘ker pos, allowed by seven roland ix white borizotal pes “hc rigial colors ofthe insignia were required to match coors of th Ameren fag: wie ultramaring blue ad vonetan fed, Same time between 896 and 1028thse colors were altered oacarer te anrred, vith white, Datesandreasonsfor te changeate unknow thawing "There carrie an akitinal marking, the sireraft model desg- sation and manufacturer (eg, Curtis PESO), in smal back ties ‘Tusepanned oer trcestipe’ rudders (abou one third of the way Tom tho top) and.as earrod within the upper white apes for rudders ofthe new deni, very Army airrat was identified by a serial number, and his seas panied Inch high ge, jus forward of the stabil. A Tuner of airerat contin tocary od style wera sos igh ithe dopth ofthe fol sige Bue thee tubers eventually were ‘eplarod or tre aircraft leh vervio, Seis were require tobe wae eat ssw gl achgrociy bt Eln store wore aca Sie i on ack oc 1 February 182 statin commanders were given the option of ving U.S. Army” pained uner wigs and on fiselages odin ice bea pute acy lel gtr sapere cue EcteoncersorindvstaleThisbeeume mandatory forall Air Carpe Sircrah under a Technical Order dated 15 October 1825, 24 neh letters below the wings and four inch letters on theffaselage were to be black or white, whichever best contrasted the background color ‘Numerous other standard markings were used, generally covering the requirements and eautions involved in servicing or repairing the aireraft. Dope codes (usually visible on the rudder) carried informa- tion deseribing the date and type of finish applied. Strut numbers were used toidentify struts by location. A data block near the cockpit listed instructions on fuels, weights, and loading. Also, numerous smaller markings noted hand holds, fire extinguisher locations, war ings, ete "The standard color for Army aircraft was Olive Drab (0.D.) over- all: top, bottom, wings, fuselage — anywhere not covered by a marke ing or insignia’ When freshly doped, this color was actually quite «lose, bat exposure to the elements tended to matt this somewhat. ‘The O.D. scheme, while not overly conspicuous, was not consid cred camouflage. During WWI the U.S, was developing camouflage schemes for its aireraft, but the Advaneed Section of the American Expeditionary Forces recommended against this, Despite colorful national markings, Allied aviators had frequently shot at each other, confusing all eanpullaye aireraft for German machines. The British chose to paint their aircraft overall khaki, and the Americans followed suit, Asit was for vehicles and equipment, Olive Drab was simply the “Army color” for airplanes. ‘The P-12E“TIGER” on page 40 carried yellow diamonds on the cowling, yellow stars on wheels, and red horizontal tall eurfuces. ‘To increase visibility of aircraft that might be forced down in uninhabited regions particularly foreign countries or territaral pos- ‘sessions, station commanders were allowed to apply yellow paint to the top surface of upper wings. This began early in 1924, about the ‘same time yellow was first applied to U.S. Navy alreraf, though reeonis do it indicate thata joint decision was maule, When, in 1927, the color was standardized forail Army aireraf, i was to be painted ‘onal wing and tail surfaces, (The Navy evidently thought litte of this idea, and generally limited its use of yellow to the top of the upper wing). ‘The Air Corps Act of 1928 brought about an inerease in training activities. Because of the relatively low visibility of the standand ‘Olive Drab paint, there was a marked increase in training aecidents, ‘especially mid-ait collisions, It was obvious that a neve high-visibility scheme was needed for trainers. ‘Tests of euitable paint colors for trainers were conducted in 1927- 1928, Light Blue was chosen over silver and was then applied to all, trainers during overhauls, This Boeing built DH-4M-1 over Hawail in October 1926 carries an Olive Drab fuselage with Yellow upper wing and vertical tail. Sinty inch diameter insignia are placed tangent tothe wi ailerons. The three vertical rudder stripes were'standard until ear ps, overlapping re ovember (Usury PP mereKelly Field, Texas. Apri 1926. (USAF) ‘The prescribed rudder insignia for Air Service aireraft wast ; 3 eqqally wie bands, red, white and blue, and both sides of ' that portion af the raider which are inthe rear of the rudder post shall be striped parallel to the vertieal axis of the air plane. ‘The blue band shall be nearest the rudder post, the ' White band in the center, and the red band at the tail of the rudder (War Dept. Orders No. 20, May 17, 1819) Revises! rudder striping was approved by the War Department in November, 1926. The technical deseription, as published the follow= ing January, ead: ‘a Design, — The insignia on the rudder shall consist of one Die stripe parallel to the rudder post and thirteen alternate red and white stripes parallel to the longitudinal axis of the airplane b. Blue Stripe, — The width ofthe bluestripe shall be % of the maximum width of the rudder within the normal contour of Rudder Stripes [men | [we [nm] ww | men | | sm] seman | iF Fink color (Yellow) “F.AL|.D."is listed as manufacturer on the rudder of this Thomas-Morse MB-3M, reflecting the fact that the aircraft was rebuilt at Fairfield Air Intermediate Depot. Olive Drab overall, 43rd School Squadron, the rudder tothe rear ofthe fn ¢, Red and White Stripes. — The portion to the rear of the baive stripe shall he divided into thirteen stripes parallel to the Jongitudinal axis of the airplane. The location of these stripes shall be determined by dividing the distanee between the highest and lowest point.on the rudder to he rear ofthe blue stripe into thirteen equal parts. There shall be seven red six White stripes. 4. Location, — ‘The rudder insignia shall be placed on 1 portion ofthe rudder to the rear ofthe fin. Balanced portio fof the rudders which extend forward over or into the fin shal be finished the same color as the fn surfaces, (quoted from Spec. 98:21102K, November 1, 1985) Paragraph Wf was to have particularly important implications when the rudder post was located aft of the rudder's leading edge. On aireraft sneh as the 0-19 und B-18, this placed the stripes part vay Dback on the rudder ‘A.Curtiss P-1B shows its underwing markings during acrobatics ‘ver the Nation's Capital in 1927. "U.S. Army” is in two foot high ‘white letters beneath the Olive Drab wing, as standardized in October 1926. (USAF)(Above) San Antonio, one Of the six Loening OA-1A Amphibians in the 1926 ‘goodwill tour of South America, rests on the beach at Montevideo. FU selages and wingtip floats were black, but all wing and tail surfaces ‘were painted yellow to in- ‘rease visibility in event of_a forced landing (usar) ¢. The Yellow wings of these 7th Observation Squad- ron DH-ts are clearly visi- Ble over the jungles of Panama. Application of the Yellow dope was lim- led to the upper surface of the top wing and the Vertical tal. 1927 (USAF) This pair of Olive Drab Curtiss NBS-1s was pho- tographed during the Air Service Maneuvers of Spring 1926. in the fore- ground the 2nd BG insig- ia and black-yellow- black stripe (the group colors) mark an aircraft of the group headquarters, section. The other bomberis assigned to the 96th BS with that squadron's insignia and red-black-red fuselage band. (USAF)Parachute jumping at Brooks Field, Texas n 1927. The alteratt are ‘Atlantic (Fokker) DH-4M-2Ts. Apparently, a recent overhaul included the painting of revised rudder stripes, smaller win: relocation of the manufacturer's name and aircraft type to the rear fuselage. (Author's Collection) ‘The prescribed location of the “star insignia”, us published in Or ders No, 20, May 1919, was: ‘the upper and lower surfaces, respestively nf the upper andl lower planes ofeach wing in sch position thatthe eiream ference of the circle shall be tanygent to the outer tips of the planes, One point of each star shall be painted direetly for- ‘ward and unless otherwise specified, an insignia diameter of 60 inehes sball be used for most wings. (An “otherwise speci fied” diameter was required for wing ehords of less than 60 Inches: in these eases the diameter usually equaled the chord.) In Jannary 1926, the following changes to the size and location of published in Spee 98-24102: Sine of Insignia for Airplane Wings. — For wings the diameter ‘of the cireumseribed clnvle shall be % of the available chor length at the location specified. The available chord leng¢h is the whole chard on wings not having ailerons, and isthe chord length from the eut-out for the aileron to the leading edge on swings having ailerons. Where the wing eovering is both fabric and metal, the available chord length shall he that portion of {6inch wing insignia Wing Insignia For tapered wings, such as this Keystone LB-5 (¢/n 27- Eh. hre wing stare. were positioned a distance. one. insignia and the eighth ofthe wingspan from! the wing tp, tangent to the all ron. The 20th 88's pirate is painted on the Nose. (usar) the metal-cavered portion only. Fore and AN Location on Airplane Wings: ‘a, Wings with Aileron, ~The insignia shall be located tangent tothe cut-out for the aileron on wings having ailerons, ». Wings Less Aileron — The center of the insignia shall be located midway of the chard on wings not having ailerons, c, The insignia shall be located on the metal eovering tangent to the joint between the metal and fabrie covering’ on wings where both fabric and metal are used for the wing covering. Lateral Location on Airplane Wings: ‘s, The center ofthe insimia shall be located in from the wing tip a distance equal to 1/16 of the wing span on wings not tapered, and distance equal to L/Softhe wing span on tapered wings. b. When meeting the requirements of this speciffeation, che Outside edge of the circumscribed circle comes closer than six inches to te wing tip, the insignia shall be moved inboard to bring the outside edge of the cireumscriber|cirele six inches in from the wing tip. Non-tapered wings with ailerons ‘Star insignia relocated six inch ‘Wing without ailerons, trom wing tip(Above) The nose and fc ward engine nacelles. ma Popular locations tor plays of squadron color ‘The 11th BS used these say tooth flashes for its alrera Curtiss B-2 Condors. (USA Even a quick glance w point out the variations. the hand painted snow ov of these 17th PS P.6Es. N tional Air Races, 193 (USAF) ‘This Curtiss O-1E wears t Insignla of Alr Corps Detac ‘ment, Bolling Field in Was ington, D.C. The state nar and arrow on the nose we ‘common practice for th Unit, which was often kno\ a8 the Bolling Field Detac ment. The nose Is yollo (usar) The 90th AS was equip With Curtiss A:3s trom 12 through 1934. The Squadr colors of red and white Used for the aircraft num fon the fuselage, the no {tim ‘and the whee! hut (USAF)= ‘When the 6th PS decided to change its distincti ia, this unauthorized pterodactyl was carried on. the fuselage. Rejection of the design by higher headquarters forced the return of the more familiar skull, within a spinning prop as emblem. (AFM via Cavanagh) pie ‘The 13th AS was a sister squadron fo the 90th AS and used blue and white squadron colors in the: Ssrion-Yelow wings and tl ap- pear darker due to the use sAF) Grthochromatic film, which Sghtens blue and darkens red and yetlow. (USAF) National Guard Observation squadron insigi om divisional in wich they #i3th Obs. Squad NG)O-2H carries the insigniaof the 40 Infantry Divisio ‘A Thomas-Morse 0-19E of the end Obs. Squadron. Note the red Seni ring and nose flash, barely ped sssiie in this print made from an 1930 Semochromatic negative. (Bowers cron) wee Cavanagh) S are: mer ubeArey The Fokker C-2A “Qi tlon Mark" made oni the most famous en ance flights in hist ‘The Bolling Field Det ment insignia and a ‘white "?” are carried the fuselage with ‘number 51 in black on | tall. The refueling aire isa Douglas C-1. Jani 4, 1929. (USAF) Betore aircraft rac were standard eq ment, Important m Sages were often wh washed onto a cor nient aircraft fusel ‘and “air mailed”. This: 9 served in that capa during the “Quest Mark" “endurance i (SAF) One of the earliest ex: ples of personal artw Painted on an Air Co aircraft Is carried on ‘AcBin 1929. Note the, form of the 3rd Group insignia bolt side the gunner's (sar)Little is known about markings use to identify Flights within Squadrons. In this well known photo of the 27th PS's P-12Es, half of the aircraft have noticeably darker vertical tails, apparently In Flight colors. (USAF) light. luished on the talls of these Curtiss B-2 Condors. The lead V appears to be the Flightidentication colors are eel dating e squadron C.O. and his wing men. T is probably A Flight leader and his two wing men. (USAF)The 88th Obs. Squadron used its crange and black squadron colors on @ diagonal fuselage band as well as the nose and engine nacelles. Shown here is @ Fokker Oo, Notice the Navy-style red, yellow and blue propeller tips. (Menard via Cavanagh) In 1931, Air Corps « were assigned arro insignia. This 0-25 used for photogt purposes at Wright and has that org: tion's blue and arrowhead betwee wings. (USAF) The insignia of ma the Air Corps sck Were often carried. white rectangular ground. This ts the ‘with this Y1C-14 ass tothe Air Corps Teet School. (USAF)This Curtiss P-1D was at signed to (then) Major Gaarence L. Tinker in May $220 while he was an in- structor at Kelly Field. Bee insignia of the Yorn School Group is on the ‘il with the 43rd School Squadron insignia and legend "Celito Lindo Mexico” between the sings. “Pathfinder” is Seinted above the ex- Raust stacks, (AFM via R Cavanagh) Se 1931, the First Pursuit Group was granted per. mission to display the Soup insignia as well Saividual squadron Seria. Here the group Sstkings are displayed Ge the tail of a 17h Curtiss P-GE Hawk. (vi Cavanagh) sepote whead A was raphic t Field aniza: gol on’ the Unit insignia often in- studed plants and ani- Sais foundnear the home Base. The 24th PS Panama adopted the Jag- ear as can be seen on his" pranged PW-9C in August, 1929. (vi Cavanagh) Another irra assigned She Panama Dept this Sartk has the 7th Obs. Scusdron’s emblem be: sa the plot’ front cock: Si The sera s painted Brominarn with yellow sega od tal and Black Scvfouling paint below SS waterline. Seven, the Sircratt number is re- Sesied on the fuselage Sper wing and wing tp sess. (via CavanaghThe 17th Pursult Group on the t ‘at March field, The first wo alrcr are assigned to the group hea ‘quarters section, and are mark With the group colors of red al yellow. Alrcratt “00” wears 1 markings of the 1st Pursuit Wir (USAF) Squadrons within a group usual wore similar markings but in Spective squadron colors. 17 Pursuit Group. generally wore f Seloge blazed with scalloped tal headrests and whee! pants, Th P2265 uses the black and white c ors that identified the 34th P (usar) 73rd Squadron color were red and yellow. Fi Identification from beloy the squadron numbe was painted beneath th fusolago, just behing t wing. (USAF) 95th PS colors were blu and yellow (reversed f Contrast when blue tus ages were Introduced All of these “Peashoo ers” had OD fuselage with yellow wings. No that the 85th PS did ne repeat the alreraft numb ‘on the fuselage spine (usar)The Army Air Corps Mall Operation (AACMO) of 1984 was a easter which served only to bring the Air Corps’ weaknesses in to Se public view. When the President cancelled Contract Air Mail Service in February, 1984, alleging collusion between the U.S. Post and the air transport industry, the Army was expected to no views of 12th Obs. Ssuadron 0-355 during SS air mail emergency. ecraft assignedto apar- | Saisrairmall route often Seried the route number scation to normal unit markings. (USAF) Three Martin B-10s in Olive Drab and Yellow. Note variations in the air mail route designation. No unit markings are visible, al- tnough aera 11 has the city name “Oakland” on the nose aasume control of a system that had been carefully developed since 1806, After sixty-six accidents, and the loss of twelve lives, in less than'3% months, this embarassing: chapter was closed an. 1 June Arguments for the reorganization and strengthening of the Air Corps received the most effective boost possible, shore of war“The Army made liited use of overall white for some of ts ambulance aireraf. The single Y1C-5 built The Army made ne ota ofa large rod crous.on each sie of the tuselage. (USAF) ‘high visibility scheme developed on the 0-2H and K in 1928 substituted Light Blue for Olive Drab on Ahlan wiage, Many of those aircraft servedin the basic training role, including this O-2H at Kelly Field ne tsa Meng serlal data formerly painted on the rear fuselage is just visible above the technical data block. (USAF) ‘A number of commercial transports were accepted with unpainted aluminum skin in the late 1920s, The Bott Rnack Squadron used this Ford C-9 trimotor as a hack during winter maneuvers in January, 1930. (Nils Arne Nilsson via McDowell) ee a‘The majority of trainers wore OD fuselages, standard for all Army aircraft of the 1920s. This PT-1 was photographed during maneuvers in September, 1929. (Kercher/AFM via Cavanagh) The Air Corps experi- mented briefly with alumi- num doped fuselages for primary trainers. during {ne late 1920s, apparently comparing the visibility with ight blue. It is Inter- esting that the same Scheme, including yellow for all wing surfaces, was delivered on similar Con: Solidated aircraft used by the Navy. (USAF) The high visibility blues yellow scheme appears to Rave been successful enough to cause the re- painting of all Air Corps trainers. Specific instruc+ Sons 10 this effect have not been found among Air Corps records, but the change probably started in 1929 or 1930. The School of Aviation Medi- ine operated this PT-3A & April, 1932. (USAF)Major General J. {8 Chief of the Air Corps from 14 December 1927 until 19 December 1931. He was photographed in the rear cockpit of this O-1G, two days before assuming office. The fuse: lage is probably glossy black (APM via Cavanagh) Fechet's successor as Chief of the Air Corps, Major General Ben: jamin D. Fouiois can be noted in the crowd beside his Douglas 0. 2D. The aircraft appears to have a deep blue fuselage with silver ‘wings and tall, (USAF) ‘Th most visible extemal change was in lor sche and mati , ings Glowy Blac nd Dark Blue foslagos were common, ani ft seme cases the wings and tle were ever rater ann yellow, Tl Ircra miller oed caged bess ricer Waters, stanuregt alors may have Sena mater of personal hice, specie reivg tiger bees ices fe pall ions an Ney see Bes The small umber of sree rete for spd don az aff situ wich re tanaed color schemes neal pled pe tranporia were uouilyrescrved for igh ranking elesrs und chit arings euch w genera rank ole onion), i ciicds yin the A Gore, Mattoon: often nduiea » "There trotndctng tap number of group commande cri Second set of eontrol at Feast one machine had a washstand so that daricbluefuselages on their alreruf, even though this practice is har the Chief of the Air Corps could clean-up after a long trip. to prove, “The flag of the Assistant Secrotary of War for Airis mounted just ahead of the Bolling Field Detachment Insignia of this C-4A trimotor. ‘Oklahoma’ the aircraft name is on the nose. (USAF)Curtiss A-12 Shrike, 26th Attack Squadron, Hawaii, 1936. (USAF) Blue Fuselages These oftwo separate color schemes, Light Bluefor trainers, and Olive Drab for tactical areraft, caused logistical headaches for Air Corps maintenance facilities, Quantities of O.D, and Light Blue paints were required in stock at all times. Another problem was the seed to know an aircraft's ultimate destination before paint could be spplied: examples of many aireraft served in training roles, and thus required blue fuselages, ‘Thesolution, as recommended by the Chief of che Materiel Division ‘in January 1984, was wo stanclardize one paint scheme forall airerat, regardless of role, His choice was Light Blue fuselages with Yellow ‘wings and tails, reasoning that high visibility was essential for trainers, while temporary water paint camouflages made the lower: contrast Olive Drab for taetical uireraft unneeessars: Stocks of Olive Drab were at the reorder point, malking a timely decision that much snore important, ard in February the reeonmendation was approved First ordered in Fiscal Year 1994, all Martin B-108's were delivered from the fact by Chiof of the Air Corps. Revised specifications and 1.0. were printed in May, and shortly afterward, tactical aireraft were noted with Light Blue fuselages, Overnight repainting of the entire inventory was not suggested, sand certainly aid not oveur; the added burden on depots would have proven far too expensive. Instead, a aireraft went through periodic depot overhaul, old paint was replaced with fresh eouts of Light Blue It took several years for the process Lo be eompleterl Black and white photos give the impression that several hues of Light Blue were being applied by the Air Corps. Although several shales of Light Blue were used, they did not vary as much as photographs would indicate, Tonal shifts of contemporary films are the root of the confusion; the two standard films of the day either Tightened (Orthochromatic) or darkened (Panchromatie) any blues photographed. Light iu appears so dark on Pan, film that itis often ‘iicul to tel from Olive Drab, ‘Misinterpretation of black and white photos may have led to the ‘contention that a light green paint was used by’ the Air Corps in the ‘mid30s, Certainly, records of this period do not support this, and those fuselayes alleged to be light green were probally light blue. with Light Blue fuselages. This Sth BG formation is led by three red, white, and blue cowled aircraft of the 1st BS. (USAF)P-12B engine change i the fleld. Once again, pa film gives the llusion of darker fuselage. Insigni Is for the 36th PS., Jul 1995. (USAF) ‘This Boeing P-12C or D carries the Army's Command and Staff Schoo! insignia, The wheel and cowling checks are blue and yellow. (via Cavanagh) Ortho film accentuates the fading and bleaching of this 1st Observation Squadron O-1G. (via Cavanagh)COLOR FOR ARMY AIR CORPS AIRPLANES ‘Specification No. 98-24113 May 23, 1934 Allerons both surfaces Yello Skis, No added finish Cowling external surfaces Light Blue No, Spinners Light Blue No. 23 Elevators - both surfaces Yellow No. Stahilizers, both surfaces Yellow No.4 Fins - both surfaces Yellow No, Struts, landing gear Light Blue No. 23 Flaps- both surfaces Yellow No, Struts, wing Light Blue No. 23 Plots, Wing - above water line Light Blue Struts, wire braves Light Blue No. 23 Floats, Wing - below waterline Black, Struts, fairing Light Blue No. 23 Floats, Wing - water line stripe one inch wide Yellow No. 4 Step plates Baek. Fuselage Light Blue No, 23 ‘Tail Wheel Fork Light Blue No. 23 Fuselage, Wing Pairing: Light Blue No. 23 Walkways, Black... Horns Color of surface to which attached Winge, both surfaces Yellow No. Huis above water line Light Blue No. 28 Wheel Cowling, Light Blue No. 23 Hulls below water line Black. Hulls - Water line stripe two inches wide Yellow No. 4 Spedial accessories which must not be used for hand-holds Propeller Blade fat surfuce when required Maroon No. 18 shall be finished in aluminum, natural cadmium plating, or natural polished metal. These include pitot-venturi tubes, Propeller - No finish on other surfaces radio masts, radio loops, and venturi tubes. Rulers, balanced portion - both surfaces Yellow No. Raiders, rear of post (See Speeifieation No, 98-2410) ‘Abblue fuselaged Consolidated PB-2A with markings of the Headquarters Section 1st Pursuit Group. May, 1937 (USAF) [An 0-256 of the 16th Observation Squadron. Nose trim and fuselage stripe appear to be red with white borders. (via Bob Cavanagh)Ing novel approach to drag reduction, the Bellanca C-27 used a combination wing strut/airfoil to brace the top wing, This was Yellow and carried "U.S. Army’ in black, as i the lower wing to a biplane, but all national Insignia were applied to the main wing. Struts and wheel pants were Light Blue, as was the fuselage. (USAF) ‘This Douglas OA-Shas the standard scheme for amphibians in 1935. The fuselage above the water line, and engines were painted similar to any other aircraft. The areas below the water level are Black, with @ Yellow stripe at the water line. Markings are for the 4th Recon Obs. Squadron with a Red two star General's fag on the tail. (USAF) ‘National Guard markings replace ‘U.S. Anny’ beneath the wing of these 118th Obs. Sq. 0-46As. These ‘markings were common from December, "928 until just before the war. (USAF)‘The Squadron emblem resembling a dinosaur's head is the hornet’s hestof the 3rd Air Base Squadron. ‘The guns have been removed from this P-6E, which serves as unit hack. (NASM) Loading ammo for a P-26's 30 cal ber guns. In the early 1930's, th data panel was removed from a craft leaving the aircraft type, se fal, and crew weight. Aircraft were normally assigned to fields rather than units and the field name was often painted above the serial Block. (USAF) (Below) Out to pasture? This dere- set P-12, formerly of the 6th PS, has been staked out for target practice near Bellows Field, Ha- ‘all in October, 1937. The flash on the forward fuselage is red and site. (USAF)Aluminum Finish Before examining the decision to use aluminum finish for Air Corps aircraft, afew words on the protective qualities of paints are n order. Dope painted onto fubrie surfaces tightens, shrinks and harens the skin, providing strength not found in unpainted fabrie, Dope azo waterproofs, an essential quality for any aireraft that might fly hrough rain imagine a linen wing that absorbed moisture, gaining. ‘weight and sagging like a wet beach towel! Lastly, dope protects the fabric from rot, Laequers and oil based enamels are the two most commen paints, for metal surfaces. Aluminum alloy skin possesses inherent surfice strength, regardless of paint coatings, and does not absorb moisture. ‘orrosion and oxidation are legitimate problems, however. The dan- gris not as obvious as rusted steel on an old ear. Rather, an alumi- ‘num wing is destroyed by intergranular corrosion, which is almost invisible, first experience with an unpainted all mets alreraf involved the Ford XC-8 Timotor. The corrugated aluminam alloy sheet covering this aircraft was coated with an electrochemical film (ina process known as anodizing) to inhibit oxidation. In 1982, after 1,310 hours flight time and four years service, a depot inspection tured up minute grayish-black spots on the wing surface. Further testing revealed that intergranular corrosion had set in, and the integrity ofthe wing had been destroyed. ‘The 1934 inspection of another Ford ‘Trimotor (a €-9) fund no {fatigue or cormosion problems, despite the nearly identical serviee recon of the to aireraft. Both were built from the same gra alueninum alloy, but the C-$ hal been evated with 184% pure alua uum. ‘Thus treated, the sheeting anown as "Alelat”) was able resist scratching and offer superior protection for relatively min ‘Weight increases. ‘Numbers of metal evvered aircraft were entering service in ¢ carly 1980s, and specially finished alos, such as Alea, enabl them to be opersted without external paint. The reason for switei to-a “natural metal” finish was entirely economie. Weight savin ‘vere actually minor in 1864, only about 25 pounds fora pursuit sh dnd love to 80 pours fora bomber. The real savings were to come overhaul time and dollars. A depot averhaul required belsveen ‘and 400 hours to remove old paine in order to ence for skin fag Refinishing required an average of S250 per airframe. In Man 1885, the Air Corps approved plans to take advantage of unpaint ‘mela tactical aircraft, only be delayed by yet another econor consideration: supplies of Light Blue and Yellow paint, stocked previous auturnn, had to be used before a new seheme could LMlopted. Unpainted tactical airerafl would not be uecepted fry ‘manufacturers until 1987 and Teednical Orders for aireraf in serv vwere not changed until March 1938 Bue and Yellow remained standat for trainers and mphibia due to the need for high visibility’ on these aireait. The wings tactical aircraft were often painted yellow if there was adit dlanger of forced landings, oversiuch lacatons as Panama or Alas Fabric envered aircraft acting in 8 tatiel role, or fibre cover portions of metal aireraf, were to he doped aluminum, to achie Uniformity with metal aireraf. Older metal types without spe costings Were ingpected regulary for cell-ale signs of corrosion ‘many were simply painted with aluminum paint. Anti-gare par thea of cockpits and inside engine nacelles were commonly pain Flat Bronze Groen 9, rather than flat black, until August, 138, wh ‘new color — Dull Dark Green ~ was introduced. Ahighlypalished Douglas ¢-29 banks ntothe afternoon sun. Theaiteattisassignedito the Sacramento spot September 1938. (USAF)Varying grades of aluminum give this Michigan Air National Guard 0-47 patchwork effect. The antiglare panel ahead of the cockpit was flat Bronze Green. (Paul C. Schmelzer) Not natural metal, but aluminum paint — the Martin B-10B required additional protection forits aluminum alloy skin. The tall surfaces appear to be Yellow. 28th BS, Philippines, November, 1939. (USAF) One of the four0-49s modified for ambulance duties. This aluminum doped Stinson carries a permanent ‘ed cross on the fuselage. Moffett Field, California, 6 December, 1941. (William T. Larkins)This Y1A-18 was assigned to the 8th Attack Squadron. The squadron insignia is chalked on the fuselage ‘but not yet painted in, The cowlings, however, are yellow, the squadron color. Sept, 1937. (USAF) Another 3rd Attack Group aircraft, this time a 90th AS A-1 ‘showing the "E” marking on the tall. The squadron color Is November, 1937. (USAF) Use of the letter “E’ on the vertical fin by the Air Corps is 0 attributed to abreraf in an “experimental” or“ evaluation” stat ‘ficult with this presumption isthe continued use ofthe letter reraft have been accepted isto serviee use, such as in the fan th Attack Sinadvon A-ITA, shown above Tn fact, the letter i’ was awarded annually during squadron ¢ petition at Barksdale Pield, Louisiana. The award, known as th F. Harmon Efficiency Trophy, was presented (o the 90th A 1697, the Th PS. in 1985, and thesth A'S in 139, The marking reméved each year as a new squadran took top honors. (An ea Navy praetice was to award the ‘E' on an individual basts.) Alesignators describes on pages 31 and 32 left lite reom on the fi he Toth PS wore its Bs’ painter on the eowling. Tdlentifeation of the letter “B" carried by several bomb units is ¢ certain, biti isreasonable to expeet that something similar Ui Harmon Traphy was in use for sn annual bombing competition ‘The'B' below the 96th BS insignia on the Y-18-17 was probe awarded for excellence in bombardment, a practice usually ‘sociated with the Navy. The black area below the nose is an a glare panel around the bombardier's window. (USAF)GHQAF and the Designator System Advocated since the days of General William “Billy” Mitchell, the ‘Sceral Headquarters Air Force (GHQAF) came into being in March S85. For the first time since the Great War, the striking and air Selense forves were placed under the command of a single al officer, Sener than being broken up for piecemeal employment by various Sound commanders. All of the pursuit, bombardment, and attack Sets in the U.S., as well a8 6of the domestic observation squaifrons, feere organize under three wings. However, the majority of obser Sesion sqwadrons, as well as all the combat air units in Panama, ‘Sewaii, and the Philippines remained under the control ofthe respec” ground commanders, Also, taining, depot, and a score of miseel- Seeous functions stayed under the control of the Air Corps — which Seesined x separate organization, linked in no way to the GHQAF! Past the Chief ofthe Air Corps and the Commanding General of the SESQAF reported separat to the Army's Chief of Staff was to serious coordination problems for years. Although no longer individual divisions or rps, the combat air arm could no more ‘Seetrol the design ofits nireraft than it eould specify a new howitzer field artillery sally, the most visible change came on 15 November 1937, ‘2 the frst coordinated system for aireraf, markings and eal let = Previously, unit identfieation markings had becn subject to the ‘each gronp commander, ad they could change just as often! “Set aircratt of GHOAF and the Air Ses. he ActrA above wearsine star of the GHQAF. Below, 17 AS (three-seat modifica ee), wears the ‘Capital Dome’ of “Se "ath BG, which absorbed the Field Detachment and its fa in spring, 1935. (NASM imelzer) ‘This left a legacy of interesting eulor seh interpretation today, Use ofsquadran and group insignia was unchanged, covered by the same tech onler applying to Air Carps aireraf, but the employment Df squadron colors and command markings was standardized, and a new system of airplane markings, known as designators, was intro ‘duced White, yellow, ant red became the only sperified squadron eolors for most pursnit, attack, and bombardment units, although a fourth ssquaciron attached to a group sas to be assigned the color blue. "A Suitable depth of the front portion of engine nacelles”, as ealed for in tthe ordey allowed some latiende in the applieation of these calor, but climinated the use of long fuselage flashes and scallopped tails. The more colorful designs of the early thirties were giving way to order: In M0, three-squadiron geuups were given their choice of any ofthe four ‘squailron ealors Cowlings for group headquarters squadrons were divided into sections using the colors af each squadron in the group, while reeon= naissanee squadrons were assigned color combinations by respective wing commanders. Reconnaissance squadrons were not organized {nto groups: in the GHQAF, these squautrons were assigned directly to a wing. The wing headquarters themselves, as well as air base ssquadvonsand GHQAF command aircraft, were not allowed recog tion colors, eliminating the possibility of a variety of elaborate schemes in these units Command markings also were overhauled, with asories of fuselage stripes replacing the chevrons, diamonds, and random bands af ear ier days. These five inch stripes were to be inthe squadron color, with black replacing white on aluminum fuselages, and white replacing blue on blue fuselages. Although group commander stripes were never prescribed, several units employed fuselage stripes of each of the quadiron colors for this purpose. ‘though many resistB-17s of the 2nd BG on the linen 1938. Aircraft #51 wears squadron commander stripes in black on the rear fuselage. (USAF) ‘The most innovative change was the designator; marked on the tail anil above and below the let swing, it identified the unit ofan alreraft ‘even if the unit insignia could not be seen or reeogmized. Generally the first letterindicated the typeofunit aad the second letter gave the number ofthat uni, with a number to Wlentify te individal aircraft ‘within that unit. ‘Thos, the number 58 sireraft of Ist Pursull Group became P (for Pursuit) A (first loiter of the alphabet for the First Group) 88. The radio call letters, formed from the letter G’ and the dlosignator, would then he “GPA-5S" Te was common fora three squadron group to reserve the numbers 1 throtigh $ for the head quarters seetion, with other squadrons in the group being assigned number hlocks of 10-38, 40-69, or 70.99 (The Sijuatiron C.0, generally took the highest or lowest mimber of his block.) In the few eases where a squadron was assigned more than thirty airplanes, numbers from siilar blocks in the one-hundred range were used (e.g., 110-139 for a equakiron with the block 10-39). Generally, these airplane numbers bore little relation te the serial number. These numbers were usually black on light eolored tails and yellow on most dark surfaces The GHQAP standard for designators and aireraft markings was ‘used nti mid-1940, when it was modified for use by all units of the ‘Air Corps as well, Curiously, some units in the Hawaiian and Panama Departments adapted similar markings to the GHQ system in 1989, although itis not known if this was due toan Air Corpsdlivvetive — oF just the whim ofthe group commanders! HQ, ete WA I, ete WE Lote WC Let. AC LL ete QL. ete BI I, ete BG I, ete BLL, ete BSI, ete PA Tete PH I, ete. PT ete KA L ete KB, te KC, ete ED Tete KE Lete KP 1, ete Re thru 5 6 thrw30 Rat thru RAG thra 60 RL thr 75 RTwthra 0 Headquarters, GHQAF Ist Wing 2nd Wing, ant Wing Srl Attack Group 17th Attack Group nul Bombariment Group Fth Bombantment Group ‘ith Bombardment Group ath Bombardment Group lat Pursuit Group Sih Pursuit Group (ine). 87th A.S.) oth Pursuit Group st Air Base Squadron 2nd Air Base Squadron Sn Air Base Squadron ‘ih Ar Base Squadron Sth Air Base Squariron Sith Al Pase Squadron sth Reconnaissance Squadron 2ist Reeoninaissance Squasiron 8th Reconnaissance Squadron fst Reconnaissance Squadron Sth Reconnaissanee Squadron Sith Reconnaissance Squadron HO designators mark an A-I7A, and in the background, a B-18. Many B-18s were converted for a transport role. (NASM)Booing PW, Olive Brab ove PS, 1926. Hawall. Martin NBS-1 (Curtiss-buit), 96tn BS, 2nd BG, 1928, Olive Drab overall Loening OA-1A, Pan-American Flight, December 1928 - May 1927. Flown bby Capt. tra C. Eakor and Lt. Muir Fairchild. Black fuselage, bottom unpainted metal. Ford C-9 Trimotor, 60th Service Sqn, 1990. Overall Alclad (aluminum) finish Curtiss 0-39, Ha section, ‘th Observation Group, 1933.Contrast with the aluminum (aul C. Soh mutation of the squad colors. (The young navigator the right would one day be Force Chiet of Sta: Lt. Curtis tLetay) (USAF) SEX “C' Flight Leader Beletelee 34his ght che and in 2nd ad nas per ron air Douglas 0-2H, 91st Obs, Sadi 1980, Light Blue 23 on fuselage. Douglas 0-258, flown by Maj. Gen. JE. Fechel, Chiet of Air Corps, 1930, Booing P-128, 84th PS, April 1930. ‘Thomas-Morse 0-19C, 88th Obs. Sadn., 37‘The crest of the 17th Attack Grou Is barely discernible above the camera window ofthis Vultee A-t (via Cavanagh) ‘designator below the left wing was generally placed anywhere there was room, 8s can be seen from ‘st Pursuit Group ships. The locatien of the word “Army” was usually the deciding factor. (Paul C. melzer)up 19, ‘A blue and yellow C-1 of the 3rd Alr Base Squadron. The location of the designator above the let wing is, ‘unusual. (USAF) [Ath Air Base Squadron C-29, with typical markings for support units In 1838: the designator and bluetgold ‘squadron insignia are the only additions to the factory scheme. (USAF) Atthough the 18th PG was not part of GHAF, its aircraft 394O0903:@EO%. 9 | i @+ §@eo@O\ -- Kz’! @@®20@r OR | ©@00@O@dD \ ae eeaeePare: i #'@: 6: mG iy 40 @O gee):‘The crest ofthe 17th Attack Grou Is barely discernible above the ‘camera window ofthis Vultee A (ia Cavanagh) “The designator below the left wing was generally placed anywhere there was room, as can be seen from these 1st Pursult Group ships. The location of the word "Army" was usually the deciding factor. (Paul C. Schomelzer)‘A blue and yellow BC-1 of the 3rd Air Base Squadron. The location of tho designator above the left wing is ‘unusual. (USAF) |Adth Al Base Squadron C-33, with typleal markings for support units in 1938: the designator and blueigold ‘squadron insignia are the only additions to the factory scheme. (USAF) e>ough the 18th PG was not ger of GHOAF, Its alroratt Be |k°! @@2¢e>0R I Pees > ENG = — —— —— ae eee —@' 0: a! © ONe@OE FY sews: Gg. 3:0: O @ Kez oO OO: POG ODO: 2x9~ 4:0 BO >: Ow Ome: 24.1116: OB. geet:‘A pair of B-17°s display ‘both styles of aircratt de- Signators, In the fore: ground, a 7th BG B-17C Farka "7B 52" tes with 2 SSih BG B-17B coded "BS ‘SS January. 1941. (USAF) Two major changes took place within the designator system in May, 1540. New designators were added, so that every active flying unit in GRQAF and the Air Corps would be assigned a cod. Ard individual ‘erganications were identified by unit number, rather than a correspond See letter. The major reason forthe second change was tho 41 Group Program of May 190, In Spring, 1939, the Army had hoped to ready 532 Tactical Groups by the end of June, 1941, (he 24 Group Program), Tshich conveniently fit the 26 letters of the English alphabet: the 41 1p Program provided 15 more groups than the alphabet did letters new designators were painted in the same location as the GHQAF ors had been, although the unit was now placed above the ar nium rather than below it Revised Designators National