Both the US Army and the US Navy attempted various experiments in camouflaging aircrafts during the late 1930´s and 1940. One of the Navy´s initiatives in this field was the use of Mr McClelland Barclay´s range of geometric camouflage designs.

A range of aircraft types were involved in the experiments, BuNo0339 and BuNo0320 were two TBD-1s selected from the USS Saratoga´s Airgroup to participate in the trials. BuNo 0339 was painted according to Barclay´s Design No.8. This used what appears to be Dark Blue, Gray Blue, Light Grey and White.

All the colors were non-reflective and of a temporary, water-based nature so that the aircraft could easily returned to their appropriate markings after the trials.

It seems that no surface preparation was made, as the starboard side showed extreme wear and flaking of the paints used. All markings and insignia were painted over. However, the squadron codes (3T) are partially visible on the starboard side through either wear or the thinness of the paint. All under surfaces were painted white with thin Dark Blue lines across the main surfaces.

The trials were conducted several weeks during the summer of 1940. They included air combat and anti-aircraft defense scenarios, with both camouflaged and un-camouflaged aircrafts operating together. However, the experiments were proved to be inconclusive, both the design and colors being criticized.

One positive outcome was the move by the Navy to non-reflective paints which should eliminate reflective flashes and the brightness of some colors used.