Kankakee Valley Post, Volume 14, Number 20, DeMotte, Jasper County, 31 March 1944 — Paint Landing Mats [ARTICLE]

Paint Landing Mats

Army engineers have a double reason for keeping steel landing mats for airplanes meticulously painted. First of all, these mats, which are made in sections and can be laid down so fast by a landing party that under some conditions it is said that it has been possible for planes to make use of them within 30 minutes, would be quickly destroyed by rust in hot, humid climates if they were not protected by paint. Secondly, a coating of red rust would look like a signal flag in a green jungle and could draw bombing from enemy aviators. The colors used on the landing mats varies according to the color of the ground on which the mats are laid.