In the images you sent, one A-7 squadron aboard the Enterprise--VA-94 Shrikes--was painted in the low visibility scheme. Further reading using this new info shows the Navy was openly experimenting with a couple of low visibility schemes in the years before they made it official in 1985. Various squadrons were used to try it all out. Unfortunately, getting a list of which squadrons were used, and when, has been elusive. Dated photos are then the best route to go.
If you look for it closely in among the background aircraft in the images you sent, you should be able to see the EA-6B Prowlers of VAQ-133 Wizards is also low vis. And that squares with a couple of images I found online.
This is a book which can be read online (no downloading needed) with ads, which certainly do clutter it all up. But, with some patience, the book itself is readable, and Pages 4 & 5 provide excellent info, and make it clear that low vis started life as an unofficial thing:
https://www.scribd.com/document/666289083/Detail-Scale-Colors-Markings-No15-A-7-Corsair-II-Part-2
Very much appreciate those images, Darren! Thank you!
Actually, it was a gray Navy A-7. My bad.
I did not realize the Marines used the A-7. Did you mean A-6 perhaps?
I would love the pics, too, please.
ralphwood64(at)gmail(dot)com
Thank you!
Photos of Enterprise in 1982 show mostly Hi Viz paint schemes. The Marine A-7s seem to be in a lo viz scheme.
The italics are unapproved 'stylized' markings.
You can still see this on some current USN aircraft.
If you provide an email, I can send you some photos of Enterprise in 1982 that should help.
Hello,
It's all about us navy plane's decals:
I have two questions: when do I have to use low-vis decals and when do I have to use high vis decals? Does the low-vis appears at a precise time and the high-vis then disapears?
When do I have to use straight modex numbers and when do I have to use italic modex numbers?
Thank yu for your answers. Philippe
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