Author Topic: JAAF  (Read 7029 times)

Offline verner

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JAAF
« on: February 27, 2007, 09:57:27 PM »
Does anyone know how many different kinds of planes the Japanese Army Air Force in WWII were camouflaged in Blue? IE: Sonia etc.

Offline No.1

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Re: JAAF
« Reply #1 on: February 28, 2007, 10:10:17 PM »
This topside blue was very rare in use and I know for one sample of Hayabusa but there is possibilities that Ki-100 featured this camouflage.

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Re: JAAF
« Reply #2 on: March 02, 2007, 11:26:54 PM »
My friend Nick from England post me this answer:

Concerning Blue Oscars . . .

A supplement from Japanese researchers in regard to the Muraoka Hideo interview article mentioned in the magazine "AEROPLANE" which was printed on October 18, 2003.

The article states that the unit's Ki-43 aircraft were never painted blue overall "as some sources have claimed" and speculates that it might be due to weathered dark green paint being misidentified.  Because Muraoka refuted the existence of blue Oscars in the unit, 20th Sentai personnel attending a recently held re-union were questioned about it. Several veterans stated that there certainly were some Ki-43s in the unit which were painted dark blue on their upper surfaces.

In October 1944 the 20th Sentai moved under 4th Air Division command with detachments in various locations at Bamban, Caloocan (near Manila), Lingayen (Luzon) and Puerto Princesa (Palawan). On 21 October 16 aircraft moved to Fabrica on Negros Island. They were to provide convoy escort and sea search duties. A 1,500km search area was to be covered from sunrise to sunset, with 2 Ki-43s airborne at any one time, alternated throughout the detachment. This long haul mission of 4 hours was to be flown by aircraft painted blue as special camouflage.

Until recently, these blue painted aircraft were said to be used in Taiwan (Formosa), but in fact only 16 machines which were detached to Fabrica on Negros until December 15th were painted blue. On December 22nd most of the Sentai returned to Hsiaochiang on Formosa and the possibility of the blue painted machines being used there is considered to be low.

The blue paint was called "kon iro" - dark (deep) blue or navy blue. It was not the bright cobalt blue seen in so many profiles but actually a rather dark, purplish blue as recalled by the veterans.

About the blue Sonia I have no specific knowledge.

Hope this helps.
Best regards
Nick

Offline verner

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Re: JAAF
« Reply #3 on: March 03, 2007, 04:52:03 AM »
Thanks, How about Ki-100? Did a model of it once in "Blue" and started an argument. :-eek

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Re: JAAF
« Reply #4 on: March 06, 2007, 10:02:58 AM »
Regarding the blue Ki-100. This was identified by Donald W Thorpe in his seminal book 'Japanese Army Air Force Camouflage and Markings World War II' (Aero Publishers, 1968). The scheme was shown on Ki-100 aircraft #37 of the 5th Sentai, Japan 1945 but was said to be not common. This Sentai also operated Ki-45 in night fighter role so maybe . . . . ! The blue identified by Thorpe was recorded as A22 'Dark Blue'.  Below I show you this colour and JAAF #13 'Ao Iro'. Thorpe said the dark blue was "faded and chalky" so maybe the same colour originally. The nearest FS matches are not close.

I have encountered dark blue also used in Burma for Ki-43 operating at night. The faded dark blue scheme shown below was described in detail by an RAF pilot who saw it in daylight and at close range. The white fuselage hinomaru borders were over-painted in "a darker red colour".

Offline verner

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Re: JAAF
« Reply #5 on: March 07, 2007, 05:33:19 AM »
Thanks very much. Beautiful profile!

Offline mfg495

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Re: JAAF
« Reply #6 on: March 09, 2007, 04:20:30 PM »
Great profile my friend  :-clap

ΚΑΘΟΡΩΜΕΝ ΑΙΣΤΟΙ
(We Observe unseen)

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Re: JAAF
« Reply #7 on: March 09, 2007, 06:10:19 PM »
Thank you :))