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 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 is on the door in 200mm letters on both sides. Fuselage roundels are low visibility pink and blue E-type, 300mm diameter, and the tail rotor warning placard is red only. The aircrafts deploying to the Middle-East got the “Union Jack” just behind the cabin door on both sides.
         Same aircrafts got the name of the ship or unit in the nose.

         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 on the door in 200mm letters. Aircraft numbers in 50mm white letters on both sides. Fuselage roundels are low visibility pink and blue E-­type, 300mm diameter, and the tail rotor warning placard is red only.
         Same aircrafts got the name of the ship or unit in front of radar radome.