The caption of the photo showing
this Spitfire UTI states that the aircraft belonged to the 144 IAD PVO
and is dated 1947. Both the date and the assignment seem reasonable,
although one might note that the 144 IAD (Division) contained within its corps the 144 IAP (Regiment); the possibility here for confusion being obvious!
Be that as it may, this example certainly looks like many such UTIs
must have done by that year. The finish was clearly gloss in sheen, and
here depicted as A-26g Green (uppers) and AGT-7 (lowers). The
upper/lower colour demarcation over the cowling is quite 'low', being
of the Soviet style and not of the original RAF style conforming to the
panel shape. The national star insignia are of regulation size and
geometry, being of 900 and 750 mm, respectively.
The tactical number "5" is shown above in yellow, but it must be
stressed that many, many possibilities exist for post-war numeral
colour, and no one can be certain in this case without further
evidence. The 'stencil style' of the numeral font is highly reminicent
of the post-war era.
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