F4U markings question

[Swiss Mustangs]

Hi all

maybe a dumb question - but are these operational markings or factory applied codes ?





both photos currently are on offer at ebay.....

Thanks for some tutorial.

Martin

[Tulio]

Martin:

I don't know if they used "Buzz Codes" because this is what they look like to me.

You know this, but for the benefit of the one or two individuals who have never heard of them (Don't think anyone here doesn't have, though); Buzz codes were used to identify aircraft that were performing unauthorized low and high speed passes over restricted areas, the numbers being of a size large enough that allowed an identification of the violator.

The two numbers shown are apparently part of a sequence, and this would indicate some type of structure within a squadron or a base, in my opinion.

I am positive that someone will come up with the song and verse of these particular photos, and I for one, want to hear more about them.

Saludos,


Tulio

[Swiss Mustangs]

Hola amigo, muchos graçias !

The buzz-codes I know are USAAF style and were introduced post VE-Day in the ETO with Fighter Groups.

The unit & individual aircraft codes were repeated in large letters on both wings (lower surfaces) for exactly the purpose you mentioned.

With hostilities over, bored fighter jocks buzzed every village, vehicle and cow, some pilots killing themselves in the process. In hindsight of that, the Fighter Command ordered the cease of such activities and also asked for the addition of those "buzz-codes" to identfy the 'bad boys'.

IMHO the fuselage codes as seen here are a) not big enough to be properly readable and b) often not visible from the ground because of the wings.

Over and out.

Martin

[Jack Cook]

Threse are buzz numbers as by an OTU more that likely Cherry Point. El Toro used G the three digit number ie G-007 ect.

[Swiss Mustangs]

thanks guys

here's another shot from the same source (I am not the seller and I most probably won't bid because I try to focus on P-51's).
Maybe someone recognizes the field.



links to the auctions are

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ... 31038&rd=1

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ... 31058&rd=1

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ... 31076&rd=1

Martin

[Rob Mears]

My guess is that they are Stateside training aircraft as well. The dirt airstrip is reminiscent of the South Pacific, but the foliage looks more familiar to the United States.

The buzz codes on the plane are similar to the early markings found on aircraft flown by squadrons such as VF-17 during their Stateside testing and training days. An example of those codes would be "17-F-13" which depicted "squadron-aircraft type-and flight number". Number "13" would generally be the lead aircraft in the fourth flight of four aircraft, and so on.

I've also seen simple markings like "F27" that bypassed the use of a squadron recognition number altogether.

The pictures above are the first I've seen that show the incorporation of a common letter after the plane number. My first guess would be that both of these Corsairs were part of "A" flight, but you never can tell with some of the odd codes that were put to use during the war.

I'm guessing the two planes are an F4U-1 and a standard F4U-1A. There were only thirty-five F4U-2's created, and I'm guessing their unique value at the time required their being used as something other than training hacks. Also, since Vought was nine months ahead of Goodyear in their production of the Corsair, chances are more likey that the plane in the second photo is a product of Vought (or very possibly a Brewster F3A-1). The stubby little antenna mast is interesting to note!

[Tulio]

Rob:

Looking at the Genne photos, the aircraft there also show similar codes.

Saludos,


Tulio