Paint Set 3003: WWII Fleet Air Arm Biplanes

Throughout the 1930s and 1940s, the Royal Air Force (RAF) and the Fleet Air Arm (FAA) of the British Royal Navy employed biplanes extensively in naval operations. These aircraft demonstrated remarkable reliability and effectiveness in combat environments.

Biplanes in Naval Operations

The Fleet Air Arm played a pivotal role in naval warfare during World War II. The Fairey Swordfish torpedo bomber achieved notable successes in key missions, including the attack on Taranto and the sinking of the German battleship Bismarck. The Supermarine Walrus, a versatile amphibious aircraft, was used for reconnaissance, artillery spotting, and air-sea rescue operations.

Originally developed as a land-based fighter, the Gloster Gladiator was also launched from aircraft carriers in the early stages of the war. It played a critical role in the defense of Malta, valued for its agility and robust construction. Aircraft like the Swordfish and Walrus became essential to the island’s aerial defense, flying missions under constant threat and limited resources.

"Temperate Sea Scheme" Camouflage

Introduced in 1939, the "Temperate Sea Scheme" was designed to reduce aircraft visibility during naval operations. Upper surfaces were painted in Extra Dark Sea Grey and Dark Slate Grey to blend with the sea. In 1941, Sky Grey on the undersides was replaced with Sky to better match the sky in operational conditions.

A distinctive feature of the scheme was its shadow compensation: the lower wings of biplanes were painted in lighter tones—Dark Sea Grey and Light Slate Grey—to offset the shadow cast by the upper wings and reduce the aircraft’s visibility in flight.

Using the Set

This set is intended for painting Fleet Air Arm aircraft models using the "Temperate Sea Scheme" camouflage, as applied from 1939 through the late 1940s.

Set Includes:

• 375 Dark Slate Grey – used on upper aircraft surfaces.
• 378 Extra Dark Sea Grey – used on upper aircraft surfaces.
• 376 Light Slate Grey – applied to lower wings for shadow compensation.
• 379 Dark Sea Grey – applied to lower wings for shadow compensation.
• 374 Sky Grey – used on undersides (1939–1940).
• 373 Sky – used on undersides (1941–1945).

Collection:

• WWII Royal Air Force Aircraft
• WWII Fleet Air Arm Aircraft

Recommended for:

• Blackburn Shark
• Fairey Albacore
• Fairey Seafox
• Gloster Sea Gladiator
• Supermarine Seagull
• Supermarine Sea Otter
• Supermarine Stranraer
• Supermarine Walrus and others

Paint Type:

• Acrylic A3003
• Enamel E3003

Finish:

• Semi-gloss

Volume:

• 6 x 0.33 fl oz (10 ml)