US Navy
Recognition Posters, Japanese Aircraft Collection of 17 Posters, US Navy 1942
Here is a collection of authentic WWII-era Recognition Posters of aircraft of the Japanese Army and Navy as published by the US Naval Aviation Training Division during the war.
In this collection are the following aircraft posters (using the MacArthur naming convention):
Betty
Dave
Dinah
Emily
Hamp
Jake
Kate
Lily
Mavis
Nate
Nell
Oscar
Rufe
Sally
Tony
Val-II
Zero
Each poster provides the silhouettes, dimensions, and relevant information to educate both air and ground personnel in aircraft identification. Immediate identification of aircraft, friend vs foe, was essential in order for the observer (whether in the air e.g., pilot, gunner, or patrol observer, or on the ground, e.g., anti-aircraft crew) to determine his next course of action (e.g., acknowledge, attack, evade, or only report).
These posters have been linked to a US Navy procurement order of "GPO Order 11174, Req No 3912, and Jacket No 572602" from an earlier reference. We have been unable to link this information to other US Navy documentation.
Given their age, these posters are in very good condition. The poster in the photo represents the collection, but some may be better than others. Judging from the consistent paper stock and printing, it is our judgement that these are not reproductions; however, interested parties are invited to confirm their authenticity. Each poster measures ~19 inches by ~25 inches.