Land Force: The F88SA2 Colour Scheme | ADM Feb 2010

When the AUG was selected for ADF use over the M16A2, it was decided that the green and black colour scheme was still appropriate for the ADF.

At the time of selection the Disruptive Pattern Combat Uniform (DPCU) had not yet been introduced into service, although the DPCU uniform and rifle entered service at approximately the same time.

Although requests to paint or camouflage-tape the F88 and other weapon systems had been received from time to time, it had been determined that many paints could not either be easily removed or worse, affected the material integrity of the various finishes or materials used on weapon systems employed by the ADF.

For this reason, the painting of weapons has to date not been permitted.

The aim and intent of the colour change of the F88SA2 was to reduce the visual and near infra-red radiation (NIR) signature of the weapon in order to increase the survivability of the soldier.

The colour change has not been specifically developed for the MEAO, although operation in the MEAO contributed to the considerations in the changes.

DSTO was engaged to provide advice as to what colours ought to be employed to match both DPCU and DPDU as research had established that the tones used in these uniforms worked well in Australia and the MEAO.

DSTO also advised that a ‘two-tone' scheme (rather than a single colour) would further disrupt visual identification of the weapon system, especially when viewed against the backdrop of the military uniforms.

This resulted in a light Brown and Khaki scheme being adopted, although some early production weapons have a khaki-khaki finish due to delays in obtaining the correct paint colour.

The colours have also been selected because of their NIR reflecting properties which means the weapon system ‘blends' with DPCU and DPDU when viewed with NFE.

The changes also required Thales to identify a new paint supplier who could meet the colour and NIR requirements.

The colour changes also had to cope with the heat generated when firing the weapon system, while providing protection to the metal components.

Early prototypes used an inferior paint which scratched easily and has now been replaced in production.

Ultimately it is intended that all F88SA2 will have the light brown-khaki scheme, and the colours used in the F88SA2 will form the basis of those used in the enhanced F88 rifle being developed by Project Land 125.