The first operational scheme was overall Oxford Blue (FS 15050) with 600mm D-type roundels on the fuselage sides. ROYAL NAVY is 200mm white letters on forward end of tailboom, followed by the serial in l00mm white letters. The aircraft number (742) was carried on the door in 200mm white letters. The tail rotor warning placard was red and white. This aircraft carried the squadron code VL in 100mm white letters on the tail. Wire antenna ABC and blade antenna D.

         Paint schemes were already in transition from Oxford Blue to overall grey at this time, and combat requirements for low visibility markings led to some unique variations. This aircraft retains its original blue scheme, but all white markings were overpainted in black, including the white ring in the roundel and the serial number blacked out completely.

        Overall Dark Sea Grey (FS36173) with black markings. ROYAL NAVY is in 200mm letters on the tailboom, followed by the serial in 100mm letters. The aircraft number (424) is on the door in 200mm letters. Fuselage roundels are red and blue E-type, 600mm diameter, and the tail rotor warning placard is red and black.

         Overall Medium Sea Grey (FS36270) with white markings. ROYAL NAVY is in 200mm letters on the tailboom, followed by the serial in 100mm letters. The aircraft number (342) is on the door in 200mm letters. Fuselage roundels are low visibility pink and blue E-type, 300mm diameter, and the tail rotor warning placard is red only.

         Overall Medium Sea Grey (FS36270) with white markings. ROYAL NAVY is in 200mm letters on the tailboom, followed by the serial in 100mm letters. The aircraft number (670) on the door in 200mm letters. On the nose panel between the forward Orange Crop ESM antennas is the legend LOEU above the aircraft numbers 670 in 50mm white letters. Fuselage roundels are low visibility pink and blue E-­type, 300mm diameter, and the tail rotor warning placard is red only.