Non soviet cold war aircraft

There was a period during the Cold War (50's and 60's) when fighter aircraft in particular had bare metal finishes and also very high visibility markings as well. Perhaps it had to do with the high speed of the jet age, but many other types of aircraft had similar paint schemes as well - including slow transport types.



Another very common paint scheme at the time, was strategic bombers (and even some fighters) painted in anti-flash white, for protection against the blinding flash associated with nuclear explosions. That tradition continues with the Tu-160 White Swan to this day.

I think it all changed with the advent of the Vietnam War - combat aircraft reverted back to camouflage paint jobs. Low level penetration for bombers also brought back cammo for these types. The US Navy was an exception with most still painted in high viz colours and markings. Eventually it all changed to low viz markings and paint jobs.

Mir wrote:I think it all changed with the advent of the Vietnam War - combat aircraft reverted back to camouflage paint jobs. Low level penetration for bombers also brought back cammo for these types. The US Navy was an exception with most still painted in high viz colours and markings. Eventually it all changed to low viz markings and paint jobs.

I realize this is about Soviet historical military aircraft, but since we're on the bare metallic/camo scheme topic I figured a quick share won't hurt anyone!

One of the shiniest, bare metal specimens I have ever seen was this P-51 Mustang at an airshow in Connecticut a few years ago.  Check out the gleaming metal on this thing.





Later flew a heritage flight missing one generation in there, but that's ok.
Oh look, Gary, your favorite flying fat pig! lmaaoooo.

Talk about shiny things!



I have a good couple of favourite American planes with the SR-71 (A-12 and YF-17 included) topping the list.
I definitely have a thing for the big swing wings like the original B-1A, the F-111 family and the F-14 as well - all three coming in 2nd place.
Third place on its own is the original YF-16 - it was and still is a fantastic design.

The YF-16 converted into CCV configuration.

@GarryB

Perhaps you can change "Shiny" to "Favourite"?

B-58 very shiny