Lockheed reports on problems with Haze Painting F-4 and F-5A aircraft, November 18,1942

In a letter to the AAF Resident Representative at Burbank, dated November 18,1942, Lockheed summarized data regarding the camou­flaging of F-4 and F-5A aircraft. Cabot haze paint had been used, as instructed by WF. This had proved unsatisfactory due to the difficulties in obtaining timely deliveries, the experimental stage of development, roughness of surfaces finished with this paint and the length of drying time. Lockheed had requested that they be allowed to use a Lowe Bros, lacquer type haze camouflage or Sherwin – Williams Kern-Haze enamel. These paints were not acceptable to Mat. Center (WF) because the permissible reflective values were exceeded by these paints. After a thorough inspection of the aircraft and test flights, the haze camouflage had to be “touched-up”, which produced a whiter surface than desired.

Summarizing, Lockheed’s investigation and experience to date in the use of the various haze camouflage materials, they felt that this type of camouflage scheme was extremely impractical for permanent applications, since it was impossible, underproduction conditions, to apply a finish which presented the desired camouflage effects.

Lockheed requested that they be allowed to revert to the standard camouflage on the remaining F-5A aircraft. (This report did not result in any changes to the existing haze camouflage requirements for the F-5As for some considerable time. See continuation in Chapter 2 – author).