RAF Wrap Around Camouflage

[rickshaw]

Did the RAF ever experiment with or utilise wrap around camouflage schemes such as the green over dark grey?

[kitbasher]

In which period and on which aircraft?

From the 1980s onwards RAF tactical aircraft (Harriers, Jaguars, Buccaneers, Tornado GRs, Vulcans) wore Dark Sea Grey/Dark Green wraparound camouflage.  Tactical Weapons Unit Hawks and tactical support Pumas and Chinooks also.

It could be argued that the inter-war NIVO finish worn by RAF heavy bombers was a form of wraparound camouflage.

[Martin H]

you beat me to it Dave

[kitbasher]

Here to serve, Martin!

Forgot to mention TWU Hunters.

[Martin H]

Mind you I always thought the Puma's and Wokkas had black undersides until they went over all NATO green.

[kitbasher]

You are right Martin.  I thought the two-tone green Wessex and Pumas were wraparound camo, but no.

AAC Beavers, Gazelles and Lynx were wrapped around, but not in Dk Sea Grey/Dk Green.

Even AAC 'Spitmunks' wore a Dk Earth/Dk Green wraparound scheme.

Before them the various marks of Auster AOP aircraft, Bristol Sycamores, Westland Scouts and Sud-Aviation Allouettes.

[Thorvic]

I wonder why it took the RAF to the late 70's to switch to the full wraparound for the strike role as the FAA Buccaneers went to overall EDSG back in 66 due to their white belly's showing when the banked at low level over the sea giving away their position to overhead fighters!

[PR19_Kit]

Maybe because they were flying SO darned low no-one could see them anyway? 

[Captain Canada]

I loved seeing the BAe Hawk in wrap-around camo....one of my favourite Hawk schemes. Such a pleasant little aeroplane...too bad we don't see more of them !

And on that note, any idea where to find good pics of them in that scheme ? Found a few, but it would be nice to see more.

[rickshaw]

1970-1980s.  It appears my question has been answered. Thank you all, for your rapid responses.  Excellent.   [goes off scheming, rubbing hands with glee....]   

[Mossie]

The first use I can think of frontline RAF aircraft in wraparound was the Vulcan and Buccaneer in Red Flag in 1977.  The first official re-painting started in 1979 following success in exercises.
http://www.cmrmodels.co.uk/page/01_hawker-siddeley-buccaneer-s2b.html
http://forums.diecast-aviation.eu/showthread.php?t=7568

Several winter schemes were also used in Norway, on Harriers and Jaguars (and I think at least one Tornado).  The jags could be seen with either the green or grey showing.  I think the most recent use of wraparound was on Harriers and Jags on exercise in Norway, in 2004/2005, long after the grey schemes had been adopted.
See some pics at the top of this thread:
http://www.whatifmodelers.com/index.php/topic,23239.0/highlight,let%20it%20snow.html

[Captain Canada]

The Vulcan and Bucc look awesome like that ! Looks like the Bucc also retains some of it's original camo on the tail area as well.

[Mossie]

Yeah, IIRC it was to do with the exhaust blast.  The paint they had wouldn't resist the temperatures, or something like that.

[Captain Canada]

Holy.....that CMR site is like a treasure trove of paint and marking info !

[darthspud]

B -Bravo VC-10 was also green /grey wraparound from1983 if memory serves.