| ZAF Proportional description 32/16. This unusual roundel seems to have used on early Dakota deliveries in 1943. It has been positively identified on the fuselage of NZ3501(the wings appeared to carry ZBP roundels at the time). It is very likely that it was applied in Hawaii for ferry purposes (hence the F) and within the bounds of photographic scale measurement and a bit of speculation, one can arrive at the conclusion that the red was painted with a 6 inch diameter, the white was 12 inches, and enough blue to comfortably cover the American marking underneath. With some degree of confidence from the photograph measurements, it can be stated that the overall diameter was very close to 42 inches. These dubious origins tend to be supported by the fact that many later Dakota fuselage-particularly of the ZP barred type-came in a variety of sizes and proportions. It may be that Dakota fuselage roundels during the war years will defy classification, and in this respect it should be noted that for the moment, NZ3501 on delivery is the only example known as the ZAF as described. This aircraft, which was bought on charge for 40 Sqn on 27 February 1943, is shown on arrival in the attachment
ZAP Proportional description 48/24. This roundel superseded the ZA, and was derived simply by substituting a blue centre for the ZA’s red. This may have occurred later than the similar treatment given to the wing roundels and was certainly evident of Catalina fuselage applications during 1943. As such it was almost invariably in the ZAP.2 form. Photographically it is often difficult to tell a ZAP from a ZA because converted roundels would often have a centre in a different shade of blue or fading would vary between two sets of the same blue. It has also been tentatively identified on Kittyhawk upper wing surfaces during early 1943 and also on a Hudson under wing surface in December 1942
Last edited by Kiwi; 05-06-2005 at 10:00..
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