SB2U Vindicator in McClelland Barclay’s Experimental Camouflage

 SB2U Vindicator in McClelland Barclay’s Experimental Camouflage

A forgotten chapter in pre-war naval aviation

In the late 1930s and into 1940, both the U.S. Army and Navy began experimenting with camouflage techniques for their aircraft. One of the most creative—and least known—efforts came from the U.S. Navy, which collaborated with artist and naval officer Lt. Cdr. McClelland Barclay. His approach was far from conventional. Instead of mimicking natural environments, Barclay proposed bold, geometric patterns intended to confuse the eye and break up the outline of an aircraft in motion.

Several aircraft types were selected to test his ideas, including the SB2U Vindicator and the TBD-1 Devastator. Among them, Bureau Numbers 0320 and 0339 from the USS Saratoga were painted in distinct schemes identified as “Barclay Design No. 8.” This pattern featured non-reflective colors: dark navy blue, gray-blue, light gray, and white. The undersides were painted white with fine dark blue lines across the surfaces. Importantly, all markings and insignia were painted over—though wear and fading later revealed partial squadron codes like “3T” on the starboard side of BuNo 0339.

The paint used for these tests was temporary and water-based. It was designed to be removable, allowing aircraft to be returned to their standard markings after the trials. However, the lack of surface preparation meant the paint degraded quickly, especially on the exposed side of the aircraft, leading to significant chipping and flaking.

These tests took place over several weeks in the summer of 1940 and included simulated air combat and anti-aircraft defense exercises. Some aircraft were camouflaged while others retained their standard schemes, allowing for comparative evaluation. Despite the Navy’s interest in Barclay’s designs, the tests were ultimately deemed inconclusive. Observers noted that while the patterns were certainly eye-catching, they didn’t offer a significant tactical advantage. In some cases, the bold designs even made aircraft more visible in certain lighting conditions.

One important lesson did emerge: the Navy recognized the value of using non-reflective, matte paints, a practice that soon became standard across naval aviation. Though Barclay’s experimental patterns were never adopted, his work played a small but important role in the evolution of camouflage strategy.

Color Analysis – Barclay Design No. 8

Based on photographic and historical research, Barclay Design No. 8 likely included the following shades:

• Dark Navy Blue – FS 15044

• Gray Blue – FS 35189

• Light Gray – FS 36300–36320

• Matte White – FS 17875

These colors were applied in geometric wraps across upper surfaces, with crisp transitions and layered angles—hallmarks of the Barclay concept. The lower surfaces were solid white, sometimes overlaid with fine dark blue striping for added distortion.

Color Conversion Chart