RAF Recognition Bits

There were a myriad publications dealing with aircraft recognition during WWII and after. A few of the interesting ones are shown.

   

AP1480A Recognition Handbook

AP1480A was a handy 8 x 5 inch book that was issued in several parts, the one shown here being concerned with British aircraft.

'Not to be taken in the Air' was a fair instruction, given the comprehensive nature of the contents.

 
AP1480ACover
   

Left hand Page

The left hand page would show the aircraft in various poses and would give basic facts on its performance.

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AP1480A Pics
   

Right hand Page

The right hand page would show the silhouettes and any further information that might be of interest.

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AP1480A Pics
   

The Inter-Services Journal on Aircraft Recognition

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The Inter-Services Journal on Aircraft Recognition
 

The Inter-Services Journal on Aircraft Recognition was one of the ways in which the services tried to improve aircraft recognition skills. Published monthly, it contained articles, updates on new aircraft types, and set tests. Above is a typical example of a silhouette test.

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typical example of a "From Different Angles" test

 

   

Silhouettes in the Sky

This quite useful little booklet, produced in 1943 by a civilian publisher, contained descriptions of the major types of allied warplane and included a simple cardboard device for estimating their height when seen flying above.

 
Silhouettes in the Sky
   

Sample Page

The sample page shows the subject aircraft in a flying pose and also in plan silhouette.

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Sample Page
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Scientific Height Finder

 

The Scientific Height Finder

The Scientific Height Finder was a simple pair of pieces of cardboard, pivoted at the base, which allowed the user to check the height of an aircraft of known type flying overhead. The height finder was held 18 inches from the eye and the aircraft type portion was adjusted until the wingtips touched the edges of the gap at the top. The type of aircraft could then be matched to the relevant curved height line to the right.

It actually worked quite well!

   

Joint Services Pocket Folder 1955

This shows the title page of a fold out pamphlet produced by the Joint Services committee. It is most interesting from the point of view that all it shows are small silhouettes - had the committee simply gone to WH Smiths and put in a bulk order for the 1955 Observers Book of Aircraft they would have had silhouettes of all of the aircraft types featured in the pamphlet; plus photographs and performance figures.

And the Observers Book of Aircraft was not Restricted...

AMP326C

 

 
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