Factory Color Schemes: The Aichi D3A1 Val *PIC*

 

Preliminary Report: The Factory Application of Paint Schemes for the Aichi (D3A1) Type 99 Carrier Bomber, 1939-1942

Introduction

The Aichi Type 99 carrier bomber (D3A1 model 11 "Val") entered service with the Imperial Japanese Naval Air Force in an overall finish of natural metal or painted aluminum. Photographs of prototypes and early production aircraft permit the conclusion that these aircraft were so finished on leaving the factory production line.

However, documented relics from several Aichi D3A1 Val carrier bombers in private and public collections, as well as in the U.S. National Archives, also permitted a more thorough forensic study of a subsequent color scheme as applied to these aircraft at the factory.

I. The Relic Examples

The following Val relics were examined and their surface paint colors analyzed:

1) D3A1 model 11, s/n3114, [Q-219], constructed 5 December 1940; recovered 3 September 1942, Deba, Papua N.G./ Data plates and skin samples, NARA, "Japanese -Plates and Markings," Nos.245~255.

2) D3A1 model 11, s/n3170, [AI-225]?, recovered December 1941, Pearl Harbor, USS CURTISS (AV-4)/ Metal skin sample, private collection via Mike MOSHER.

See more details at: (http://www.history.navy.mil/photos/events/wwii-pac/pearlhbr/ph-curt.htm)

3) D3A1 model 11, s/n3150 or 3180 (?), [AII-2xx], recovered December 1941, Pearl Harbor Middle Loch near Pearl City/ Dive-brake assembly, The DANN Family Collection.

See photo at: (http://www.j-aircraft.com/jiml/d3a1_dannval_a.jpg)

4) D3A1 model 11, s/n unknown, recovered December 1941, Pearl Harbor, Aiea area, Oahu, T.H./Data plates and metal fragments, John EGGER Collection.

5) D3A1 model 11, s/n3193, constructed 2 May 1941; recovered December 1941, Oahu, T.H./Data plate and metal fragments, Warner Robins (GA) AFB, Museum of Aviation, "Tora! Tora! Tora!" Collection.

See photo at: (http://www.j-aircraft.com/jiml/d3a1_3193_ph_robinsafb.jpg)

6) D3A1 model 11, s/n unknown, recovered December 1941, OAHU, T.H./ Horizontal stabilizer tip, U.S. Army Museum Collection at Fort de Russy, Honolulu, Hawaii.

See photo at: (http://www.j-aircraft.com/jiml/d3a1_fortderussy.jpg) or click on the link below

7) D3A1 model 11, s/n 3392, recovered 1972, New Ireland, Papua N.G./Charles DARBY and LANSDALE Collections

II. The Color Analysis

Forensic inspection and/or color analysis was conducted on the different relics listed above by James F. LANSDALE, James I. LONG, Robert C. MIKESH, Todd A. PEDERSON, and William C. WOLF. LANSDALE collated and tabulated the results and conclusions. All colors were compared to the Federal Standard Colors 595B color fan, the Munsell Color Standards Key, and colors found on a sample of the "Official Japanese Aircraft Color Standards of 5 February 1945" in the Donald W. THORPE Collection.

All the aircraft artifacts examined from the Aichi D3A1 model 11 Vals bore a outer surface color which was either identical to, or a close match to the hue of FS-x0277 or FS-16160 (Munsell 2.5 Y 5/2 to 2.5 Y 5/3).

Please note in the photograph below the color of a relic stated to be from a Val, s/n 3170, which crashed on the USS CURTISS, AV-4. The paint appears oxidized or scorched which has produced a non-gloss finish most like FS-30277. The relic, as pictured here, is positioned above an actual color sample from the Japanese Aircraft Color Standards of 5 February 1945 (color 3-3) known in the IJN as "I 3." In another report, this color has also been called "ameiro."

The condition of Relic No.2 was in marked contrast to the, "almost new," appearance of the paint on the DANN Family dive-brake assembly (Relic No.3) and the Fort de Russy Val tail sample (Relic No.6). In these two artifacts, the paint color was a closer match to FS-16160 (Munsell 2.5Y 5/3 or Munsell 2.5 Y 4/3).

On all the painted relics examined, the reverse side of the painted skin was coated in a bright, translucent, aodake/aotake "lime green" or "deep "blue-green" protective color.

In no example studied of identified D3A1 model 11 Val relics was there any evidence of a primer coat having been applied prior to the application of the final finish on the exterior surfaces.

III: Conclusion/s

The evidence of these relics strongly supports the contention that the Aichi D3A1, model 11 "Val," Type 99 Carrier Bombers produced from late 1940 until early or mid 1942, left the factory in an overall finish of IJN "I 3" color; the so-called "ameiro" or "grey poupon." Many of these Vals may also have had a dark-green upper-surface camouflage applied later in the field.

James F. Lansdale,
© 2002 LRA

Acknowledgements

This report would not have been possible without the analysis, information provided, and contributions of relics for analysis by the following individuals/organizations:

The Dann Family, Dr. Charles Darby, Darwin Edwards (Curator of the Museum of Flying, Warner-Robins AFB), John Egger, The Fort de Russy Army Museum Staff, Martin Grant, James I. Long, Robert C. Mikesh, Bob and Mike Mosher, Todd A. Pederson, Phyllis Quirk (Museum of Flying Staff), Dr. William C. Wolf

Re: Val Color Schemes: Interior Aotake/aodake *PIC*

 

Early in February, Rich LANE posted an excellent article (reposted here) regarding the preservative/protective coating of aotake/aodake factory-applied to the interior surfaces of the Aichi Type 99 Carrier Bomber (D3A1 model 11 "Val") . Please note in the photo (below Rich's article) two samples of variations in this transluscent color from two separate Vals (s/n3392, on the right, and s/n3453, on the left).

The Val relic samples were contributed by Dr. Charles DARBY.

"I was looking though some TAIC manuals and came across this report that has a section on Val paint and colors.

Technical Air Intelligence Center (TAIC) Report #15 (October 1944)

'Examination of Japanese Airframes from Jill 11, Zeke 11, Val 11, Dinah 2 and Lily 2.'

The section on the Val read:

'Paint and Coatings:

The paint and coating on Val were of two different types [on three Vals].

The coating on Val BMI 482, CEE 4185-6, consisted of a dark green transparent coating over a thin, transparent, copper-colored primer. The vehicle was a modified phenolic varnish similar to the vehicle found on previous Japanese parts. However, the coating was very brittle, with poor adherence, in contrast to the usual excellent flexibility and adhesion. The coating contained a slight amount of iron oxide with an organic dye for color.

The [exterior?] coating of Val BMI 484, CEE 2185-2, was of a heavy green type with the usual modified phenolic-resin varnish finish. The film was semi-opaque with an iron oxide base and organic dye. No evidence of a primer coat was found. Adherence was good.

The coating on Val BMI 477, CEE 2185-3, had a modified phenolic-resin varnish vehicle with a gray zinc oxide pigment of poor adherence on one side [exterior?] and a transparent green coating on the other side [interior?]. The zinc oxide concentration was high which was probably the cause of poor adherence. The green coat showed traces of blue color which appeared the same as the Japanese prussian blue type coat. The blue type of coat will turn green on heating; possibly this part has been subjected to heat.'"

Posted By: Rich Lane
Date: Sunday, 3 February 2002

Than you Rich LANE!

Jim Lansdale