Built with twin, underwing engines, tricycle landing gear and shoulder-mounted wings, the Grumman F7F Tigercat was an unusual looking, all- metal fighter. It was also one of the highest- performance piston-engined fighters of all time. Originally designed as a carrier-based aircraft, the F7F failed its initial trials, and ended up flying primarily as a land-based attack aircraft for the Marines. Equipped with radar and a second seat for an operator, the Tigercat also flew as a night-fighter and reconnaissance platform. Although it was introduced in 1944, the Tigercat never saw action in WWII, and had a limited role in Korea. The F7F found a new role in non- military use, flying as a fire-fighting aircraft and camera ship for Hollywood in the 1970s. Originally printed by the U.S. Navy, this F7F Flight Operating Manual taught pilots everything they needed to know before entering the cockpit. This facsimile has been reformatted. Care has been taken to preserve the integrity of the text.

Built with twin, underwing engines, tricycle landing gear and shoulder-mounted wings, the Grumman F7F Tigercat was an unusual looking, all-metal fighter. It was also one of the highest- performance piston-engined fighters of all time. Originally designed as a carrier-based aircraft, the F7F failed its initial trials, and ended up flying primarily as a land-based attack aircraft for the Marines. Equipped with radar and a second seat for an operator, the Tigercat also flew as a night-fighter and reconnaissance platform. Although it was introduced in 1944, the Tigercat never saw action in WWII, and had a limited role in Korea. The F7F found a new role in non- military use, flying as a fire-fighting aircraft and camera ship for Hollywood in the 1970s. Originally printed by the U.S. Navy, this declassified F7F Flight Operating Manual taught pilots everything they needed to know before entering the cockpit. This facsimile has been slightly reformatted. Care has been taken to preserve the integrity of the text.

PLEASE NOTE: THIS IS VOLUME 1 OF 2. YOU MUST PURCHASE BOTH BOOKS TO HAVE A COMPLETE SET. Developed as both an air superiority fighter and a long-range naval interceptor, Grumman's F-14 Tomcat was the U.S. Navy's primary fighter from 1974 until 2006. Over 700 were built. The F-14 flew its first combat missions shortly after its initial deployment in late 1974, flying in support of the American withdrawal from Saigon. In 1981 it drew first blood, as two F-14s from VF-41 downed two Libyan Su-22s. The plane compiled a notable combat record for the United States in both Gulf Wars and NATO actions in Bosnia. Planes sold to the Shah of Iran prior to his ouster remain the last F-14s in active service, as the U.S. Navy retired it in October 2006. This F-14 pilot's flight operating handbook was originally produced by the U.S. Navy. It has been slightly reformatted but is reproduced here in its entirety. It provides a fascinating view inside the cockpit of one of history's great planes.

Northrop¿s T-38 Talon was the world¿s first supersonic trainer aircraft, and remains in service today in air forces worldwide. It entered service in 1961, and quickly set climb records, earning it the nickname ¿white rocket¿. Nearly 1200 Talons were produced before the last one rolled off the assembly line in 1972. Capable of a speed of Mach 1.3, and a climb rate approaching 34,000 feet per minute, the T-38¿s performance was sufficient to warrant service as the USAF Thunderbirds¿ aircraft in the mid-1970s. Its primary role however, was as a dedicated training and proficiency platform. More than 50,000 USAF, NASA and NATO pilots have flown the Talon, a record that may never be matched. Originally printed by the U.S. Air Force and Northrop, this handbook for the T-38 provides a fascinating glimpse inside the cockpit of this famous aircraft. Originally classified ¿restricted¿, the manual was recently declassified and is here reprinted in book form.

En instruktionsbog (Flight Manual) for F8F Bearcat.

The XF-11 was originally conceived as a dedicated reconnaissance aircraft, capable of high-speed penetration of enemy defenses. The plane's design benefited from research work by its builder, the brilliant and sometimes mercurial Howard Hughes. Inspired by an experimental aircraft he had created known as the DX-2, Hughes' XF-11 was a twin-engine, twin-boom, tricycle gear monoplane that featured a pressurized nacelle for its crew and 28-cylinder engines with contra-rotating props. Hughes piloted the XF-11 on its maiden flight, and was nearly killed when one of the props reversed pitch, and the plane crashed. Hughes recovered and piloted a second prototype, this one outfitted with conventional props, but the Air Force had already made up its mind: the XF-11 would never enter service. Originally printed by Hughes and the Air Force this handbook provides a fascinating glimpse inside the cockpit of this plane. This manual is declassified.

As the Blue Angels¿ aircraft in the late 1950s, Grumman¿s F11F-1 Tiger came to symbolize the speed and might of U.S. Navy airpower. The Tiger was originally conceived as an upgrade of the F9F Cougar. It eventually morphed into a new design, that incorporated the area rule to enable cruising speeds up to 1.1 Mach. The prototype flew in 1954, and carrier trials commenced in 1956. Eventually seven squadrons flew F11Fs. Hampered by maintenance issues affiliated with the J65 engine, and the fact that the Vought Crusader was clearly superior, the Tiger had a short service life. It was withdrawn from carrier duty after four years, in 1961. Only 199 were built. The remaining Tigers flew in a training capacity, and the Blue Angels continued to fly them for over a decade, 1957-1969. Originally printed by the U.S. Navy, this handbook provides a fascinating glimpse inside the cockpit of the Tiger. Originally classified ¿restricted¿, the manual was declassified and is here reprinted in book form.