Camouflage Commentary 1:

One and the Same?

Fw 190 A-8 “Blue / Brown” 6, WNr.175140, 7. or 8./II./JG 26

David E. Brown

January 2010

This Focke-Wulf 190 A-8 is a well known aircraft having been extensively photographed after its capture, with many of these images published in books over the years.  For such a well-known aircraft, based on the oft-published Imperial War Museum photograph, it has nevertheless created no end of speculation and discussion as to its true identity.  Various reports and photos of it provide contradictory information on the colour of its markings, and thus its unit identity; either “Braun 9” or “Blau 9” of 7. or 8./JG 26 respectively. Hopefully, this modest investigation will offer compelling evidence to solve this mystery as well as reveal important information regarding its camouflage colours. In addition, it sports a rather unique camouflage scheme that supports the view that RLM colour 77 Hellgrau was systematically used as a complimentary colour to greys RLM 74 and 75 on mid and late war Bf 109s, Fw 190s and other aircraft.