The Little World

And differences in opinion.

Nothing is more striking when looking at aircraft camouflage than the variety of colours and shades that the different air forces used under the Plimsoll line. A glance at any of the Profiles books, a visit to an air museum, or the call-out sheets from any kit maker show colours like Sky, Neutral Grey, Light Blue, Light Green, and Azure Blue…as well as more obscure shades.

All sorts of different choices, but the sky is the same for all aircraft in one area. Shouldn’t the colour consultants have all picked the same thing?

And isn’t it interesting that even pure white was used…and very successfully too…for over-water aircraft. Most skies are not white.

I have also looked to see if anyone decided to paint a pattern on the underside as well. So far I have only found evidence of a set of puffy clouds on the light blue of a big Heinkel four-engine bomber.

Full marks to the modern air forces like the RCAF who paint a fake canopy pattern on the underside of their CF-118 fighters. Cool look, but I think they are fooling themselves rather than anyone else.