AMC removing markings - thoughts and opinions

[K-9]

What a bummer for the number crunchers...
I believe this rule is only for AMC, not for ANG, USAFE and so.

[Fishbed_9307]

What a bummer for the number crunchers...
I believe this rule is only for AMC, not for ANG, USAFE and so.

Not only for the number crunchers, when you photographed one, you basically have 'em all..

[Le Addeur noir]

What a bummer for the number crunchers...
I believe this rule is only for AMC, not for ANG, USAFE and so.

Yet. AMC gained units could follow suit.

Rumors that AMC has developed paint to make their airplanes totally invisible in all weather conditions have been officially denied.

[SBGrad]

What a bummer for the number crunchers...
I believe this rule is only for AMC, not for ANG, USAFE and so.

Not only for the number crunchers, when you photographed one, you basically have 'em all..

I respectfully disagree. The so called 'chrome' F-22s and F-35s being an obvious exception. Pods and ordnance hanging off the bird being another example-- I don't remember the numbers of the Super Hornet at Grey Flag, but I wanted it for the next gen HARM hanging off the rail.

Not to mention photographers that are not 'photo loggers '. The numbers on the bird matter very little when you are shooting them in the wild, say Mach Loop, Sidewinder, etc. Same again with air show flying displays, if I'm capturing burner flames, crazy vapor, or even like yesterday, the crew waving to me as they taxi, I don't even notice numbers.

[Fishbed_9307]

Well let’s agree to disagree. I agree that the dynamics of a fighter in action can result in some nice pictures but the is very little difference between an AMC aircraft in action. It is really the various unit markings which make them interesting for me.

[Key]

Well let’s agree to disagree.

As always: each to his own.

On a different note, an interesting point brought up elsewhere: is this even legal? It may be under mil directives but especially AMC aircraft utilise a lot of civil infrastructure. I haven't delved into the rules but I could imagine that for instance civil ATC and flightplan-related SAR coverage require external registration marks of a certain size. Very curious as to how this will develop.


Erik

[ehusmann]

Here is hoping that one of two things will happen. Either a series of incidents (no accident, but enough to scare the sh*t out of people) due to pilots picking up the wrong plane on the flightline. Or indeed someone in power protesting this. Perhaps other nations where these planes fly to could start complaining that they cannot identify them en start denying landing rights (if that's possible at all). One thing is already starting, watchdogs in the US have questioned it already.
https://www.yahoo.com/news/air-mobility ... 12464.html

[Key]

Picking up the wrong plane seems highly unlikely to me (apart from not sure what sort of incidents that would lead to): if you don't see large numbers to confirm your assigned bird is where ops said it is, you check the small numbers - i.e. the data block or ship's documents.

The Yahoo article gives mostly opinions if you ask me, and not-too-strong reasoning. The interesting quote though, IMHO, is this one from 'James Stewart, a spokesman for Air Mobility Command': "(...) our aircraft will maintain markings as required by law"


Erik

[patrick dirksen]

That is indeed the quote I noticed as well, regarding the "markings required by law".
Years ago I had a guided tour at Middle Wallop, where our guide told us the only reason the Apaches actually carried a tail number was because of the law (British or inernational I don't know/remember). He said it was as small as allowed. And that matches with the A.109s the SAS operated in the past, these DID have a serial, but for example in white on a white surface.....
However how does this match with the French VIP fleet? Their Falcons haven't carried external serials for a long time, and the new VIP A.330s don't either.

[Gerard]

I tried googling it, unfortunately without success, so I know that I am walking on thin ice with this statement, but…..
if I remember correctly, the only markings required by international law, are the national flag of the country of registration

[Sines]

As most spotters do the numbers one way or another. I'd say this finishes off 80% of spotters at the fences the first year. Followed by some 15% more the next. That is, if it applies to all aircraft and other air forces go this way as well. So smart move on their behalf.

[CJ]

Not so sure how hot this topic is, but I drove by Seymour-Johnson and Charleston and all the (7)KC-46As and (14) C-17As had their usual markings in place. Same for Charlotte C-17s a few days ago.

[SquAdmin]

AMC is currently run by a commander who seems to steer his fleet away from its primary tasks (cargo and AAR) and convert the aircraft into missile launch platforms through the Rapid Dragon program. Also has some weird ideas around personal arms for each service member and encourages them to "aim for the head" (I'm not kidding here).

Matter of time before this guy is relieved from his duty and sanity returns...

[Jovel]

Weet iemand wat momenteel de stand van zaken is?
Zijn er al waarnemingen gedaan van registratieloze AMC kisten op bv. Mildenhall of Ramstein?

[SquAdmin]

In dit artikel zie je wat voorbeelden, waarvan 1 op Spang:
https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/a ... -incognito