RLM 78 HELLBLAU

What the color is for

The RLM designation comes from the German regulation system of aviation colors of the Second World War, and the number 78 in it belongs to the light blue known as Hellblau. It was used on the undersurfaces of aircraft deployed in North Africa and the Mediterranean, where the sand brown RLM 79 belonged on the upper surfaces. The pair forms the basis of the so-called desert finish, so the shade serves on fighters, bombers and transport aircraft from this theater. As a soft cool blue it also suits anywhere else where the underside of an airframe is to be lightened.

Application and thinning

Stir the bottle thoroughly before use, because the pigment settles at the bottom when left standing and the shade would shift. The thinner intended for this range and the thinning ratio are stated by the manufacturer on the packaging. Light shades have weaker covering power, so lay them over a light base in several thin coats, letting the surface go tacky between them.

• the light blue shade RLM 78 Hellblau
• from the AMMO of Mig Jimenez range
• the undersurface color of German aircraft from North Africa and the Mediterranean
• matched on the upper surfaces by the sand brown RLM 79
• the thinner intended for this range, as the manufacturer instructs

Tips for the desert finish

The boundary between the blue underside and the brown upper surfaces runs along the sides of the fuselage and tends to be soft. Lower the pressure, move the nozzle closer and lead the transition freehand, or over a lifted stencil. Spray the light areas first and only then the dark ones; the opposite order costs more paint and more time. Even the surface out with a gloss clear coat before the decals, because a white bloom forms under a decal on a matte base.

Terms of supply

The model, thinner, brushes and airbrush are not part of the delivery, unless stated otherwise.