The SteelNavy.Com Message Board: Re: IJN Pre-War Carrier Aircraft Markings

The Japanese changed their markings several times before and during the war. What Craig has provided is accurate for the early years of WWII, but not necessarily for other periods. I don’t know of any sources for the years prior to 1940.

Previous Message

Thank you Craig.

I was aware of this information. Something must have changed (apart from the replacement of character designations for each carrier to Roman letter/numbers) because there are numerous photographs of fighters also with 2- designations and bombers with 3- designations in the pre-1941 period. I don't recall seeing any shots of pre-war carrier-borne aircraft with 1- designations, and there are quite a few images of aircraft with only two digits after the carrier character.

Thank you again for your assistance.

Maurice