Technical data

Table 8-4. Aircraft Authorized Multi-Colored Blade
Tip Markings
Air Attache
MAAG
USAF Mission
89th Airlift Wing
8.4.6 Helicopter Main Rotor Blade Markings. Classi-
fication numbers shall be stenciled on the inboard (butt end),
flat surface of the ground side of each main rotor blade by
facilities authorized to balance and alter the rotor blades.
Three numbers in decimal format shall be utilized: the first
shall be weight in pounds; the second shall reflect the distance
in inches from the center of rotation to the center of gravity
of the blade; and the third number shall be the distance in
inches from the leading edge of blade to the center of gravity
for the blade chord-wise. (e.g., 57.2-75.2-5.2 indicates the
blade weighs 57.2 pounds, with a center of gravity 75.2
inches from the center of rotation and chord-wise center of
gravity is 5.2 inches from the leading edge.) Contrasting
coloring stenciling shall be 3/4 inch in height. Color bands
installed by the contractor on the tip of the blade shall be
maintained along with matching colors on the housing.
Different colors are required on the blades for tracking
purposes.
8.4.7 Helicopter Tail Rotor Blade Markings. To pro-
mote safety all tail rotor blades except Sikorsky blades
utilizing B and B bonding or having vinyl plastic tape
installed shall be marked using MIL-PRF-85285 and a
compatible primer coat as follows:
a. Prime surface with a light coat of primer.
b. Apply a 6 inch band of red (color 31136) to the tail rotor
tip followed bya6inchband of white (color 37925)
followed by another 6 inch band of red (color 31136).
c. Following the second band of red apply a black band
(color 37038) to within 6 inches of the hub. Paint the
remaining 6 inches of the tail rotor red (color 31136).
d. Identifying color bands painted by the contractor shall
be maintained and an identifying dot, approximately 1/2
inch in diameter, of the same color as appears on the
housing shall be painted on the butt end of the blade for
matching purposes.
e. Balance the blades as necessary.
8.4.8 Identification Markings of Jettisonable Aircraft
Components. All jettisonable components will be sten-
ciled using MIL-PRF-85285. The color will be selected to
provide the greatest contrast with the surrounding base color
of the component.
8.4.8.1 Canopies. The radio call number shall be sten-
ciled in 1 inch letters 6 inches from the forward left-hand end,
on either the inside or outside of the canopy frame.
8.4.8.2 Ejection Seats. All ejection seats shall have the
radio call number stenciled on the seat back near the top edge.
If the aircraft is equipped with more than one seat the flight
crew position (i.e. pilot, NAV, GUNNER, and etc.) shall be
stenciled under the radio call number. The numbers and
letters shall be 1 inch high and positioned to avoid contact
with parachute gear.
8.4.8.3 Jettisonable Components. Where jettisonable
components such as external tanks are interchangeable and
are frequently removed, and create a problem of stockpiling
components for a specific aircraft, the base supply account
number contained in AFMAN 23-110 will be applied to the
component. The stencil will be 1 inch high and applied near
the component center on both sides.
8.4.9 Markings for Servicing, Ground Handling and
Hazard Warning. (See figures B-7 through B-13) The
markings shall be in contrasting colors. Lettering shall be in
accordance with the Appendix B. Symbols for the identifica-
tion of service points, ground handling, and hazard warnings
shall be applied to the required locations on all USAF
aircraft. Location is dependent on the amount of available
space. The marking may be on or adjacent to the equipment
or service point. Symbols and markings may be applied using
paint or decals. Symbols shall be approximately 4 inches in
size but maybe smaller depending on the area or item being
marked. The markings provide:
• Rapid identification of servicing points.
• Identification of the type of ground servicing re-
quired.
• Hazard warning or safety precautions, which will
prevent injury to personnel or damage to equipment.
• Rapid exit from air vehicle under emergency condi-
tions.
8.4.10 Markings for Engine Compartment Fire Ac-
cess Panel. The fire access panel or doors in the engine
compartments shall have contrasting color boarder and iden-
tifying text.
8.4.11 Ejection Seats. A contrasting color equilateral
triangle with the sides up to nine inches long, with the apex
pointing downward shall be applied on each side of the
fuselage adjacent to the explosive device.
8.4.12 Identification of Ballistic Hose Assemblies.
Ballistic hose or tubing assemblies leading to the ejection seat
or catapults shall be marked for ground rescue purposes. The
area selected shall be easily visible and readily accessible and
as close as possible to the catapult (see appendix B).
TO 1-1-8
8-6