Aircraft Recognition Lights – A series of colored lights (White, Red, Green and Amber), were installed on aircraft (see Figure _ TBM-3 Recognition Lights) that were used to recognize friendly aircraft at night. These lights were used in different combinations, or could be used for signaling purposes. They were limited to reliable use during daylight. The control switch-boxes were usually positioned on the right-side in fighter aircraft (see Figure _ P-61), and would be located on the aisle stand on bombers. The White recognition light would be mounted on the upper fuselage of the aircraft and was teardrop shaped and protruded slightly upward. The Red, Green and Amber recognition lights were flush mounted usually on the bottom of the fuselage or on the right wing tip.
The white recognition light was not necessarily used on all aircraft, which can also be evidenced by some recognition light switch boxes not containing the white light switch.
On the P-51 aircraft the three colored lights were located on the underside of the right wing, near the tip. The lights could be used in combination and could be switched to burn steadily or flash code signals with them. When the switches were in the "DOWN" position, the lights burned steady. When in the center position they were in the "OFF" position. When in the "UP" position the lights were operated intermittently, as coded signals by means of the "KEY" switch.
The Navy F6F aircraft had the Recognition Lights switches located on the right hand shelf of the cockpit.
The P-38 Recognition Lights switches were located on the right-hand side of the cockpit, and the red, green and amber lights were located on the bottom of the gondola.
On the B-24 bomber, the white light was located on top of the fuselage usually over the center line of the wing, or as close as practicable. The colored lights were located on the lower surface of the aircraft, along the center line with the colors being red, green and amber, from forward to the rear of the bomber. On the B-25 bomber, the colored lights were located on the underside of the right wing similar to the fighter aircraft. The B-17G pilot's manual lists the white recognition light as being installed at the forward end of the dorsal fin. The red, green and amber lights were spaced approximately 15 inches apart along the bottom of the fuselage to the rear of the ball turret. The control switches for each light and the keying switch were located on the central control panel.
The recognition light switches were wired directly to the to the aircraft batteries on the TBM-3 Torpedo Bomber.
The F-4U Corsair Navy fighter had the recognition lights on the starboard wing, approximately 24-36 inches from the tip of the wing. The lights were arranged close to the centerline of the wing being mounted so they were perpendicular (inboard to outboard) to the fuselage. On the upper fuselage spine halfway between the tail and the antenna mast was the white recognition light.
The PBY-5A Catalina flying boat had the recognition lights (see figure _) on the starboard wing, approximately 36 inches from the outboard float. The lights were mounted in parallel with the fuselage (leading to trailing edge).