Yugoslavia

VVKJ - 1939 Fighter Camouflage Scheme

The Rogozarski IK-3 fighter became operational in 1939. The prototype and the first six production run machines were initially delivered in a proposed overall light grey-green scheme intended for fighters. These seven planes were the only ones to wear this scheme, and were repainted in the standard three-colour scheme in late 1940. Their upper surfaces were sprayed with colours of British origin, while the undersides remained in the original Siva factory finish.

The Rogozarski Sivo Zelena [Rogozarski Grey Green] colour was officially referred to as Siva [Grey] and it was the official paint used by the Rogozarski factory for prototypes and aircraft interiors. This enamel-based paint was obtained by hand-mixing a white colour base with cobalt blue, ochre and black. It remains a matter of question, however, why that colour was hand mixed when the paint manufacturer Moster was producing this kind of paint as well. As can be expected from a hand mixed (and hand brush applied) paint, the colour differed greatly in hue from plane to plane.

When Rogozarski received the painting material from the UK for the licensed production of the Hurricane, the IK-3's began to be painted in the newly arrived colours, too. Although at least one machine received Sky 'Type S' undersides, the undersurfaces continued to be painted Siva. An official camouflage pattern was established, but there were so many exceptions to the rule, that maybe just one plane was painted following it closely after all.

Rogozarski IK-3 (prot.) - 1939 Fighter Scheme

Siva

Rogozarski IK-3 (br.3) Rogozarski A.D. factory, Belgrade-Zemun, Yugoslavia (now Serbia & Montenegro), Yugoslavia, 1939. Artist: © Srecko Bradic