Main Marking                                          Rudder

1936-1942
Prior to 1936 Nicaraguan military aircraft carried the national coat of arms on the fuselage. From 1936 a formal set of markings was introduced. The main marking featuring a white triangle on a blus disc with a red ring was displayed above and below each wing, with the tip of the triangle pointing forwards. The rudder was painted in horizontal stripes in the national colours. No fuselage roundel was carried.

                                            
                              Main Marking                                          Rudder

1942
In 1942 existing aircraft had their rudders markings modified to conform with the markings of aircraft recently delivered from the USA: seven horizontal blue stripes on white with a thin yellow stripe next to the hinge. No fuselage roundel was carried.

                                           
                                  Fuselage                                          Wings                                 Rudder

1942-c.1962
With an influx of aircraft from the USA from 1942 onwards, the national markings were modified to a form which was easier to adapt from existing USAAF markings. A new fuselage roundel was introduced, the red in the USAAF rudder stripes was replaced by yellow and the wings markings were applied above and below each wing (as before). Most aircraft had GN and later FAN and the serial number applied on the fin, while many helicopters had GN and later FAN and the serial number applied on the fuselage. Some aircraft and helicopters just showed the serial number on the fuselage or tailfin.

                                           
                                  Fuselage                                          Wings                                 Rudder

c.1962-1979
From about 1962 the fuselage roundel was replaced by the insignia of the air force. The stripe next to the rudder hinge line was changed to red, although some aircraft still carried a yellow stripe and others just the blue and white horizontal stripes. Most aircraft had FAN and the serial number applied on the fin, while many helicopters had FAN and the serial number applied on the fuselage. Some aircraft and helicopters just showed the serial number on the fuselage or tailfin.  

                                   
                     Main Marking                                                    Rudder

1979-1990
With the Sandinistas taking control of the country in 1979, the old markings were replaced by new markings in the Sandinista colours or red and black. The main marking was displayed on either side of the fin of some aircraft and on the fuselage sides of helicopters. The rudder stripes were deleted on many aircraft, or repainted in the new colours if retained. It is not clear if the old wing markings were retained. The service titles 'Fuerza Aerea Sandanista' were added to the fuselage sides. Most aircraft had FAS and the serial number applied on the fin, while many helicopters had FAS and the serial number applied on the fuselage. Some aircraft and helicopters just showed the serial number on the fuselage or tailfin.  

                                         
                                   Main Marking                                        Fin Flash

1990-Present
By 1990 a new roundel in black, red and orange had come into use and was displayed on the fuselage sides of aircraft and helicopters. Following the electoral defeat of the Sandanistas in 1990, the 'Fuerza Aerea Sandanista' service titles were deleted and the national flag introduced as a fin flash, displayed on the tailfin. Since 1990 the main marking appears to have fallen into disuse, with most aircraft and helicopters just carrying the fin flash. Most aircraft have FA and the serial number applied on the fin, while many helicopters have FA and the serial number applied on the fuselage. Some aircraft and helicopters just show the serial number on the fuselage or tailfin.