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We found calm waters on a
windy day by going upriver from the Highway 82 Bridge and flying in the
mouth of the
Illinois River
. The fishermen don't seem to
mind the distraction. After
all, we provided a lot more action than the fish did. Take-offs
are exciting and tricky, touch and goes are fun, but nothing beats that
perfect scale looking landing when the plane gently slides onto the water
with no bounces.
Submitted
by
Doug
Bromley
Photos
by
Doug
Bromley
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Since
World War I, The United States has had over eight different aircraft
identification markings designed for its aircraft. Four of the insignia
changes were made during World War II alone. There were many reasons for
insignia changes: looks too similar to enemy markings, hard to identify at
a distance, etc.
So
if you are interested and have the time, check out this United States Air
Force Museum Web site: www.wpafb.af.mil/museum/
(search insignia).
The
Web site goes into detail about each
U.S.
insignia, why it was used, then changed, and how they were placed on the
aircraft. Not a bad Web site. Now you’ll know not to build a F-4F
Wildcat with 1947 markings or design a jet with 1918 markings! And once
you get this insignia thing down, you’ll be able to identify a RC
warbird, and almost tell what war and year that the aircraft flew in.
By Keith Davis
The
Pikes Peak
Radio Control Club,
Colorado Springs
CO
The evolution of insignia
Below are six of the most
common Air Force insignia used from 1918 to present. |
 1918:
red outer circle, blue middle, white center
This design was adopted for easier identification
during combat. |
 1943:
white star, blue circle, red trim
 (August
1943)
white star, blue circle and trim
The first “Bars and Stars” design was easier
to make out from a distance. The previous “Circle in Star”
designs looked like simple circles from a distance. |
 1919:
white star, red dot, blue circle
The star in circle design was used prior to 1918.
Its use was resumed in May of 1919. |
 1942:
white star,
blue circle
The red dot was removed to reduce confusion with
Japanese insignia. |
 1947:
white star, blue circle and trim, red bars
This basic design is still in use on United
States aircraft today. |
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