Bell OH-58A/C Kiowa Aircrew Training Manual

A copy  of the TM 55-1520-228-10 Aircrew Training Manual for the Bell OH-58A/C Kiowa helicopter, dated 17 January 1989.

Click here to download manual (8.1 Megs)

McDonnell F4H-1F Flight Manual (Proper Copy)

A proper copy of the NAVWEPS 01-245-FDA-1 F4H-1 Flight manual dated and revised 1 July 1961. Credit: Kim Simmelink

Click here to download manual (47.3 Megs)

NASA's First A - Aeronautics from 1958–2008

NASA booklet No. SP-2012-4412.

From preface:"Aeronautics, the first A of the NASA acronym, has always been a part of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, but against the headline exploits of rocket launches, Moon landings, Space Shuttle missions, and Mars rovers, aeronautics is easily lost in the shadows of NASA’s marquee space programs. This relative obscurity belies what has been a remarkably creative, productive, and highly effective group of researchers who, at one time, even helped bring about the Space Age and invent a space agency. The list of accomplishments for NASA’s first A is long, and this book goes a modest way toward sketching these developments."

Written by Robert G. Ferguson. Dated 2013. Part of the NASA History Series.

Click here to download (2.5 Megs)

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Rockets and People–Volumes 1-4

  The NASA History Division is pleased to present a landmark new book, "Rockets and People" by Boris Chertok. This memoir by a towering figure in Soviet/Russian space history was originally published in Russian and has now been specially translated and edited for publication in the NASA History Series. This series has four volumes of Chertok's insightful reminiscences on his 60-year career in aviation and space.

Click here to download all four volumes in one ZIP file (18.4 Megs)

Air Trails Color Covers - Part 6

The sixth in the series of WWII and late 40's Air Trails color cover photos. Great color photos of aircraft and aviation themes. Credit: William Rudolph collection

Click here to view covers

Click here to download covers in one ZIP file (23.4 Megs)

On the Shoulders of Titans - A History of Project Gemini

NASA publication SP4203, On the Shoulders of Titans - A History of Project Gemini. A comprehensive study of the entire program with many photos. Written by Barton C. Hacker and James M. Grimwood. Dated 1977.

Click here to download (33.1 Megs)

Convair XB-58/YB-58 Hustler Photos

Photos of the prototype Convair XB-58/YB-58 Hustler aircraft.

Click here to view part of photos

Click here to wiew remaining photos

Click here to download all photos in one ZIP file (7.1 Megs)

Additional B-58 photos here

George Spangenberg Exhibits Pages

The second part of George Spangenberg's oral history presentation. Dated 2002. Access to graphics from these pages are here (noted as bullet points). Credit: Paul Martell-Mead

Click here to download pages (1.0 Megs)

Alternate download here

Original history post  here

Toward a History of the Space Shuttle–Part 2

NASA publications Toward a History of the Space Shuttle : An Annotated Bibliography Part 2. Part of the Monographs in Aerospace History series, number 49.

These volumes includes key articles, books, hearings, and U.S. government publications published on the Shuttle between 1992 and the end of the Shuttle program in 2011. Part 2 dated 2012.

Click here to download part 2 (2.2 Megs)

Alternate download Part 2 here

Part 1 can be downloaded here

Thinking Obliquely

Thinking Obliquely: the Oblique Wing, NASA's AD-1 Demonstrator, and its Legacy. Written by  Robert T. Jones. Dated 2013. Part of the NASA Aeronautics Book Series.

Click here to download (3.4 Megs)

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GAM-87A Skybolt Wind Tunnel Model Photos

Photos of the original Douglas Aircraft supersonic wind tunnel model of the GAM-87 Skybolt missile. A rare find! Credit: Credit: William H. Kuhlman Jr. Collection

Click here to download photos in one ZIP file (3.1 Megs)

GAM-87A Skybolt Pylon/Launcher Maintainability Design Review

The purpose of this booklet is to acquaint you with the GAM-87A Pylon and associated equipment.

Skybolt was powered by two Aerojet General manufactured solid rocket motors. The missile had a length of 11.66 m and a diameter of 0.89 m. The fin span was 1.68 m. The two rocket stages of the 5000 kg missile propelled the warhead to a speed of 15300 km/h, which gave it a range of up to 1850 km.

Built by Douglas Aircraft Co. Dated April 1962. Credit:William H. Kuhlman Jr. Collection

Click here to download (14.6 Megs)

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Other Skybolt posts here

Cave of the Winds

The remarkable history of the Langley Full-Scale Wind Tunnel.  Written by Joseph R. Chambers. Dated 2014. Part of the NASA Aeronautics Book Series.

Click here to download (11.1 Megs)

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Emblems of Exploration: Logos of the NACA and NASA

Over the course of their histories, the NACA and NASA have developed a wide variety of emblems representing each agency’s illustrious exploration of aerospace missions. This publication concentrates on the rich and interesting history of the conception and implementation of the world-famous NACA and NASA seals and insignias that have been displayed for decades on aeronautics and space research vehicles and facilities, as well as those proudly worn by flight research pilots, astronauts, and the dedicated employees of these two world-class organizations. Written by Joseph R. Chambers and Mark A. Chambers. Part of the Monographs in Aerospace History series – No. 56. Dated 2015.

Click here to download (14.6 Megs)

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Quieting the Boom

Quieting the Boom: The Shaped Sonic Boom Demonstrator and the Quest for Quiet Supersonic Flight. Written by  Lawrence R. Benson. Dated 2013. Part of the NASA Aeronautics Book Series.

Click here to download (&.7 Megs)

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Elegance in Flight

A comprehensive history of the F-16XL experimental prototype and it's role in NASA flight research. Written by Albert C Piccirillo . Dated 2014. Part of the NASA Aeronautics Book Series.

Click here to download (5.9 Megs)

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The Power for Flight

NASA's contributions to aircraft propulsion. Written by Jeremy R. Kenney . Dated 2017. Part of the NASA Aeronautics Book Series.

Click here to download (5 Megs)

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Sweeping Forward

Developing and flight testing the Grumman X-29A forward swept wing research aircraft.  Written by Frederick A. Johnsen . Dated 2013. Part of the NASA Aeronautics Book Series.

Click here to download (2.93 Megs)

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A New Twist in Flight Research

The F-18 Active Aeroelastic Wing Project. Written by Peter W. Merlin. Dated 2013. Part of the NASA Aeronautics Book Series.

Click here to download (1.8 Megs)

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Flying Beyond the Stall

The X-31 and the Advent of supermaneuverability. Written by Douglas A. Joyce. Dated 2014. Part of the NASA Aeronautics Book Series.

Click here to download (11.7 Megs)

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Elegance in Flight (The F-16XL Story)

A comprehensive history of the F-16XL experimental prototype and it's role in NASA's flight research. Part of the NASA Aeronautics Book Series. Written by Albert C. Piccirillo. Dated 2014.

Click here to download (^ Megs)

Alternate download here

Project Mercury Points the Way

An interesting little brochure written by Steve Durst about Project Mercury intermixed with First Day Stamp Covers. Lots of good Mercury project photos. Dated April 2008.

Click here to download brochure (5 Megs)

Alternate download here

George Spangenberg Oral History

George Spangenberg (June 22, 1912 – November 13, 2000) was head of aircraft design in the United States Navy's Naval Air Systems Command.

"After a long career in Naval Aviation, Mr. Spangenberg retired from NAVAIR in 1973 where he had served as Evaluation Division Director, Naval Air Systems Command, for 15 years. He is credited with a long array of successful aircraft designs procured for the Navy over a 40-year period and served as spokesperson on naval aircraft design for the Navy, OSD, and Congress. Mr. Spangenberg was widely recognized for his technical expertise, integrity and business sense within and outside the government service. His abiding desire was to see that our Naval Aviators were flying the best machine possible; he never faltered from that mission up to the time of his death. He worked closely with Navy officers, civil service and industry engineers at all levels to accomplish this goal.

He was responsible for the design requirements/procurement of many aircraft, including the F4H Phantom aircraft, the Mach2 fighter-bomber F-14 Tomcat, the land and carrier based maritime patrol airplanes P-3 Orion and S-3 Viking, the carrier command and control aircraft E-2 Hawkeye and the Marine Corps heaviest lift helicopter CH-53E Super Stallion and selection of the YF-17 and design of the F/A-18 Hornet for the US Navy." (Except from original Spangenberg website. 

George Spangenberg is on the National Air and Space Museum's Wall of Honor as an Air and Space Leader.

Note: At a request, I am making sure we don't lose the memories of this important aviation pioneer!

Click here to download history (0.6 Meg)

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The New Ocean - A History of Project Mercury

This book is an amazingly detailed account of NASA’s Project Mercury Program from initial conception through project completion. Part of the NASA Historical series, SP 4201, dated 1966. Written by Loyd S. Swenson, ]r.,
James M. Grimwood and Charles C. Alexander. Credit: NASA via Space in Miniature

Click here to download booklet (264.1 Megs)

Project Mercury - A Chronology

From Amazon: "This chronology of Project Mercury represents only a beginning on the full history, just as Mercury was only a first step in the development of American space transportation. No chronology is a history. This volume is but a preface to what is yet to come. Yet it offers us a catalog of processes by which man progresses from ideas originating in the human mind to the physical devices for man's travel to the moon and beyond." NASA SP 40001, written by James M. Grimwood and dated January 30, 2014. Credit: NASA via Space in Miniature

Click here to download chronology (49.2 Megs)

Lockheed P-38J/L-1/L-5 and F-5B Flight Operating Instructions

Flight Operating Instructions for the Lockheed P-38J/L-1/L-5 and F-5B aircraft.

Click here to download instructions (5.7 Megs)

Alternate download here

Boeing KB-50 Flight Handbook

A copy of the Pilot’s Handbook for the Boeing KB-50 aircraft, dated March 15 1958.

Click here to download handbook (153.9 Megs)

Columbia Accident Investigation Board Report

  The NASA reports on the causes and recomendations from the Columbia Shuttle accident on February 1, 2003. Has both volumes with appendix D. Credit: NASA via Bill Simone

Click here to download main report (10.3 Megs)

Click here to download supplement (1.4 Megs)

Alternate download for main report here

Alternate download for supplement here

Bell UH-1N Iroquois Flight Manual

A copy of the Flight Manual, Navair 01-110HCE-1, for the Bell UH-1N Iroquois aircraft. Dated 1 June 1997.

Click here to download manual (38.2 Megs)

Air Trails Color Covers–Part 5

  The fifth in the series of WWII and late 40's Air Trails color cover photos. Great color photos of aircraft and aviation themes. Credit: William Rudolph collection

Click here to view covers

Click here to download covers in one ZIP file (31.8 Megs)

Bell UH-1H Iroquois Army Operator's Manual

A copy of the Army Operator's Manual, TM 55-1520-210-10, for the Bell UH-1H Iroquois aircraft. Dated 15 February 1988.

Click here to download manual (15.6 Megs)

Alternate download here

Sikorsky HH-3F Pelican Flight Manual

A copy of the Coast Guard Flight Manual, T.O. 1H-3(H)F-1, for the Sikorsky HH-3F Pelican aircraft. Dated 24 July 1968.

Click here to download manual (66.6 Megs)

Ilyushin IL-2 Design and Construction Booklet

The history, design and construction of the Ilyushin IL-2 aircraft. Dated 1978.

Click here to download booklet (46.8 Megs)

Ilyushin IL-2 Pilot Operation Instructions

Instructions to the Pilot on the operation
of the aircraft IL-2 with the motor 38 AM.

General Directorate of aviation engineering red army air force

Military publishing house of the people's Commissariat of defense of the USSR
Moscow-1942

Click here to download instructions (2.7 Megs)

Alternate download here

Air Trails Color Covers–Part 4

The forth in the series of WWII and late 40's Air Trails color cover photos. Great color photos of aircraft and aviation themes. Credit: William Rudolph collection

Click here to view covers

Click here to download covers in one ZIP file (34.2 Megs)

Fokker S-11 "Instructor" Flight Manual

A copy of the Fokker S-11 "Instructor" Flight Manual.

Dated 1974. (Note: May be a partial manual)

Click here to download manual (11.7 Megs)

Sikorsky CH-3E & HH-3E Flight Manual

A copy of the Flight Manual, T.O. 1H-3(C)E-1, for the Sikorsky CH-3E & HH-3E aircraft. Dated 1 September 1983.

Note: Section 1 only! (Thanks, Vincent)

Click here to download manual (3.3 Megs)

Alternate download here

Sikorsky HH-52A Seaguard Flight Manual

A copy of the Flight Manual, CGTO 1H-52A-1, for the Sikorsky HH-52A Seaguard aircraft. Dated 15 August 1971.

Click here to download Manual (50.3 Megs)

Bell P-63 Flight Manual

 A poor copy of the preliminary Flight Manual for the Bell P-63 aircraft. Undated.

Click here to download manual (10 Megs)

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Bell P-39Q Pilot's Flight Operating Instructions

A copy of the Pilot's Flight Operating Instructions for the Bell P-39Q aircraft.

Click here to download instructions (5.4 Megs)

Alternate download here

Vought F-8D/E Flight Manual Supplemental

A copy of the Flight Manual Supplemental, Navair 01-45HHD-1A, for the Vought F-8D/E aircraft. Dated 1 December 1966.

This publication supplements the information in Navair 01-45HHD-1.

Click here to download supplement (83.8 Megs)

A copy of the original Navair 01-45HHD-1 is here

Vought F4U-4/B Pilot's Handbook

A copy of Pilot’s Handbook, AN 01-45HB-1, for the Vought F4U-4/B aircraft, dated 15 April 1947.

Click here to download handbook (73.2 Megs)

Additional F4U posts here

Northrop F-20A Utility Flight Manual

A copy of the Northrop company generated Utility Flight Manual, NTM-1F-20A-1, for the Northrop F-20A aircraft, dated 15 January 1984.

Click here to download manual (37.3 Megs)

Alternate download here

F-15D Eagle Desert Aggressor Scheme Photos

A selection of high resolution photos of an F-15D in Desert Aggressor Scheme. This is the 65th Aggressor Squadron Camouflage Scheme. I have added a Color Illustration from Afterburner Decals by Scott Brown showing the complete camo scheme.

From airwingspotter.com

"The Desert Scheme consists of 2 tone tan and Brown of FS 30140 and FS 30279. The leading edge has the Grey FS 36251. Nose cone retains the Mod Eagle Grey FS 36176. A very distinctively colored camouflage scheme where it mimic Soviet era jet fighters like the MIG-23 or the newer SU-27 with the Russian Style Bord Number. The pattern has a tightly sprayed soft edge camo pattern."

Credit: Bill Simone

Click here to view photos

Click here to download photos in one ZIP file (15.4 Megs)

Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk Operators Manual

A copy of Army's TM 1-1520-253-10 for the Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk Operators Manual. Dated 29 January 1999.

Click here to download manual (10.7 Megs)

Alternate download here

Vought XF5U Flying Flapjack Illustrated Assembly Breakdown

A copy of the Illustrated Assembly Breakdown for the Vought XF5U Flying Flapjack aircraft. Dated 1 January 1945. Credit: Ed Seay Jr., M-A-L Hobby Shop, Irving, TX, via Michael McMurtrey

Click here to download breakdown (3.8 Megs)

Alternate download here