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Most military cockpits in crafts built by countries whose militaries are familiar to us are drab-er colours — grays, olives, slates, black, but Russia painted their craft turquoise. Some viewers might not even know what color they are looking at when they see a Russian turquoise cockpit.
But model making hobbyists and others want to know. People with an interest in color and the effects of color on people might definitely be curious about this one (even considering the quality of early-19th century science / Soviet science.
According to the website of the Cold War Air Museum, the reason is:
“We have been told that the color chosen by Soviet designers helps to reduce stress and maintain a pilot’s effectiveness on long missions. While the Soviets were not the only country (or manufacturer) to use this color, they have used it for so long and in such great numbers that it has become a trademark of Sov-block aircraft.”
Model aircraft painters don’t have to worry about getting the exact shade of turquoise… or maybe it’s even MORE difficult and specialty knowledge to get it: Not all craft were painted at the same time, so some craft have different green or blue tones.
According to one commenter, it’s not just cockpits: “If you ever go to Russia, visit outside of Moscow a train station lavatory. Go the men’s room and do what you need to do…. and look against the wall, you will find out that it is often painted like a green-blue (turquoise) cockpit panel. It’s pressure releasing… that’s all. On the ground and in the air! So the color is just a mental thing.”
The commenter, who gave his name as Bernd, also said, “the scientists found out that this color keeps pilots awake and not getting tired by the black or greay of a cockpit panel, especially under terms and condition of long range flights or under heavy work load.”
