EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2012: Centennial of Naval Aviation Paint Schemes

By Fred Harl

In 2011, the U.S. Navy celebrated its Centennial of Naval Aviation.  Included in the celebration was the Heritage Paint Project, an innovative program to emblazon current Naval aircraft in paint schemes from the past - sometimes the very distant past.  Three examples are featured here: Raytheon T-6B Texan II in the 1930-1950 "Yellow Peril" colors; Beech TC-12B Huron in 1942 tactical colors from Battle of the Coral Sea period; and McDonnell Douglas/BAe T-45C Goshawk in 1939 USS Enterprise (CV-6) Group.  The Aero Experience featured exclusive coverage of other aircraft in this series at the Sabreliner Perryville, MO facility December 2010 - January 2011.  Here are some views of the trio at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2012: