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Post by Dave Homewood on Oct 7, 2018 12:00:41 GMT 12
I have noted that the RNZAF Skyhawks, Strikemasters and Macchis all had roundels only on the top of the port wing, not on top of both wings which was usually normal. Why was this? Was it to not compromise the camouflage effect too much? And was an RNZAF thing only, or was it a practice adopted from overseas?
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Post by jp on Oct 7, 2018 12:38:14 GMT 12
Haven't the Americans done that since at least WW2?
Also, at least some of the RNZAF Dauntlesses only had Roundels on top/bottom of one wing - overpainted US markings.
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Post by mit on Oct 7, 2018 15:47:38 GMT 12
I have noted that the RNZAF Skyhawks, Strikemasters and Macchis all had roundels only on the top of the port wing, not on top of both wings which was usually normal. Why was this? Was it to not compromise the camouflage effect too much? And was an RNZAF thing only, or was it a practice adopted from overseas? They also only had roundels on the underside of the starboard wing |
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Post by saratoga on Oct 7, 2018 16:54:27 GMT 12
Probably to save money, those stickers aren't cheap!.
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Post by Dave Homewood on Oct 7, 2018 17:36:41 GMT 12
The roundels were not stickers in those days.
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Post by saratoga on Oct 7, 2018 17:59:44 GMT 12
Don't the Aussies have the roundel only on the upper surfaces (both wings) of some aircraft?.
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Post by mumbles on Oct 7, 2018 18:21:09 GMT 12
Don't the Aussies have the roundel only on the upper surfaces (both wings) of some aircraft?. Depends on the type. RAAF Hornets don't have roundels on the upper wing surface at all. |
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Post by mumbles on Oct 7, 2018 18:24:27 GMT 12
I have noted that the RNZAF Skyhawks, Strikemasters and Macchis all had roundels only on the top of the port wing, not on top of both wings which was usually normal. Why was this? Was it to not compromise the camouflage effect too much? And was an RNZAF thing only, or was it a practice adopted from overseas? Was US practice as far back as WWII, and has been adopted at various times by other air forces (including the RAF) since. The A-4's in particular were painted in a standard USAF scheme when manufactured and this would have extended to the national marking placement. I suspect that not compromising the camouflage may have been a reason among other visual considerations, but I'm intrigued now so will apply some google fu and look into it. |
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Post by shorty on Oct 7, 2018 20:05:08 GMT 12
The reason that format was originally adopted was so as the enemy was not assisted by being able to aim midway between the upperwing markings thus making it easier to hit the cockpit area. The same reason was also employed in shifting the RAF roundel further rearward on the early first war aircraft, it gave the foe a target to aim for before it was shifted
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