WW2 NAAF Aircraft Camouflage

USAAF Camouflage Reference Contents:

WW2 Northwest African Air Force Aircraft Camouflage (1943)

In response to the increased presence of the Luftwaffe in Tunisia and their successful attacks on U.S. airbases during the Battle of the Kasserine Pass, the Northwest African Air Force Headquarters issued a new order on 10 March 1943. This order introduced a range of new camouflage schemes for aircraft, utilizing colors of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). The objective was to enhance the aircraft's concealment and protection in the face of enemy threats.

The general topside camouflage scheme specified in the order consisted of two colors: Field Drab No. 303 and Olive Drab No. 319. However, it was important to note that Olive Drab No. 319 was to be used only if the aircraft had not already been painted in Dark Olive Drab No. 41. Field Drab No. 303 resembled the RAF Dark Earth color and was said to approximate FS 30118. On the other hand, Olive Drab 319 fell between Dark Olive Drab No. 41 and its successor ANA 613 Olive Drab, resembling a dark olive brown. Although Olive Drab 319 did not have a close match to any FS color, the closest approximation was a darker and greener FS 34088. This general topside scheme provided effective camouflage for the aircraft's upper surfaces.

For the undersides of the aircraft in the general scheme, a combination of Light Blue No. 307 and White No.11 was used, with a ratio of 1:8. This mixture of colors created a suitable contrast and blend, aiding in the aircraft's concealment when viewed from below.

In addition to the general topside scheme, the order also included several special schemes to be used based on the terrain where the aircraft would be deployed. These special schemes were identified by colors such as red, yellow, green, and light sand. The light sand scheme had two versions, depending on whether the terrain was primarily sand or had spotted characteristics.

These special schemes incorporated a variety of other colors, primarily earthly tones, drawn from the USACE palette. The additional colors included Earth Brown No. 302, Earth Red No. 312, Earth Yellow No. 305, Sand No. 306, and Light Green No. 321. These colors were selected to match the surrounding terrain and provide optimal camouflage effectiveness in different operational environments.

While the order provided various color drawings for the major combat aircraft types in use, it is difficult to say whether these schemes were intended to be the primary colors used for each aircraft or whether they can only be used as a reference. It is worth noting that along with USACE paints, colors from Bulletin No. 41 of Sep. 1940 were also used.

Based on available photographs, it appears that the basic scheme of Field Drab No. 303 and Olive Drab No. 319 would be nearly indistinguishable from the proposed schemes. As a result, only A-20, B-25, and P-40 aircraft were known to have sported these camouflage schemes, and even then, they were applied in widely different patterns.

The introduction of these new camouflage schemes, both the general topside scheme and the special schemes tailored to specific terrains, demonstrated a strategic approach to aircraft camouflage during World War II. By utilizing a range of colors from the USACE palette and adapting the schemes according to the environment, the aim was to maximize the concealment and survivability of the aircraft, effectively countering the threat posed by enemy forces in different operational theaters.

Color Guide to WW2 NAAF Aircraft Camouflage

USACE Colors

• Earth Brown No. 302: this color had a dark earthy brown hue, the closest approximation to which is FS 30099.
• Field Drab No. 303: It was an olive brown color, which did not really contrast with Olive Drab No. 319. The closest modern counterpart is thought to be FS 30118.
• Sand No. 306: The closest FS analogue to Sand No. 306, FS 33448 is not very popular in paint ranges. However, FS 33448 is very close to FS 33446 CARC Tan, which is used to paint desert camouflage on US Army AFVs.
• Olive Drab No. 319: USACE colors are not widespread among manufacturers, the exception being Olive Drab No. 319, which was used to paint U.S. Army tanks during World War II.
• Light Green No. 321: was a light green color, close in shade to ANA 611. The closest analog of this color is probably FS 34258.
• Light Blue No. 307 / White No.11 (1:8 Mix): is a very light blue shade, close to white. Even the lightest blue of Federal Standard FS 35550, as well as MAP Sky Blue, requires additional lightening.
• Earth Yellow No. 305 / Earth Red No. 312 (1:1 Mix): this blend had an ochre-brown hue and was close to FS 30215, as well as Italian Bruno Mimetico.
• Earth Yellow No. 305 / Field Drab No. 303 (2:1 Mix): was very close to Earth Yellow No. 305 and Earth Red No. 312 in a 1:1 ratio, but had a slight olive hue. Perhaps FS 30145 is the closest modern equivalent of this mixture.

USAAF Colors

• Dark Olive Drab No. 41: a dark olive green color, with FS 34086 probably being the closest counterpart, but lacking the olive hue.
• Neutral Gray No. 43: a dark gray color of the aircraft retained mainland color of the undersurfaces. The closest equivalent is the modern FS 36173, which should be lightened up a bit.
• Sand No. 49: a pinkish-sand color that was introduced in 1942 to camouflage desert aircraft. FS 30279 is believed to be the closest equivalent to FS, but it appears slightly lighter than Sand No.49 should be.

Photos of NAAF Aircraft in Desert Camouflage

References:

• Archer, Robert D. and Archer, Victor G., USAAF Aircraft Markings and Camouflage 1941-1947, Schiffer Publishing (1997)
• Bell, Dana, Air Force Colors Volume 1 1926-1942, Squadron/Signal Publications (1995)
• Bell, Dana, Air Force Colors Volume 2 ETO & MTO 1942-1945, Squadron/Signal Publications (1980)
• Elliot, John M., The Official Monogram US Navy & Marine Corps Aircraft Color Guide Vol 2 1940-1949, Monogram Aviation Publications (1989)
• Rodrigo Aguilera, The World Wars.net

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