Night Fighters Colors
In January 1937 the experimental night fighter unit Nachtjägerkette J/88 was formed in Spain with three Arado Ar 68 E-1 biplane fighters powered by 680 hp. Jumo 210 Ea engines and armed with two 7.92-mm MG 17 machine guns.
All three aircraft were equipped with Telefunken FuG VII Funksprechgerät R/T devices and painted RLM 63 Licht Grüngrau (Light Grey Green/Federal Standard FS 595B/FS 36559) overall.
In May 1939 the Luftwaffe formed the 10.(N)/JG2, the first unit specialized in night fighting, followed by the 10.(N)/JG72 in July, by the fighter school 11.(N)/LG2 in August and by the 10.(N)/JG53, 11.(N)/JG72, 11.(N)/JG2 and 10.(N)/JG26 in September.
All these units were equipped with Ar 68 E-1 fighters which were being replaced in the first-line Jagdstaffeln by the new Messerschmitt Bf 109 B monoplanes.
After becoming night fighters, the Ar 68 retained their “splinter” paint scheme RLM 70 Schwarzgrün (Black-Green FS 34050)/RLM 71 Dunkelgrün (Dark Green FS 34079)/RLM 65 Hellblau (Bright Blue FS 35414).
In September 1939 the Luftwaffe began using the Ar 68 F-1 model (205 mph-330 km/h) in nocturnal patrols, these aircraft were painted overall in RLM 22 Schwarz (Black FS 37038) and equipped with Reflex Visier IIIa night reflector gunsight and anti-glare flame dampers exhausts which reduced their flight performance.
The Arado Ar 68 F-1night fighters (205 mph-330 km/h) were expected to have the opportunity to attack some night intruders held by the searchlights, but it was discovered that night fighter pilots could only see them flying at a lower altitude and that during the interception climb the fighter lost too much speed and the intruder managed to escape.
The Oberkommando der Luftwaffe (OKL) understood that it needed a faster night fighter, and the Messerschmitt Bf 109 was pressed into the role during the summer of 1939.
Early in 1940 the planes still retained their day paint scheme RLM 71 Dunkelgrün (Dark Green FS34079)/RLM 02 Grau (Grey FS 36165)/RLM 65 Hellblau (Bright Blue FS35414) with ‘N’+ radio-code and the Kennziffer (individual number) in White, Black or Yellow, some Bf 109 D-1 from Straussberg were painted in RLM 70 Schwarzgrün (Black Green FS 34050)/RLM 71Dunkelgrün (Dark Green FS34079)/ RLM 65 Hell blau (Bright Blue FS 35414) and some fighters from Döberitz and Jever were overall repainted in RLM 22 Schwarz (Black FS 37038).
In July 1940 the Bf 109 C-1s still retained their day paint scheme RLM 71 Dunkelgrün (Dark Green FS 34079)/RLM 02 Grau (Grey FS 36165)/RLM 65 Hellblau (Bright Blue FS 35414), with ‘- +’ radio-code and the Kennziffer in Red.
In November-December of 1940 the Messerschmitt Bf 109-night fighters began to be replaced by twin engine airplanes Dornier Do 17, Dornier Do 215, Junkers Ju 88 and Messerschmitt Bf 110 with Fernnachtjagd (long-range night fighting) capability.
Only the 10./NJG1 of Düsseldorf, the 11./NJG2 of Butzweilerhof, the Kommando Losigkeit -Vaernes and the 4./Nachtjagdschule of Ingoldstadt continued to use some Bf 109 E-4 and E-7 until March 1942.
The paint scheme was RLM 22 Schwarz (Satin Black FS 37038) overall with RLM 23 Rot (Red FS 31136) codes and the individual letter outlined in RLM 21 Weiss (White FS 37886).
The Messerschmitt Bf 110 C-1 was modified as a night fighter with the installation of a Revi C/12C night reflex gunsight, an R/T FuG IIIa U equipment and new downward-facing exhaust stubs to avoid glare.
The first Bf 110 C-1s used in October 1940 by the 1./NJG3 still retained the standard daytime 'splinter' pattern RLM 70 Schwarzgrün (Black-Green FS 34050)/RLM 71 Dunkelgrün (Dark Green FS 34079)/RLM 65 Hellblau (Bright Blue FS 35414), as well as the Bf 110 C-2 from the 6./ZG2 that they only differed from the first version in the engine cowling and in the installation of a FuG 10 R/T equipment with different aerial wires.
The Bf 110 C-3 was armed with two MG FF/M cannons, a more powerful version that fired thick walled Minengeschoss explosive shells.
This version was used by the 2./NJG4 and 7./NJG4 in early 1941, the paint scheme was RLM 22 (Satin Black semi-matt FS 37038) overall with RLM 77 Lichtgrau (Grey FS 36492) codes and individual letter outlined in RLM 21 Weiss (White FS 37886).
The Bf 110 C-4 was powered by two DB 601 N engines, with 96 octane C3 fuel this version could be recognized externally by the new rear canopy panel and by the elimination of the Hüsenwanne (ventral case holder for empty cartridges).
This version was used by the 2./NJG1, 4./NJG1, 6./NJG1, 1./NJG3 and 7./NJG4 with RLM 22 Schwarz (Satin Black FS 37038) overall paint scheme, RLM 23 Rot (Red FS 31136) codes in 1941 and RLM 77 Lichtgrau (Light Grey FS 36492) codes in 1942. The 1./NJG3 airplanes based at Catania-Sicily had the white fuselage band identification marking of Mediterranean Front.
The Bf 110 C-6 was armed with one 30-mm Rheinmetall Mk 101 anti-tank cannon, housed in a ventral pack and one ZFR 3B telescopic gunsight. Only twelve aircraft of this type were built, during the summer of 1940. Some C-6s were used in February 1942 by the 4./NJG1, based in Venlo-Netherlands, by which time they had already been overall painted in RLM 22 Schwarz (Satin Black FS 37038).
At least three other aircraft were used by the III./ZG 26 at the Mediterranean theatre.
The Bf 110 D-2 was a long-range version equipped with one Dackelbauch (ventral fixed fuel tank) containing 1,050 liters of fuel and 106 liters of oil.
This model was used by the I./ZG76 in the summer of 1940, with RLM 70 Schwarzgrün (Black-Green FS 34050)/RLM 71 Dunkelgrün (Dark Green FS 34079)/RLM 02 Grau (Grey FS 36165) paint scheme and by the 5./ZG26 the 5./NJG1 and the 7./NJG1in the spring of 1941, with overall RLM 22 Schwarz (Satin Black FS 37038) paint scheme, RLM 23 Rot (Red FS 31136) codes in 1941 and RLM 77 Lichtgrau (Light Grey FS 36492) codes in 1942.
The Bf 110 E-1/U1 was very similar, externally differentiated by a rectangular inlet in the nose, a new type of tail wheel, with scissor link and rudder tabs with increased surface. Internally the cockpit was reformed to accommodate a third crew member Leitofficier (Control Officer) and the new FuG 25 Erstling IFF device, installed in the summer of 1942.
'U1' stood for Umrüst-bausätze (Factory Modification Kit) to indicate that the aircraft had been modified as a night fighter.
During service with the 1./ZG26 the Bf 110 E-1/U1 used the RLM 70/71/02 standard paint scheme which was replaced by overall RLM 22 Satin Black, with RLM 77 codes and individual letter outlined in White, when they started operating with the 1./NJG1 and the 7./NJG4. At that time the aircraft had been equipped with armored windshields and capped spinners.
The Messerschmitt E-3 had more streamlined engine nacelles, armored windscreen, auxiliary drop tanks, nose air intake and capped spinners.
It was used as night fighter by 4./NJG1, 7./NJG3, 8./NJG3 and 9./NJG3.
The paint scheme was RLM 22 overall with RLM 77 codes, the NJG airplanes had the Hailfishgruppe (shark mouth) painted under the nose in RLM 23 Rot (Red FS 31136).
The Bf 110 F-2 was the night fighter version of the F-1 Jagdbomber with the ETC 500 bomb rack deleted and 57 mm armor glass windshield.
The type was used by the 10(Z)./JG5 in Petsamo-Finland during the summer of 1942.
The paint scheme was the official ‘splinter pattern’ RLM 74 Graugrun (Grey-Green FS 36801)/RLM 75 Grauviolett (Grey-Violet FS 36122) upper surfaces with over sprayed blotches of RLM 77 and RLM 76 Lichtblau (Light Blue FS 36473) undersurfaces, with low fuselage demarcation. RLM 22 Schwarz (Black FS 37038) codes.
In 1942 several Bf 110 F-4/U1 'Cat's Eyes' from II./NJG4 were armed with 2x30-mm MK 108 cannons in 80 degrees Schräge Musik configuration with the ventral gun pack removed. The DB 601 F engines were equipped with night flame dampers and the R/T device was replaced by a FuG 10P HF.
The paint scheme was overall RLM 22 Satin Black, with RLM 77 codes and individual letter outlined in White.
By 1943, the paint scheme was RLM 74 Graugrun (Grey-Green FS 36801)/RLM 75 Grauviolett (Grey-Violet FS 36122) upper surfaces, RLM 76 Lichtblau under surfaces and RLM 77 Lichtgrau codes.
In 1943 some Bf 110 G-2/U1 “Cat's Eyes” with 90-mm bulletproof windshield and two 300 lt. underwings drop tanks, fought in Russia with the7./NJG 1 and 5./NJG 300 and in Stavanger-Norway with the 12./NJG3 in 1945.
The paint scheme was ‘splinter’ RLM 74 Graugrun (Grey-Green FS 36801)/RLM 75 Grauviolett (Grey-Violet FS 36122) upper surfaces, RLM 77 mottled fuselage sides, RLM 76 Lichtblau (Light Blue FS 35414) under surfaces and RLM 77 Lichtgrau codes.
The Norwegian planes were camouflaged in RLM 76 upper surfaces and RLM 22 under surfaces.
The Bf 110 G-4/U1 was used as “Cat's Eyes” night fighter by the Stab NJG3 in August 1943, by the 3./NJG1 in March 1944 and by the 8./NJG1 in May 1945.
These planes were equipped with 2x20-mm MG 151/20 cannons (with angled Revi C/12 D reflector sight) in Schräge Musik configuration, one FuG 16 ZY R/T and D/F set and one FuG 25 IFF device.
MG 151 cannons were often replaced by two MG FF cannons which were available in sufficient numbers.
The paint scheme was ‘splinter’ RLM 74 Graugrun (Grey-Green FS 36801)/RLM 75 Grauviolett (Grey-Violet FS 36122) upper surfaces, RLM 77 mottled fuselage sides, RLM 76 Lichtblau (Light Blue FS 35414) under surfaces and RLM 77 Lichtgrau codes.
During the summer of 1940 it was formed in Gilze-Rijen/Netherlands the NJG2, one specialized Fernnachtjagd Gruppe (long-range fighter unit) with four Nachtjagd staffeln (night fighter squadrons) of Junkers Ju 88 C-2-night intruders.
The availability of this model was scarce (less than three per cent of production) because the bomber units KG2, KG3, KG76 and KG 77 began to exchange its Dornier Do 17 Z-2 bombers (218 mph-350 km/h) for Ju 88 As.
The Oberkommando der Luftwaffe (OKL) decided to equip the 2./NJG2 with modified Do 17s and Dornier Werke was instructed to investigate their adaptation as a long-range intruders for interim use.
Tests were conducted with the Do 17 Z-2 (R4+ZK) with an MG FF cannon fitted under the glazed nose, RLM 70 Schwarzgrün (Black-Green FS 34050)/RLM 71 Dunkelgrün (Dark Green FS 34079) upper surfaces and RLM 22 Schwarz (Black FS 37038) under surfaces. This aircraft was used by the Oberleutnant Werner Streib in the shooting down of a Whitley bomber during the night 20/21 July 1940.
The new version, named Do 17 Z-7 Kauz I, had the crew reduced to three members and was painted RLM 22 Satin Black overall, with RLM 77 Lichtgrau (Grey FS36492) codes and the individual letter outlined in White.
On November 9, 1940 the Kauz I (R4+HK) from 2./NJG was shot down by British night fighters, this model did not have much success but also few combat losses, By June 1941 the 2./NJG2 still had six operational aircraft in Gilze-Rijen.
During the spring of 1941 the 4./NJG2 used some Kauz IIIs for intruder sorties over British bomber bases.
In July the G9+OM intruder was converted to carry the low-UHF band AI radar FuG 202 Lichtenstein B/C. During one operational trial conducted the night of 8/9 August 1941, the Dornier downed one Wellington bomber from No. 301 (GR) Squadron.
In February 1942 the B/C radar was operational with all the Kauz III night fighters from I./NJG in Gilze-Rijen and II./NJG2 in Leeuwarden.
The paint scheme of the type in 1941 was overall RLM 22 Schwarz (Satin Black FS 37038) with RLM 77 Lichtgrau (Light Grey FS 3649) fuselage codes and the individual letter outlined in RLM 77.
In May the Balkenkreuz national markings of the wings were overpainted RLM 22 in some airplanes from 4./NJG1.
Early in 1942 the II./NJG2 painted its night fighters with RLM 75 Grauviolett (Grey-Violet FS 36122) upper surfaces, RLM 76 Lichtblau (Light Blue FS 36473) undersurfaces and RLM 22 codes.
By the summer the Kauz IIIs paint scheme from the II./NJG2 was RLM 74 Graugrun (Grey-Green FS 36801)/RLM 75 Grauviolett (Grey-Violet FS 36122) upper surfaces, RLM 76 Lichtblau under surfaces and RLM 77 Lichtgrau codes.
In June 1942 the Ju 88 A-4 bomber (R4+CK) was used in night intruder missions by the 2./NJG2, this aircraft was overall painted RLM 22 Satin Black.
In November 1943 one Ju 86 C-6 was tested by the Erprobungskommando 25-Tarnewitz with two oblique MK 108/30 cannons in Schräge Musik configuration and the Ju 88 A-4 (NN+CX) with four upward-firing MG 151/20 cannons.
Both aircraft were transferred to the I./NJG100 and I./NJG4 for operational combat trials until the end of the year.
In May 1944 the Ju 88 C-6 (R4+DA) was experimentally equipped with one FuG 351Z Korfu passive homing device, with better range (300 km) and discrimination that Naxos, and dorsal mounted antenna, covering 1,660 to 11,100 frequencies used by all Allied AI radars.
Early C-6s were factory camouflaged in the standard ‘splinter’ scheme RLM 70 Schwarzgrün (Black Green FS 34050)/RLM 71 Dunkelgrün (Dark Green FS 34079) upper surfaces and RLM 65 Hellblau (Bright Blue FS 35414) under surfaces.
During the winter of 1942-43 some airplanes were painted overall with RLM 77 Lichtgrau (Light Grey FS 36492) or RLM 65 with upper surfaces speckled in RLM 75 Grauviolett (Grey Violet FS 36122), RLM 22 Schwarz (Black FS 37038) codes with the individual letter outlined in RLM 77.
In 1943 some aircraft from Stab IV./NJG5 based at Bryanks-Orel and II./NJG2 based at Comiso-Sicily had the undersurfaces painted in RLM 22.
The East Front identification markings from NJG 100 and NJG 200 were RLM 04 Gelb (Yellow FS 23539) undersides of wingtips and fuselage band.
The Mediterranean Front markings were RLM 21 Weiss (White FS 37886) underside of wingtips and fuselage band.
In March 1944 some C-6s from 2./NJG2 had the starboard wing under surface painted in RLM 22 for Flak identification.
In October 1944, the Ju 88 A-4 bomber (R4+QV), armed with one MG FF cannon, was used by the 10./NJG2 as emergency fighter, this aircraft was painted RLM 70 Schwarzgrün (Black-Green FS 34050)/RLM 71 Dunkelgrün (Dark Green FS 34079) in the upper surfaces, RLM 22 Schwarz (Satin Black FS 37038) under surfaces and RLM 04 Gelb (Yellow FS 33538) in the engine cowlings.
During the Winter Blitz of 1940 Major Hans-Joachim Hermann from III.KG 30 observed that the silhouettes of the German bombers were very visible when flying over clouds illuminated from below by the British searchlights.
Early in 1943 he proposed to the Luftwaffenführungsstab (Luftwaffe’s Tactics Group) the creation of an experimental unit, consisting of single engine day fighters, which would use these special lighting conditions to attack British bombers when they flew over the Reich's night defenses.
To test the effectiveness of this tactic, called Wilde Sau, on April 22 the Nachtjagdversuchskommando (N.J.V.K.) was formed with twelve unmodified Messerschmitt Bf 109 G-6 and Focke-Wulf Fw 190 A-5-day fighters and pilots experienced in blind flying, former bomber KG 50 stuka, transport and blind flying instructors from Fluglehrschule Brandenburg-Briest and Schiesschule Vaerlöse.
At the beginning of June, the (N.J.V.K.) moved to Berlin to carry out joint exercises with the Flak. To facilitate communication, an identification system was agreed using flares, light beams rotating searchlights, Flak tracers with codified colors, Leuchtstrasse (illuminated alleys) between airfields, searchlights pattern navigation aids and launch of magnesium rockets to illuminate the clouds from below.
To prevent friendly fire the Flak ceiling was limited to 19,680 ft. (6,000 m).
End of June the (N.J.V.K.) moved to Mönchen-Gladbach-Ruhr achieving the destruction of eighty RAF bombers in eight weeks.
It was hoped that the Wilde Säue fighters could be vectored by ground controllers to the ‘Bomber Stream’ via radio link.
After the successes obtained in the Ruhr, the experimental (N.J.V.K.) became the 30 Jagddivision, on September 26, 1943.
The Jagddivision, based at Bonn-Hangelar, comprised the Stab with five Fw 190 A-5/U2N and A-6 fighters, the I./JG 300 with thirty Bf 109 G-6/R6, the II./JG 300 with five Fw 190 A-4 and A-6 and the III./JG 300 with one Bf 109 T-2.
In the autumn 1943 the III./JG300 was equipped with Bf 109 G-6 night fighters, these planes was overpainted in the upper surfaces with RLM 74 Graugrün (Gray-Green FS 36801) for nighttime flights.
On February 1944 some Bf 109 G-6/R6/U4/N experimental night fighters fitted with Naxos, were operationally tested by 6./JG300, JG 302, 1./NJGr 10 and 4./NJGr 11.
The ‘R6’ code (field conversion Rüstsätz 6) indicate that the aircraft had been modified with two underwing MG 151/20 cannons harmonized to converge at 492 ft. (150 m).
Rüstsätz 4 indicate two underwing MK 108/30 cannons.
Rüstsätz 3 indicate one 300 liters ventral drop tank for 622 miles (1,000 Km) extended range.
Some Bf 109 G-6/R6 night fighters were fitted with flame shrouds over the exhausts with Eberspächer acoustic whistles to alert Flak that a German fighter was operating near the airfield.
In August 1943 entered service the Bf 109 G-6/U4 with one 30-mm MK 108 Motorkanone (engine-mounted cannon) firing through the propeller hub, only 26 units of this version were built.
The Bf 109 G-6/U2 was a high-altitude night fighter with GM-1 power boost system and liquid nitrous oxide injection in the supercharger for altitudes over 10,000 m. A taller tail unit was fitted to improve stability at high-altitude. Night equipment comprised ultra-violet illumination for the instruments panel and Revi 16B gunsight.
In the night fighter Fw 190 A-6/U2N, used by the Stab JG 300 and the 2./JG 300, the machine guns and the dorsal armor plate were removed to save weight. These aircraft were painted in RLM 74 Dunkelgraü (Dark Grey FS 36118)/RLM 75 Graüviolett (Grey-Violet FS 36122) upper surfaces and RLM 76 Lichtblau (Light Blue FS 36473) under surfaces with black starboard wing for searchlights identification.
In August 1942, the British Overseas Airways Corporation (B.O.A.C.) began to use a small number of bombers de Havilland Mosquito B. Mk. IV and B. Mk. VI adapted to transport mail and passengers between Scotland and Sweden with underwing fuel tanks, deicing system and radio navigational aids.
These aircraft were painted in overall gloss Pale Grey, but in 1944 they were repainted in Dark Green/Dark Earth/Light Aircraft Grey standard day scheme. During the war in Europe the B.O.A.C. Mosquitoes made 520 flights without being intercepted.
The B. Mk. IV, with 385 mph (619 km/h) top speed and 26,896 ft. (8,200 m) ceiling, was unattainable for the Junkers Ju 88 C and R from 2./NJG1trying to intercept it over the North Sea.
Between November 1943 and March 1944, the Aalborg-Denmark based Nachtjagdkommando 190 made numerous interception attempts, using two Fw 190 A-4/U8 (D5+ZV and D5+YV) and one Fw 190 A-5/U2N (D5+XV) without obtaining results.
These aircraft were painted in RLM 76 overall, with sprayed mottles of RLM 74/75.
The Bf 109 G-6/MW/AS fighters were painted overall RLM 76 Höhenanstrich, with a high gloss finish, some aircraft from 1./NJG10 were sprayed with the special night scheme RLM 74 Dunkelgraü (Dark Grey FS 36118)/RLM 75 Graüviolett (Grey-Violet FS 36122) over RLM 76 Lichtblau (Light Blue FS 36473) with RLM 22 Black undersides, in December 1944 one aircraft from 5./EJG2 was painted overall RLM 22.
To avoid errors to the ground crews, the G-6s modified with MW 50 had the main undercarriage legs painted RLM 23 Rot (Red FS 31136).
Some Bf 109 G-14/AS night fighters, fitted with one Spanner Anlage II infra-red telescope protruding out of the armored windshield, were used by the NJG 11 and JG 300 fighter units.
These planes were painted overall RLM 76 Lichtblau (Light Blue FS36473).
The anti-Mosquito unit NJG11, based at Fassberg, performed the last Objekt Nachjagd mission in March 1945, using Bf 109 G-10/R6 fighters painted overall RLM 76 Lichtblau (Light Blue FS36473) and Bf 109 K-4s painted RLM 76 overall with RLM 81 Braunviolett (Brown-Violet FS 34087)/RLM 83 Dunkelgrün (Dark Green FS 34083) mottles.
