The Official Monogram US Navy & Marine Corps Aircraft Color Guide, Vol 4: 1960-1993
Автор(ы): John M. Elliott Maj USMC (Ret)
Издательство: Monogram Aviation Publications
Год издания: 1993
ISBN: 0-914144-34-0
Язык: English
Количество страниц: 203
Формат: True PDF
Размер: 132 MB
Throughout the history of Naval Aviation, numerous changes occurred in the paint schemes and markings used on Navy and Marine Corps aircraft. Some of these changes can be documented through review of old and new specifications, standards and correspondence. However, many of the paint schemes that have at one time or another appeared on Navy and Marine Corps aircraft were experimental in nature or implemented only at the squadron or air wing level. Accordingly, little documentation is available to determine the details of the paint scheme applied or why such a scheme was utilized. John Elliott, with his first three volumes of the Official Monogram US Navy & Marine Corps Aircraft Color Guide provided a much clearer insight into the use of paint schemes and markings of aircraft since the beginning of Naval Aviation in 1911.
John Elliott's fourth and final volume covers the period of 1960 to 1993. During this period, as with the periods covered in his previous volumes, numerous changes occurred. The Navy progressed from glossy paint schemes with colorful markings to the present flat gray tactical paint schemes with contrasting gray markings. Gone are the days of colorful tail markings and red white and blue national insignias. Practicality replaced the romantic notion of knights in the sky with their colorful coats-of-arms. Along the way, many experimental schemes were tested and discarded. John Elliott provides an excellent account of this latest evolution in his final volume.
One may ask if the use of paint schemes are still important in the current era of sophisticated weapon and missile systems? The answer to the question is an unequivocal yes! Optical tracking is still vital to certain anti-aircraft weapon systems. In order to maximize the survivability of an aircraft one must address all factors effecting survivability. One factor is minimal visual detectability. The current schemes used on Navy and Marine Corps aircraft while not flashy, increase survivability. The aircraft might not look pretty, but their chances of a round trip are increased with today's paint schemes. So when you compare the colorful schemes in the first three volumes to the schemes in this volume, keep this in mind. Better a dull airplane than a missing one.
David P. Hornick
Combat Survivability Branch Head
Naval Air Systems Command
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