|
|
Post by fmcflyii / Frank A McFall II on Jan 2, 2016 16:17:30 GMT 9
Help Help Help .... In my request for help restoring my F-106 Ejection Seat, I also was able to luckily acquire an instrument panel and rudder peddles and as luck would have it, I know they were once installed within an F-106 assigned to the Montana ANG. I'd love to restore them but I've been having a heck of a time identifying the FS color used by the Montana ANG to paint them. If anyone who was assigned with the 186th FIS during that time, or if anyone knows of someone who was assigned there, your help wold be greatly appreciated if you can point me in their direction. Additionally, there's 2 stories floating around on why the cockpits were painted as such; a) Blue was supposedly easier on the eyes, so the Montana ANG decided to test it out on their 106's so the pilots could focus on the instruments easier. and b) to pay tribute to the Russian Pilot of the MiG-25 Foxbat who defected where the cockpit was painted the unique color of blue. My question is, is there anyone who can shed light on which story is true?   |
|
|
|
Post by Jim on Jan 3, 2016 0:45:03 GMT 9
Help Help Help .... Additionally, there's 2 stories floating around on why the cockpits were painted as such; a) Blue was supposedly easier on the eyes, so the Montana ANG decided to test it out on their 106's so the pilots could focus on the instruments easier. and b) to pay tribute to the Russian Pilot of the MiG-25 Foxbat who defected where the cockpit was painted the unique color of blue. My question is, is there anyone who can shed light on which story is true? |
|
|
|
Post by pat perry on Jan 3, 2016 6:05:02 GMT 9
Help Help Help .... Additionally, there's 2 stories floating around on why the cockpits were painted as such; a) Blue was supposedly easier on the eyes, so the Montana ANG decided to test it out on their 106's so the pilots could focus on the instruments easier. and b) to pay tribute to the Russian Pilot of the MiG-25 Foxbat who defected where the cockpit was painted the unique color of blue. My question is, is there anyone who can shed light on which story is true? This string of cockpit photos: www.bing.com/images/search?q=f-106+cockpit+photos&view=detailv2&id=D438BD268C3C0EF4773EDF6144794C8FDBB7DC69&selectedindex=1&ccid=8AWYQ88F&simid=607999518346709569&thid=OIP.Mf0059843cf05c0a301542763f36d268fo0&mode=overlay&first=1
See also: www.bing.com/images/search?q=F-106+Delta+Dart+Cockpit&FORM=IRIBIP
seems to indicate most cockpit and ejections seats were painted shades of grey (could be the same grey with just poor lighting in the photo). The face plates for the gauges and control panels were all flat black which covered most of the grey anyway.
I agree with Jim that the paint shop may have had to mix paints (insignia blue & white) to get to grey if they were out of correct grey paint.
Your post reminded me of something I read years ago where the F-106 exterior grey color was tested using F-16 exterior sky blue which was thought to make the aircraft less visible at altitude. I believe it was determined that advantage was so small that it did not justify the cost to change paint colors. Wish I could find that article.
Thanks, Pat P.
|
|
|
|
Post by LBer1568 on Jan 3, 2016 7:10:25 GMT 9
Well I recognize the instrument panel as a "round-eye" and not the majority vertical gauges. Many of the Montana birds were McGuire by way of Dover. As to the color, The flat black was better for night flying as it prevented glare. Most, if not all aircraft use flat black as it is better with night vision goggles as well. Daytime pictures would be prettier with the light blue.
back in early 60's we had several of our Sixes at McGuire painted with varying shaded of light blue/white on bottom and light green on top. The object was to test effects in air combat situations. Light blue/white on bottom would help camo from ground and green/browns helped camo in low altitude from sight from above. Never heard any of outcome, but they were repainted not long after putting them back to square one paint. We also had a couple Test Squadron birds in same paint scheme at Tyndall when I was there 67-71.
Lorin
|
|
|
|
Post by Jim on Jan 3, 2016 10:36:13 GMT 9
Thanks Pat for the links. The bottom link was a memory freshener...... In the PE docks when I was the branch chief (62-63) we used a spray can paint made by Krylon that said it was a lacquer Light Gray, Flat finish to touch up in the cockpits- floor,seat and side trim panels. Same we used in the T-38....... Want to come close? ?? Use brand NOW gray primer and you will be close enough.... In another 10 years we will be so old that if it is gray , we will say, "yep, I remember the gray stuff in the cockpit". Paint it to where it looks good and be happy that you have got something that very few people have.........
|
|
?? Use brand NOW gray primer and you will be close enough.... In another 10 years we will be so old that if it is gray , we will say, "yep, I remember the gray stuff in the cockpit". Paint it to where it looks good and be happy that you have got something that very few people have......... 
