P-38J Lightning 42-67980, code 5Y+F of the 384th Fighter Squadron, 364ht Fighter Group, Honington, 30 May 1944
Pilot: 1Lt Byron P. Yost,
Special P-38 Lightning Markings
Identification Markings for Early Operations:
- Problem: Early operations of the 20th and 55th Fighter Groups highlighted difficulties in air-to-air recognition using 18-inch squadron code letters, which were not clear beyond 400 yards.
- Solution: In January 1944, Groups were instructed to paint 2.5-foot wide solid white geometric devices on the outward-facing sides of the P-38s’ fins and rudders. The markings were as follows:
- One squadron: Triangle.
- Another squadron: Disc.
- Third squadron: Square.
- Purpose: These markings helped aircraft and formations position themselves according to mission briefings, particularly in the early stages of a mission.
- Application on Bare Metal Aircraft:
- With the arrival of bare metal-finished P-38s in February 1944, these geometric devices were applied in black instead of white.
- The markings often obscured the designator tail numbers, which were frequently not repainted.
- The aircraft’s individual letter was painted on the inward-facing sides of the vertical tail above the horizontal stabilizer in 2.5-foot characters.
- Adoption Across Groups: These geometric markings became a standard requirement for all 8th and 9th Air Force P-38 combat Groups.