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

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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

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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

Download here or here or here (12.3 Megs)

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.

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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.

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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.

Download here or here or here (33 Megs)

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                

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F-4 Phantom Guide for the Masses

A good listing of all the F-4 types. Note: I have NOT validated all this info. But, it is a great start! Corrections and additions are here. Credit: Jay Chladek

Download here or here or here (0.4 Meg)

The Aircraft Year Book for 1953

A complete review of the events and developments in military and civil aviation in the nation along with a complete directory of aircraft, executives, statistics, chronology and agencies in United States aviation.

Download here or here or here (26.1 Megs)

Military Aircraft Recognition Manual

Military aircraft recognition pictorial manual. Silhouettes and photographs of US & UK and German, Japanese & Italian aircraft are included.

Download here or here or here (11.9 Megs)

American Helicopter XH-26 Jet Jeep

A number of photos of the American Helicopter XH-26 Jet Jeep.

From Wikipedia: “The American Helicopter XH-26 Jet Jeep (known as the XA-8 by its manufacturer) was an experimental tip jet helicopter developed in 1951 by the American Helicopter Company to meet a United States Army and Air Force (USAF) request for a collapsible and air-droppable observation helicopter.”

Download here or here (3.5 Megs)

Good close-up photos here

Aircraft Recognition Pictorial Manual

A copy of the War Department (FM 30-30) and Navy Department’s (Buaer 3). Aircraft Recognition Pictorial Manual. Dated June 1943.

This manual on aircraft recognition is primarily designed for self-instruction and general use but will also serve as a text in recognition courses. It includes four types of material: black and white silhouettes; wash drawings; photographs; and editorial matter. The material in this manual has been assembled and edited jointly by Army and Navy aviation training divisions.

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Continental Airlines-The First Fifty Years

A history of Continental Airlines from 1934 to 1984.

Great history of an american airline.

Download here or here or here (6 Megs)

McDonnell Space Shuttle Concepts

 Several McDonnell Douglas Space Shuttle concepts. Over the years, the concepts changed greatly. I Wind Tunnel tested the concept on the right above.

Download here or here (19.6 Megs)

Additional info here and here

Model 119A USAF Flight Evaluation Report

A better partial copy of the USAF Flight Evaluation Report for the McDonnell Model 119A. Report #AFFTC-TR-59-25, dated September 1959.

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NACA XF-85 Wind Tunnel Research Memorandum

 A copy of the McDonnell XF-85 NACA Langley Wind Tunnel research memorandum involving 1/10th stability and control Goblin scale model. Credit: Greater St. Louis Air and Space Museum

Download here or here or here (15 Megs)

Navy F-4G Aircraft Photos

Twelve F-4Bs were modified as F-4Gs (a Navy designation, not to be confused with the USAF F-4G, which was a Wild Weasel aircraft). The Navy F-4G was a version modified for the evaluation of the feasibility of automatic carrier landing operations. They were fitted with the AN/ASW-21 two-way data link communication system and approach power compensator. The first F-4G flew on March 20, 1963, and these twelve aircraft were flown by VF-213 from the USS Kitty Hawk (CVA-63). They operated in the Gulf of Tonkin from November 1965 until June of 1966. One was lost to North Vietnamese AAA, but the others were later brought back to F-4B standards. By 1975, the last F-4Bs were out of Navy service. Most of them were replaced by later-model Phantoms (primarily F-4J and F-4S) and were consigned to storage. However, conversions to F-4N managed to extend the effective life of some F-4B airframes well into the 1980s. The early Navy F-4G’s had an all over green camo paint scheme with white radomes!

Download here or here (17.7 Megs)

Aerospace Museum of California Photos

Mark Nankivil, president of the Greater St. Louis Air and Space Museum, sent 110 photos taken by himself at the the Aerospace Museum of California in McClellan, CA. Dated May 6, 2017.

Download here or here (82.2 Megs)

Boeing X-32B JSF Walk Around Photos

Walk around photos of the Boeing X-32B JSF prototype. This X-32B is on display at Patuxent River Naval Air Museum. Credit: Michael Benolkin

Download here or here (15 Megs)

More McDonnell LBD-1 Gargoyle Photos

Some more factory photos of the McDonnell LBD-1 Gargoyle. Credit: Bill Spidle

“The LBD-1 Gargoyle (later KSD-1, KUD-1 and RTV-N-2) was an American air-to-surface missile developed during World War II by McDonnell Aircraft for the United States Navy. One of the precursors of modern anti-ship missiles, it was extensively used as a test vehicle during the late 1940s.” (Wikipedia)

Other blog posts here

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Aircraft on Trailers

A number of photos showing how damaged aircraft are moved. Unusual to see this process!

Download here or here (6 Megs)

A-12 Avenger II Mockup Transfer Photos

The McDonnell Douglas/General Dynamics A-12 Avenger II on the truck during its ride from its former home at the old General Dynamics plant at the former Carswell Air Force Base, now known as Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth. General Dynamics donated the Avenger II mockup to the City of Fort Worth, which has placed the airframe on permanent loan to the Fort Worth Aviation Museum. The mockup was moved in June 2013. Credit: Bill Spidle

Youtube video here

Download  here or here (7.3 Megs)

Fisher P-75 Eagle Photos

 A number of photos and 3-views (77) of the interesting Fisher P-75 Eagle aircraft. Credit: Some photos by Jean Aker

Download here or here (27.5 Megs)

Boeing Supersonic Transport (SST) Articles and Info

Several articles and other info on the Boeing SST (Supersonic Transport)
proposal and mock-up.

Download  here or here (100 Megs)

2000 Posts Milestone

Today I have achieved 2000 posts in this blog after seven years blogging! A large milestone for me! Thanks to all the viewers for their encouragement over the years.

F-15E Strike Eagle Walk Around Photos

F-15E Strike Eagle Walk Around
Photos. Dated 2009. Credit: Michael Benolkin

Download here or here (14.2 Megs)

Douglas AD-4N Skyraider Walk Around

Walk around photos of the Douglas AD-4N Skyraider in French markings. Photos were taken of a  Douglas AD-4N Skyraider in EC (Escadre de Chasse = fighter squadron) 1/20 Aures-Nementcha markings (July 1960 - Sept 1963), French air force. Pictures taken at BAN Lanvéoc-Poulmic on 06/19/05. Credit: P. Salaun

Download here or here (11.2 Megs)

Grumman F6F-3/5 Flight Manual

A copy of the Grumman F6F-3/3N/5/5N Flight Manual. Dated 1946.


Download here or here or here (6.4 Megs)

Buran Space Shuttle Photos

                                                            





A number of photos of the Russian Buran Space Shuttle.

Download here or here (5 Megs)

F-15 Project Development History

A first hand account and summary of the F-15 program and Flight Test Program at Edwards Air Force Base. Credit: Jack Abercrombie and Mike De Garcia

A note from Jack Abercrombie: Ron--The F-15 Development Summary recently posted is an early version which contains a typographical error which I later corrected.  The "First Achievement of Mach 2.5..." shows a date of 23 August 1973.  The date should be 13 August.

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F-4 Official USAF Color Information

From USAF handbook Technical order TO 1-1-4.
Standard System color numbers refer to the Federal Standard system 595 with 5 digit numbered colors. Deviations on real aircraft may occur. Credit: International Plastic Modellers' Society Netherland

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McDonnell Douglas F-4C Phantom II Walk Arounds

Two McDonnell Douglas F-4C Phantom II Walk Arounds. Some nice detail shots of a F-4C #MC-23-64-0776 at the National Museum of the Air Force in Dayton, Ohio and legendary ace Robin Olds F-4C # 64-0829 (Scat XXVII) at the Museum of Flight, Seattle, Washington. Credit: Michael Benolkin

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Douglas AD-4NA Skyraider Walk Around

Douglas AD4NA Skyraider Walk Around series. Photos were taken at The Imperial War Museum at Duxford In Cambridgeshire, England. Credit: Andrew J. Worstencroft

Download here or here (12 Megs)

USAF Thunderbirds Support Manual

A copy of the USAF Thunderbirds Support Manual. Dated 2018.

Download here or here or here (2.8 Megs)

Beechcraft Starship 2000 Pilot’s Operating Manual

A copy of the Beechcraft Starship 2000 Company Pilot’s Operating Manual. Dated October1996. Credit: Steve Lasday Collection

Download here or here or here (15.8 Megs)

Beechcraft Starship 2000A Brochure

A copy of the Beechcraft Starship 2000A Company Brochure. Dated circa 1985. Credit: Steve Lasday Collection

Download here or here or here (5 Megs)