Technical data

8.1.12 Service Tests. Approved service test programs
will be implemented by coordinated effort, monitored by the
appropriate engineering function, SPD, AFRL, and the re-
questing MAJCOM.
8.1.13 Decals. Decals are special prepared film contain-
ing design, words, letters, or numerals and are intended to be
permanently affixed to the aircraft. Decals may be used in lieu
of paint for all external markings and insignia where the
contact surfaces are of sufficient smoothness to permit good
adhesion. Decals shall meet A-A-59484 or commercial
equivalent.
8.1.14 Applicable References. The application of
North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) code numbers
cited in TO 42B1-1-15 shall supplement the applicable
service points prescribed in this technical order. The codes
will be applied immediately adjacent to the symbol as
considered most practical. NATO code numbers may be
omitted when not reflected in TO 42B1-1-15 or may be
omitted on training type aircraft and other aircraft not subject
to being serviced at overseas location. Additional instructions
and directives applicable or allied to the application and
maintenance of the finishes and markings of aircraft are
contained in the following:
CENTO STANAG #3230 Emergency Marking on
Aircraft.
NATO STANAG #3109 Servicing and Ground Han-
dling Codes.
NATO STANAG #3230 Emergency Marking on
Aircraft.
8.2 STANDARD EXTERIOR FINISHES MARKINGS
AND INSIGNIA FOR USAF AIRCRAFT.
Standard finishes are applied as either glossy or camouflage
topcoats. All topcoats, painted markings and painted insignia
will be applied using high-solid polyurethane, MIL-PRF-
85285.
8.2.1 Metal Exterior Finishes. Metal exterior finishes
other than titanium and CRES require surface protection from
corrosive elements and therefore will be painted.
8.2.2 Titanium and Corrosion Resistant Steel. These
materials usually make up a small portion of the exterior
surface. Titanium and CRES will be painted to match the rest
of the exterior of the aircraft providing temperatures permit.
8.2.3 Treatment of Metal Exteriors. Treatment of
metal exteriors and corrosion control are specified in TO
1-1-691, and weapon system specific manuals.
8.2.4 Policy Guidance. It is a general policy that all Air
Force aircraft will be painted equally as a prime means of
corrosion protection and prevention, appearance and surviv-
ability. Painting for professional appearance is an integral
part of a well-managed corrosion control program (AFI
21-105). The requirement to paint must be tempered with
good judgment. Mission requirements, environmental con-
cerns and resources must be considered prior to painting.
Aircraft will be painted in accordance with a service life
program. A coordinated paint/depaint program will be estab-
lished and kept current for each weapon system. Where
possible a scoring system should be used to determine
painting requirements. The scoring system should account for
paint condition, local corrosion severity index (refer to TO
1-1-691) and calendar time. The MAJCOM and SPD will
determine when an aircraft is to be stripped and repainted.
Maintenance painting will be used to enhance and preserve
coating systems.
8.2.4.1 In determining the requirements for sectional
overcoating, total overcoating, or strip and repaint, the
following general technical criteria should be considered in
the development of the weapon system paint plan.
a. Sectional or total overcoat if the paint is oxidized,
discolored, stained, chipped, scratched, or peeled from
the primer and the primer remains adhered to the aircraft
surface. If the condition is extensive consider a total
overcoat.
b. Strip and repaint if the following defects or combination
of defects exists; areas which have been overcoated
(primer plus topcoat) at least three times, primer is not
adhering to the substrate, or the paint system is peeled to
the substrate.
8.2.4.2 When applying the above criteria to determine
painting requirements and a combination of defects for strip
and overcoating exists, the following general economic
guidelines should be considered in the development of the
weapon system paint plan.
a. When determining sectional or total overcoat and a
combination of defects exist, overcoating may be ac-
complished if the time or manhour requirements for
surface preparation (mask, sand or clean) do not exceed
70% of the time or man-hours for a complete strip/
repaint.
b. Sectional stripping may be required as determined by
deteriorated areas, on aircraft designated for complete
overcoat. Complete overcoating may be accomplished if
the combined time or man-hours for sectional stripping
and surface preparation for overcoat do not exceed 70%
of the time or man-hours required for complete strip/
repaint.
c. Complete strip/repaint should be accomplished in lieu of
overcoating whenever the time or man-hours for mask-
ing, sanding and cleaning for the total or sectional
overcoating exceed 70% of those to accomplish strip/
repaint.
TO 1-1-8
8-2