[skydriver]

After seeing one of Pappy's recent additions, can anyone give me a good reason why many Army / Air Force aircraft had very colorful paint schemes, while the Marines and Navy were typically blue or shades of blue?

I can't imagine it was just because they wanted the Marine / Navy aircraft to blend in with the blue ocean.

[smartd]

Ya think?
Some of the most colourful planes are surely Navy/Marine.

[Cruver Collecter]

Originally Posted by smartd

Ya think?
Some of the most colourful planes are surely Navy/Marine.

Even more so if you take into account pre war paint schemes.

[TopHat]

Simple...to help the Army/AF with target/friendly recognition.......

[Cavtanker]

There really hasn't been any colorful Army helicopter schemes since...probably Vietnam. It is pretty rare to see a shark-toothed Apache.

[smartd]

Originally Posted by skydriver

After seeing one of Pappy's recent additions, can anyone give me a good reason why many Army / Air Force aircraft had very colorful paint schemes, while the Marines and Navy were typically blue or shades of blue?

I can't imagine it was just because they wanted the Marine / Navy aircraft to blend in with the blue ocean.

Do you have a time frame in mind?

[skydriver]

Originally Posted by smartd

Do you have a time frame in mind?

The time frame I am thinking is actual WW2 combat in early to mid 40's. No pre war paint schemes or training aircraft schemes.

[STARMAN 352ND]

WWII the Navy & Marines had nice looking warbirds
Korea same thing...Then in Nam it went white...
I like some of the Pre-War schemes too on both USAAC and US Navy and Marines.
JP

[Shawn 507]

Originally Posted by TopHat

Simple...to help the Army/AF with target/friendly recognition.......

Now thats just wrong. You inbred types are so bent on "thats the way its always been, thats the way it will be" than anyone else. Well, maybe your sea going bellhops are worse.

[Cavtanker]

We use IR strobes and VS-17 panels to help with friend/foe identification.