En instruktionsbog (Flight Manual) for Vought SB2U-3 Vindicator.

One of the most storied aircraft of WWII, the Vought F4U-4 Corsair was the first single engine production aircraft capable of 400 mph in level flight. With its characteristic gull wing and giant 18-cylinder Double Wasp engine, it proved a superb fighter in the Pacific Theater and achieved victory ratio approaching 11 to 1. The exploits of the famed Black Sheep Squadron of Corsairs was recounted by their leader, Marine fighter ace Major Gregory "Pappy" Boyington, in the book "Baa Baa Black Sheep." This Flight Operating Instructions manual taught pilots everything they needed to know before climbing into the cockpit. Originally classified "Restricted," the manual was declassified long ago and is here reprinted in book form. This revised version includes an original assembly breakdown manual as an appendix.

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.

PLEASE NOTE: THIS IS VOLUME 2 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.

The T-33 "Thunderbird" was the training variant of the U.S. Air Force's first production jet fighter, the F/P-80 "Shooting Star." Originally designed by Lockheed's "Kelly" Johnson during WWII, the P-80 went from drawing board to airborne in a record 150 days. The T-bird was three feet longer than the P-80, and boasted a second seat, instrumentation and flight controls. Equipped with an Allison J33 turbojet, the T-33 had a maximum speed of 600 mph, a range of over 1200 miles in ferry, and a service ceiling of 48,000 feet. The Navy also operated the T-33 as the TV-2 or T-33B, and eventually produced a carrier-capable variant called the T2V-1/T-1A SeaStar. In addition to its role as a trainer, the plane served as a drone control aircraft, reconnaissance platform, and target tow aircraft. In foreign service the T-33, which could carry rockets, bombs and gun pods, was used as a combat aircraft. Perhaps its most notable combat role was during the Bay of Pigs, when T-33s flown by the Cuban Revolutionary Air Force (FAR) attacked ships and aircraft of the exile forces, helping fend off the invasion. One of the most successful and enduring aircraft in history, the T-33 flew in the air forces of over 30 nations. Over 6500 were produced between 1949-59, and some continue to fly today. Originally printed by Lockheed and the U.S.A.F., this Flight Operating Handbook taught pilots everything they needed to know before entering the cockpit. Originally classified "Restricted," the manual was declassified and is here reprinted in book form. This affordable facsimile has been slightly reformatted. Care has been taken however to preserve the integrity of the text.

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.