Canadian F18 under surface paint scheme

[syscom3]

The Canadians like to paint a false canopy on the underside. In the real world of practice dogfighting, has it even been proven to give an advantage?

 

[Crimea_River]

I have read also that other countries have considered it but rejected the idea as it was dangerous. If true, it would suggest there is some effect.

 

[DerAdlerIstGelandet]

I have read also that other countries have considered it but rejected the idea as it was dangerous. If true, it would suggest there is some effect.

What is dangerous about it?

 

[Crimea_River]

I'm only telling you what I heard. It had to do with your own guys not knowing if you were turning away or turning toward you, thus risking a mid air collision.

 

[DerAdlerIstGelandet]

I'm only telling you what I heard. It had to do with your own guys not knowing if you were turning away or turning toward you, thus risking a mid air collision.

That makes sense now that I think about it.

Position lights should negate that though.

 

[syscom3]

Then its a great idea. If your opponent doesn't know if your coming or going.

 

[nuuumannn]

Could be an excuse to hide hydraulic leaks from the nose gear bay...!

 

[Crimea_River]

Then its a great idea. If your opponent doesn't know if your coming or going.

True, but more often than not, it's your own guys that have to deal with the confusion in training.

 

[Crimea_River]

Deleted the double post as I didn't want Jan to have another orgasm.

 

[Lucky13]

True, but more often than not, it's your own guys that have to deal with the confusion in training.

True, but more often than not, it's your own guys that have to deal with the confusion in training.

Ha! Ha! Double post! In your face!! Where's the DPP when you need them!?

 

[Tracker]

Having flown jets in the RCAF, I have only seen this on the CF-18

 

[fubar57]

I can't find the article but it said the main reason was to temporarily confuse enemy ground forces who have AA resources, momentarily confusing them whether the aircraft is rolling in or breaking off. A false canopy isn't very useful when most air to air attacks are beyond visual. I'll see if I can locate the article.


Geo

 

[michaelmaltby]

Shortly after the RCAF started using the cockpit underside stencil I read a source that explained that the "technique" came with a $$$$ "royalty/licensing fee" ... which seemed a bit cheeky until I played it out un my head .... but my point is that the RCAF isn't exactly operating with deep pockets so I assume that their brass sees measurable value in this ... but I agree that it's not a useful dogfight ruse in an age of BVR combat .....

 

[Token]

The Canadians like to paint a false canopy on the underside. In the real world of practice dogfighting, has it even been proven to give an advantage?

View attachment 292075

I deal with combat aircraft near daily. I have seen these fake cockpits on Canadian F-18's and on US A-10's. I can say without reservation that the use of this paint has caused me, many times, to have to double take or initially incorrectly asses aircraft motion.

T!