Sovietwarplanes

Dear friends,
   These last months have been much interesting for all of us interested in the Soviet aircraft colors of the Second World War.
   First, we have had a translation of the works of M. Orlov, published in “Real colors of WW II Aircraft” from AK Interactive, and then we have had a new series of articles based on original documents from Misha Timin in M-Hobby starting from July 1918.
   Anyone who is interested in Mr. Orlov work can buy the aforementioned volume.
   The articles of Mr. Timin are, for the moment, available only in Russian.
   For a couple of Euros, you can download them from the Google Play app, or you can get a subscription or order them by post.
   The interest of these articles by Mr. Timin is that among all the material he has studied, he has found in the Central Archive of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation, files about aircraft accidents in 1941.
   In these documents, you can find the factory number of the plane, the regiment in which it operated, and the date of the accident.
   With all this material, he has been able to reconstruct as exactly as possible, the evolution of the Soviet aircraft camouflage in that chaotic year.
   Hoping to make something useful for all the members of this forum I will post a translation of the captions of these articles, so that all of us that are not native Russian speakers can enjoy and understand the many illustrations that make a great part of these articles.
   To have an idea of the illustration of these works, you can look at Vedran post in    
“Re: New VVS colours and markings articles in Russian M-Hobby magazine”
   In the captions, there are many abbreviations, and to help to understand them I begin with a glossary:
- ADD      Long-Range Aviation
(АДД      Авиация Дальнего Действия)
- AKDD   Long-Range Aviation Corps
(АКДД    Авиационный Корпус Дальнего Действия)
- APDD   Long-Range Aviation Regiment
(АПДД   Авиационный Полк Дальнего Действия)
- BAP      Bomber Aviation Regiment
(БАП       Бомбардировочный Авиационный Полк)
- Glyptal:     An alkyd resin obtained from polyhydric alcohols and polybasic organic acids or their anhydrides; used for surface coatings (Collins English Dictionary)
- GV      Guards
(ГВ.      Гвардейский)
- GKO      State Defense Committee
(ГКО      Государственный Комитет Обороны)
- GU VVS   Main Directorate of the Air Force
(ГУВВС   Главное управление ВВС)
- IAD      Fighter Air Division
(Иад      Истребительная Авиационная Дивизия)
- IAK      Fighter Aircraft Corps
(Иак      Истребительный Авиационный Корпус)
- IAP      Fighter Aviation Regiment
(Иап      Истребительный Авиационный Полк)
- NIIVVS   Scientific and Testing Institute of the Air Force
(НИИ ВВС   Научно-Испытательный Институт ВВС)
- NKAP   People's Commissariat of Aviation Industry
(НКАП   Народный Комиссариат Авиационной Промышленности)
- NKXP   People's Commissariat of Chemical Industry
(НКХП   Народный Комиссариат Химической Промышленности)
OSNAZ   Special Purpose
(ОСНАЗ   Особого Назначения)
- OKB      Experimental Design Bureau
(ОКБ      Опытное Конструкторское Бюро)
- PARM   Field Aircraft Repair Shops
(ПАРМ   Полевые Авиаремонтные Мастерские)
- PVO      Anti Aircraft Defense
(ПВО      Противовоздушная Оборона)
- RAP      Reconnaissance Aviation Regiment
(РАП       Разведывательный Авиационный Полк)
- RezAP   Reserve Aviation Regiment
(РезАП   Резервный Авиационный Полк)
- SAVO   Central Asian Military District
(САВО   Среднеазиатский военный округ)
- SBAP   Fast Bomber Aviation Regiment
(СБАП   Скоростной Бомбардировочный Авиационный Полк)
- SHAD   Assault Aviation Division
(ШАД      Штурмовая Авиационная Дивизия)
- SHAP   AssaultAviationRegiment
(ШАП      Штурмовой Авиационный Полк)
- SNK       Council of People's Commissars
(СНК       Сове́т Наро́дных Комисса́ров)
- TU      Technical Specification
(ТУ      технические условия)
- TsAMO RF    Central Archive of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation
(ЦАМО РФ   Центральный Архив Министерства Обороны Российской Федерации)
- VIAM    All-Union Institute of Aviation Materials
(ВИАМ    Всесоюзный Институт Авиационных Материалов)
- VVS      AirForce
(ВВС      Военно-Воздушные Силы)
- VVS KA   Red Army Air Force
(ВВС КА   Военно-Воздушные Силы Красной Армии)
- YUF      Southern Front
(ЮФ      Южный фронт)
- ZAP      Reserve Fighter Regiment
(ЗАП      Запасной Истребительный Авиационный Полк)

The first article appeared in M-Hobby of July 2018, and regards the events of 1940, with the introduction of the Green – Blue livery, with colors AII protective green and light blue for fabric, and light green A-19f, and light blue A-18f for metal.
   Owing to the poor properties of these colors, a new series was elaborated, comprising seven colors: 1 - "light brown" 2 - "gray" 3 - "yellow" (light green), 4 - "green" 5 - "Dark Green" 6 - "achromatic" (black) 7 - "blue gray".
   After the experiment with casein removable paint, it was decided to paint a small number of fighters and a larger numbers of Pe-2 bombers with several three-color schemes on the top of the planes, using the colors AMT-1, AMT-2, AMT-3, AMT-4, AMT-5, and AMT-6.
   At the same time, in the workshop of Yakovlev, a different camouflage was applied, that consisted of green and black for the upper surfaces.
   All these options are widely illustrated, and here you can find the captions:

MH 7/2018

Pg 32
I-153 from factory No. 1 from May 1940 were painted in the new scheme, green on top and blue on the bottom with dopes AII (protective green) and AII (light blue).
Drawing by Alexander Kazakov.

SB bombers produced in factory No. 22 from May 1940 (since SB No. 19/294) were painted in the new scheme of green top and blue bottom with glyptal enamels A-19ф (light green) and A-18ф (light blue). Drawing by Alexander Kazakov.

Pg33
1. SB, factory No. 12/220, from the 24th SBAP after repairs was painted in the new scheme in green top and blue bottom A-19ф (light green) and A-18ф (light blue). Generally, different SB from the 24th of SBAP in the spring of 1941 were painted both in new and old schemes [1]. 2-4. SB, factory No. 19/70, from the 24th SBAP after repairs was painted in the new scheme in green top and blue bottom А-19ф (light green) and A-18ф (light blue). 5-7.This SB with factory No. 8/217 of the 24th SBAP remained in standard coloring with light grey enamel AE-9. 8-9. SB No. 3/115 of the 5th squadron of the 48th SBAP is painted according to the so-called" Khalkhin-Gol” scheme: green spots of irregular shape are applied on a light gray background of enamel AE-9 or silver AE-8. Judging by the photos, most, and possibly all the SB of the 48th SBAP, were painted in this way [2]. 10-11. This SB of the 48th SBAP was destroyed by German aircraft at the airport Russka-Zhensk. Painted on the so-called "Khalkhin-Gol” scheme.

Reconstruction from photographs of SB No. 19/70. Drawing by Alexander Kazakov.

Reconstruction from photos of SB with tactical number 6 <sic! It is 9> Drawing by Alexander Kazakov.

Pg 34 
I-153 of the 160th IAP with tactical number 15 is painted according to the so-called "Khalkhin-Gol” scheme: green spots of irregular shape on a light gray or silver background. In the 160th IAP the I-153 were painted as from the factory in "new" blue-green standard, or in a makeshift "Khalkhin-Gol” color or still retained the "old" light grey color scheme [3].

I-153 of the 160th IAP with tactical number 6, serial number 8030. One of the last aircraft produced by the factory No. 1 painted in the "old" scheme of light grey with dope AII Sv. ser.

Reconstruction from photographs of I-153 of the 160th IAP, tactical No. 15 and No. 6. Drawings by Alexander Kazakov.

Pg 35
I-153 No. 6848 of the 4th IAP, broken in an accident on 25.03.41. Aircraft painted on the so-called "Khalkhin-Gol "scheme, as a rule, painted quite freely, so that the green "snakes" were drawn only in those places where the military responsible for this event managed to get without too much hassle [4].

Reconstruction from photographs of the I-16 type 24 of the 116th IAP, SAVO Air Force. Drawings by Alexander Kazakov.

I-16 type 24 tactical No. 6, factory No. 2421 D-8 from the 1st squadron of the 116th IAP and I-16 type 24 No. 10, factory No. 2421 D-31 from the 2nd squadron of the 116th IAP, May 1941, the Central Asian Military District (SAVO). Both aircraft were painted with silver (aluminium) dope AII Al, but were originally painted with the standard AII protective (green) and light blue colors [5].

Pg 36
Scheme of experimental color for LaGG-3, option No.1 (colors: AMT-1, AMT-4, and AMT-6). Drawing by Sergei Trufanov.
Scheme of experimental color for LaGG-3, option No.1A (colors: AMT-2, AMT-3, and AMT-5). Drawing by Sergei Trufanov.
Scheme of experimental color for LaGG-3, option No.2 (colors: AMT-1, AMT-4, and AMT-6). Drawing by Sergei Trufanov.
Scheme of experimental color for LaGG-3, option No. 2A (colors: AMT-2, AMT-3, and AMT-5). Drawing by Sergei Trufanov.
Scheme of experimental color for LaGG-3, option No.3 (colors: AMT-1, AMT-4, and AMT-6). LaGG-3 No.31213-78, painted according to this scheme, became the only aircraft in tricolor scheme that took part in the fighting. Drawing by Sergei Trufanov.

Pg 37 
"Tricolor" LaGG-3 No. 3121376 - the plane crashed and was subsequently transferred as a training plane to the 2nd ZAP. It is interesting that, despite the color is a glossy dope, the photo does not leave the impression of a strong gloss of the surfaces of the aircraft.

Left: PE-2 of the 317th RAP, Odessa region, summer 1941. Aircraft produced after 20.06.41. Right: PE-2 Lost in the summer of 1941.

Left: forced landing of PE-2. The aircraft is painted in three-color camouflage. Right: the tail of the PE-2 of the 410th BAP OSNAZ shoot down in July 1941 in Vitebsk. You can clearly see the camouflage.

Pg 38
Accident of two UTI-4 No.15153346 and 15153348 of the 167th RezAP, produced at the factory No.153 on 2.07.41 Aircraft painted in three-color camouflage.

Reconstruction of the three-color scheme for UTI-4 produced by plant No. 153. Presumed colors: green (protective AII), camel (tobacco AII), black (AII black or MV-109 or MW-6). Drawing by Sergei Trufanov.

Reconstruction of the color scheme for the UTI-26-I that was developed by design Bureau of A. S. Yakovlev in 1940. Green AII protective and black (presumably AII black, or MV-109 or MV-6). Drawing by Sergei Trufanov.

UTI-26-I during factory tests in July 1940.

Pg 39
The experimental painting of fighter I-26 from the archive of the Yakovlev Design Bureau. Drawing by Sergei Trufanov.

Prototypes of the fighters I-28 and I-30 in a characteristic experimental color during factory tests, 1940.

The experimental painting of fighter I-26 from the archive of the Yakovlev design Bureau.
Courtesy of S. D. Kuznetsov.

As soon as possible, I will continue posting new translations, but I fear that it will not be possible before next week
Regards
Daniele

Hi Daniele,
thank you very much for this great and much needed work.
The glossary of abbreviations looks very well made, it could be made a copy to put in some location that will be easily findable in future. Maybe as pinned thread or on the pages of the site.
Best regards
Massimo

Dear friends,
good news!
   I have just downloaded on my phone the latest issue of M-Hobby, and it contains the 8th article of Mr. Timin, and at least another one is due.
   But I need your help: In the third article, there is a drawing of a DB-3 of the 1st squadron LAKU KE. I have not been able to find what ЛАКУ КЭ means.
   Could it be a misprint?   I hope that someone in the forum will be able to answer this question.
Regards
Daniele

Hi Daniele,
this is strange, LAKU KE appears between the name of the unit and that of the pilot.
No idea.
Regards
Massimo

Hi Daniele,
from Anna Popova:

Regards
Massimo

Dear friends,
Please let me thank Massimo and Anna Popova, without them I would have never imagined what LAKU KE would have meant!
In the second part of Mr. Timin study, we find several different orders: the instructions to paint all planes, and an experimental number, with three color upper surface camouflage, was overruled by the order No. 0042 of June 19, 1941, by the NKO, the highest military department of the USSR from 1934 to 1946.
   To this next day followed the resolution No. 1711 of SNK, the Council of People's Commissars,"on masking color of aircraft, runways, tents and airfield facilities", and several annexes.
   All these orders served the purpose of producing and implementing a simpler scheme of camouflage, inspired by the one proposed by the Yakovlev bureau.
   This scheme was represented in color in the order, and you can find it on page 32 of the article, or, in a much larger format, on page 245 of the “Real Colors of WW2 Aircaft” book.
   The underside is an unspecified blue, the upper colors are AMT 4 and 6, or the corresponding ones for metal, and the spinner is painted in black, with oil paint AM-26.
   The star were four, two under the wings and two on the tail.
   As Barbarossa started on 22 June 1941, it is understandable that not all NKAP factories could obey the order, even if most did their best to comply.
   Several samples are shown and discussed, and the best idea can be got by the illustrations.
Here you can find the captions:

MH 8/2018

Pg 32
Schemes and colors for camouflage painting of single-engine and twin-engine aircraft approved by the decision of the SNK No. 1711 from 20.06.41 as camouflage for the aircraft of the VVS KA.

Schemes and colors for camouflage painting of single-engine and twin-engine aircraft. Green (AMT-4 or AM-24) and black (AMT-6 or AM-26), black spinner – AM-26. Reconstruction drawing of Sergei Trufanov.

Pg33
Temporary scheme for painting LaGG-3 aircraft, factory No. 21, option No. 4. Used paints AMT-4 and AMT-6. According to the instructions, the colors of the camouflage in this scheme were supposed to alternate to a mirror scheme for each other airplane. The position of the stars in the diagram was not displayed, but the instructions indicated that a star with a diameter of 0.6 m was applied to the tail: half on the fin - half on the rudder. Figure by Alexander Kazakov.

LaGG-3 from factory No. 21 with the factory number 31214-6 of the Commander of the145th IAP Captain L. A. Galchenko as of autumn 1941. Drawing By Alexander Kazakov.

LaGG-3 factory No. 31214-6 of the 145th IAP was probably painted in the black and green temporary camouflage of factory No. 21 (not standardized, from among 6 LaGG-3, painted without drawing up the scheme). On top AMT-4 and AMT-6, below nitrocellulose lacquer II "light blue", the propeller blades – black AM-26, stars in four positions – nitrocellulose lacquer II “red”. The plane was photographed at different times - some of the photos are of the fall of 1941, the other was made in the summer of 1942.

Pg34
Scheme of camouflage for LaGG-3, introduced at the factory number 21 in late June 1941. It is made according to the scheme attached to the resolution SNK No. 1711. Paint AMT-4 and AMT-6. According to the instructions, the scheme was supposed to be used with the inversion of camouflage colors each other plane. The stars were drawn in four positions, also according to the scheme. Reconstruction drawing of Sergei Trufanov.

Scheme of camouflage painting for PE-2 aircraft, introduced at the factory number 22 at the end of June 1941, according to the scheme annexed to the decision of the SNK No. 1711. Paint AM-24 and AM-26. Reconstruction drawing of Sergei Trufanov.

Pg 35
Pe-2 tactical No. white 5 from the 48th BAP of the 6th SAD, August 1941. Plane of the 29 series factory number 22. The aircraft is painted in accordance with the scheme attached to the resolution of the Council of People's Commissars No. 1711, paints AM-24 and AM-26.

PE-2 No. 5 of the 48th BAP 6th SAD. Reconstruction from photos and frames of newsreels. Drawing By Alexander Kazakov.

Pg 36
Pe-2 factory number 105, produced by factory No.124 (the 5th plane of the 1st series), which was broken in an accident. The bomber is painted in black and green camouflage; the stars are drawn in four positions, according to the scheme attached to the order of SNK No. 1711

Reconstruction of the painting scheme of PE-2, factory No. 105 produced at factory No. 124. Drawing By Alexander Kazakov.

Reconstruction of the coloring scheme for Pe-2 with tactical number 64 from the 5th SBAP VVS YUF. Figure by Alexander Kazakov.

Pe-2 with tactical number 64 from the 5th SBAP of the VVS YUF captured at the site of an emergency landing. The aircraft produced by factory No. 39, presumably from the 12th series, is painted in an improvised black and green camouflage, but the stars are painted in four positions, according to the scheme in the order of the Council of People's Commissars No. 1711.

Pg 37
Accident of Pe-2 with tactical number 1 from the 50th SBAP. Aircraft of the 5th series produced in factory number 39, factory No. 390515. Improvised black-and-green camouflage, but the stars are painted in four positions, according to the scheme in the order of the Council of People's Commissars No. 1711.

Reconstruction of the painting scheme for the PE-2 with tactical number 1 from the 50th SBAP. Drawing By Alexander Kazakov.

Another PE-2 from the 5th SBAP VVS YUF is painted in an improvised black and green camouflage, the stars are drawn in four positions, on the bottom of the wing and on the tail, according to the scheme in the resolution of SNK No. 1711. The plane burned down after an emergency landing.

Reconstruction of the painting scheme of an Il-2 of the 74th SHAP. Drawing By Alexander Kazakov.

Il-2 of the 74th SHAP shot down in mid-July 1941 near Zhitomir.

Pg 38
Reconstruction of the coloring scheme for an IL-2 tactical No. 3 from the 61st SHAP. Illustration by Alexander Kazakov.

IL-2 tactical number 3 of the 61th SHAP, photographed by German soldiers at the airport of Shatalovo. The aircraft is painted according to the scheme attached to the resolution of SNK No. 1711, stars in four positions.

Il-2, painted according to the scheme in the resolution of SNK No. 1711 in black and green camouflage with stars in four positions, photographed by the Germans after a forced landing.

Pg 39
Reconstruction of the painting scheme for Yak-1 of the 16th series with factory No. 1816. Drawing By Alexander Kazakov.

Accident of two Yak-1 of the 16th and 21st series, with factory No. 1816, and 1221, respectively, at the airfield of factory No. 292 on July 12, 1941. Aircraft painted similarly to the Yak-1 No. 1411 in black and green camouflage on a makeshift scheme.

Reconstruction of the painting schemes of Yak-1 with serial number 1411. Drawing By Alexander Kazakov.

Yak-1 with white tactical number 5. Series 11th aircraft, factory number 1411. The fighter was handed over to the flying crew of the 13th ZAP until July 12, 41, and had an accident on August 31, 41. Pilot junior lieutenant G.A. Kuznetsov.

Pg 40
Su-2 variant spotter. Photos taken during the tests in August 1941, the aircraft is painted in black and green camouflage, stars in four positions, according to the resolution of SNK No. 1711.

Reconstruction of the painting scheme for the Su-2 spotter variant. Drawing By Alexander Kazakov.

Reconstruction of the aspect of I-153 tactical number 10 from the 160th IAP. Drawing By Alexander Kazakov.

The I-153 fighters that have been overhauled in the factory No. 1 were received for the completion of the 160th IAP. The planes are painted green without camouflage spots, the stars are in four positions, according to the order of the SNK No. 1711.

Pg 41
Reconstruction of the appearance of the MiG-3 aircraft produced in June 1941, before the aircraft with the factory number 3501. The stars on the fuselage and the upper surfaces of the wings are painted over; the star is applied on the tail in accordance with the scheme of the order of the SNK No. 1711. For comparison below, the aircraft is added in the standard pre-war color and with the location of markings in six positions. Figure by Alexander Kazakov.

Reconstruction of the color scheme of the Yak-4 of 314th or 316th RAP. Drawing By Alexander Kazakov.

A Yak-4, presumably from the 314th or 316th RAP. The aircraft is painted in standard black and green camouflage, stars in four positions, according to the resolution SNK No. 1711.

Regards
Daniele

Hi Daniele,
thank you for posting these highly interesting translations.
The mail of Anna Popova was a surprise for me too.
A thing that wasn't clear for me is that, for one month only, the prescriptions of the NKAP previded four stars only, excluding those on the fuselage.
Regards
Massimo

Dear Massimo,
   I would say that the period "of the four stars" was overlooked not by you, but by everyone, until Mr. Timin showed us many examples, so now we are able to see what was evident in some photographs.
   I would say that even the contemporary Soviets were overlooking this short period.
(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7829/32380135807_a19dfc7fa4_b.jpg)
   You can see from this image from an official recognition book of the year 1941, that only the old and new six star insigna are visible, and the four star period is completely overlooked.
Regards
Daniele

Dear friends,
   in his third article Mr. Timin reports in detail the four instructions for painting aircraft with non-decodable colors from appendix No. 2 (order of NKO No. 0043).
   These instruction say how to paint, in great detail, according to the scheme that we have seen in the previous article, how to prepare the surface that must be painted, how much paint is needed, and so on.
   The order had to be executed from the first days of July, but of course, given the war situation, it was followed sometime in parts and very often in an improvised way.
   It must be considered that the correct paints were not available to all units, that often lacked a copy of the order with the attached color illustration.
   From the captions you can follow everything trough the illustrations.

MH 9/2018

Pg 26
Left: I-153 factory No. 6598 of the 171st IAP, 77th SAD VVS MVO, broken in an accident at the airport of Tula on 1.07.41, Second Lieutenant V. S .Artemyev. The plane was still in the bright pre-war coloring. In the center and right: Another I-153 factory No. 6760 of the same 171st IAP, 77th SAD VVS MVO, broken in a crash at the airport of Tula about 4.07.41. Pilot Junior Lieutenant O.I. Shuvalov died. The plane was already partially camouflaged [3].

SB tactical No. 2 allegedly from the 4th squadron of the 44th SBAP left on the airfield of Gribochki. The aircraft is painted in improvised black and green camouflage, the stars are applied in six positions according to the pre-war standard.

Pg 27
SB tactical No. 1 of the 2nd SBAP made an emergency landing in territory occupied by the enemy. The aircraft is painted in an improvised black and green camouflage, the stars are applied in six positions according to the pre-war standard.

I-16 type 5 tactical No. 891 serial number 521894 of the 154th IAP 39th IAD. The fighter made an emergency landing. The aircraft is painted in improvised black and green camouflage, the stars are applied in six positions according to the pre-war standard.

The regiments, in which there were airplanes painted in accordance with the May 1940 standard, had, at best, quickly put black spots on them. This Yak-1 factory number 1715, Second Lieutenant V. P. Mikhailov from the 237th IAP, crashed at the airport of Orel on 3.08.41. The fighter is painted in an improvised black-and-green camouflage, the stars are in six positions as in the pre-war standard [5].

Pg 28
DB-3 tactical No. 7 factory No. 391418, pilot commander of the 1st Squadron LAKU KE <Lipetsk Aviation Courses for the Improvement of Squadron Commanders> major N. V. Ledenev. The aircraft performed an emergency landing at the Lebedyan airfield on 14.07.41. It was Painted in an improvised black and green camouflage, the stars were applied in six positions according to the pre-war standard [6].

SB tactical number 10, late series, from the 128th SBAP (transferred after the start of the war from the 6th SBAP). The aircraft made an emergency landing at the airport of Vitebsk. Painted on top light green A-19f, below - blue A-18f. The identification marks on the fuselage and the upper surface of the planes are not painted over, but a star is applied on the tail fin in accordance with the scheme attached to the Decree No. 1711 of the SNK.

Pg 29
SB tactical No. 2 factory No. 17/300 of the 2nd squadron of the 71st SAP has made an emergency landing at the airport of Elizovo (Kamchatka) on 15.10.41. The Aircraft is painted light green A-19f on top, bottom – blue A-18f. Identification marks on the fuselage and the upper surface of the wings are painted over, but the star on the rudder is not added. [7].

DB-3 tactical No. 3, factory No. 180408 of the commander of the 2nd squadron 445th DBAP Lieutenant I. K. Pinegina, crashed at the airport of Bud on 18.10.41. The Aircraft is painted in the so-called "Khalchin Gol" camouflage, identification marks on the fuselage and the upper surface of the wings are painted over, the star on the rudder is applied in accordance with the scheme annexed to the decision of the SNK No. 1711 [8].

SB tactical No. 14, factory No. 47/18 (factory No. 125) flown by the commander of the 2nd squadron of the 454th SBAP Lieutenant I. K. Tsvetkova, received damage due to the collision with an aircraft in the area of the airfield Undur Khan on 7.09.41. The Aircraft is painted in "Khalchin Gol" camouflage: on a light green paint A-19f, black stripes are applied. Identification marks in six positions according to the pre-war standard

Pg 30
SB bombers with tactical numbers 1 and 6, unknown air force unit, shot down in air battles or from fire from the enemy. The aircrafts are painted in "Khalchin Gol" camouflage, markings are painted on the fuselage and the upper surfaces, a star is marked on the tail in accordance with the scheme annexed to the decision of the SNK No. 1711. Interestingly, the stars made up their faces in the "parking" position and people in different regiments, without an agreement, did it identically.

The wreckage of SB tactical No. 7, serial No. 39/8 (factory No. 125) from 1st squadron 32A-SBAP, crashed at the airport Balashov on 8.08.41. The Aircraft is painted in "Khalchin Gol" camouflage, it is clearly seen that were used paints of different colors, with high probability, green and black [9].

SB factory No. 42/2 (factory No. 125) with the pilot of the 2nd Squadron 454th SBAP Sergeant I. A. Bakanova, received damage due to a collision with the leading plane in the area of the airfield Undur Khan 7.09.41. The Aircraft is painted in "Khalchin Gol" camouflage, markings applied in six positions as in the pre-war standard [10].

Pg 31
DB - 3F tactical number 10, crashed and made an emergency landing on enemy territory. The aircraft is painted in an improvised camouflage of small black spots, identification marks on the fuselage and the upper surface of the planes are painted over, a star is applied on the tail in accordance with the scheme attached to the resolution of SNK No. 1711.

I-153 tactical number 33 (serial No. 6465) from the 3rd squadron 282nd IAP 75th SAD. The pilot, Deputy Squadron Commander Lieutenant P. V. Bogatov. The plane crashed at the airport Kremenchug on 10.07.41. Probably painted in improvised black and green camouflage, the gaps between the black and green fields are filled with spots of small size, the stars on the fuselage and the upper surfaces of the planes are painted over, but the rudder one is not worn. [11].

Pg 32
Crash of Ut-1 factory number: 47488 of the Command of 286th IAP 76th SAD, on the airfield Andreyevka (Izyum), 18.08.41. Pilot Deputy  Commander of the Regiment Battalion Commissar A. A. Largin died. The aircraft is painted in black and green improvised camouflage, the gaps between the fields of black and green are filled with spots of small size, the stars are applied according to the pre-war scheme, in six positions. [12]. The anterior part is completely destroyed, so the artist was not able to recreate from the photos its camouflage and depicted the nose of the aircraft with a provisional gray.

Il-2 tactical No. 2 (serial No. 1862803) of the 4th AE of the 4th SHAP, 11th SAD. Pilot Squadron Commander Captain V.D. Lesnikov went missing on 20.07.41. The Plane is painted in an improvised black and green camouflage, markings on the fuselage and the upper surface of the planes are painted over, but on the rudder the star is not applied.

TB-3 tactical number 6, presumably from the 1st TBAP, captured at one airport by the enemy. The bomber is painted in black and green camouflage, the stars are applied in six positions according to the pre-war standard.

Pg 33
MiG-3 late series (after the aircraft No. 3501) unknown air force unit, painted in improvised black and green camouflage, identification marks on the fuselage and the surface of the wings painted over, a star put on the rudder in accordance with the scheme attached to the resolution SNK No. 1711.

TB-3 later series from the Air Force Academy UAP. The bomber is painted in an improvised black-and-green camouflage, identification marks are applied in accordance with the scheme attached to the SNK resolution No. 1711 [13].

Pg 33
LaGG-3 produced in factory No. 23, of 44th IAP of the 7th IAK PVO. The aircraft is painted in an improvised black and green camouflage, but carries the stars in four positions, according to the scheme in the SNK resolution No. 1711.

SB, unknown air force unit, painted in black and green camouflage and with the stars in four positions, according to the scheme in the SNK resolution No. 1711.

German soldiers inspect a downed SB bomber of an unknown air force unit. The aircraft is painted in black and green camouflage and carries stars in four positions.

Pg 35
SB of the 38th SBAP 10th SAD left because of damage at the airport Novgorod-Seversky. The bombers are painted in black and green camouflage and carry stars in four positions.

MiG-3 which in July 1941 was flown by the commander of the 401st IAP Captain V.K. Kokkinaki. The aircraft is painted in black and green camouflage and carries stars in four positions. Judging by the application of the tactical number, originally this fighter was used in the 41st IAP.

Pg 36
I-15bis, from the fighter squadron of the 8th gv BAP, spring-summer 1942. The aircraft is painted in black and green camouflage and carries stars in four positions.

I-16 of the 178th IAP, 6th IAK PVO. The planes are painted in black and green camouflage and carry stars in four positions.

I-153 of an unknown air unit, summer 1941. The aircraft is painted in black and green camouflage and carries stars in four positions.

Su-2 tactical number 2, presumably from the 226th BBAP. The bomber is painted in black and green camouflage and carries stars in four positions.

Pg 37
PE-2 early series production of the factory No. 22 of an unknown air force unit, in the summer of 1941. The planes are painted in black and green camouflage and carry stars in four positions.

PE-2 of the 5th SBAP. This bomber early series of the factory No. 39 made an emergency landing at the locality of Babanka (Uman district) in August 1941. The aircraft is painted in black and green camouflage and carries stars in four positions.

Pg 38
Cherry on the cake-interned ex-Yugoslav SM-79 from the command of the 21st SAD. The aircraft is painted in black and green camouflage according to the scheme of the resolution SNK No. 1711.

Collision of two planes of the 458th BAP, 136th SAD, at the airport of Ashgabat city on 10.12.41. The USB tactical No. 2, factory No. 17/104, of the Deputy Commander of the 1st squadron, senior Lieutenant N. V. Puzanskie on landing collided with the SB tactical No. 5, serial 21/13 (factory No. 125) flown by a pilot of the 2nd AE, Young Lieutenant A. Ya. Alyabyev. The aircraft are painted in black and green camouflage and carry stars in four positions according to the scheme in the SNK resolution No. 1711 [14].

Pg 39
SB tactical No. 4 of the 34th SBAP. Presumably lost flying to the front in November 1941.

DI-6 tactical No.8, factory No. 81242 (factory No. 81) from the 3rd squadron of the 136th SAD, pilot Sergeant Chernyak. Made an emergency landing at the airport Ak-Tepe on 12.11.41. [15].

Regards
Daniele

Hi Daniele,
thank you for sharing these translations. there is a selection of photos with the rare four positions disposition for the stars.
Regards
Massimo

Dear friends,
   in his fourth article Mr. Timin summarizes: “The formation of the final appearance. Black and green camouflage and enlarged insignia in six positions.”
   We have seen that the camouflage just at the beginning of the war SHOULD have been standardized: AM 24 and АМ 26 or AMT-4 and AMT-6 above, blues AM-28 or AMT-7 under, two stars under the wings, two stars on the tail.
   But soon in the first weeks of war, a big problem became “friendly fire”.
   So on 17 July 1941 at a joint meeting of the Main Directorate of the Air Force and the People's Commissariat of Aviation Industry, it was decided to put other two stars of 1 meter diameter without black edging, on the sides of the fuselage on all aircraft, in the units and in the factories.
   The order reached quickly the factories and the regiments, and from the end of July we can find samples of aircraft decorated according to this order.
   Of course even this order was not applied exactly and everywhere in all the factories, and the situation in the front line regiments was even more difficult, especially with aircraft transferred from inner parts of the country with old type colors.
   In the Central Asian Military District for some reason the I-16 were repainted in gray or silver.
   Oddities remained, but by the winter of 1941, most factories complied with the summer instructions, and in the front line regiments attrition removed most old planes.
   Like always, illustrations and captions illustrate this all.

MH 10/2018

Pg 47
SB from the 6th and 128th SBAP, left due to malfunctions at the airport Vitebsk. 1. Plane No. 6 began to paint or "Khalchin Gol" camouflage or just plain like the plane without a number, but the process failed to be completed. 2. SB later series No. 10 (the numbers are small) shaded stars on the fuselage and on the wing from above, but it put the star on rudder according to the scheme in the decision of the SNK No.1711. 3. SB 96th series without a number, originally painted in silver color, was repainted in solid green, while putting the stars in four positions according the resolution of SNK No.1711. 4. The aircraft number 9 has a pre-war color and identification marks in six positions, but with the addition of a small star on the rudder. 5. SB No. 10 (large numbers) has a pre-war colouring and pre-war marking in six positions.

Scheme of camouflage for LaGG-3, introduced at the plant number 21 in late July 1941. It is made according to the scheme attached to the resolution SNK No. 1711. Above: the AMT-4 and AMT-6, bottom AMT-7. According to the instructions, the scheme was supposed to be painted with change of camouflage colors each other plane. Identification marks were applied in six positions: on the wing from below, on the fuselage and on the tail. Drawing By Sergei Trufanov

Pg 48
LaGG-3 factory No. 31215-55 from the 2nd ZAP, broken in an accident on 14.08.41. At the airport Sejm, pilot 434 IAP Second Lieutenant A. S. Savich. The aircraft is painted in black and green standard camouflage AMT-4, AMT-6, AMT-7, propeller blades are covered with black paint AM-26 [6].

LaGG-3 factory No.31217-15 on tests in August 1941. The aircraft is painted in black and green standard camouflage, but with a change of color spots, in accordance with the instructions for painting. Colors: AMT-4, AMT-6, AMT-7, the propeller blades are covered with black paint AM-26, the stars are marked in six positions with nitrolacquer II "red".

Pg 49
LaGG-3 factory number: 263124 from the 11th ZAP, crashed on 27.08.41 On aerodrome Rostov-on-don, pilot Second Lieutenant M. T. Laptiev. The aircraft of the first series of the plant No.31, released on 27.07.41. - this is one of the first LaGG-3, painted in black and green standard camouflage AMT-4, AMT-6, AMT-7, the propeller blades are covered with black paint AM-26, the stars in six positions are painted with nitrolacquer II "red". [7]

LaGG-3 with tactical number 69 production plant No. 31 painted in black-and green with the standard camouflage: from above AMT-4 and AMT-6, from below AMT-7 "light-blue”. The plane was captured by the enemy at the site of an unknown emergency landing.

The last LaGG-3 and the first La-5 together on the conveyor of the plant No.21. Aircraft painted in black and green camouflage according to the scheme to the resolution SNK No.1711, stars in six positions.

LaGG-3 factory No. 0115305 of 19th ZAP crashed 9.10.41 on Alekseevka airfield, the pilot  Second Lieutenant I. M. Szczerba. The aircraft of the first series of the plant No.153, delivered 23.08.41 painted in an improvised factory black and green camouflage, stars in six positions [8].

Pg 50
The camouflage coloring scheme for PE-2 began at factory No. 22 at the end of July 1941. Composed according to the scheme in the decision of the SNK No.1711: on top paint AM-24 and AM-26, below AM 28. Identification marks were applied in six positions: on the wings below, on the fuselage and on the rudder. Drawing By Sergei Trufanov.

PE-2 No. 5/33 and 10/35 on trials in August 1941. Aircraft painted in black and green camouflage according to the scheme to the resolution SNK No.1711: on top paints AM-24 and AM-26, bottom-light blue AM-28, propeller blades are covered with black AM-26, identification marks of increased size with black edging applied in six positions.

Crash of PE-2 No. 20/40 from 1st squadron 507th SBAP, 15.09.41, at the airfield Griazi. Pilot Sergeant Ya. S. Vlasov and Navigator second Lieutenant A.I. Tixii was not injured, the gunner Sergeant I. P. Lazarev was slightly injured. Bomber issued on 2.09.1941 painted in black and green camouflage AM-24, AM-26, AM-28, propeller blades-AM-26, identification marks of increased size with black edging in six positions [9].

PE-2 No. 19/42 2nd squadron 225th SBAP, crash on 4.11.41. Pilot Senior Political Officer F. M. Ogorodnikov and Navigator Ensign V. S. Pacific killed, gunner Sergeant A. D. Vorobyov was not injured. Plane released at the beginning of September 1941 painted in black-green camouflage according to the resolution of SNK No. 1711, identification marks of the increased size with a black edge in six positions [10].

Pg 51
PE-2 No.391317, captured at an airport by the Germans. Bomber plant number 39 (presumably, 13-series) painted in an improvised black and green camouflage, identification marks increased size in six positions.

PE-2 with tactical number 1, factory No.605 production plant No.124 (the fifth aircraft of the 6 series) of the 3rd AE 15th ZAP, broken in an accident on 30.09.41. The pilot Lieutenant was lightly wounded. The aircraft is painted in black and green camouflage in accordance with the resolution of SNK No.1711, identification marks are applied in six positions [11].

Pg 52
Crash of Il-2 with tactical number 5 (serial No. 1862008) from the 1st AE 190th SHAP when flying to the front at the airport, "OSO" Voronezh 22.07.41. Pilot Lieutenant A. K. Skvortsov and Junior military technician A. I. Mogilev was killed. The aircraft is painted in an improvised black and green camouflage from factory No.18, identification marks increased size in six positions, the star on the tail of the previous size.

Il - 2 tactical number 3 (factory number 1863514) from the 61th SHAP, August 1941. The aircraft is painted in an improvised black-and-green camouflage from factory No.18, identification marks of increased size in six positions, the star on the tail is of the increased size.

Pg 53
Il-2 tactical number 20, plant number 18, captured by the enemy at the airport. The aircraft is painted in an improvised black-and-green camouflage of factory No.18, identification marks of increased size in six positions, the star on the tail is of the increased size.

The Su-2 with tactical number 2 of an unidentified unit was captured by the enemy at the site of a forced landing in August-September 1941. The plane is painted in black and green camouflage and carries the stars in six positions, according to the improvised scheme of the plant number 135.

Yak-1 with the tactical number 104 (serial No. 1823), on which 27.07.41 made an emergency landing the Commander of the 1st squadron 163rd IAP captain I. S. Shulyak. The aircraft is painted in an improvised black-and-green camouflage of Zavod No. 292, markings increased in size in six positions [13].

Pg 54
Yak-1, tactical number 32 (factory number 1730). The plane made an emergency landing during the flight to the front on 18.08.41. Pilot Deputy Commander of the 237th IAP, Battalion Commissioner N. S. Kiselev. The aircraft is painted in the improvised black-and-green camouflage of plant No.292, the insignia of the increased size in 6 positions. (14)

MiG-3 with tactical number 09 (factory number 4809) from the 169th IAP. The plane crashed in an accident on 3.10.41, the pilot Second Lieutenant Kalinin. It is painted in one-colour protective colouring, identification signs of the increased size are put in six positions [15].

Pg 55
MiG-3 tactical No. 25, of an unknown air unit, captured by the enemy on the site of a forced landing, August - September 1941. The aircraft is painted in a monochromatic protective coloration, the identification marks of an increased size are marked in 6 positions.

DB-3f of plant No. 126 with tactical number 8, allegedly from the 52nd BAD, captured by the enemy at the Orel airfield in October 1941. The plane is painted in a uniform protective coloration, the identification marks are in six positions.

Regards
Daniele

Hi Daniele,
thank you for your useful work.
Regards
Massimo

Dear friends,
  In his fifth work, Mr. Timin begins with the description of camouflage of the Yak-1 from factory No. 292 from September to December 1941, when they switched to winter camouflage.
   Then he shows some samples of Il-2 camouflage, and says that in most aircraft factories, by the end of September 1941, the planes were produced with green – black camouflage according to the scheme of SNK resolution No. 1711 and had stars of increased size in six positions.
   The old aircraft that were already in service or that were transferred from places in the interior of the country, usually sported their old camouflage, but attempted to increase the size of the stars, or to apply one star on the tail.
   It also seems that the order to paint six larger stars did not reach the Far Eastern Front (DVF) and the Pacific Fleet (TOF).
   Moreover, in the Red Banner Central Asian Military District (SAVO) the new planes that were received with green – blue camouflage, for some reason were repainted in silver.
   Enjoy the captions to the illustrations.

Mh 11/2018

Pg 44
Scheme of camouflage for painting the Yak-1, introduced at the factory number 292 in mid-September 1941. It is made according to the scheme attached to the resolution SNK No. 1711. The aircraft were painted with AMT-4 and AMT-6 paints on top and AMT – 7 on the bottom. Identification marks were applied in six positions: on the wing from below, on the fuselage and on the rudder. Drawing By Sergei Trufanov.

The Yak-1 of the commander of the 1st squadron of the 8th IAP VVS of the Black Sea Fleet captain M. V. Avdeev. Spring of 1942, the aircraft is painted in black and green camouflage scheme according to the decision of the SNK No. 1711, markings of increased size applied in six positions.

Yak-1 aircraft from the black sea air force, which flew the air force commander Major General N. Ah. Wit. The spring of 1942. The aircraft is painted in black and green camouflage according to the scheme in the resolution of SNK No. 1711, the identification marks of increased size are applied in six positions.

Pg 45
Yak-1 with tactical number 6, 43-44 series. Captured by the enemy on the site of an emergency landing in the winter of 1941-42, the aircraft is painted in black and green camouflage according to the scheme in the resolution of SNK No. 1711, identification marks of increased size are applied in six positions.

Il-2 tactical number 8, captured by the enemy at the site of an emergency landing in July-August 1941, the aircraft is painted in a standard black and green camouflage, but with identification marks of increased size applied to the fuselage.

Il-2 with tactical number 2. The aircraft is painted in an improvised black and green camouflage, increased size insignia in six positions, the star on the tail is of the previous size.

Pg 46
After 20.07.41 part of the attack planes received additional markings of increased size on the fuselage.

Camouflage scheme for painting Il-2, introduced in the first half of July 1941. The camouflage was applied according to the scheme the decision of the SNK No.1711, markings in four positions.

In mid-August (the exact date is unknown) the size of the star on the rudder was increased.

Improvised painting scheme for the Il-2, introduced after 20.07.41. Camouflage black and green, with a change of color spots on different aircraft, identification marks of increased size in six positions, the star on the tail of the same size.

The Il-2 is painted in an improvised black-green camouflage of plant No. 18 with changing colors of spots in different planes, identification marks of an increased size in six positions, a star on the tail fin of the previous size.

Pg 47
Il-2 with tactical number 3, captured by the enemy at the site of an emergency landing in July-August 1941, the Aircraft is painted in an improvised black and green camouflage, identification marks increased size in six positions, the star on the tail of the previous size.

Il-2 produced in late summer-autumn 1941 with tactical number 3 painted in improvised black and green camouflage, insignia with white edging in six positions, and the star on the fuselage of reduced size.

Il-2 tactical number 4 (factory number 1864818) is painted in an improvised black and green camouflage, identification marks are applied in six positions, the star on the fuselage is reduced in size.

Pg 48
In late August-early September (exact date unknown) - the insignia began to be applied with a white edging, in addition, the size of the fuselage star was reduced.

Improvised painting scheme for Il-2, introduced in mid-August 1941 Camouflage black and green, identification marks of increased size with black edging in six positions, the star on the tail is of increased size. Spots and stripes of black color on the planes were applied without any system and differed from plane to plane,

Il-2 from the 174th SHAP painted in an improvised black-and-green camouflage, markings applied in six positions, the star on the fuselage of reduced size.

Il-2 with tactical number 6 of the 174th SHAP.

Crash of MiG-3 with tactical number 4 (factory number 3604) from the 1st AE 425th IAP. Pilot Ensign S. P. Zenin died. The aircraft is painted in improvised black-and-green camouflage and carries identification marks of increased size applied in six positions [3].

Pg 49
MiG-3 with tactical number 1 of the Air Force of the Black Sea Fleet. Khersones airfield, September 1941, the Aircraft is painted in an improvised black-and-green camouflage and carries markings increased in size in six positions.

I-16 tactical number 7 (factory number 2421793) of the 176th IAP, broken when landing at the airport Monino on the night of 28 to 29 July 1941, the Pilot Deputy Squadron Commander Lieutenant DV Stupachenko was not injured. The aircraft is painted in improvised black and green camouflage, and carries identification marks in six positions [4].

DB-3F tactical number 10 from an unknown air unit, captured by the enemy at the site of an emergency landing. The plane in the pre-war solid protective coloring, but it got markings in six positions.

Pg 50
Left: I-16 of an unknown military unit left due to damage. The aircraft is painted in an improvised black-and-green camouflage and carries markings in six positions. Right: TB-7 of 432nd BAP in flight on a combat mission, August-September 1941. Aircraft painted in black and green camouflage in accordance with the scheme in the resolution of SNK No. 1711, identification marks of increased size in six positions.

SB bomber with tactical number 8 (factory number 49/8) from the 30th SBAP, captured by the enemy at the airport Dukhovshchina. The aircraft in a pre-war solid-color protective color, the identification marks of increased size are applied, but only in four positions: on the fuselage and lower surfaces of the wings.

Broken in an accident at the airport Kegostrov on 10.08.41 the fighter I-153 with tactical number 12 (factory number 6853) from the 4th AE 152th IAP. Pilot commander Lieutenant I. N. Galoshin. The aircraft is repainted, the top is green, the bottom is blue, the markings on the upper plane are painted over, but on the rudder, the star is not applied [6].

Pg 51
Accident to SB (factory No.5/B) from the 15th ORAE VVS SAVO at the airport Karshi 13.08.41, pilot Sergeant V.I. Ivlev. The aircraft is painted in black and green camouflage scheme as in the resolution SNK No.1711, identification marks are applied in four positions, the stars on the fuselage and on the upper surfaces of the wings are painted over.

Broken in a crash, at the airport, on 6.08.41, DB-3 with tactical number 5 (No. 180203), the Deputy Commander of the regiment Major S. A. Gelbach from 139th DBAP, the airplane was repainted from the top to the blue, the identification marks remained in six positions according to the pre – war standard.

I-16 type 29 with tactical numbers 15 from the 167th IAP in autumn 1941. The aircraft was repainted in silver, the insignia remained in the six positions of the pre-war model.

Pg 52
I-16 type 29 with a tactical number 30 of 167th IAP autumn 1941. The aircraft was repainted in silver; the insignia remained in six positions as on the pre-war model.

Broken at the airport Mashhad on 16.12.41, I-153 with tactical number 20 (factory number 8791) Squadron Commander Lieutenant P. S. Lembek from the 492th SHAP. The aircraft was repainted in silver; the insignia remained in six positions of the pre-war model [8].

Pg 53
Repair to I-15bis in autumn 1941. Three aircraft painted in different schemes: one black and green camouflage, the second star on the tail, and the third with identification marks on the fuselage of increased size.

Regards
Daniele

Hi Daniele,
thank you very muchfor this work.
The thing about planes in Central asia being repainted silver is surprising. Perhaps this was because they were very far from the front.
Regards
Massimo

Dear friends,
   This sixth article is particularly rich in illustrations.
   We know that in most Air Forces, there was a system to identify a single airplane in a specific squadron: we all know that JFoE was the airplane of Ace Pierre Closterman, the E being the identification of the single plane and JF identifying the 3rd Squadron RAF.
   Nothing similar existed in the VVS RKKA.   Here you can find what the author calls “color” and “numeric” system.
   In the first, each squadron had on the tail colored numbers from 1 to 15, usually, as follows: 1st red, 2nd blue or dark blue, 3rd yellow, 4th white, 5th black.
   The planes of the command squadron could have a star near the number, or an “E”.
   Some bomber squadron substituted the white number with a brown one.
   In the “numeric” system, each squadron received a range of numbers: 1st 1 to 20; 2nd 21-40; 3rd 41-60; 4th 61-80; 5th 81-100.
   The exceptions to these rules were numerous, and shown in the illustrations.
   I would like to conclude with the last words of this article, that I find absolutely true: “For all these reasons, the identification of Soviet aircraft in wartime photographs is very difficult and requires the use of a huge array of documents on the organization of units and formations of the VVS RKKA.”

MH 12/2018

Pg. 42
Collage "color" designation system, for example I-16 89-th IAP. 1st AE – red numbers, 2nd AE – blue, 3rd AE –yellow, 4th AE – white [1].

Collage "color" system of notation, example SB 128-SBAP. 1st AE –red numbers, 2nd AE – blue, 3rd AE – yellow, 4th AE – white, 5th AE black numbers [2].

Application of tactical symbols in accordance with the rules for the use of ciphers and distinctive signs for military aircraft of the red army air force.
Pg. 43
I-16 type 28 (presumably with the factory number 2821285). Tactical number 7 red from the 1st squadron of the 89th IAP. Was left because of a malfunction at the airport Lutsk. The plane became famous because it was on the cover of the German magazine Adler.

I-16 type 28 (presumably with the factory number 2821372). Tactical number 10 blue 2nd squadron of the 89th regiment. Captured by the enemy at the site of an emergency landing.

I-16 type 28 (serial number 282133) tactical number 4 yellow from the 3rd squadron of the 89th IAP. Left due to damage at the airport Lutsk.

I-16 type 28 (serial No. 2821377) tactical number 6 white from the 4th squadron of the 89th regiment. Left due to damage at the airport Lutsk.

I-16 type 28 (serial No. 2821376) tactical number 15 white from the 4th squadron of the 89th regiment. Left due to damage at the airport Lutsk. In the background is the I-16 type 28 (presumably serial number 2821311) tactical number 2 red 1st squadron of the 89th regiment.

Pg. 44
I-16 type 29 (factory No. 2921332) tactical number 11 red from the 1st squadron 161st IAP, crashed 5.06.41 at the airport Zubovo. Pilot second Lieutenant I. A. Oleshko died [5].

I-16 type 29 (factory number: 2921342) tactical number 6 red 1st squadron 161st IAP. Landed with the landing gear retracted on 22.06.41 at the airport Baranovichi. The pilot second Lieutenant M. V. Ryzhkin.

I-16 type 29 (factory number: 2921390) tactical number 6 blue 2nd squadron 161st IAP. Landed with the landing gear retracted on 22.06.41 at the airport Baranovichi. The pilot second Lieutenant I. P. Jesters.

I-16 type 29 (factory number: 2921368) tactical number 8 blue 2nd squadron 161st IAP. Collided with a taxiing U-2 22.06.41 Pilot second Lieutenant A. I. Umkin.

I-16 type 29 (factory number: 2921483) tactical 9 white 4th squadron 161st IAP. Collided bomber SB on 5.07.41 at the airport Smolensk. The pilot, Deputy Squadron commander Lieutenant N. P. Diatlov.

Pg. 45
I-16 type 29 (factory number: 2921338) tactical number 9 blue 2nd squadron 161st IAP. Landed with the landing gear retracted on 22.06.41 at the airport Baranovichi. Pilot Sergeant Sakharov.

I-16 type 29 (factory number: 2921451) tactical number 9 yellow 3rd squadron 161th IAP. Damaged by enemy bombing on the airfield Pukhovichi 26.06.41.

I-16 type 29 (factory number: 2921453) tactical number 2 white 4th squadron 161st IAP. Left due to lack of engine at the airport Pukhovichi 26.06.41.

I-16 type 29 (factory number 2921487) tactical number 5 white from the 4th squadron of the 161st IAP. Broken in a crash on 28.05.41 at the airport Zubovo. Pilot commander second Lieutenant V. A. Poplawski [6].

I-16 type 29 (factory number: 2921471) tactical number 15 white 4th squadron 161st IAP. Damaged as a result of enemy bombing at the airport Baranovichi on 22.06.41.

Pg. 46
SB (serial No. 18/305) tactical number 9 white 4th squadron of the 128th, CBAP. Left due to damage at the airport Vitebsk. Drawing By Vladimir Kamsky.

SB (serial No. 8/297) tactical 8 black 5th squadron 128th SBAP. The plane left due to engine failure at the airport of Ulla. Drawing By Vladimir Kamsky.

SB with tactical number "a" of the commander of the 2nd squadron of the 39th, SBAP captain D. T. Zhuravsky, left due to damage at the airport Bobruisk, June 1941 [8]. Drawing By Vladimir Kamsky.

Training USB tactical number "zero" from the 40th SBAP, left due to damage at the airport Ventspils in June 1941. Drawing By Vladimir Kamsky.

Pg. 47
I-153 (factory No. 6597) with tactical number "e" of the commander of the 2nd squadron of the 123rd IAP. The plane made an emergency landing for malfunctions of the motor on 27.03.41 in Kobrin district [10].

I-153 (factory No. 8376) with tactical number "e" of the commander of the 3rd squadron of the 3rd IAP. Broken during night flights 16.09.41 at the airport Molchanovo [11].

I-15bis (serial number 5324) from the staff level 106th SHAP VVS SAVO. 15.02.41 this fighter put on the "nose" Deputy Commander of the regiment battalion Commissar I. S. Poletayev [12].

Pg. 48
Aircraft SB tactical number “e” yellow, factory number 4/324, commander of the 3rd AE 213th SBAP captain M. Rabinovich. (9)

DB-3 (factory number 180956) tactical number 9 black from the 5th squadron of the 7th DBAP. The aircraft made an emergency landing in the area of Mitava airfield on 22.05.41 [14].

Collage "color" system of tactical designations of aircraft painted with silver and light gray paint, for example DB-3 of the 7th DBAP. 1st AE – red numbers, 2nd AE – blue, 3rd AE – yellow, 4th AE – green, 5th AE black numbers.

Collage "color" system of tactical designations of PE-2 from the 95th SBAP. 1st AE – red numbers, 2nd AE – blue, 3rd AE – yellow, 4th AE – brown, 5th AE – black numbers.

On the left: MiG-3 Accident (No. 2373) tactical number 5 white at the aerodrome of Kaunas, on 6.06.41.   Pilot Deputy Commander of the 4th squadron of the 15th IAP senior Lieutenant V. A. Voronov [15]. Right: the same plane after the capture of Kaunas inspected by German soldiers.

Pg. 49
MiG-3 of 15th IAP, abandoned due to damage on the airfields Kaunas and Pociunai.

Collage "color" designation system on the example of MiG-3 from the 15th IAP. 1st AE – red numbers, 2nd AE – blue, 3rd AE – yellow, 4th AE – white.

SB (serial No. 12/272) tactical number 11 from 1st squadron 132nd SBAP, pilot Lieutenant A. A. Kardash, Navigator Lieutenant V. I. Vasko, gunner Sergeant P. E. Zharkov. The plane crashed on 14.04.41 [16]. Drawing By Vladimir Kamsky.

Pg. 50
Collage "numerical" designation system with the example of I-16 of the 67th IAP. 1st squadron: 12-16 and 19-20, 3rd squadron-50-53. 4th squadron: 70-72-78-82-85 [17].
Left: I-16 (factory No. 28p211-11, engine M-63 No. 630470) tactical number 16 of the 1st squadron. The pilot second Lieutenant M. I. Karetin, 21.03.1941. Right: I-16 (factory No. 28p211-3, engine M-63 No. 631959) tactical number 20 of the 1st squadron. Pilot second Lieutenant N. F. Murashev, 12.04.1941.

Left: I-16 with tactical number 53 from 3rd squadron. Centre: I-16 type 24 with tactical number 72. In July 1941 the Commander of the 4th Squadron, Captain P. Savenko flew this aircraft. Right: I-16 type 24 with tactical number 85 of the 4th squadron of the 67th IAP, pilot second Lieutenant N. M. Naumov.

Pg. 51
DB-3F (factory No. 180253) tactical number 33 of the 1st squadron 212th DBAP. Pilot Commander Lieutenant G. E. Kondratyev, Navigator Senior Lieutenant I. R. Kleimenov, gunner Sergeant V. F. Kuzmin. Soviet fighters landed the plane on the airfield Pukhovichi on 24.06.41.

The DB-3F (factory number: 180748) tactical 72, 3rd squadron 212th DBAP. The aircraft made an emergency landing in Borisov due to a malfunction of the motor on 23.06.41. Pilot, Deputy Squadron Commander Lieutenant Z. K. Pruginin, Navigator N.P. Kushnarenko, gunner S. V. Doev [19].

Collage mixed "numeric + color" notations as an example the I-153 of the 148th IAP. Drawing Igor Zlobin.

Pg. 52
Left: Accident of I-153 (factory No. 7344) tactical number 44 yellow. The pilot, Deputy Commander of the 3rd squadron of the 148th IAP senior Lieutenant L. D. Smirnov. Liepaja, May 1941 [18]. Right: I-153 with tactical number 69, presumably from the 4th squadron, which made an emergency landing at the airport Liepaja on 22.06.41.

I-16 type 5 (factory No. 521A439) tactical number 229 from the 2nd squadron of the 26th IAP. Crashed 30.01.41 on the airfield Uglovo. Pilot Lieutenant M. I. Krikunov [20].

I-16 (serial No. 2153185) tactical number 329 from the 2nd squadron of the 60th IAP. Crashed on 29.06.41, fell into the Amur River. Pilot Lieutenant I. P. Grishin [21].

I-16 type 10 (factory No. 1021728) tactical number 111 from the 1st squadron of the 18th IAP. Crashed 10.08.41 on airfield No. 83. Pilot Lieutenant N. N. Glebov [22].

I-16 type 29 (factory number 2921420) with a tactical number 420, which is taken as the last digits of the factory number. 155th IAP, pilot Lieutenant V. Galkin [23].

Pg. 53
I-16 type 29 (factory number 2921749) with tactical number 749, which is taken as the last digits of the factory number. 156th IAP, pilot second Lieutenant Kosterov [24].

I-15bis with tactical number 2-1 of the commander of the 1st Squadron of the 65th SHAP, Captain M.P. Krasnolutsky. The photo was taken after departure on August 12, 1941. Is visible the broken off tip of the lower right plane because of a ram. The plane has an interesting feature - it has a wind visor from the I-153 [26].

Collage mixed "numeric + color" notation Il-2 from the 4th SHAP, 1st AE – red number, in the 4th AE – white, 2, 3 and 5 AE - fractional numbers (in the numerator the number of squadrons in the denominator the number of the aircraft).

Regards
Daniele

Hi Daniele,
this article is particularly interesting because it gives a key for the colors of the numbers on the tail at the very beginning of the war. 
Modellistically speaking, a thing is interesting of the 'color' system: any color coud choose one to interpretate a photo, if he is wrong there is anyway an identical plane not appearing in the photo with the same number, font and the color of his choice.
Regards
Massimo.

Dear friends,
   This seventh article continues to examine the tactical recognition signs.
   In particular are examined the coloring of the top of the tail, called “pilotka” which means “side cap” and of the extremities of the tail, called by the author “Edges”.
   Several examples are illustrated, from the simplest to the more complicated.
   One thing to note is that the color of the “edges” was sometime applied to only the moving part of the rudder.
   White stripes of 60 cm on the fuselage, and 30 cm on the wings, were typical for school airplanes, and, if the airplane was light gray or silver, the bands were usually black.
   However, broad white stripes were used also on the aircrafts of the Northwest Front (SZF) in mid-August 1941, maybe inspired by the yellow bands of the German aircrafts.
   Here follow the captions.

MH 01/2019

Pg 42
Options for applying additional tactical symbols in the form of "side caps" on the aircraft of the VVS RKKA in 1941. Above: the colors of the "pilotka" are the same for all squadrons of the regiment, and the color of the tail numbers corresponds to the squadron number. Below: the colors of the “pilotka” match the color of the squadron numbers.

The fin and rudder of I-16 from the 26th IAP were painted in their entirety, and the color used was not documented. At the top is shown a variant in which in each squadron of the regiment the tail of the fighters was painted in the color of the squadron: 1st AE – red, 2nd AE - blue, 3rd AE - yellow and 4th - white. Middle row: tail of all aircraft regiment painted white. Bottom row: the tail section of all the aircraft of the regiment was painted in silver.

The scheme of applying additional tactical markings on the aircraft. (Paint the rudders, stabilizers and the application of stripes on the fuselage), adopted in the 1920-ies.

I-16 type 5 (factory No. 521084) from the 2nd squadron of the 10th IAP. Pilot second Lieutenant N. S. Semashev made an emergency landing in the area of Siauliai on 21.05.41. Tactical number 7 white, "side cap", presumably red [1].

Pg 43
I-16 type 10 of the 32nd IAP, captured by the enemy at the site of an emergency landing in the summer of 1941. Tactical number 10, presumably red, “pilotka” of the color of the number.

I-16 type 24 of the 36th IAD, captured by the enemy at an airport in the summer of 1941. Tactical number 17 yellow, “side cap” presumably blue.

I-15bis (serial No. 4999) of Lieutenant J. P. Kolbasuk from the 4th squadron of the 10th IAP. The plane crashed on the airfield of Siauliai on 1.02.41. The Pilot was killed. Tactical number 1 white, "pilotka", presumably red [2].

I-153 of the 15th IAP was damaged by bombing and was abandoned due to the impossibility of evacuation at Kaunas airport. Tactical number 28 red, “pilotka” is supposedly red.

I-153 (factory No. 6305) from the 2nd squadron of the 152nd IAP. The plane crashed in an accident on 21.02.41. Pilot Young Lieutenant N. IV. Ignashev died. Tactical number 2, presumably yellow, "pilotka", presumably red [3].

Pg 44
I-153 of the 46th IAP, captured by the enemy at the airport of Mlynow. Tactical number 2 blue, “pilotka” same color of the number.

DB-3F (serial No. 181028) of 5th squadron, 93rd DBAP, broken in a crash by Young Lieutenant A.E. Arnautov on 12.04.41 at the airfield Skomorokhi. Tactical number 2 is black, the “side cap” is supposedly blue [4].

Left: R-5 from an unidentified KAE of the South-Western Front Air Force, captured at the Russka-Zhenska airfield in June 1941. Tactical number 4 red, "pilotka" in the color of the number. Right: R-Z from an unknown regiment, captured by the Germans in the summer of 1941. Tactical number 2 blue, vertical strip of rapid identification on the rudder in the color of the number.

MiG-3 from the 4th squadron of the 124th IAP, captured by the enemy on the airfield Vysoko Mazowieck in June 1941. Tactical numbers 1 and 5 are white, "side caps", presumably red.

Pg 45
I-153 (serial No. 6332) of Lieutenant A. I. Dudnik from the 1st squadron of the 53rd IAP, broken in an accident on 7.04.41 at the airport Novo-Sysoevka. Tactical number 10 is red, a vertical strip of rapid identification in the color of the number [5].

I-16 of an unidentified unit, captured in the summer of 1941. Tactical number 14 is white, vertical rapid identification, presumably yellow.

I-15bis (factory No. 5236) of Young Lieutenant I. S. Pryadko from the 3rd squadron 78th SHAP, broken in an accident on 29.01.41. Tactical number 8 white, vertical strip of rapid identification on the rudder in the color of the number [6].

I-15bis from 42nd IAP, captured at Vilnius airport in June 1941. Tactical number white, "pilotka", presumably blue.

Pg 46
I-16 type 10 (serial No. 1021486) of 2nd squadron 305th IAP. Pilot Lieutenant N. N. Vensik made an emergency landing at the aerodrome Galenko on 21.05.41. Tactical number 1 is white, “pilotka” in the color of the number and only on the fin [7].

I-16 type 10 (serial No. 1021395) from 1st squadron 305th IAP. Pilot second Lieutenant I. I. Yurchenko made an emergency landing at the airport Galenki on 11.06.41. Tactical number 4 red, "side cap” white and only on the fin [7].

SB bomber (serial No. 10/113) of 5th squadron of the 56th SBAP, pilot Ensign P. H. Sokolov. The aircraft made an emergency landing at the airport Kostyaevskaya on 23.08.41. Tactical number 6, presumably black, “pilotka” in the color of the number [8].

SB (factory No. 2/79) from the 1st squadron of the 24th SBAP. The pilot Lieutenant Filippov performed an emergency landing at the airport Teikichi on 4.06.41. Tactical number 8, presumably black, the “pilotka", presumably, red [11].

Pg 47
I-16 type 10 (factory number 1021E95) from the 1st squadron of the 56th IAP. Pilot Junior Lieutenant V.I. Semakin collided with an UTI-4 at the airport of Leningrad on 18/06/41. Tactical number 13 is red; white is the “pilotka” [9].

SB from the 2nd SBAP, aircraft captured at the site of an emergency landing, summer 1941. Tactical No. 2 red, "pilotka" in the color of the number.

Accident of SB No.19/203 from the 5th squadron of the 35th SBAP at the airport Tartu on 9.06.41. Pilot Lieutenant P. N. Rabinovich and gunner-Sergeant Venikov were not injured; Navigator L. T. Popov was killed. Tactical number 7 black, "side cap" and edging on the trailing edge of the rudder, presumably red [12]. Drawing By Vladimir Kamsky.

SB (factory No.14/88) of the 52nd SBAP, broken in an accident at the airport Ovruch on 30.01.41. Tactical number 9, presumably black, "pilotka", presumably yellow [13].

Pg 48
UTI-4 of 10th IAP captured by the enemy at the airport of Riga in July 1941, Tactical number 1 red, “pilotka” of the color of the number. Drawing Igor Zlobin.

SB (factory No.11/293) from the 1st squadron of the 44th SBAP, broken in an accident on 22.05.41. Tactical number 2 is red, the front edge of the fin with one branch - according to the first squadron number - and the front edges of the horizontal tail are painted in the color of the number [14].

R-Z (factory No. 2818) from the 4th Red Banner squadron of the 311th RAP. The plane crashed in an accident at the airport Lodeynoye Pole on 21.03.41. Tactical number "star", the leading edge of the fin, presumably red [15].

I-16 type 5 (factory No. 521695) with tactical number 4 of Sergeant V. I. Morozov from the 2nd squadron of the 307th IAP, 29th IAD. Crashed in an accident on 30.07.41. Both the strip and the "edge" are applied on the fin along the trailing edge of the rudder. [19]

Pg 49
I-153 (factory No. 8169) of Young Lieutenant M. G. Hamburg from the 4th AE 47th IAP collided with another aircraft on 18.07.41 at the airport Kamen'-Rybolov. Tactical number 4 white, "edge" in the color of the number [17].

SB (factory 5/116) from the 2nd squadron of the 311th RAP, performed an emergency landing on 3.01.41.Tactical number 9 in red, "edge" in the color of the number [18].

SB 94th SBAP, captured by the enemy, summer 1941.

SB tactical number 6 (serial No. 18/255) of the 55th SBAP, 6th SAD. Crashed during take-off at the airport Shnevo on 29.09.41, the pilot Senior Lieutenant A.F. Abramov, navigator Lieutenant F.G. Shishkin. Previously, the aircraft was part of the 63rd SBAP [20].

Pg 50
I-16 type 24 with the tactical number 346 (serial No. 2421ж16) Young Lieutenant J. I. Chaly from the 3rd squadron of the 36th regiment. Crashed on 22.05.41 at the airport Chaika [21].

I-16 type 5 with tactical number 6 of one of the military aviation schools. The band on the fuselage is very wide, in addition, on the tail there is painted a "side cap", probably remaining from service in a combat unit.

Scheme of additional tactical markings applyed on aircraft of the military aviation schools and "Osaviakhim" [22]. Drawing By Sergei Trufanov.

Pg 51
LaGG-3 with tactical number white 21, of one of the air force regiments of the North-Western Front, captured by the enemy at the site of an emergency landing in August-September 1941 and.

Il-2 tactical number white 33 (serial No. 2213) of Young Lieutenant I. G. Kiryukhina of the 243rd SHAP, 7th SAD, crippled by enemy antiaircraft artillery on 8.09.41 [23].

PE-2 with tactical number white 8 from 260th SBAP, 6th SAD, autumn 1941

Regards
Daniele

Just a note on ex-Yugoslav Savoia. Yugoslav Savoias were left in standard Italian colour scheme of yellow base with green and brown spots and were not repainted in standard Yugoslav disruptive camouflage as Do-17K or Blenheim Mk I

Hi Daniele,
thank you again for your useful work. The thing about the bands of the training units is interesting and allows an interpretation for some photos of attractive planes.
Regards
Massimo

Dear friends,
   the eight article of Mr. Timin explores the various camouflage and markings for the aircraft of the Transcaucasian military district.
   Using as usual the numerous crash reports, with photographs included, of the airplanes in this district, he is able to produce a detailed view of the various colors, markings and the single aircraft identification, and includes the photographs of a pair of oddly colored Yak 1.
   As usual, the captions are highly informative.


MH 02/2019
Pg 32-40

Pg 32
Bomber SB (factory number 16/263) with tactical number 5 from the 4th squadron of the 41st SBAP. Pilot – senior Lieutenant A. P. Zaitsev. The aircraft was probably repaired in workshops or at the factory, where it was repainted in accordance with the resolution of the USSR No. 220: top – green, bottom – blue. Broken in an accident at the airport Sandar on 23.01.41. [1]

SB (serial number 20/011) with tactical number 9 from the 2nd squadron of the 41st SBAP was shot down on December 1, 39. Finnish photo-archive SA-Kuva.

Pg 33
USB (factory number 10/205) with tactical number 3 from the 4th squadron of the 18th SBAP, pilot-senior Lieutenant V. I. Timakov. Plane crashed at the airport of Kutaisi 28.04.41. [2]

SB bomber (serial number 11/206) with tactical number 2 of the 67th OAE <Separate Air Squadron> PVO, broken in an accident on 13.06.41. Pilot second Lieutenant M. I. Deskin. Previously, the aircraft belonged to the 18th SBAP. [3]

SB bomber (serial No. 10/117) with tactical number 5 of the 23rd KAE, broken in a crash on 15.08.41. Pilot senior Lieutenant V. G. Kiselev. Previously, the aircraft belonged to the 18th SBAP.

Pg 34
Bomber DB-3 (production number 180923) with tactical number 5 black from the 5th squadron of the 6th DBAP. Pilot ensign P. Pospelov. Forced landing at the airport Yevlakh 28.04.41. [5]

Bomber DB-3 (production number 391151) with tactical number 14 from the 5th squadron of the 42nd DBAP. Pilot V. Lieutenant N. H. Vorobiev. Made an emergency landing near Lyaskelya on 3.02.40.

I-16 type 10 (serial number 1021584) with tactical number 5 of the 2nd squadron of the 68th IAP. Accident 25.04.41 in the area of Karavi, pilot Lieutenant W. A. Emirs [6].

Pg 35
I-16 type 24 (serial number 2421г27) with tactical number 13 yellow, 3rd squadron 68th IAP. Crash on 14.05.41 in the area of Karavi, pilot Lieutenant M. A. Chalupa [7].

I-153 (serial number 7775) with tactical number 15 of the 4th squadron of the 133rd IAP. Accident 15.02.41 at the airport Miho-Tskhakaya, pilot Second Lieutenant MV Yurkin [8].

I-153 (serial number 7764) with tactical number 4 yellow from the 3rd squadron of the 133rd IAP. Accident on 2.05.41 at the airport Miho-Tskhakaya, pilot Lieutenant PA Kalchenko [9].

I-153 (production number 7705) with tactical number 5 from the 1st squadron of the 35th IAP. Accident 14.05.41 at the airport of Kutaisi, the pilot Lieutenant I. S. Moskalev [10].

I-153 (serial number 6646) with tactical number 42 of the 3rd squadron of the 35th IAP. Accident 14.05.41 at the airport of Kutaisi, pilot Lieutenant I. U. Shatsky [11].

Pg 36
I-153 (production number 7706) with tactical number 62 of the 4th squadron of the 35th IAP. 9.05.41 a forced landing on the airport of Kutaisi, the pilot Lieutenant I. D. Chernikov. The tail has an additional tactical designation: a blue "pilotka" [12].

I-153 (serial number 7137) with tactical number 37 from the 4th squadron of the 68th IAP. Accident 25.03.41 at the airport Alekseevka, pilot Lieutenant L. D. Pavlov. The rudder has an additional tactical designation in the form of edging [13].

I-153 (production number 6963) with tactical number 63 from the 3rd squadron of the 84th IAP. Accident 7.05.41 on the airport of Yerevan, pilot second Lieutenant L. K. Ruishii [14].

I-16 type 27 (production number 2721d35) with tactical number 275 from the 4th squadron of the 25th IAP. Broken in an accident on 13.05.41 on the airfield Pirekeshkul, pilot Lieutenant N. M. Malikov [16].

I-16 type 27 (production number 2721d9) with tactical number 330 from the 2nd squadron of the 36th IAP. Broken in an accident on 27.03.41. 12 km from the airport Kisla, pilot second Lieutenant V. S. Rozov [17].].

Pg 37
The personnel of the 1st squadron of the 36th IAP on the background of I-16 with tactical number 2. The photo was taken in the spring of 1940; the planes of the regiment at that time still had a "color" system of applying tactical numbers.

Collage of the system for tactical numbers of the 45th IAP.

I-16 type 24 (serial number 2421zh16) with tactical number 346 from the 3rd squadron of the 36th IAP. Broken in an accident on 22.05.41 at the airport Sheehy-Kai, pilot ensign J. I. Chaly [18].

I-16 type 24 (serial number 24r21g82) with the tactical number 410 from the 1st squadron of the 45th IAP. Broken in an accident on 10.01.41 at the airport Kisla, the pilot Ensign A. G. Trufanov [19].

Pg 38
I-16 type 24 (serial number 2421z100) with tactical number 443 of the 3rd squadron of the 45th IAP. Broken in an accident on 6.03.41 10 km south of the village Mirasi, the pilot senior Lieutenant P. I. Morozov [20].

I-16 type 24 (production number 1821k72) with tactical number 536 from the 2nd squadron of the 50th IAP. Performed an emergency landing on 4.03.41 at the airport Sital-Chay, pilot second Lieutenant I. I. Mezentsev [21].

I-153 (production number 8470) with tactical number 807 from the 1st squadron of the 82nd IAP. Broken in an accident on 28.07.41 on the airfield Kara-Chala, pilot second Lieutenant M. M. Saukov [22].

I-153 tactical number 890 of command 82nd IAP, 1940

I-16 type 24 with tactical number 100 from the command of the 27th IAD, 1940 [23]

Pg 39
I-153 (serial number 7414) with a tactical number 558 of the 4th squadron of the 267th IAP. Crashed on take-off 07.28.41 at the Kara-Chala airfield, pilot Sergeant A.V. Petrov. Previously, the aircraft belonged to the 3rd Squadron of the 50th IAP. The fighter carries an improvised camouflage of irregular spots [25].

Accident on landing of Yak-1 (factory number 0903) with tactical number 407 from the 1st squadron of the 45th IAP 18.06.41, 2 km from the airport Zabrat. The pilot commander of the 133rd IAP Lieutenant, A. I., Yeshchenko. The aircraft carries an improvised camouflage of irregular spots, presumably with AMT-1 paint, the star on the fuselage is painted over, and a small star is applied on the rudder [26].

Accident of Yak-1 from the 1st squadron of the 45th IAP 24.06.41 at the airport Zabrat. Commander second Lieutenant J. P. Shumsky on the aircraft with tactical number 404 "taxied" standing on the plane with number 402, chopping his left wing. The fighter with tactical number 404 carries an improvised camouflage of bands of irregular shape, supposedly painted with AMT-1, the star on the fuselage is partially painted over, and on the rudder, there is a small star [27].

Pg 40
DB-3 (production number 180740) with tactical number 5 from the 6th DBAP. Pilot Lieutenant A. E. Tsyganov. A forced landing at the aerodrome Kirovobadon 6.02.41, the plane carries a makeshift camouflage of spots of irregular shape [24].

Regards
Daniele

Hi Daniele,
thank you again for your work. I particularly like the Yak-1s with brown spots.
Regards
Massimo

Does anyone know how many more issues this M-hobby series will be? Its already enough for a decent sized book.

Hi,
I know that another article was announced for the next issue. I don't know more, but if all the war will be covered with the same level of detail, I supposed that it will last for long. And yes, it would be enough for the best published book on the matter.
Regards
Massimo

Dear Friends,
   I have just received the latest issue of M-Hobby, it has a 9th article, and it say that it continues, so we will have at least ten articles, and at nine pages for issues, it is already a book of almost 100 pages.
   I doubt that it will study the airplanes of 1942 to 1945, as it is called "Camouflage of the aircraft of the Red Army Air Force in 1941" but of course, I hope that it will go on for a long time.
   At the same time, I find that the information it provides will be useful for many more studies, and it is a good time for us all: the post of Massimo and Tapani on SB-2 and La-5 are really very exhaustive and new photos and information comes rolling every day.
   I will go on providing translation for this latest article, but it will take some time due to my working duties.
Regards
Daniele

Hi Daniele,
if it is about 1941 only, I don't think that it will last for long. But the author looks well intentioned to continue the work some day.
Regards
Massimo

Dear Friends,
   On M-Hobby of March, 2019, Mr Timin continues with his detailed analysis of the camouflage and markings of the Russian Airplanes in 1941.
   He continues with the crash reports of the ZakVO – Transcaucasian Military District (Russian: ЗакВО - Закавказский военный округ) of the second half of 1941.
   Each aircraft is described in detail, and I think that the information on the Factory Serial Numbers, and on the Airfields used, could be collected and give us a more exact view of the first year of war.
   The series of articles is going on, and at this time it will comprise at least 11 articles: let us hope for more!

MH 03/2019

Pg 42
DB-3F (factory number 180714) with tactical number 3 (presumably blue) from the 2nd squadron of the 83rd DBAP. Pilot Lieutenant M. S. Vakhnenko. Emergency landing at the airport Viziani 28.06.41 the plane is painted in the so-called "Khalkhin-Gol" camouflage [1].

Left: DB-3F (production number 180512) with tactical number 11 (presumably blue) from the 2nd squadron of the 83rd DBAP. Pilot captain E. N. Potapov. Crash on 11.07.41 The Aircraft is painted in an improvised camouflage with spots of irregular shape, probably black and green [2]. Right: in the background DB-3, presumably from the 6th DBAP. The photo was taken from under the lower fuselage of the SB of the 367th SBAP, summer 1942. The DB-3 is painted in an improvised black and green camouflage, the stars are applied in four positions according to the decision of the SNK from 20.06.41

DB-3 (factory No. 1801439) with tactical number 9 (presumably green) from the 4th squadron of the 454th DBAP. Pilot senior Lieutenant L. E. Ostroborodov. Crashed on 3.08.41, the aircraft is painted in improvised black and green camouflage, but the identification marks remained in six positions [3].

Pg 43
Crash on take-off of SB (serial No. 13/76) of the 152th ORAE. The pilot Sergeant A. F. Filatov, airport Yerevan, 8.08.41, the aircraft is painted in an improvised black-and-green camouflage, the stars were in four positions as for the decision of the SNK of 20.06.41 [4].

Left: SB of the 152th ORAE. The aircraft has an original improvised camouflage, presumably consisting of carelessly applied spots of black and green, with most of the gray base not painted. Right: Adjutant of the 2nd squadron of the 367th SBAP senior Lieutenant N. N. Gorbunov on the background of SB. The aircraft is painted in improvised camouflage, presumably consisting of carelessly applied spots of black and green colors.

I-153 (serial No. 7818) with the tactical number 205 from 1st squadron 270th IAP. The accident on take-off on 26.10.41 in airfield Leninakan, pilot Sergeant P. N. Koshkin. The aircraft is painted in the so-called "Khalkhin-Gol" camouflage, the stars are applied in four positions as for the decision of the SNK from 20.06.41 [6].

Pg 44
Emergency landing of the USB No. 5/118 of the 151th ORAE at the airport Astrachan Bazaar 1.09.41. Pilot Lieutenant V. N. Shilkin. The aircraft has an original improvised camouflage, presumably consisting of carelessly applied spots of black and green, with most of the gray base not painted over [5].

I-153TK (factory #6859) with tactical number 15 from 3th squadron 267th IAP. Forced landing due to improper operation of the motor on 5.08.41 at the airport Baba-Zanan. Pilot Sergeant N.M. Shalom. Earlier, in the autumn of 1940, the plane passed the military tests in the 50th IAP, bears tactical number 15, a “Khalkhin-Gol” camouflage was applied over the plain green, allegedly from black spots of irregularly shaped color [7].

I-153 (serial No. 6638) of 2nd squadron 482nd IAP. Crash on 31.10.41 in the Kala airfield area. Pilot senior Sergeant V. I. Totibadze died. The aircraft is painted in the original camouflage, consisting of carelessly applied spots, presumably black and green, while part of the gray base is not painted over [8].

I-153 (serial No. 6558) of 2nd squadron 483rd IAP. Crash 29.10.41 near the airport Zorat. Pilot Sergeant Y. H. Akmaev. The aircraft is painted in the original camouflage, consisting of carelessly applied spots, presumably black and green, while part of the base gray is not painted over [9].

PG 45
Left and center: I-153 (serial number 7530) with tactical number 552 of the 2nd Squadron of the 483rd IAP. Broken on take-off on 10.29.41, airfield Zorat. Pilot Sergeant V.V. Maliar. Previously, the aircraft belonged to the 3rd squadron of the 50th IAP and carries the old tactical designations and improvised camouflage of irregular spots, presumably black and green, with part of the base gray not painted over [10]. Right: I-153 (factory number 7692) with tactical number 354 of the 4th squadron of the 35th IAP. Accident 20.05.42, Kobuleti airfield, the pilot Lieutenant N. I. Yurkyne. The aircraft is completely repainted in two colors: green (top) and blue (bottom), the stars are marked in four positions [11].

Ut-1 (factory No. B-15447) with tactical number 1, 35th IAP. Crash on take-off on 27.06.41 from the airport of Kutaisi. Pilot VRID Deputy Commander of the regiment, Lieutenant L. S. Garkavy later died from his injuries. The aircraft received an improvised camouflage, the stars on the fuselage and on the wings above are partially painted over [12].

I-16 type 10 (factory No.1021626) from the 4th squadron of the 35th IAP. Crash during landing 27.06.41, at the airport of Kutaisi. Pilot ensign P. I. Falileev. The aircraft received an improvised camouflage of small irregular spots, the stars on the fuselage and a two-digit tactical number on the rudder are partially painted over [13].

Left: Yak-1 (factory No. 0306) from the 4th squadron of the 45th IAP. The accident at the airport of Bina 26.08.41. Pilot ensign P. A. Ushakov. The aircraft received an improvised camouflage of large black spots of irregular shape, the stars on the fuselage are painted over [14]. Right: Yak-1 (serial number 1612) from Command 45th IAP, accident at the airport of Zabrat July 25, 41. Pilot, the commander of the regiment, major I. M. Dzusov. The aircraft received an improvised camouflage of black spots of irregular shape, the stars on the fuselage are painted over [15].

Pg 46
Yak-1 with tactical number 474 from the 4th squadron of the 45th IAP. The aircraft has a makeshift camouflage of streaks and spots of irregular shape, probably sand color [16].

I-153 (serial number 7569) with tactical number 655 from 1st squadron 84th IAP. Crashed during landing 3.11.41 at the airport Yerevan. The pilot second Lieutenant V. S. Kalashnikov. Previously, the aircraft belonged to the 4th squadron of the 68th IAP and carries the old tactical designations, in addition, the aircraft received camouflage in accordance with the scheme of the resolution of the SNK from 20.06.41, the identification marks are applied in six positions [17].

Left: MiG-3 (factory No. 3176) from the 2nd squadron of the 25th IAP. Accident during take-off from the airfield Pirekeshkul, 25.06.41. Pilot second Lieutenant I. N. Cerenkov. Painted according to the scheme green top, blue bottom, stars in six positions as in the pre-war model [18]. In the middle: MiG-3 (serial number 3210) from 25th IAP. Pilot ensign A. K. Sharkun. On June 18, 1942 landed at the airport Melitopol, occupied by Romanian troops. Painted according to the scheme green top, blue bottom, stars in six positions as in the pre-war model [20]. Right: MiG-3 (factory No.3249) from the 25th IAP, shot down in air combat on June 28, 1942. Pilot ensign P. D. Pospelov made an emergency "belly" close to the airport of Kiev. Painted according to the scheme green top, blue bottom, stars in six positions as in the pre-war model [21].

Yak-1 (serial No. 1008) with tactical number 446 of the 4th squadron of the 35th IAP. Accident at the airport Kobuleti 9.05.42. Pilot Lieutenant N. Ah. Budanov. Previously, the aircraft belonged to the 3rd squadron of the 45th IAP [23].

Pg 47
I-16 type 10 (factory No.1021726), upgraded to the level of type 18, installed motor M-62 No.557. Tactical number 260. 3rd fighter squadron 266th IAP. Broken in an accident on 11.08.41 in the district of Kara-Agach, pilot second Lieutenant N. E. Solodov. Previously, the aircraft belonged to the 3rd squadron of the 25th IAP. Painted according to the scheme  green top, blue bottom, stars in six positions as in the pre-war scheme [19].

Accident to Yak-1 (factory No. 1110) with tactical number 450 from the 4th squadron of the 453rd DBAP 132nd BAD at the airport Evlakh on 2 30.08.41. The pilot second Lieutenant I. V. Seleznev died of his wounds. Previously, the aircraft belonged to the 3rd squadron of the 45th IAP. Painted according to the scheme green top, blue bottom, stars in four positions [22].

MiG-3 (factory number 3129) with tactical number 233 of the 3rd squadron of the 25th IAP. Broken in an accident on 18.11.41, the Meria aerodrome, the pilot Lieutenant A. G. Novikov [24].

MiG-3 (factory number 3165) with tactical number 225 of the 25th IAP. Accident at the airport Kobuleti 10.04.42, pilot Lieutenant B. K. Lobenko. Until 1942, the aircraft belonged to the 2nd squadron of the 25th IAP [25].

Pg 48
MiG-3 (factory No.3252) with tactical number 562 of the 3rd squadron of the 50th IAP. Broken in an accident on 17.11.41, at the airport Nasosnaia, pilot Lieutenant A. P. Beams [26].

MiG-3 with tactical numbers 561 and 564 from the 3rd squadron of the 50th IAP, captured by the enemy in the port of Kerch in May 1942

I-16 type 18 (serial No. 1821к31) with tactical number 262 of 266th IAP. Broken in an accident on 26.08.41 in district Kara-Dag, pilot Sergeant W. Ya. Kostin. Previously, the aircraft belonged to the 3rd squadron of the 25th IAP [27].

Pg 49
I-16 (serial No. 2721д48) with tactical number 668 from 1st squadron 266th IAP. Breakdown on 17.09.41, pilot Sergeant D. I. Starukhin [28].

Left: I-153 (factory No. 6952) with tactical number 825 of the 3rd squadron of the 84th IAP. Crash landing on the airfield Yerevan due to a malfunction of the motor, 19.08.41. Pilot, Deputy Squadron Commander senior Lieutenant I. V. Trembach [29]. Right: I-153 (serial No. 7976) with tactical number 217 from 2nd squadron 270th IAP. Crash landing on the airfield Akhalkalaki 7.09.41. Pilot second Lieutenant N. E. Ulyanov [30].

I-153 (factory No. 6674) with tactical number 341 of the 3rd squadron of the 35th IAP. Failure on 14.01.42 at the airport Chorokh, the pilot, the squadron commander senior Lieutenant I. M. Kontsedalov [31].

I-153 (factory number 7772) with tactical number 353 from the 4th squadron of the 35th IAP. Accident on 20.02.41, Kobuleti airfield, the pilot Lieutenant A. E. Otlicnyj [32].

I-153 tactical number 336 of the 35th IAP. Accident on 20.08.41 at Sukhumi airport [34].

Pg 50
SB with tactical number 304 from 1st squadron 367th SBAP, pilot ml. Lieutenant F. S. Chesnokov, summer-autumn 1942

DB-3F (factory No. 181817) with tactical number 420 from the 2nd squadron of the 42nd DBAP. Pilot Ensign S. S. Voronin, the Navigator Lieutenant Abramov, gunner ml. sergeant Markachev. Crash landing at the airport Kirovobad – 4, 17.09.41. [35]

I-153 (factory No. 7775) with tactical number 29 from 3th squadrons 347th IAP. Crash landing on the airfield Akhalkalaki 12.10.41. Pilot squadron commander senior Lieutenant A. M. Baranov. Previously, the aircraft belonged to the 133rd IAP, carries an improvised camouflage and stars in four positions according to the resolution of the SNK from 20.06.41 [37]

Pg 51
MiG-3 (factory number 3196) with tactical number 306 from the 3rd squadron of the 25th ZAP. Accident during take-off from the airport Ajikabul, 4.11.41, pilot ml. Lieutenant P. F. Dolsky [36].

Left: LaGG - 3 926th IAP with tactical number 915. Summer 1943 Right: Yak-7B 976th IAP with tactical numbers 930 and 925. March 1944

Regards
Daniele

Hi Daniele,
thank you again for your work.
This issue is full of images of fighters with three digit numbers. With reports on accidented planes,  Mr.Timin has found a marvellous source of informations.
Regards
Massimo

Dear friends,
   in his tenth article, Mr. Timin describes camouflage and markings of the airplanes of the Leningrad Military District, the Red Banner Baltic And Northern Fleets.
   The end of the war with Finland, and the transformation of the Air Force brigade system into a divisional one, provoked a great deal of reorganization and changing.
   The airplanes in this sector in 1941 where almost all painted as from the factory, in overall silver or grey or green upper and blue bottom, and stars in six positions.
   Most of the aircraft were classified according to the “color” method, 1st squadron – red; 2nd- blue; 3rd – yellow; 4th – white; 5th – black/green.
   Other planes used the last three digits of the serial as identification numbers, and others used three digits, but so assigned: 1st squadron: 101 – 120; 2nd: 121 – 140; 3rd: 141 – 160; 4th: 161-180; Command: 191 – 199.
    An interesting variation of the numeric system was applied in the 65th SHAP: the number of the squadron was put on the fin, and the number of the aircraft in the squadron, on the rudder.
   Of course also the “pilotka” was widely used.
   The series will continue.

MH 04/2019

Pg 32
I-16 type 5 (factory No. 521A110) with tactical number 11 of the 2nd squadron of the 145th IAP, broken in an accident on 25.02.41. Pilot ml. Lieutenant PA Khizhnyak [1].

I-16 type 10 (factory number 1021524) with tactical number 13 from the 2nd squadron of the 145th IAP, broken in a crash on 26.03.41, pilot Lieutenant IV Miroshin died [2].

I-153 (serial No. 7463) with tactical number 9 yellow, 3rd squadron 153rd IAP. Accident 17.03.41 in the district Sortavala. Pilot Lieutenant V. P. Afonin died [3].

Pg 33
I-153 with tactical number 12 red from 1st AE 153rd IAP. Pilot second Lieutenant V. I. Pozdnyakov on 25.06.41 due to injury made an emergency landing on Finnish territory in the area of Kerimaki, died in captivity.

I-153 (serial No. 7795) with tactical red number 4 from the 4th squadron of the 44th IAP. Accident on 13.03.41 in the district of Pushkin airport. Pilot Lieutenant N.. Krivulkin [4].

I-16 type 29 with tactical number 7 blue, left due to a malfunction at the airport Pskov, July 1941

I-16 type 29 with tactical number 8 blue, left due to a malfunction at the airport Pskov, July 1941

SB tactical number 5 red, from the 1st Squadron of the 72nd SBAP. Shot down in aerial combat on 06/25/41, fell in the area of Rantaalmi (25-30 km east of Joroinen). Drawing by Vladimir Kamsky.

Pg 34
SB with tactical number 10 from the 2-th SBAP, captured by the enemy in the summer of 1941

MiG-3 (serial No. 3115) with tactical number 11 blue of the 2nd squadron, 153rd IAP. Broken in a crash of 13.07.41 on airport of Shum. Pilot ml. Lieutenant G. K. Eremenko died [6].

MiG-3 with tactical number 11, presumably from the 159th IAP. Made an emergency landing on the Karelian isthmus in July-August 1941.

SB (factory No. 5/126) from the command of the 1st SAD. Broken in an accident 22.03.41 on Shonguy airfield, the pilot commander of division Colonel I. L. Turkel [5].

Pg 35
Ar-2 (factory No. 11/518) with tactical number 7 from the 1st squadron 2nd SBAP. Pilot senior Lieutenant N. I. Kaiankin. The accident at the airport Novo Mikhailovskaya, 3.04.41 [7] Drawing of Vladimir Kamsky.

I-16 type 24 (factory No. 24r21891) with tactical number 11 white from 4th squadrons 72nd SAP, June 1941, pilot UF. Lieutenant of A. A. Kovalenko.

I-16 type 24 with tactical number 13 white from the 4th squadron of the 72nd SAP, June 1941.

I-16 type 18 (factory number 1821K-83) with tactical number 5 blue from the 2nd squadron of the 13th IAP of the 10th ABR of the Red Banner Baltic Fleet Air Force. Accident of 05/07/1941, pilot VRID < Временно Исполняющий Должность= Interim Officer> Commanding Captain A.K. Antonenko [8]. Photo provided by Konstantin Stepanov.

Pg 36
I-16 type 29 (factory number 2921141) with tactical number 6 of the 2nd squadron of the 5th IAP, 61st Abr, Air Force of the Red Banner Baltic Fleet. Accident at the airport Nizino 4.07.41 pilot ml. Lieutenant P. F. Khripunov died [9]. Photo provided by Konstantin Stepanov.

I-16 type 10 (factory number 1021733) with tactical number 11 of the 13th IAE 61st Abr, Air Force of the Red Banner Baltic Fleet. Accident 7.07.1941, Komolova aerodrome, pilot M. A. Nikolaenko [10]. Photo provided by Konstantin Stepanov.

I-16 type 17 with tactical number 11 of the 13th IAP 10th Abr, Air Force of the Red Banner Baltic Fleet. Summer 1941.

I-153 with tactical number 14 of the 12th IAE, Air Force of the Red Banner Baltic Fleet. Left behind due to damage at the Pärnu airfield in the summer of 1941.

DB-3 with tactical number 2, presumably from the 5th squadron of the 1st MTAP 8th ADB of the Red Banner Baltic Fleet, 1940-1941

Pg 37
DB-3f (serial number 391108) with tail number 8 of the 1st squadron of the 1st MTAP of the 8th ABR of the Red Banner Forces Air Force, accident 1.12.41. Pilot squadron commander Hero of the Soviet Union captain A.Ya. Efremov [11] .Photo provided by Konstantin Stepanov .

Ar-2 with the tactical number 9 of 73rd BAP 10th Abr, Air Force of the Red Banner Baltic Fleet, 1941. Aircraft captured by the enemy at the airport of Parnu. Drawing Of Vladimir Kamsky.

MiG-3 (serial No. 2171) with tactical number 1 red, 3rd squadron of the 5th regiment of the 61st Abr, Air Force of the Red Banner Baltic Fleet. Shot down near the airfield Utti, 13.07.41 pilot Lieutenant N. M. Yesin was captured.

I-16 type 28 with tactical number 13 white from 4th squadrons 72th SAP, downed 16.07.41. Pilot Lieutenant G. V. Antipin died.

Pg 38
I-16 type 29 (factory number 292174) with tactical number 74 of the 156th IAP 39th IAD. Accident on 24.06.1941, Krasnogvardeysk airfield. Pilot ml. Lieutenant N. A. Potseluyev died [12].

I-16 type 29 (factory number 2921358) with tactical number 358 from the 1st squadron of the 154th IAP 39th IAD. The plane was shot down in air combat, pilot Lieutenant Lobanov [15].

I-16 type 29 (factory number 2921286) with tactical number 286 from the 1st squadron of the 154th IAP 39th IAD. The aircraft was shot down in air combat on 10.07.41, pilot Lieutenant S. A. Titovka [16].

I-153 (factory No. 6359) with tactical number 59 from the 1st Squadron of the 147th IAP. Emergency landing 18.03.40 in the district of lake Arno (10-12 km NW Belokamenka), pilot Squadron Commander Major GM Galitsyn [17].

Pg 39
Left: I-16 type 29 of the 156-th IAP, 39th IAD at the airport Lezier, June 1941 [13]. Right: Mechanic Moiseenko reported to the pilot Puzanov on the readiness of the aircraft I-16 type 29 with tactical number 665 from the 156th IAP, 39th IAD, airport Lezier, June 1941 [14].

I-153 with tactical number 20 Major G. M. Galitsyn commander of the 1st squadron of the 147th IAP. Winter 1939-1940

I-153 (factory No. 6338) with tactical number 11 from 147th IAP. Accident on February 19, 1941, airfield Murmashi, pilot Ensign A. M. Grigor'ev [18].

I-16 type 5 with tactical number 230 from the 2nd squadron of the 26th IAP, accident 16.02.1940.

I-153 with tactical number 268 from the 4th squadron of the 26th IAP [19].

Pg 40
I-16 type 18 (factory number 1821m80) with tactical number 111 from the 1st squadron of the 19th IAP. Crashed 19.05.41 at the airport Gorelovo. Pilot ml. Lieutenant F. I. Liventsov [20].

I-15bis (factory No. 4616) with tactical number 173 from the 2nd squadron of the 152nd IAP, which performed an emergency landing on 24.12.39 on the ice of lake Oulunyarvi. The pilot second Lieutenant J. A. Andreev. Previously, the aircraft belonged to the 4th squadron of the 19th IAP.

I-15bis with tactical number 1-10, presumably from the 1st squadron of the 65th SHAP.

Pg 41
SB with tactical number 5 of the 73rd SBAP, shot down at the bridge over the Zapadnaya Dvina river in Krustpils, 06/30/41. On the rudder is applied the original banding, the plane of the 201st serie, repainted according to the decree of the USSR No. 220ss: top – green enamel (A-19ф) bottom – blue (A-18ф).

Ar-2 with tactical number 7 from the 2nd SBAP, captured by the enemy on the site of an emergency landing in the summer of 1941 On the tail is applied the original "cap", but the star in the cutout is missing. Drawing Of Vladimir Kamsky.

SB (factory No. 19/136) from the 5th squadron of the 44th SBAP. Photo period of the Soviet-Finnish war. Tactical number 3 is supposed to be blue. "Tongues of flame" is supposed to be red.

Regards
Daniele

Hi Daniele,
thank you for your excellent work on the articles of Timin.  I like the articles a lot, I will use these informations to improve Sovietwarplanes Pages some days.
Regards
Massimo

Dear friends,
the July 2019 issue of M-Hobby has been published, and I can confirm that the last article of Mr. Timin on the 1941 camouflage appeared in the June issue.
   It examines the white color of the winter 1941 – 1942.
   The paint used should have been the famous Mk 7 developed by Chebotarevsky and should have been applied starting from November 1941.
   How always happens, what is written in documents is not always applied in the field for a number of reasons, so it seems that some aircrafts were painted white completely, not only in the upper side.
   As Mk7 was not available everywhere, there is the suspect that the nitro lacquer “II white” was also used, giving a different overall impression.
And not all the planes were camouflaged in white: in the famous photo of the Migs of the 12th Guards. IAP, where of the ten aircraft, three are not camouflaged in white, and one has the upper surface of the wing not camouflaged, that was interpreted as red or orange in older publications.
   One of the most interesting findings is a document from the factory No. 292, which shows how, lacking the Mk7, the airplanes produced or refurbished in this factory were painted with a self-produced nitrocellulose white lacquer.
   These new information generated quite a lot of discussion in the Russian forums, and of course it is possible that a few planes were painted in aluminum overall, but it is a sure fact that most were painted with the lusterless Mk 7, or with a gloss white nitro lacquer.
Moreover it must be remembered that you could polish the Mk 7 to let your plane gain 10-25 kilometers the hour, so we can conclude that the white could have different degrees of shine, from the most lusterless to the highly polished.
   I personally believe that it is impossible to judge with certainty from a gray scale photo reproduction if the airplane is painted white or silver, but according to his experience everybody can express his point of view, and of course even if you are very little experienced, no one will be harmed…

MH 06/2019

Pg 34

MiG-3 (factory number 2289) with tactical number 89 of the 2nd Squadron of the 26th IAP Deputy Squadron Commander Lieutenant V.A. Korenya. The accident at the landing of 11.11.41. [6]

I-16 type 29 (factory number 2921252) with tactical number 52 of the 2nd squadron of the 123rd IAP, the pilot of the squadron commander Lt. I. D. Pidtykan. Accident due to engine malfunction 5.12.41. [7]

Pg 35
MiG-3 of the latest series of issue with the tactical number 44 of the 124th IAP, winter 1941/42.

I-16 type 5, upgraded by installing four ROs and a wind visor from I-16 late series with tactical number 64. Discovered on December 10, 1941 on the ice of Lake Ladoga in the Kexholm area and captured by Finnish military personnel. Photo from the Finnish photo archive SA-Kuva.

Commander of the 286th IAP, Lieutenant Colonel P.N. Baranov at I-16 type 24 with tactical number 22, winter 1941/42. [8]

Pg 36

Lagg-3 with tactical number 33, presumably, produced by plant number 23. Discovered on 02.20.1942 in the region of the settlement Vidlitsy (35 km north of Olonets) and captured by the Finnish military, was subsequently restored and used in the Finnish Air Force under the designation LG-2.

LaGG-3 with tactical number 46, presumably from the 11th Guards. IAP 7th IAK air defence, spring 1942

I-15bis with tactical number 52, presumably from the composition of the air force of the Northern Fleet, the winter of 1941/42.

Pg 37

I-16 type 5 with tactical number 15, upgraded by installing six ROs and a canopy from I-16 later series from the 11th IAP of the Red Banner Baltic Fleet air force. The fighter made an emergency landing on the ice at about. Gogland and was captured by the Finnish military, subsequently restored and used in the Finnish Air Force under the designation IR-101. Pilot squadron commander Captain V.P. Zharnikov managed to return to his unit.

Pilot of the 27th IAP of the 6th IAK Air Defense Jr. Lieutenant V.N. Matakov with MiG-3 with tactical number 8, winter of 1941/42.

Pilot of the 28th IAP of the 6th IAK Air Defense of Art. Lieutenant A.Ya. Fedorov in the MiG-3 (factory number 5077) with tactical number 2, the winter of 1941/42. The photo clearly shows that the plane was painted white over summer camouflage, while the old tactical number was painted over, and the new one was painted in a new place.

Pg 38

The personnel of the 236th IAP Air Force ZF at the airport in the district of Mozhaisk. From left to right: Lieutenant A.E. Maksimov, senior lieutenants MS Lipin and P.P. Medvedev, battalion commissar S.V. Horns. In the background are seen Yak-1 fighters, January 1942. Photo by V.I. Arkashev, Municipal budgetary institution "Karasuk museum of local lore" Novosibirsk region.

IL-2 with tactical number 2 of the 765th SHAP Air Force ZF at the start, winter 1941/42.

Il-2 with tactical number 6, presumably from the 62nd SHAP of the 77th SAD, winter of 1941/42.

Pg 39

Pe-3 with tactical number 3 of the 95th IAP of the 6th IAK air defence system in flight, winter of 1941/42.

Forced landing of a Su-2 shot down by German fighters with tactical number 6 of the 288th BAP Air Force LF, 02/04/1942. Pilot ml. Lieutenant Nikolaev, navigator foreman AV Andreev died.

The accident at the landing of DB-3f (serial number 181513) from the 3rd squadron of the 83rd DBPA of the 40th AD DD, 28.01.42, the Isanino airfield (Rybinsk). Pilot foreman V.F. Tarasychev. The aircraft is completely painted white, small identification marks in six positions [10].

Accident DB-3f (factory number 391904) from the 3rd Squadron of the 7th DBPA 40th AD DD January 20, 2003, near the village of Abramovo (Murom district, 12 km of the south-east of the Lopatino airfield). Pilot Lieutenant K.P. Prokofiev and navigator ml. Lieutenant Kukarsky died. [11].

Pg 40

Pilots of the 728th IAP of the ZF air force against the background of an I-16 type 10 fighter, winter of 1941/42.

Pe-2 with tactical number 69 of the 5th SBAP Air Force LF. The plane is painted in an improvised winter camouflage from white spots of irregular shape over the base black-green. Winter 1941/42.

Su-2 with tactical number 3 from an unknown regiment of the Air Force LF. The plane is painted in an improvised winter camouflage from white spots of irregular shape over the base black-green. Winter 1941/42.

Yak-1 (factory number 0506) from the 123rd IAP of the 7th IAK air defence, pilot captain G.N. Yidov, April 23, 1942. Wear of winter paint is clearly visible - the paint from the nose part almost completely peeled off.

Pg 41

The presentation of the Guards Banner to the personnel of the 12th Guards IAP 6th IAK air defence against the background of the line of MiG-3 fighters in March 1942. Of the ten MiG-3, three fighters are not painted white at all, and in one plane the detachable wing consoles replaced in repair are not tinted.

I-16 type 21 (factory number 2421321) with tactical number 21 of the 4th Guards Regiment of the Red Banner Baltic Fleet Air Force, pilot commander of the guard squadron, Senior Lieutenant GD Tsokolaev. The aircraft is completely painted with white paint, the identification marks of an increased size, but applied in four positions, spring 1942.

Pg 42
The Yak-1 fighter with tactical number 73 of an unknown air unit, captured by the enemy at the site of an emergency landing in the winter of 1941/42.

LaGG-3 from the 737th IAP at the Savasleyka airfield during retraining in 2nd ZAP, December 1941

LaGG-3 with tactical number 75 of an unknown military unit captured by the enemy at the site of an emergency landing. Despite the fact that this fighter release March 1942, it is still equipped with a ski chassis.

Pg 43

Handing aircraft to personnel of the 122nd IAP Air Force ZF. Arrows and slogans “For the Motherland”, “For Stalin”, “For the Bolshevik Party” are inflicted on the fuselages of the MiG-3 fighters. Winter 1941/42.

Squadron commander of the 7th guards-squadron of the Air Force LF Captain N.A. Zubsets sets the task for the personnel against the background of the IL-2 with the inscriptions "To the Battle for the Motherland" and "Death to the Fascist invaders!", March 1942.

Hi Daniele, hi all,
I'm back from a small holiday.
I'm happy to see your notes on the article of Timin, pity that this is the last one for now. I hope that he'll return to publish something, particularly about the controversial paintings of early 1945 that seem out of the rules.
Thank you very much for your efforts.
Regards
Massimo