More and more USAF aircraft noted without serials

Recently, various media and plane spotter websites are spreading the news that more and more USAF, especially Air Mobility Command (AMC), aircraft are flying around without clearly legible serial numbers and unit markings.

There is plenty speculation about the exact motive, and although the how and why of this action is not clear, Scramble Magazine, as one of the largest user and distributor of USAF serial numbers, will try to list a few pros and cons.

The absence of USAF serial numbers and unit markings on particular aircraft could well be a new policy due to Operational Security (OPSEC) measures. If this is the case, the USAF, following the example of the People's Republic of China, which has recently provided many Air Force and Navy aircraft with toned-down serial numbers, will certainly succeed in those OPSEC measures.

Making mistakes, operational problems and international laws
Although having OPSEC success, the absence of visible serial numbers will have major consequences for USAF planners, ground staff, maintenance personnel and pilots. Scramble assesses that it will be to such an extent that it will no longer be workable (in the long term) and will cause operational problems.

Then there are the international laws and standards. You may also wonder whether it is allowed, not to carry external serial numbers, on purpose, while flying internationally.

To be continued.

Photo by Adrian Stürmer