Although born with the Union Balloon Corps of the Civil War, U.S. Army Aviation traces its modern roots to the mid-1942 formation of organic observer units operating in support of artillery. Since then, it has expanded to become a potent world-recognized force serving in conflicts such as the Vietnam and Gulf Wars. Indeed, the Huey helicopter is one of the most recognized icons of the war from the 1960s and 1970s.

Histories of the bombers and fighters of the Air Force, Marine Corps, and Navy, however, have largely overshadowed Army Aviation's history. When treated at all in studies of aircraft camouflage and markings, it has been the barely considered stepchild of the military family.

With the publication of U.S. Army Aviation Color Schemes and Markings, 1942-1999, the picture at last changes. Relying on scores of primary source documents, Lennart Lundh focuses exclusively on how Army Aviation's aircraft have been painted and marked during nearly sixty years of service. Official changes in exterior schemes, interior colors, and all forms of markings are mapped. Exceptions to "the rules" are also discussed. Of additional interest to the hitorian and enthusiast will be the wealth of material covering unofficial comouflage patterns, personal markings, and demonstation team aircraft.

Complementing the text is a superb visual survey of Army Aviation color schemes and markings. This is comprised of over six hundred photos and drawings taken directly from Army manuals, manufacturers' files, private collections, and the archives of the Army and Air Force.

• Hardcover
• 208 pages