Tests were performed on the wings of Avro Ansons and DeHavilland Mosquitos in Australia during World War II to determine the effect of camouflage and temperature. It was found that the temperature inside the wings were between 80-90C. This caused concern for RAAF engineers with the Mosquito as it was made with balsa, plywood and glue. Two remedies were offered. One, paint the aircraft in silver doping which reduced the temperature by 10C. The other was to use a stronger glue.
Photo: AWM Collections. No.OG3291 We have to wonder if this had any effect on why so many Bristol Fighters of No.1 Squadron were white in the early part of 1918. It appears they standardised to PC10 by the mid-part of the year but there were numerous photos of white or partially white aircraft.
Bristol Fighter B1148 of Lieutenant H.A. Blake and Lieutenant E.A. Mulford is an excellent example. (more)
