[net.aviation] Aircraft Colors?

jrf@hp-pcd.UUCP (07/07/83)

#N:hp-pcd:2600001:000:143
hp-pcd!jrf    Jul  6 11:39:00 1983



Why are aircraft usually light colors? White or silver(aluminum)  Seems they
would be more difficult to detect (and avoid a collision)

jrf

Gobbel.PA@PARC-MAXC.ARPA (07/11/83)

I'm not sure why (or if) it's important for metal aircraft, but
fiberglass that's expected to be out in the sun for extended periods has
to be painted in light colors or it can get hot enough to liquefy the
epoxy it's largely composed of.  I would assume that temperature is also
the reason for painting other aircraft in light colors - you do
occasionally see dark-colored airplanes.

	-Randy

seifert@ihuxl.UUCP (07/15/83)

It sounds strange that fiberglass would melt in sunlight if painted
a dark color (colour for you British types). I know I have seen
Corvettes painted dark colors, although I suspect that the fiberglass
used in airplanes is probably different than that used in plastic
roller skates.  ( A mechanic friend of mine says that 'vette
fiberglass is actually VERY heavy, it takes at least six people
to lift the body off the car. Obviously this would be unacceptable
in an aircraft ...or a serious car.)	;-)

Anyone know if there are different types of fiberglass?

				Dave Seifert
				ihnp4!ihuxl!seifert