Technical data

8.2.4.3 In the absence of a tailored weapon system paint
plan the above criteria will apply to all aircraft.
8.2.5 Camouflage. Camouflage is used for the purpose
of deception, to conceal material from undesired observation,
or to confuse and mislead observers as to the identity and
number of assets available. Camouflage may be either pattern
or non-pattern. Pattern camouflaging is based on optical
principals that dictate certain non-reflective colors, color
configurations and color portions. Arbitrary application of
markings and color schemes other that those approved will
defeat the purpose of the camouflage and is not authorized.
8.2.6 Special Purpose Exterior Solar Resistant Fin-
ishes. For the purpose of this manual, solar resistant finish
is defined as a white cap painted on the top surface of the
aircraft to reduce interior temperature. The solar resistant
finish is only authorized on aircraft used primarily as troop
carriers or those that carry heat sensitive equipment. In either
case the MAJCOM supplement to AFI 21-105 or equivalent
MAJCOM instruction will authorize the application of a solar
resistant finish.
8.2.7 Paint Facility/Finish Identification Block. (See
Figure B-4) All aircraft receiving a new paint finish will have
a contrasting color or black (color 37038) block of approxi-
mately 2 1/2 inches to 4 inches applied to the right side
fuselage on the underside even with the leading edge of the
horizontal stabilizer or wing by the activity that applied the
paint. Stencils or decals may be used for the paint block. The
block will contain:
• The name of the activity, plus the Cage code.
• Date of completion (DD, MMM, YY)
• Identification by specification of all coatings used.
• For non-standard or unique coatings, such as Ad-
vance Performance Coating (APC)/Extended Life
Topcoat (ELT), add manufacture product code.
NOTE
All full scuff-sanded and overcoated aircraft re-
quire an additional paint identification block for
each coating system applied (in addition to the
original paint identification block). It shall con-
tain the same information as required in Para-
graph 8.2.7 and will be placed adjacent to the
original paint identification block.
8.3 MARKINGS AND INSIGNIA FOR USAF AIR-
CRAFT.
8.3.1 General. The markings and insignia contained in
the manual will be applied to all USAF aircraft. Markings and
insignia will vary depending on the paint system being
applied and the MAJCOM to which the aircraft is assigned.
Standard Markings are as listed in Table 8-1. The above
standard insignia and markings will not be altered in location,
dimension, or configuration to accommodate any other insig-
nia or marking.
8.3.1.1 National Star Insignia. The National Star will
be installed on all aircraft. Specific instructions for installing
the National Star and approximate dimensions are shown in
Figure B-1, and in Paragraph 8.3.1.3.
8.3.1.2 The National Star Insignia on Aircraft Fuse-
lage. The star insignia will normally be applied to the
aircraft fuselage midway between the wing trailing edge and
the leading edge of the horizontal stabilizer.
8.3.1.3 The National Star Insignia on Aircraft
Wings. The star will be applied to the upper surface of the
left wing and the lower surface of the right wing. (See Figure
B-2)
8.3.1.4 The National Star Insignia on Helicopters.
The star shall be applied on the fuselage. The insignia shall be
located so that it is visible from each side, above and below.
Because of helicopter design configuration the insignia shall
be located so as to provide maximum identification. Such
locations shall be standardized on like MDS helicopters.
8.3.2 “USAF” Marking. The USAF marking shall be
applied to the lower surface of the left wing and upper surface
of the right wing. The height and location of the USAF will
correspond with the National Star insignia. The letters shall
be towards the leading edge of the wing.
8.3.3 American Flag Marking. The display of the
American Flag on aircraft exteriors is intended for specific
uses, which have national significance or U.S. diplomatic
connotations. The use of the flag will be restricted and
approved only by HQ USAF/A4. Routine or occasional
overseas flight of aircraft, assignment of aircraft to foreign
soil, or intra-theater travel of overseas based aircraft are not
sufficient reasons for use of the American Flag marking. The
National Star insignia and USAF markings painted upon
aircraft exteriors will adequately identify USAF aircraft.
Table 8-2 lists all aircraft authorized the American Flag
marking.
TO 1-1-8
Change 3 8-3