America’s 20th Century Space Travelers

A great two sheet listing of all Mecury, Gemini, Apollo and Skylab missions. From Mcdonell Douglas Corp. Credit: L.M. “Roy” Reitter Collection

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F-101 Voodoo Patches

Several original McDonell F-101 VooDoo patches. Credit: L.M. “Roy” Reitter Collection

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McDonnell F4H-1 - Early Internal Memos

A number of early McDonell internal company memos on the F4H-1 project. Interesting reading! Credit: Greater St. Louis Air and Space Museum

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F-101B Voodoo and Cockpit Layout Walk Around

A few walk around photos of McDonnell F-101B-85-MC Voodoo Serial: 57-0282 at Pima Air and Space Museum, Davis-Monthan AFB, Tucson, AZ. Credit Michael Benolkin

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McDonnell CF-101 Voodoo Walk Around

McDonnell CF-101 Voodoo Walk Around Photos. (56 photos.) Some nice detail shots of a McDonnell CF-101 Voodoo (Serial No. 101030), USAF Serial No. 57-0354), C/N 532 at Comox Air Force Museum, 19 Wing, CFB Comox, British Columbia. Also, McDonnell CF-101B Voodoo, (Serial No. 101057), USAF (Serial No. 57-0429), C/N 607 at same base. Credit: Percy Olson

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Douglas Boston IV Pilot’s Notes

A copy of AP 2023D-PN, the Douglas Boston IV Pilots Notes. Dated February 1945.

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Boeing B-17F & G, Fortress Mk. II Pilot's Flight Operating Instructions

A copy of the Pilot's Flight Operating Instructions for the Boeing B-17F & G,  Fortress Mk. II aircraft.

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XF-85 Goblin Print Article–Part 6

An article from Aviation News magazine dated June 2011, “McDonnell’s Unmanageable Goblin”. Written by Hugh W. Cowin. An interesting article.

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Other XF-85 articles and info here

Douglas RA-3B Skywarrior Flight Manual

A copy of the Navy Flight Manual NAVWEPS 01-40ATB-1 for the Douglas RA-3B Skywarrior aircraft. This manual is dated 1 October 1965.

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Douglas X-3 Stiletto Photos–Part II

Some more Douglas X-3 photos.

Download here or here (2.7 Megs)

Douglas X-3 Stiletto Photos–Part 1 is here

Allison Model V-1710-35 Engine Handbook of Operation

A copy of the Allison Model V-1710-35 Engine Handbook of Operation manual. Dated October 21, 1941.

Used in aircraft like the Bell FM-1 Airacuda, Bell FL Airabonita, Bell P-39 Airacobra ,Bell P-6 Kingcobra ,Boeing XB-38 Flying Fortress, Curtiss P-40 Warhawk, Curtiss-Wright XP-55 Ascender ,Curtiss XP-60A ,Curtiss P-37 ,Douglas XB-42 Mixmaster ,Lockheed P-38 Lightning ,North American A-36 Mustang ,North American F-82 Twin Mustang and North American P-51 Mustang.

Download here or here or here (O.5 Megs)

Learjet Early Design Brochure

A copy of a Learjet Early Design Brochure. Lots of good info from Bill Lear on the early Learjet! Dated 1962. Credit: Greater St. Louis Air and Space Museum

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Grumman FM-2 Wildcat Pilot’s Handbook

An copy of  Navy Pilot’s Handbook AN 01-190FB-1, for the Grumman FM-2 Wildcat aircraft, this one dated 15 Juner 1945.

Download  here or here or here (5 Megs)

Consolidated PB4Y-2 Privateer Flight Manual

A copy of the Consolidated company generated PB4Y-2 Privateer Flight Manual. Dated 1945.

Download here or here or here (11.4 Megs)

F-18 Arctic Splinter Camouflage

A few photos of another interesting paint scheme! This time the F-18’s Arctic Splinter Camouflage of the VFC-12 “Fighting Omars” at Naval Air Station Oceana Virginia Beach, VA.
Download here or here (2.1 Megs)

F-15 65th Aggressor Squadron Desert Camouflage Scheme

Several photos of the interesting F-15 65th Aggressor Squadron Desert Camouflage Scheme.

From Airwingspotter: “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.”

Download here or here (14.8 Megs)

More info here

Robert Taylor Aviation Artwork

A set of 47 great bomber and fighter aircraft artwork from the artist Robert Taylor.

“The name Robert Taylor has been synonymous with aviation art for over a quarter of a century and he is widely regarded as the world’s premier painter of aviation subjects, and is certainly the most widely collected artist in the history of the genre.”

Download here or here (8.3 Megs)

Further info on the artist Robert Taylor here

Douglas A-20G Havoc Erection and Maintenance Manual

A copy of the Douglas A-20G Havoc Erection and Maintenance Manual, AN 01-40AL-2, dated 1945.

Download here or here (48.8 Megs)

C-17A Globemaster III Walk Around–Part II

Walk around photos of the C-17A Globemaster III. Taken at Abbotsford airshow, Abbotsford International Airport in Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada. Credit: Ross Spenard

Download here or here (11 Megs)

Part I C-17A walk around is here

I Remember Rockwell Bldg 290

Attached is a essay called “I Remember Bldg 290”. It’s about Anthony D. Vidana’s time working for Rockwell Space Division for the Apollo Test and Operation (ATO) at the Apollo Spacecraft and Space Shuttle factory in Downey, CA. Credit: Anthony D. Vidana PE

Download here or here or here (3.3 Megs)

Man On The Moon Booklet

A copy of the company made Apollo 11 book that employees could purchase at work at Space Division Rockwell during the Apollo era. Dated 1969. Credit: Anthony D. Vidana PE

Download here or here (11.3 Megs)

The Story of Space Station Mir

A comprehensive history of the Russian space station MIR. Written by David M. Harland. Dated 2005.

Details how a succession of Salyut space stations led to the development of Mir. Depicts Mir’s assembly piece by piece, in space, between 1982 and 1996. Describes how Mir became an international research laboratory. Advises how Mir technology went on to form the ‘core modules’ of the ISS. The definitive account of Mir throughout its life through to de-orbiting in March 2001.

Download here or here (29.1 Megs)

50 Years of X-Planes

A set of posters issued by Popular Mechanics magazine listing all the X-planes of the past 50 years. Dated 1996. A nice summary in one place!

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Douglas F3D-2 Skyknight Pilot Handbook

A copy of the Douglas F3D-2 Skyknight Pilot’s handbook, Report No. AN 01-40FAB-1, dated July 15 1952.

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The Douglas F3D-1 Skyknight Pilot’s handbook is here

Goodyear GA-468 Inflatoplane (XAO2G-1)–Part I

This original concept of an all-fabric inflatable aircraft was based on Taylor McDaniel's inflatable rubber glider experiments in 1931. Designed and built in only 12 weeks, the Goodyear Inflatoplane was built in 1956, with the idea that it could be used by the military as a rescue plane to be dropped in a hardened container behind enemy lines. The 44 cubic ft (1.25 cubic meter) container could also be transported by truck, jeep trailer or aircraft. There were at least two versions. It took about five minutes to inflate to about 25 psi (170 kPa); at full size, it was 19 ft 7 in (5.97 m) long, with a 22 ft (6.7 m) wingspan. A pilot would then hand-start the two-stroke cycle, 40 horsepower (30 kW) Nelson engine, and takeoff with a maximum load of 240 pounds (110 kg). On 20 US gallons (76 L) of fuel, the aircraft could fly 390 miles (630 km), with an endurance of 6.5 hours. Maximum speed was 72 miles per hour (116 km/h), with a cruise speed of 60 mph. Later, a 42 horsepower (31 kW) engine was used in the aircraft.

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Evolution of the F-4 Phantom II

A McAir account and introduction to the F-4 Phantom II given by H.D. Barkley, Vice President of McAir Engineering. Presented at the Technical Program Management Siminar of the American Institute of Industrial Engineers on 20 April 1971. Credit: Bill Spidle

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Bell YFM1B Operation and Flight Instructions

A copy of the Bell YFM1 and YFM1B Operation and Flight Instructions Handbook. Dated June 1, 1940.

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Bell YFM1A Operation and Flight Instructions

A copy of the Bell YFM1A Operation and Flight Instructions Handbook. Dated December 20, 1940.

Download here or here or here (2.9 Megs)

Arkansas ANG Fort Smith Photos

Mark Nankivil took a tour of the Arkansas Air National Guard on 20 March 2015. Home of the 188th Fighter Wing, Arkansas Air National Guard (ARANG), Fort Smith, Arkansas, "Flying Razorbacks" Has F-101 and F-4 aircraft! Credit: Mark Nankivil

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Holloman AFB QF-4E Photos

Mark Nankivil and his son took a tour of the 82nd ATRS (Aerial Targets Squadron) at Holloman AFB on 16 March 2015. Many photos of QF-4 target aircraft! Credit: Mark Nankivil

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RF-4B/C AN APQ-102A Side Looking Radar Booklet

A copy of the Goodyear Aerospace booklet on Planning & Flying the Mission with the AN APQ-102A Side Looking Radar for the RF-4B/C aircraft. Dated April 1967. Credit: Greater St. Louis Air and Space Museum

Download here or here or here (7.5 Megs)

Air National Guard RF-101G/H Photographic Reconnaisance Systems

A copy of the McDonnell Douglas Product Support manual for the Air National Guard RF-101GH Photographic Reconnaisance Systems. Dated 15 April 1968. Credit: Greater St. Louis Air and Space Museum

Download here or here or here (7 Megs)

72nd Scale Drawings

In the late 60’s and thru the 80’s, a number of small firms published things like this. This is a small pamphlet of 1/72nd camo and line drawings of American, British and German WWII aircraft.   

Download here or here or here (3.8 Megs)

F-15 Spin Test Program Notes

Another narrative from Jack Abercrombie on the early days of the F-15 Eagle project, A first hand account of the F-15 Spin Test Program. This narrative is part of Jack Abercrombie’s memoirs. Jack was an Aerodynamics Project Engineer from 1971 to 1978. Credit: Jack Abercrombie

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Additional blog info supplied by Jack Abercrombie here

Convair Model NX2 Atomic Plane Photos and Info

A number of  photos and drawings of the proposed

Convair Model NX2 Atomic Plane of the 1960’s.

Download here or here (2.7Megs)

Convair Model NX2 Atomic Plane Article

An article about the very serious attempt to make an atomic aircraft! Article is from the Science and Mechanics magazine, January 1961.

Download here or here or here(3 Megs)

A very good explanation is here

Douglas C-54G and R5D-5 Skymaster Flight Operating Instructions

A copy of the Flight Operating Instructions AAF Manual AN 01-40NU-1 for the Douglas C-54G and R5D-5 Skymaster aircraft. Dated 7 February 1952.

Download here or here or here (10.3 Megs)

Douglas C-54 Skymaster Pilot Training Manual (Alternate)

A copy of the Pilot Training Manual AAF Manual No. 50-14 for the Douglas C-54 Skymaster aircraft. Dated 1944.

Download here or here or here (58.3 Megs)

Douglas C-54 Skymaster Pilot Training Manual

A copy of the Pilot Training Manual AAF Manual No. 51-129-3 for the Douglas C-54 Skymaster aircraft. Dated 1 August 1945.

Download here or here or here (32.7 Megs)

F-4 Phantom II Accident Investigation Workbook

A great wookbook on the early F-4 Phantom II aircraft. Lots of info and tables on structure, loads, and dimensions. Dated December 1967.

Download here or here or here (20 Megs)

United States Naval Aviation 1910–2010 (Vol 1 & 2)

United States Naval Aviation 1910–2010 is the fifth and final hardbound edition of the series, which was initiated in 1960. That first issue celebrated the first 50 years of United States naval aviation and this two-volume set commemorates the centenary. Previous editions have proved an invaluable first-stop research tool to aviation, naval, and military historians. Note: I have combined the two volumes into one PDF. Written by Mark L. Evans and Roy A. Grossnick for the  Naval History & Heritage Command. Dated 2015.

Download here or here or here (23.9 Megs)

United States Naval Aviation 1910 - 1995

The fourth edition of the United States Naval Aviation
1910-1995 is a testimony to Naval Aviation’s achievements as it prepares to enter the 21st century and its first one hundred years of service. The Naval
Historical Center’s Aviation History Office has expanded on previous editions to make this chronology the quintessential reference work on Naval Aviation history. WEritten by  Roy A. Grossnick and William J. Armstrong, for the  Naval History & Heritage Command. Dated 1997.

Download here or here or here (12.9 Megs) 

F-18A D'Skunk Photos (Mystery F-18A)

The mystery McDonnell Douglas F/A-18A-11-MC Hornet No. 161925 has been identified as the “D’Skunk”. See yesterday’s post. It is finished in a truly striking scheme of segmented black and white which was no doubt applied as a means of recording and thus comparing visual data collected during testing.

So from the left side it is black on top and white on the underside and from the right side it is white on top and black on the underside.  This is a US Navy Test aircraft.

This F-18A Hornet that was flown by the Naval Air Test Centre at Patuxent River Naval Air Station in Maryland, commonly called "Pax River".

The machine wears the unflattering name of “D'Skunk” on either side of her spine undoubtedly bought about by her black and white coloring as well as full color national insignia with a thin white outline to make it stand out from the black background.  Another oddity is that is wears the designator 7T on its vertical stabilisers rather than the SD Air Wing designator worn by Naval Air Warfare Centre Naval Aircraft Division aircraft at Patuxent River. 

The only remaining mystery is why I have photos of it from before it was assigned in 1986?

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F-18A Mystery Painted Aircraft

This is McDonnell Douglas F/A-18A-11-MC Hornet No. 161925. Either I have been cooped up too long or my memory is just failing; but, I don’t remember why it is painted in this black and white scheme! Does anyone know? (Yes, I know that these are very poor Polaroid photos; but, it is all I have.) Please  leave a comment or email me.

Download the 6 photos that I have here or here (7 Megs)

Milestones of the Air

A copy of Janes Milestones of the Air book of 100 significant aircraft. Dated 1969.

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Bell 207 Sioux Scout Photos

A few photos of the Bell 207 Sioux Scout prototype helicopter of 1963.

From Wikipedia:The Bell 207 Sioux Scout was a modified Bell 47 helicopter, developed by Bell Helicopter under contract from the United States Army, as a proof-of-concept demonstrator for the Bell D-255 helicopter gunship design, featuring a tandem cockpit, stub wings, and a chin-mounted gun turret.”

Download here or here (2.6 Megs)

Additional McDonnell Aircraft Model 119 Photos

A collection of (107) McAir Model 119 photos that I have collected over the years. Some old and some new. Presented as a ZIP file for downloading. Note: This is a large file to download (180 Megs) Credit: Internet and as marked.

Download here or here (180 Megs)

Additional blog posts here

F-4 Model Guide

Another nice detailed guide of F-4 aircraft types. Lots of details. Credit: Joe Baugher                

Download here or here or here