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RAF colours

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  • Member since
    April 2003
  • From: Netherlands
RAF colours
Posted by mossieramm on Monday, October 13, 2003 2:14 AM
RAF colours, what was the thinking was behind the black and white underside for the early Spitfires and Hurricans ?? Was it for recognition ??
  • Member since
    May 2003
  • From: Central USA
Posted by qmiester on Monday, October 13, 2003 7:38 AM
I always thought it was supposed to be a recognition feature - if one wing is black , he's on my side - apparently works for the other side too - kind of like tracers - they work both ways also. Approve [^]
Quincy
  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Monday, October 13, 2003 11:20 AM
it also creates a fuzzy effect to the eye, by breaking the wing outline.
  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Monday, October 13, 2003 8:11 PM
It was done for recognition from the ground, i.e. for anti aircraft gunners.
Some aircraft still carried the markings into 1941. On the black wing the roundel had a yellow outline, even when the wing was repainted, in some cases the outline was left in place.
Pete
  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, October 14, 2003 12:12 PM
Hi Albertsponson
B&W undersides in 1941? I would like to know where you are getting your information? These markings were discontinued in June 1940. Maybe you are confusing these markings with the port black wing and sky undersides introduced 27th November 1940. The underside roundels were retained and the spinner was painted Sky along with the introduction of the fuselage band. The black port wing was repainted Sky as of 22nd April 1941. Certainly not Black & White.
Cheers
Bob S.
  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, October 15, 2003 10:31 PM
Oops, I misread the text in an old Michael J F Bowyer book. It shows Hurricane P2627 in mid '41 with the two colour underside. The 'other' colour is given as 'probably a shade like duck egg green'. DOH!
In mitigation I plead the early hour of the day, it's 0630 here, the only time you can get a decent net connection over here!
Pete
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