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Kiwi · 03-09-2005

My apologies for the delay in posting this final part, I only just realised that it was still outstanding.

In 1982 the white was removed from the roundels applied to those surfaces painted in the low visibility camouflage in much the same way as the RAF reverted to the B type roundels on their camouflaged aircraft.

The Roundel Blues
In 1980 the RNZAF standardised on Insignia Blue for both roundels and fuselage stripes. The only exceptions are the pale blue (FS 595a #15450) in the centre of the stripe on VIP aircraft and the particular shade of blue that comes with decal applied roundels, ie those on Airtrainers and Airtourers. This move was hardly suprising when one realised that that at least five blues had been used since the introduction of the ZK roundel. Descriptions and applications of these shades follows.

Bright Blue. This blue was the standard RNZAF roundel blue throughout the 1950s and 1960s, with the exception of Insignia Blue on a few types. It appears to have been used for ZK rroundels on the two FAC Harvards, NZ1037 and ’56 up until their withdrawal from service in 1977. As late as 1975, Dakota roundels were still being specified as Bright Blue.

Insignia Blue. FS 595a #15044. This very dark blue is used on the insignia of American aircraft, and it would appear to be no accident that Hercules, Orions, Iriquois, Sioux and Skyhawks were delivered with ZS roundels using this shade. This colour is the one thatis now the RNZAF standard.

Zenith Blue. A New Zealand mixed blue that is close to both FS 595a #15090 and to the British Standard BS 381C #109, Middle Blue.
The colour first gained widespread application in the RNZAF in fuselage and tail pennant stripes from at least the late 1950s, the distinction between it and the Bright Blue roundels of the period being quite noticeable. Its first use in roundels seems to have been for some of the communications Devons, and its widespread use probably came with the adoption of grey and orange for Wigram training aircraft. The decals used on the later trainers are probably Zenith Blue.

Roundel Blue. BS 381c #110. Roundel Blue. This shade has been an import from the United Kingdom, being specified for the Strikemaster. It has been in previous use, however, at least on Bristol frighters in Singapore 1968-1970. It was probably also the shade of the original RAF roundels on the Andovers.

03-09-2005	#28 (permalink)
Kiwi Scale Model Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: New Zealand Real Name: Neville Visit Kiwi's Gallery Posts: 519	My apologies for the delay in posting this final part, I only just realised that it was still outstanding. In 1982 the white was removed from the roundels applied to those surfaces painted in the low visibility camouflage in much the same way as the RAF reverted to the B type roundels on their camouflaged aircraft. The Roundel Blues In 1980 the RNZAF standardised on Insignia Blue for both roundels and fuselage stripes. The only exceptions are the pale blue (FS 595a #15450) in the centre of the stripe on VIP aircraft and the particular shade of blue that comes with decal applied roundels, ie those on Airtrainers and Airtourers. This move was hardly suprising when one realised that that at least five blues had been used since the introduction of the ZK roundel. Descriptions and applications of these shades follows. Bright Blue. This blue was the standard RNZAF roundel blue throughout the 1950s and 1960s, with the exception of Insignia Blue on a few types. It appears to have been used for ZK rroundels on the two FAC Harvards, NZ1037 and ’56 up until their withdrawal from service in 1977. As late as 1975, Dakota roundels were still being specified as Bright Blue. Insignia Blue. FS 595a #15044. This very dark blue is used on the insignia of American aircraft, and it would appear to be no accident that Hercules, Orions, Iriquois, Sioux and Skyhawks were delivered with ZS roundels using this shade. This colour is the one thatis now the RNZAF standard. Zenith Blue. A New Zealand mixed blue that is close to both FS 595a #15090 and to the British Standard BS 381C #109, Middle Blue. The colour first gained widespread application in the RNZAF in fuselage and tail pennant stripes from at least the late 1950s, the distinction between it and the Bright Blue roundels of the period being quite noticeable. Its first use in roundels seems to have been for some of the communications Devons, and its widespread use probably came with the adoption of grey and orange for Wigram training aircraft. The decals used on the later trainers are probably Zenith Blue. Roundel Blue. BS 381c #110. Roundel Blue. This shade has been an import from the United Kingdom, being specified for the Strikemaster. It has been in previous use, however, at least on Bristol frighters in Singapore 1968-1970. It was probably also the shade of the original RAF roundels on the Andovers. Last edited by Kiwi; 03-09-2005 at 10:56..