3rd Pursuit Group Markings Guide

[DeFreest Larner]

Greetings, all! 

I'm very excited to share with our frenemies at J.G.1 some sneak-peeks at the upcoming skin pack for the 3rd Pursuit Group. Meticulous historical research has gone into the 3rd P.G pack in order to give it as much historical grounding as possible, down to the tiniest detail! This includes factory serial numbers, stencilling and camouflage patterns, individually painted Indian heads for the 103rd, and historically correct and unique markings for each squadron. Some of our aircraft even have replacement parts and patched-up bullet holes! 

Without further ado - here are the markings of our four units!

 

The 103rd Aero Squadron: 

The unit you all know and love to hate - the 103rd is our 'Heritage Squadron' - the original unit that has now developed to form the first Squadron of the 3rd Pursuit Group. The 103rd's Indian Head is steeped in tradition, dating back to the Lafayette Escadrille of old. 

Squadron Markings:

The 103rd display yellow fuselage and wing numbers with a black outline. Their Squadron Recognition Code is a green band with two red stripes.

 

Unique Markings:

Some aircraft of the 103rd have small personal insignia painted underneath the cockpits - but for the most part, they keep it plain and simple!

 

The 93rd Aero Squadron: 

The second squadron of the 3rd Pursuit Group to be activated, the 93rd have already been causing trouble over the front. Their heritage traces back to the 103rd Aero Squadron's infamous 3rd Flight.

Squadron Markings:

The 93rd display white fuselage and wing numbers with a red outline. Their Squadron Recognition Code is a green band with three red stripes.

 

Unique Markings:

Pilots display one victory marking on the Indian head's necklace for every 10 aerial victories during a single V-Life. 

 

The 213th Aero Squadron: 

The third squadron to be activated with the 3rd Pursuit Group, the 213th is currently the largest Squadron in the group. Their heritage traces back to the 103rd Aero Squadron's 2nd Flight. 

 

 

Squadron Markings:

The 213th display black fuselage and wing numbers with a white outline. Their Squadron Recognition Code is a red band with three green stripes.

 

 

Unique Markings:

Each aircraft of the 213th bears a name underneath the cockpit.

 

 

And last, but not least:

The 28th Aero Squadron: 

As of yet, the 28th Aero Squadron remains inactive. However, we are hoping to gain some new recruits in the near future to fill its ranks! 

Squadron Markings:

The 28th display blue fuselage and wing numbers. The fuselage numbers are against a white backdrop. Their Squadron Recognition Code is a red band with two green stripes.

 

Unique Markings:

None as of yet. 

 

 

Other Markings: 
 

Squadron C.Os are permitted to display a unique nose cowling, as well as a fuselage stripe (typically tricolour). The numbers '0' and '1' are also typically used by Squadron C.Os for further identification. 

Pilots, after scoring 3 victories, are allowed to paint a small insignia or legend underneath the cockpit. This was a historical practice by the United States Air Service, and one we replicate within our unit! 

 

Each Squadron is divided into three flights, which are signified by the coloured nose cowlings: Red for 1st Flight, White for 2nd Flight and Blue for 3rd Flight. 

 

[IRFC Hawkeye]

Really outstanding work, beautiful skins!  So happy to see the expansion of the USAS going so successfully!

S!

[Klaiber]

Outstanding work, Larner!