From the Pikes Peak Radio Control Club

From the Pikes Peak Radio Control Club, Colorado Springs CO

Choose the right U.S. Air Force insignia for your model

by Keith Davis

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.

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.