------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Version of 31 March 1995 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ --0--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 39B Aeromarine 39B First shipboard trainer of the USN. Type: 39B Task: trainer Year: 1917 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 100hp Curtiss OXX-6 Max. Speed: 73mph Ceiling: 5000ft Max. Range: 273mls Armament: 40 Aeromarine 40 Two-seat biplane flying boat. Fifty delivered to USN. Type: 40 Function: Year: Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 130hp Aeromarine Speed: 80mph Ceiling: Range: Armament: --A--------------------------------------------------------------------------- A Wright A The first US Army aircraft, a development of the original Wright Flyer biplane. Type: A Function: observation Year: 1909 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 25hp Barringuad Speed: 44mph Ceiling: Range: Armament: A-1 Douglas A-1 Skyraider Large single-engined attack aircraft. The BT2D / AD / A-1 Skyraider was designed as a single-seat attack aircraft to replace the less attractive BTD, and was simpler and lighter than the BTD. Too late for WWII, but much used in Korea and later in Vietnam. The Skyraider was a very effective attack aircraft, but exhausting for the pilot. There were also multi-place versions, ECM and AEW aircraft, and ASW versions. Some of the 3180 Skyraiders built were still in combat service in 1979. Type: A-1H Function: attack Year: Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 2700hp Wright R-3350-26WA Wing Span: 15.25m Length: 11.84m Height: 4.78m Wing Area: 37.193m2 Empty Weight: 5429kg Max.Weight: 11340kg Speed: 518km/h Ceiling: 8685m Range: 2116km Armament: 4*g20mm 3630kg A-2 North American A-2 Also known as the AJ. A2D Douglas XA2D-1 Skyshark Attack aircraft on the principes of the AD Skyraider, but with a turboprop engine. Most aircraft with the unreliable Allison T40 had to be cancelled, and the A2D was no exception. Type: XA2D-1 Function: attack Year: 1950 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 5035hp Allison XT40 Speed: Ceiling: Range: Armament: A2F Grumman A2F Intruder Renamed A-6, see there. The XA2F prototypes had swivelling engine nozzles, that were removed from the production version. A2J North American A2J Savage Cancelled. Development of the AJ with two Allison T40 turboprops, an engine that had to be abandoned and the aircraft with it. A-3 Curtiss A-3 Falcon Development of the O-1 observation biplane. The US Army ordered 66 A-3As and 78 A-3Bs. Type: A-3 Function: observation Year: Crew: Engines: Speed: 147mph Ceiling: Range: Armament: 6*mg, 20*b 5lb A-3 Douglas A-3 Skywarrior Carrier-borne nuclear bomber, a twin-engined, swept-wing jet aircraft. at the time of its introduction the largest and heaviest aircraft ever used on carriers. Widely used as an electronic warfare vehicle, also by the USAF as the B-66. The ELINT version is know as the EA-3, and a radar test bed as the NRA-3B. Type: A-3B Function: attack Year: 1954 Crew: 3 Engines: 2 * 4763kg P&W J57-P-10 Wing Span: 22.10m Length: 23.27m Height: 6.95m Wing Area: 75.43m2 Empty Weight: 17876kg Max.Weight: 37195kg Speed: 982km/h Ceiling: 12495m Range: 3220km Armament: 2*g20mm, 5443kg A3D Douglas A3D Skywarrior Renamed A-3. A3J North American A3J Vigilante Renamed A-5. A-4 Curtiss A-4 A single XA-4 was converted from an A-3 with a P&W R-1340-1 engine. A-4 McDonnell Douglas A-4 Skyhawk This small-and-simple tailed delta jet, originally designed as nuclear bomber, later enjoyed a long career as an extremely versatile conventional attack aircraft. Later developments had a large dorsal spine to make room for electronics. Kept in production for 22 years, and still serving with some air forces. The OA-4 is a two-seat FAC version for the USMC, and the trainer version is known as TA-4. 2960 built. Type: A-4F Function: attack Year: 1966 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 41.4kN P&W J52-P-8A Speed: 1100km/h Ceiling: 14940m Range: 3220km Armament: 2*g20mm, 3720kg A4D Douglas A4D Skyhawk Renamed A-4. A-5 North American A-5 Vigilante The A-5, one of the biggest aircraft ever operated from a carrier, was not a succes in its intended role as nuclear bomber. The A-5 was a sizeable jet with swept wings. The bomb bay was between the engines, and the plan was to expell the bomb rearwards, between the nozzles of the jet engines, together with the empty fuel tanks. Most production were RA-5C recce aircraft. Type: RA-5C Function: reconaissance Year: 1964 Crew: 2 Engines: 2 * 79.4kN G.E. J79-10 Speed: M2 Ceiling: 19500m Range: 4820km Armament: A-6 Grumman A-6 Intruder All-weather attack aircraft, entered service in 1963. The A-6 is an ugly mid-wing aircraft, with side-by-side seating in a blunt nose. The subsonic A-6 is a true all-wheater attack aircraft; it has good range and carries a heavier load than any previous USN attack aircraft. It is still in service, but near the end of its career. Over 660 built. Type: A-6E Function: attack Year: 1972 Crew: 2 Engines: 2 * 41.4kN P&W J52-P-8A Wing Span: 16.15m Length: 16.69m Height: 4.93m Wing Area: 49.13m2 Empty Weight: 12093kg Max.Weight: 27397kg Speed: 1043km/h Ceiling: 14480m Range: 4690km Armament: 8165kg Grumman EA-6 The A-6 Intruder attack aircraft was the basis for two electronic warfare aircraft, the two-seat EA-6 and the four-seat EA-6B Prowler. The EA-6B carries up to five AN/ALQ-99 pods, each with two jamming transmitters. Type: EA-6B Task: electronic warfare Year: 1977 Crew: 4 Engines: 2 * 49.8kN P&W J52-P-408 Max. Speed: 1048km/h Ceiling: 12550m Max. Range: 3861km Armament: possibly HARM-missiles. A-7 General Aviation XA-7 Attack monoplane. Open cockpits, fixed landing gear. Type: XA-7 Year: 1930 Crew: Engines: 1 * Speed: Ceiling: Range: Armament: A-7 LTV A-7 Corsair II The A-7 was a very capable attack aircraft, bought by both USN and USAF. The design used F-8 Crusader experience in a smaller, subsonic airframe. It was phased out of service recently, but efforts to sell upgraded versions continue. Type: A-7B Year: 1968 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 54.8kN P&W TF30-P-8 Speed: M0.8 Ceiling: Range: 4540km Armament: 2*g20mm, 2*msl AIM-9, 9072kg A-8 Curtiss A-8 The pre-war A-8 was an early Shrike; the operational version was the A-12. A-9 Lockheed A-9 The Y1A-9 was a proposed attack development of the P-24 two-seat fighter. The bankrupcy of Lockheed, in 1931, intervened, and it was never built. It would have had a V-1570-24 engine. A-9 Northrop A-9 A design for a battlefield attack and tank-killer aircraft that competed for orders with the A-10. A large twin-engined shoulder-wing aircraft. Type: A-9A Function: attack Year: 1974 Crew: 1 Engines: 2 * 26.7kN Lycoming ALF502 Speed: 837km/h Ceiling: Range: Armament: 1*g30mm, 8350kg A-10 Curtiss A-10 Stage in the development of the A-12 Shrike. A-10 Fairchild A-10 Thunderbolt II Battlefield tank-killer, heavily armoured and built around a powerful 30mm gun and its enormous munition drum. The large unswept wing, two turbofan engines in pods on top of the fuselage, and twin tailfins are all designed to keep the A-10 flying after suffering serious damage. The cockpit is armoured to resist 23mm rounds. It seems that its career is going to be rather short, because the USAF now prefers faster and less specialized aircraft for the combat support role. The USAF bought 727. Type: A-10A Function: attack Year: 1976 Crew: 1 Engines: 2 * 40.3kN G.E. TF34-GE-100 Wing Span: 17.53m Length: 16.26m Height: 4.47m Wing Area: 47.01m2 Empty Weight: 11321kg Max.Weight: 22680kg Speed: 805km/h Ceiling: Range: 4200km Armament: 1*g30mm, 7260kg A-11 Consolidated A-11 Version of the P-25/P-30 fighter for the attack role, with an unsupercharged engine and racks for up to 400lb of bombs. A-12 Curtiss A-12 Shrike Two seat attack monoplane. Wings braced with struts and wires; trousered undercarriage. 46 built. Type: A-12 Function: attack Year: 1936 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 570kW Wright SR-1820-F52 Speed: 293km/h Ceiling: 6300m Range: 774km Armament: 5*mg7.62mm, 220kg A-12 General Dynamics / McDonnell Douglas A-12 Program to replace the A-6, a flying-wing delta without vertical fins, with Stealth characteristics. Cancelled. A-12 Lockheed A-12 The 'A-12' is not an official USAF designation, but an internal number given by Lockheed. This was the precursor of the SR-71 high-speed reconaissance aircraft, and was operated by the CIA. A-13 Northrop A-13 Dive bomber. Type: XA-13 Function: attack Year: 1933 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * Speed: 338km/h Ceiling: Range: Armament: 270kg A-14 Curtiss A-14 Shrike Fourteen built. An A-18 with a different engine. Type: A-14 Function: attack Year: Crew: Engines: 2 * 540kW Wright R-1670-5 Speed: Ceiling: Range: Armament: A-16 Northrop A-16 Dive bomber. One built. Prototype of A-17. Type: XA-16 Function: attack Year: 1935 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * Speed: 340km/h Ceiling: Range: Armament: 295kg A-16 Grumman SA-16 Albatross 'SA' for 'Search Amphibian'. Later renamed HU-16, see there. A-17 Northrop A-17 Nomad Northrop DB-8A, an reengined A-16. Low wing monoplane, built with fixed (A-17) and retractable (A-17A) undercarriage. Relegated to general duties before WWII, except for some exported aircraft. 490 built. Type: A-17A Function: attack Year: 1936 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 825hp P&W R-1535-13 Speed: 354km/h Ceiling: 5900m Range: 1180km Armament: 2*mg, 180kg A-18 MDD - Northrop F/A-18 Hornet First the attack version of the F-18 would have been the A-18. Finally it was decided to assign the double designation F/A-18 to the aircraft. See F-18. A-18 Curtiss A-18 Shrike A re-engined A-14. The A-18 was a complety different aircraft than the A-8/10/12 Shrike; it was a elegant twin-engined aircraft. Type: A-18 Function: attack Year: 1934 Crew: 2 Engines: 2 * 440kW Wright R-1820-47 Speed: 383km/h Ceiling: 9120m Range: 2575km Armament: 5 * mg, 297kg A-19 Vultee A-19 Attack aircraft developed from the Vultee V-1 transport. The USAAF used some as engine testbeds. Seven A-19's built, Vultee had more succes with exporting the aircraft. Type: YA-19 Function: attack Year: 1939 Crew: Engines: 1 * 1200hp P&W R-1830-17 Speed: 370km/h Ceiling: Range: 1768km Armament: A-20 Douglas A-20 Boston/Havoc Twin-engined light bomber that was built in large numbers until 1944. The A-20 was a shoulder wing aircraft, compact and powerful. Numerous were sold and lend-leased to Britain and the USSR. The performance was good enough to encourage night fighter developments. 7385 were built. Type: A-20G Function: attack Year: 1941 Crew: 3 Engines: 2 * 1180kW Wright R-2600-23 Wing Span: 18.96m Length: 14.63m Height: 5.36m Wing Area: 43.20m2 Empty Weight: 7250kg Max.Weight: 12338kg Speed: 548km/h Ceiling: 7800m Range: 1750km Armament: 5*mg7.62mm, 4*g*20mm, 1814kg A-21 Boeing-Stearman XA-21 1939, one built. A-22 Martin A-22 Maryland Not used by the USAF, all lend-leased to GB. The Maryland was a twin- engined bomber with good performance, but a cramped fuselage; hence the development of the A-30 Baltimore with a deeper fuselage. A-24 Douglas A-24 Banshee Army version of the SBD dive-bomber. The USAF used 948 of the 5937 Dauntlesses built. A-25 Curtiss A-25 Shrike USAAF version of the SB2C dive-bomber. The design of the SB2C had been delayed by adapting it the USAAF service; but most of the production the land-based Helldiver version went to the USMC, as the SB2C-1A. Only a few entered service with the USAAF. A-26 Douglas A-26 Invader Twin-engined bomber and attack aircraft. The Invader was fast and powerful, exceeding the USAF specifications by a wide margin. Participation in WII was small; but the USAF used them until 1961. Redesignated B-26K from 1948 onwards, and modernised as 'Counter Invader' COIN aircraft, usually with heavy forward-firing armament. In 1977 six airforces still used the Invader. 2502 built. Type: A-26B Function: attack Year: 1944 Crew: 3 Engines: 2 * 1470kW P&W R-2800-27 Wing Span: 21.34m Length: 15.24m Height: 5.64m Wing Area: 50.17m2 Empty Weight: 10365kg Max.Weight: 15876kg Speed: 571km/h Ceiling: 6700m Range: 2900km Armament: 8 to 16 mg 12.7mm, 2725kg Type: B-26K Function: attack Year: 1965 Crew: 2 Engines: 2 * P&W R-2800-103W Wing Span: 21.34m Length: 15.60m Height: 5.60m Wing Area: 50.17m2 Empty Weight: 10748kg Max.Weight: 19677kg Speed: 587km/h Ceiling: 6555m Range: 2140km Armament: 8*mg12.7m 5443kg A-27 North American A-27 Attack version of the T-6. Built 41. Type: A-27 Function: attack Year: Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 550kW Wright R-1820-75 Speed: 402km/h Ceiling: 8500m Range: 1290km Armament: 3 * mg 7.7mm, 181kg A-28 Lockheed A-28 Hudson Earlier versions of the A-29 with P&W Wasp engines, instead of Wright Cyclones in the A-29. A-29 Lockheed A-29 Hudson The Hudson was a military version of the Lockheed 14 Electra. As a bomber it was not very successfull, and it was mainly used as naval patrol and ASW aircraft.  Type: A-29 Function: attack / reconaissance Year: 1939 Crew: 4 Engines: 2 * 880kW Wright R-1820-87 Speed: 407km/h Ceiling: 8080m Range: 4500km Armament: 7 * mg 7.7mm, 726kg A-30 Martin A-30 Baltimore Development of the A-22 Maryland with a deeper fuselage. Not used by the USAF; Lend-lease to GB. Type: Baltimore Mk. III Function: bomber Year: 1941 Crew: 4 Engines: 2 * 1220kW Wright R-2600-19 Speed: 486km/h Ceiling: 7315m Range: 1700km Armament: 6 * mg12.7mm, 907kg A-31 Vultee A-31 Vengeance Dive bomber, Also known as the A-35, see there. A-33 Northrop A-33 Version of the A-17 originally built to Peruvian order. Type: A-33 Function: attack Year: Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 1200hp Wright GR-1820-G205A Speed: 424km/h Ceiling: 9760m Range: 1465km Armament: 6*mg, 818kg b. A-34 Brewster A-34 Buccaneer Version of the SB2A. Cancelled. A-35 Northrop A-35 Vengeance Dive bomber. American version of the A-31. The A-31 was built to British specifications and the A-35 to US specifications. The Vengeance was somewhat ignored by the air forces that ordered it; the British send most of theirs to Burma -- a war theatre that they considered to be of little importance -- were the Vengeance proved to be a capable aircraft. Type: A-35A Function: diev bomber Year: 1942 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 1250kW Wright R-2600-13 Speed: 449km/h Ceiling: 6800m Range: 3220km Armament: 5*mg7.7mm, 907kg A-36 North American A-36 Apache This was the dive-bomber version of the P-51 Mustang. The USAAF bought this version first, but full priority was later given to the fighter version, and no more than 500 A-36's were built. It was unofficially known as 'Invader'. Type: A-36A Function: dive bomber Year: 1940 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 850kW Allison V-1710-F3R Speed: 630km/h Ceiling: 9150m Range: 700km Armament: 6*mg12.7mm, 900kg A-37 Cessna A-37 Dragonfly The little T-37 jet trainer was developed into the A-37 attack aircraft, with more powerful engines and carrying an impressive weapons load for such a small aircraft. 577 built and 39 converted from the T-37. Type: A-37B Function: attack Year: 1967 Crew: 2 Engines: 2 * 12.7kN G.E. J85-GE-17A Wing Span: 10.93m Length: 8.62m Height: 2.71m Wing Area: 17.98m2 Empty Weight: 2817kg Max.Weight: 6350kg Speed: 843km/h Ceiling: 12730m Range: 1630km Armament: 1*mg7.62mm 2450kg A-37 Hughes XA-37 The Hughes DX-2 was a wooden attack aircraft buitl by Howard Hughes -- who allowed no photographs, and kept its performance secret. In the end it was destroyed by fire, in typically mysterious circumstances. A-38 Beechcraft A-38 Grizzly Twin-engined attack aircraft. The XA-38 had clean lines, with a low-set wing, powerful engines, and twin fins. A 75 cannon protruded from the nose. Only two built. Type: XA-38 Function: attack Year: 1945 Crew: 3 Engines: 2 * 1715kW Wright R-3350-43 Speed: 605km/h Ceiling: Range: Armament: A-41 Vultee XA-41 A big dive-bomber, too late for service in WWII. One built. Type: XA-41 Function: dive bomber Year: 1944 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 3000h P&W XR-4360-9 Speed: 353mph Ceiling: Range: Armament: 907kg A-42 Douglas A-42 Skymaster Also known as the B-42. A-43 Curtiss A-43 Blackhawk Never built, but developed into the XP-87 Nighthawk. A-44 Consolidated Vultee A-44 Renamed XB-53. Not built. A-45 Martin A-45 Renamed XB-51. A-57 Martin A-57 Renamed B-57. AC-1 De Havilland Canada AC-1 Original US Army designation for the DHC-4. AC-2 De Havilland Canada AC-2 Renamed V-7 and later C-8, the DHC-5 Buffalo. AD Douglas AD Skyraider Renamed A-1. AE Piper AE Also known as the HE. AF Grumman AF Guardian Successor to the TBF Avenger. The AF was a rectangular low-wing a aircraft, that would have looked sleek without its enormous tail surfaces. The AF was first designed with a jet engine in the tail, but this was removed before the aircraft entered production because it caused to much trouble and the role changed from attack to ASW. AF's operated in hunter-killer pairs, one searching submarines with its AN/APS-20 radar, the other carrying armament. Type: AF-2S Function: ASW / attack Year: 1950 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 1765kW P&W R-2800-48W Wing Span: 18.49m Length: 13.21m Height: 4.93m Wing Area: 52.02m2 Empty Weight: 6613kg Max.Weight: 11567kg Speed: 510km/h Ceiling: 9900m Range: 2410km Armament: 1814kg AH Douglas AH Attack aircraft; nothing more than a stage in the development of THE F-4 Phantom II. Never built. AH Curtiss AH Triad Curtiss float biplane, Navy version of the Army's model E. Type: AH Task: observation Year: 1911 Crew: Engines: Max. Speed: Ceiling: Max. Range: Armament: AJ North American AJ Savage Large carrier bomber, with one jet engine in the tail and two radial engines. Type: AJ-1 Task: bomber Year: Crew: Engines: 2 * 2400hp P&W R-2800-44W 1 * Allison J33-A-10 Max. Speed: 759km/h Ceiling: 13100m Max. Range: 3798km Armament: AM Martin AM Mauler Attack aircraft, overshadowed by the famous AD Skyraider. 149 built. Type: AM-1 Function: attack Year: 1948 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 2235kW P&W R-4360-4 Max. Speed: 591km/h Ceiling: Max. Range: 2090km Armament: 4*g20mm, b, r, t AO-1 Grumman AO-1 Mohawk Renamed OV-1 AO-1 Atlantic AO-1 Type: AO-1 Task: Observation Year: Crew: Engines: Max. Speed: Ceiling: Max. Range: Armament: AS Aeromarine AS Seaplane fighter. AT-1 Huff-Daland AT-1 Biplane trainer of the 1921-1925 period. Former TA-2, TA-6 or TW-5. AT-3 Boeing AT-3 Trainer version of the PW-9 fighter with a 140hp Wright E-4 engine. 1926, one built. AT-4 Curtiss AT-4 Trainer version of the P-1 fighter. Type: AT-4 Task: trainer Year: 1926 Crew: Engines: 1 * Wright-Hispano V-720 Max. Speed: 133mph Ceiling: Max. Range: 535mls Armament: AT-5 Curtiss AT-5 Development of the AT-4. Type: AT-5 Task: trainer Year: 1926 Crew: Engines: 1 * 220hp Wright R-970-1 Max. Speed: 125mph Ceiling: Max. Range: 488mls Armament: AT-6 North American AT-6 Texan A low-wing aircraft with a typical rectangular wing, with a swept outboard leading edge. The AT-6 was the most famous WWII trainer and continued in service for a long time. Later renamed T-6. Type: AT-6G Task: trainer Year: 1940 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 440kW P&W R-1340-AN-1 Max. Speed: 335km/h Ceiling: 7400m Max. Range: 1200km Armament: 2 * mg12.7mm AT-7 Beechcraft AT-7 Navigational trainer version of the C-45. Type: AT-7 Function: trainer Year: Crew: 5 Engines: 2 * Speed: 359km/h Ceiling: 7320m Range: 1170km Armament: AT-8 Cessna AT-8 Precursor of AT-17. The AT-8 was a standard Curtiss T-50, while the AT-17 was a militarized version of the some aircraft. The USAAC ordered 33. AT-9 Curtiss AT-9 Jeep Twin-engined trainer. 791 built. Type: AT-9 Task: trainer Year: Crew: 2 Engines: 2 * 209kW Lycoming R-680-9 Max. Speed: 320km/h Ceiling: Max. Range: 1200km Armament: 2 seats. AT-10 Beechcraft AT-10 Wichita Twin-engined trainer, a small low-wing monoplane. Built almost entirely from wood, and that even including the fuel tanks. 1171 were built. Type: AT-10 Function: trainer Year: Crew: 2 Engines: 2 * 280hp Lycoming R-680-9 Speed: 317km/h Ceiling: 5155m Range: 1232km Armament: AT-11 Beech AT-11 Kansan Trainer for bomber crews developed from the C-45. Type: AT-11 Task: trainer Year: 1940 Crew: 6 Engines: 2 * 330kW P&W R-985-AN-1 Max. Speed: 346km/h Ceiling: 6100m Max. Range: 1368km Armament: 2*mg7.62mm b454kg AT-12 Republic AT-12 Guardsman Trainer version of the 2-PA two-seat fighter-bomber, itself a two-seat development of the P-35 single-seat fighter. The 2-PA had been built for Sweden, but were not delivered because of an embargo. Type: AT-12 Function: trainer Year: 1939 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * Speed: 498km/h Ceiling: 8535m Range: 930km Armament: AT-13 Fairchild AT-13 Precursor of the AT-21 AT-14 Fairchild AT-14 Precursor of the AT-21. AT-15 Boeing-Stearman AT-15 Crewmaker Trainer. 1942, two built. AT-16 Noorduyn AT-16 The North American N.A.77 Texan. A version of the AT-6. AT-17 Cessna AT-17 Trainer version of the Curtiss T-50 low-wing, twin-engined light transport, that was known as the UC-78 Bobcat in military service. Production the AT-17, AT-17A and AT-17B was 1139. There were also some AT-17C communication trainers. Type: AT-17 Task: trainer Year: 1942 Crew: 2 Engines: 2 * 180kW Jacobs R-775-9 Max. Speed: 314km/h Ceiling: 6700m Max. Range: 1200km Load: 4 seats. AT-18 Lockheed AT-18 Trainer version of the Lockheed A-29 Hudson. AT-19 Stinson AT-19 Trainer version of the UC-81. AT-20 Federal AT-20 Version of the British Avro Anson. Two 330hp Jacobs L-6BM engines. AT-21 Fairchild AT-21 Gunner Twin-engined trainer built from plastified wood, looking like a small bomber with a nose gun and a top turret. Type: AT-21 Task: gunnery trainer Year: Crew: 5 Engines: 2 * 450hp Ranger V-770-15 Max. Speed: 360km/h Ceiling: 6760m Max. Range: 1460km Armament: AT-22 Consolidated AT-22 Training version of the B-24 Liberator. AT-23 Lockheed AT-23 Target tug version of the B-26 Marauder. AT-24 North American AT-24 Training version of the B-25 Mitchell. AT-29 Convair AT-29 Training version of the Convair 240. Later renamed T-29. AU Vought AU Attack bomber developed form the F4U Corsair, originally named XF4U-6. It had an engine rated for low altitudes and additional armor. The additional weight of the AU exarbecated the handling problems of the F4U. 110 built. Type: AU-1 Function: attack Year: 1952 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 2100kW R-2800-83WA Speed: 720km/h Ceiling: Range: 1325km Armament: 4*g20mm 10*r12.7cm 2*726kg b. --B--------------------------------------------------------------------------- B Orenco B Fighter. U.S. Development of the Spad S.VII. Type: Orenco B Function: fighter Year: 1918 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 160hp Gnome Monosoupape Max. Speed: 212km/h Ceiling: Max. Range: Armament: 4 * mg6.5mm B-1 Keystone B-1 Twin-engined biplane bomber, adapted from the single-engined HB-1. One built. Type: XB-1B Function: bomber Year: 1927 Crew: 5 Engines: 2 * 600hp Curtiss V-1570-5 Conqueror Wing Span: 85ft Length: 62ft Height: 19ft 3in Wing Area: 1604ft2 Empty Weight: 9462lb Max.Weight: 17039lb Speed: 117mph Ceiling: 15000ft Range: 700mls Armament: 6*mg7.7mm B-1 Rockwell B-1 The variable geometry B-1 bomber has been the awaited successor for the elderly B-52 for a long time. The B-1A was cancelled; the B-1B Lancer, more optimized for low-altitude attacks and stealth, is now built in small numbers. Type: B-1B Function: bomber Year: 1986 Crew: 4 Engines: 4 * 13600kg G.E. F101-GE-11 Speed: 1275km/h Ceiling: 14600m Range: 12000km Armament: 29030kgs B-2 Northrop B-2 Spirit The B-2 will only be built in small numbers, because the cost of replacing all the old B-52's is considered to be too high. The B-2 is a stealth bomber, of flying wing design with a smooth, rounded upper surface, but angular wingtips and a double-W trailing edge. The four engines are deeply buried in the midwing section. Type: B-2 Function: bomber Year: 1988 Crew: 3 Engines: 4 * 8620kg General-Electric F118-GE-100 Speed: 1010km/h Ceiling: 16765m Range: 12225km Armament: 16920kg B-2 Curtiss B-2 Condor Twin-engined biplane night bomber, the standard bomber of the USAAC for a short time. It was developed from the MB-2 / NBS, and built of steel tubing with fabric covering. 13 built. Type: B-2 Function: bomber Year: 1929 Crew: 5 Engines: 2 * 600hp Curtiss V-1550 Speed: 211km/h Ceiling: 5215m Range: 1288km Armament: 3*mg7.62mm B-3 Keystone B-3A Twin-engined biplane bomber, the former LB-10. 36 built. Type: B-3A Function: bomber Year: 1930 Crew: 5 Engines: 2 * 525hp P&W R-1690-3 Wing Span: 74ft 8in Length: 48ft 10in Height: 15ft 9in Wing Area: 1145ft2 Empty Weight: 7705lb Max.Weight: 12952lb Speed: 114mph Ceiling: 12700ft Range: 860mls Armament: 2500lb 3*mg7.7mm B-4 Keystone B-4A Twin-engined biplane bomber, very similar to the B-3. Former LB-13. 30 built. Type: B-4A Function: bomber Year: 1932 Crew: 5 Engines: 2 * 575hp P&W R-1860-7 Hornet Wing Span: 74ft 8in Length: 48ft 10in Height: 15ft 9in Wing Area: 1145ft2 Empty Weight: 7951lb Max.Weight: 13209lb Speed: 195km/h Ceiling: 4267m Range: 1376km Armament: 3*mg 1134kg B-5 Keystone B-5 Twin-engined biplane bomber. 44 built. Type: B-5A Function: bomber Year: 1930 Crew: Engines: 2 * Speed: Ceiling: Range: Armament: B-6 Keystone B-6A Panther Twin-engined biplane bomber. 44 built. The B-6 only differed from the B-4 by its Wright R-1820 Cyclone engines, and was actually deliverd before the B-4. Type: B-6A Function: bomber Year: 1932 Crew: 5 Engines: 2 * 575hp Wright Cyclone Speed: 194km/h Ceiling: Range: 1320km Armament: 4*mg7.62mm 2150lb b. B-7 Douglas B-7 Bomber development of the twin-engined O-36 observation aircraft. Eight built. The B-7 was the first US monoplane bomber to enter service. It was a gull-winged aircraft; the engines were fitted underwing, and the landing gear was fixed. It never never entered series production, because it was already obsolete. They did carry air mail for some time, and four aircraft were lost in that. Type: Y1B-7 Function: bomber Year: 1933 Crew: Engines: 2 * 640hp Curtiss V-1570-33 Wing Span: 65ft Length: 45ft 11in Height: 11ft 7in Wing Area: 621.2ft2 Empty Weight: 5519lb Max.Weight: 11177lb Speed: 182mph Ceiling: 20400ft Range: 632mls Armament: 2*mg7.62mm 1200lb B-8 General Aviation XB-8 Twin-engined bomber developed from the O-27 recce aircraft. Only one built, because the B-7 had better performance. Type: XB-8 Function: bomber Year: 1931 Crew: 3 Engines: 2 * 600hp Curtiss V-1570-23 Wing Span: 64ft Length: 47ft Height: 11ft 6in Wing Area: 619ft2 Empty Weight: 6861lb Max.Weight: 10545lb Speed: 160mph Ceiling: Range: Armament: 2*mg7.62mm B-9 Boeing B-9 Seven built. Martin quickly build a better bomber, the B-10. The B-9 was a mix of the new, a cantilever monoplane, with the old: open cockpits and fixed landing gear. Type: Y1B-9A Function: bomber Year: 1931 Crew: 7 Engines: 2 * 447kW P&W SR-1860-11 Wing Span: 23.42m Length: 15.77m Height: 3.66m Wing Area: 88.63m2 Empty Weight: 4056kg Max.Weight: 6495kg Speed: 299km/h Ceiling: 6325m Range: 870km Armament: 2*mg7.62mm, 1025kg B-10 Martin B-10 The B-10, as a monoplane bomber with retractable landing gear, enclosed cockpits and good streamlining, outpaced the contempary biplane fighters and revolutionized bomber design. It did away with the ugly box-like designs that were common in the 20's. Its period of superiority was brief, because it was soon overtaken by even more advanced designs. Some exported aircraft saw combat in WWII. Type: B-10 Function: bomber Year: 1932 Crew: 4 Engines: 2 * 570kW Wright R-1820-25 Speed: 342km/h Ceiling: 7500m Range: 1995km Armament: 3*mg7.62mm 454kg B-11 Douglas YB-11 One built. Also known as the YOA-5 or O-44. The B-11 did not carry bombs; it was intended as a lead aircraft for bomber formations. It was an amphibian. The concept was soon out of favour again, and it was completed as an observation aircraft. B-12 Martin B-12 Version of B-10 with P&W Hornet engines. B-13 Martin B-13 Projected version of the B-10 with P&W R-1860 engines. Cancelled. 1933. B-14 Martin B-14 Development of B-10 with P&W R-1830-9 engines. Cancelled. B-15 Boeing XB-15 The big XB-15 was designed as a long-range bomber. It proved underpowered, too slow and too vulnerable, partly because the desired engines were unavailable. One built. Later converted to the XC-105 transport. Type: XB-15 Function: bomber Year: 1937 Crew: 10 Engines: 4 *746kW P&W R-1830-11 Wing Span: 45.42m Length: 26.7m Height: 5.51m Wing Area: 258.26m2 Empty Weight: 17105kg Max.Weight: 41713kg Speed: 314km/h Ceiling: 5760m Range: 8260km Armament: 3600kg B-16 Martin XB-16 A 1935 bomber project for a long-range bomber, with twin tail booms and six Allison V-1710 engines, four tractor engines and two pushers. Cancelled. B-17 Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress Designed as a heavily-armed, long-range medium bomber. The B-17 was the mainstay of the USAF bomber offensive over Europe. It had good range, and was easy to fly except when -- as was often the case -- it was overloaded; but its bomb-carrying capacity on long range was very limited. Even the 13 machine guns of the B-17G were not enough to fight off enemy fighters, but on the other hand the B-17 could have a lot of hits and still bring its crew home. Some B-17 Flying Fortress bombers were stripped of armament and used as CB-17 transports. 12731 built. Type: B-17G Function: bomber Year: 1943 Crew: 12 Engines: 4 * 880kW Wright R-1820-97 Wing Span: 31.62m Length: 22.66m Height: 5.82m Wing Area: 131.92m2 Empty Weight: 16391kg Max.Weight: 29710kg Speed: 462km/h Ceiling: 10850m Range: 3160miles Armament: 13*mg12.7mm, 9453kg B-18 Douglas B-18 Bolo Medium bomber developed from the DC-2, with a new fuselage, but DC-2 wings and tail. The new fuselage was deeper, with a forward-sloping glazed nose. Obsolete when WWII began, most were used for anti- submarine patrols in the Carribean, with MAD detectors. Type: B-18A Function: bomber Year: 1937 Crew: 6 Engines: 2 * 740kW Wright R-1820-53 Wing Span: 27.28m Length: 17.63m Height: 4.62m Wing Area: 89.65m2 Empty Weight: 7403kg Max.Weight: 12552kg Speed: 346km/h Ceiling: 7285m Range: 1900km Armament: 3*mg7.62mm, 2950kg B-19 Douglas XB-19 This huge long-range bomber was a too demanding concept for the technology of its time. It looked impressive, clean, and max. loaded weigth was 73480kg, span was 64.62m! But it was underpowered and too vulnerable. One built. The XB-19A was, despite its B-letter, a freighter conversion of the bomber prototype. The R-3350 engines were replaced with Allison V-3420's, all armament was removed, and the fuselage rearranged. Type: XB-19 Function: bomber Year: Crew: 16 Engines: 4 * 2000hp Wright R-3350-5 Speed: 360km/h Ceiling: Range: Armament: 2*g37mm, 5*mg12.7mm, 6*mg7.62mm, 16830kg B-20 Boeing B-20 Development of the B-15 with more powerful R-2180 engines. 1937, cancelled. B-21 North American XB-21 Dragon The first bomber of North American. The XB-21 was a mid-wing monoplane with performance similar to the B-18, but almost twice as expensive; so the USAAC chose the B-18. One built. Type: XB-21 Function: bomber Year: 1936 Crew: 6 Engines: 2 * 1200hp P&W R-2180-1 Twin Hornet Wing Span: 95ft Length: 61ft 9in Height: 14ft 9in Wing Area: 1120ft2 Empty Weight: 19082lb Max.Weight: 40000lb Speed: 220mph Ceiling: 25000ft Range: 3100mls Armament: 5*mg7.62mm B-22 Douglas B-22 A development of the B-18 with Wright R-2600 engines. Cancelled in favour of the B-23. 1938. B-23 Douglas B-23 Dragon Development of the B-18, radically changed with a new fuselage and DC-3 wings. Only 38 built, because it was inferior to the B-17, B-25 and B-26. After brief service as patrol aircraft and trainer, most were converted to UC-67 transports. About 40 built. Type: B-23 Function: bomber Year: 1940 Crew: 5 Engines: 2 * 1180kW Wright R-2600-3 Wing Span: 28.04m Length: 17.80m Height: 5.63m Wing Area: 92.25m2 Empty Weight: 8659kg Max.Weight: 14659kg Speed: 454km/h Ceiling: 9630m Range: 2340km Armament: 3*mg7.62mm, 1*mg12.7mm, 1996kg B-24 Consolidated B-24 Liberator The big and complicated B-24 was the most built US aircraft of WWII. The B-24 lacked the glamour of the B-17, was more difficult to fly, and had little better performance. But it was efficient and had longer range, due to the slender 'Davis' wing. Its range made it much in demand for naval patrol tasks. Some Liberators were stripped of their equipment and armament and used as transports called CB-24. 19256 built. Type: B-24J Function: bomber Year: 1943 Crew: 12 Engines: 4 * 895kW P&W R-1830-65 Wing Span: 33.53m Length: 29.47m Height: 5.49m Wing Area: 97.36m2 Empty Weight: 16556kg Max.Weight: 32296kg Speed: 467km/h Ceiling: 8535m Range: 3380km Armament: 10*mg12.7mm, 5806kg B-25 North American B-25 Mitchell The most built and used medium bomber of the war, a shoulder-wing monoplane. The inboard sections of the wing had dihedral, but the outboard sections were horizontal, and the B-25 had twin fins. Some versions had glazed nose for the bombardier, other had a nose filled with machine guns and even a 75mm cannon. The 'Doolittle raid' on Tokyo made the B-25 famous. B-25s lend-leased to the USSR continued their service there after WWII, and had the NATO reporting name 'Bank'. 9816 built. Type: B-25J Function: bomber Year: 1943 Crew: 6 Engines: 2 * 1250kW Wright R-2600-29 Wing Span: Length: Height: Wing Area: Empty Weight: Max.Weight: Speed: 438km/h Ceiling: 7375m Range: 2170km Armament: 13*mg12.7mm, 1800kg B-26 Douglas B-26 Invader The A-26 was renamed B-26K after the retirement of the Martin B-26. Later it was for a brief period again the A-26, for political reasons. B-26 Martin B-26 Marauder The B-26 was a twin-engined bomber with a streamlined fuselage of circular cross-section and a relatively small shoulder wing. The B-26 was difficult to handle, because of its high wing loading, but had high performance. With the B-25 it formed the US medium bomber forces in WWII. Type: B-26G Function: bomber Year: 1944 Crew: 7 Engines: 2 * 1470kW Wright R-2800-43 Speed: 455km/h Ceiling: 6050m Range: 1770km Armament: 11*mg12.7mm, 1814kg B-27 Martin XB-27 Martin M-182. Cancelled. 1940. B-28 North American XB-28 Twin-engined bomber with pressurised cockpits. Much of its technology was used in the B-29. Type: XB-28 Function: bomber Year: 1942 Crew: Engines: 2 * P&W R-2800 Speed: Ceiling: Range: Armament: B-29 Boeing B-29 Superfortress The B-29 heavy bomber set new standards in performance, aramament and range. It was used only in the Pacific, finally dropping the A-bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. After the war it became the main means of delivery for nuclear bombs. The USSR copied it as the Tu-4. The KB-29 was the tanker version of the B-29, the SB-29 the search & rescue version, carrying a lifeboat; the DB-29 was a drone controller, the TB-29 a trainer, the RB-29 a reconaissance aircraft. Some B-29s were used as launch aircraft for research aircraft like the X-1 and X-2. Type: B-29A Function: bomber Year: 1943 Crew: 10 Engines: 4 * 1600kW Wrigth R-3350-23 Wing Span: 43.05m Length: 30.18m Height: 9.02m Wing Area: 161.27m2 Empty Weight: 31815kg Max.Weight: 56245kg Speed: 575km/h Ceiling: 9710m Range: 5230km Armament: 1*g20mm, 12*mg12.7mm, 9072kg B-30 Lockheed XB-30 Project only. Bomber version of the Constellation. None built. Type: XB-30 Function: bomber Year: 1940 Crew: Engines: 4 * 2200hp Wright GR-3350-13 Speed: 380mph Ceiling: Range: Armament: Five gun turrets. B-31 Douglas XB-31 Project only. B-32 Convair B-32 Dominator The B-32 was designed to compete with the B-29. After the latter was selected by the USAAF, the B-32 was completed as a less sophisticated alternative to the B-29. Neverthless, it was ready later than the B-29, and only 15 entered combat service. It was a dissapointing aircraft. 118 built. Type: B-32 Function: bomber Year: 1945 Crew: 8 Engines: 4 * 1641kW Wright R-3350-23 Wing Span: 41.15m Length: 25.32m Height: 10.06m Wing Area: 132.10m2 Empty Weight: 27339kg Max.Weight: 50576kg Speed: 576km/h Ceiling: 10670m Range: 6115km Armament: 2*g20mm, 4*mg12.7mm, 9072kg B-33 Martin XB-33 Super Marauder A four-engined bomber designed in 1942. Cancelled. B-34 Lockheed B-34 Lexington USAAF version of the PV Harpoon/Ventura. B-35 Northrop B-35 Flying Wing The first of the Northrop flying wing bombers. Development was protracted and only 15 were built. What finally halted the development of the B-35 was its inablity to carry nuclear bombs -- the bomb bays were no large enough to hold them, because the Northrop engineers did not know their size. Type: XB-35 Function: bomber Year: 1946 Crew: 9 Engines: 4 * 2200kW P&W R-4360-17/21 Speed: 630km/h Ceiling: Range: 16100km Armament: 20*mg12.7mm, 18700kg B-36 Convair B-36 The huge B-36 never saw action, but was the mainstay of the SAC for some time. The B-36 had a large cylindrical fuselage and six pusher props on a huge wing with slight sweepback. Later four additional jet engines were fitted. The RB-36 was a reconaissance version, including a number of stripped high-altitude reconaissance aircraft. The GRB-36 was modified to carry a RF-84K reconaissance jet, half in its bomb bay. The NB-36 carried a nuclear reactor, to study its behaviour at high altitude. Type: B-36J Year: 1953 Crew: 16 Engines: 6 * 2835kW P&W R-4360-53 4 * 2360kg G.E. J47-GE-19 Wing Span: 70.10m Length: 49.40m Height: 14.22m Wing Area: 443.32m2 Empty Weight: 77580kg Max.Weight: 185973kg Speed: 661km/h Ceiling: 12160m Range: 12070km Armament: 16*g20mm, 39009kg B-37 Lockheed B-37 Development of the B-34, 2 * 1250kW P&W R-2600-31 B-38 Boeing XB-38 One B-17E with Allison 1425hp V-1710 engines. Offered only a marginal performance inmprovement. One built. B-39 Boeing XB-39 A B-29 with Allison V-4320 engines of 1910kW. One built. B-40 Boeing YB-40 Twenty-one B-17E's were converted to escort gunships with 14 .50 guns. The concept was a failure: the heavy escort ships couldn't keep up with the empty bombers on the return flight. B-41 Consolidated XB-41 Gunship conversion of the B-24D with 15 .50 guns. One built. B-42 Douglas XB-42 Mixmaster Clean mid-wing attack bomber, driven by two large contrarotating pusher props at the extreme tail, behind the the tailplanes. Two built. Type: XB-42 Function: bomber Year: 1942 Crew: 3 Engines: 2 * 1725hp Allison V-1710-25 Speed: 660km/h Ceiling: Range: 8046km Armament: 907kg, 4*mg12.7mm B-43 Douglas XB-43 The XB-43 was a jet-engined development of the XB-42. Two built. Type: XB-43 Function: bomber Year: 1946 Crew: Engines: 2 * 1814kg G.E. TG-180 Speed: 830km/h Ceiling: Range: Armament: 3480kg B-44 Boeing XB-44 Development of the B-29 with P&W R-4360 engines; precursor of the B-50. Three built. B-45 North American B-45 Tornado First USAF jet bomber in active service. The B-45 was a conventional straight-wing aircraft; a gondola under each wing contained two jet engines. Type: B-45 Function: bomber Year: 1950 Crew: 4 Engines: 4 * 2360kg G.E. J47-GE-13/15 Speed: 932km/h Ceiling: 13170m Range: 3075km Armament: 2*mg12.7mm, 18698kg North American RB-45 Tornado Recce version of the B-45 bomber. The transparent nose was replaced by a 'solid' one with an 'eye' for the camera. Additional fuel was carried in wing tip tanks. 33 built. Type: RB-45C Task: reconaissance Year: 1950 Crew: 4 Engines: 4 * 2720kg P&W J47-GE-13 Max. Speed: 917km/h Ceiling: 12770m Max. Range: 4070km Armament: B-46 Convair XB-46 A straight-wing jet bomber. It was sleek, graceful, and too slow. The B-47 was preferred. One built. Type: XB-46 Function: bomber Year: 1947 Crew: 3 Engines: 4 * 1800kg G.E. J35-C3 Speed: 877km/h Ceiling: Range: Armament: 2*mg12.7mm, 10000kg B-47 Boeing B-47 Stratojet The B-47 broke new ground with it highly swept wings, clean fuselage, and neatly podded engines. Much used by the SAC in the '50-'60 period. Its main deficiency was the limited range: the B-47 couldn't attack the USSR from US bases without air refuelling. Also used for reconaissance as the RB-47 or EB-47. The RB-47H was recognizable from canoe pods under the fuselage, the others looked more like standard B-47s. Type: B-47E Function: bomber Year: 1951 Crew: 3 Engines: 6 * 3266kg G.E. J47-GE-25 Wing Span: 35.36m Length: 33.48m Height: 8.51m Wing Area: 132.66m2 Empty Weight: 36630kg Max.Weight: 89893kg Speed: 975km/h Ceiling: 12350m Range: 6440km Armament: 2*g20mm, 9072kg B-48 Martin XB-48 The only claim this ungraceful aircraft could make is being the first six-engined jet bomber. Type: XB-48 Function: bomber Year: 1947 Crew: 3 Engines: 6 * 1750kg Allison J35-A-7 Speed: 830km/h Ceiling: Range: Armament: 2*mg12.7mm, 9500kg B-49 Northrop B-49 A rebuild B-35 flying wing with eight jet engines. Only two built. Type: YB-49 Function: bomber Year: 1946 Crew: 7 Engines: 8 * 1800kg Allison J35-A-15 Speed: 790km/h Ceiling: Range: Northrop YRB-49 Six-engined recce bomber developed from the B-49. One built. Type: YRB-49 Function: reconaissane / bomber Year: 1950 Crew: 6 Engines: 6 * Speed: 800km/h Ceiling: Range: Armament: B-50 Boeing B-50 Superfortress Refined post-war development of the B-29. R-4360 engines replaced the R-3350, a lighter wing and a larger, folding tailfin were used. Of course there were also reconaissance and tanker versions. Type: B-50D Year: 1945 Crew: 11 Engines: 4 * 2575kW P&W R-4360-35 Speed: 640km/h Ceiling: 11580m Range: 7880km Armament: 13*mg12.7mm, 12700kg B-51 Martin XB-51 The XB-51 pioneered with variable incidence wings, a T-tail, and a rotary bomb bay. Maybe too much pioneering, because the B-51 remained a prototype. Type: XB-51 Function: bomber Year: 1949 Crew: 2 Engines: 3 * 2350kg G.E. J47-GE-13 Speed: 1040km/h Ceiling: Range: Armament: 4700kg B-52 Boeing B-52 Stratofortess Large intercontinental jet bomber. Saw combat dropping conventional bombs in Vietnam and lately in the Gulf. Increasingly vulnerable in a modern combat environment, the B-52 still offers unique bomb- carrying capacity; several plans to replace it were found to be too costly. Entered service in 1955 and will probably stay until at least 2000! Also played a role with NASA as launch aircraft, carrying in to air the X-15 and others. The B-52 also was employed for recce tasks as the RB-52. Type: B-25H Function: bomber Year: 1955 Crew: 6 Engines: 8 * 75.6kN P&W TF-33-P-3 Wing Span: 56.39m Length: 49.05m Height: 12.40m Wing Area: 371.60m2 Empty Weight: Max.Weight: +221353kg Speed: 957km/h Ceiling: 16765m Range: 16093km Armament: 1*g20mm 20*msl AGM-69 SRAM B-53 Convair B-53 Jet bomber with forward swept wings. Never built. B-54 Boeing B-54 Development of the B-50, also called B-50C. B-55 Boeing B-55 Development of the B-50. Never built. B-56 Boeing B-56 Also known as the YB-47C project. B-57 Martin B-57 Intruder US development of the English Electric Canberra, a highly succesfull straight-wing jet bomber. Type: B-57G Function: bomber Year: 1955 Crew: 2 Engines: 2 * 3275kg Wright J65-5 Speed: 937km/h Ceiling: 14500m Range: 3380km Armament: 2270kg Martin RB-57 The B-57 was the US version of the British Canberra bomber. Just like its British counterpart the B-57 was developed into high-flying spy versions. The normal span of 19.5m was extended to 32.3m for the RB-57D and 37.32m for the RB-57F. The latter also had two additional engines below its two P&W TF33's. There was also an EB-57. Type: RB-57D Task: reconaissance Year: 1955 Crew: 2 Engines: 2 * 4990kg P&W J-57-P-5 Max. Speed: 936km/h Ceiling: 14630m Max. Range: 3700km Armament: B-58 Convair B-58 Hustler The B-58 was a sleek delta-wing jet bomber. It carried the bombs and fuel in a large pod, bigger than its fuselage, that was dropped over the target. Its too short range brought an early end to its service life. Production began with no less than 30 pre-series YB-58s, followed by 86 standard B-58As. One NB-58 engine testbed and eight TB-58 trainers were built. 116 built. Type: B-58A Function: bomber Year: 1959 Crew: 3 Engines: 4 * 7076kg G.E. J79-GE-5A Wing Span: 17.32m Length: 29.49m Height: 9.58m Wing Area: 143.25m2 Empty Weight: Max.Weight: 73936kg Speed: 2229km/h Ceiling: 18290m Range: 3219km Armament: 1*g20mm B-59 Boeing B-59 Boeing model 701, not built. B-60 Convair B-60 Sweptwing jet-engined development of the B-36. Proved inferior to the B-52. Type: YB-60 Function: bomber Year: 1952 Crew: 10 Engines: 8 * Speed: 805km/h Ceiling: Range: Armament: 10*g20mm, 32000kg B-61 Martin Matador, a cruise missile. B-62 Northrop Snark, a missile. B-63 Bell Rascal, a missile. B-64 North American Navajo, a missile. B-65 Convair Atlas, a missile. B-66 Douglas B-66 Destroyer The B-66 was the USAF version of the USN's A-3. Both forces used the aircraft for electronic intelligence missions. The USAF used only 72 of its 294 B-66's as bombers; many more were RB-66 ELINT aircraft. There was also a WB-66 wheater aircraft. Type: RB-66 Function: ELINT aircraft Year: 1956 Crew: Engines: 2 * 4627kg Allison J71-A-11 Wing Span: 22.10m Length: 22.90m Height: 7.19m Wing Area: 72.46m2 Empty Weight: 19720kg Max.Weight: 37648kg Speed: 1015km/h Ceiling: 11855m Range: 1489km Armament: 2*g20mm B-67 Radioplane Crossbow, a missile. B-68 Martin B-68 The Titan missile. B-69 Lockheed B-69 USAF version of the P2V Neptune. B-70 B-70 Valkyrie High-flying Mach 3 bomber, intended to replace the B-52. It was designed to 'ride' on the shock wave contained between the lower fuselage and its downturned wingtips. The advent of surface-to-aircraft missile made the high-flying bomber obsolete. Two built. Type: XB-70A Year: 1969 Crew: 4 Engines: 6 * 14060kg G.E. YJ93-GE-3 Speed: 3200km/h Ceiling: 24400m Range: 12070km Armament: B-72 The Quail missile. B-75 The Thor missile. B-76 The Mace missile. B-77 The Hounddog missile. B-78 The Jupiter missile. B-80 The Minuteman missile. B-83 The Bullpup missile. B-87 The Skybolt missile. B-901 Boeing B-901 Renamed B-9. B-906 Ford B-906 One XB-906, experimental bomber version of the Ford Trimotor. B-907 Martin B-907 Renamed B-10. BC-1 North American BC-1 Basic Combat 1, a designation given to the AT-6. BC-2 North American BC-2 BC-3 Vultee BC-3 BD Douglas BD Navy version of the A-20. The USN received on BD-1 and eight BD-2s. BF2C Curtiss BF2C Fighter-bomber from the long series of Curtiss Hawk fighter biplanes. Developed from the F11C fighter. Last Curtiss fighter in service with the USN; in service for less than a year. Some were exported. Type: BF2C-1 Function: fighter / bomber Year: 1934 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 550kW Wright R-1820-F53 Speed: 370km/h Ceiling: 8300m Range: 1280km Armament: 2*mg7.62mm, 4*b52kg, 1*b215kg BFB Boeing XBFB-1 Renamed XF6B-1 BFC Curtiss BFC Goshawk Prototypes and initial production of the BF2C with a fixed undercarriage. This was a development of the F11C. BG Great Lakes BG Carrier dive bomber, developed from the TG. A biplane with fixed landing gear and open cockpits. 61 built. Type: BG-1 Function: attack Year: 1934 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 550kW P&W R-1535 Wing Span: 10.97m Length: Height: 3.35m Wing Area: 35.67m2 Empty Weight: 1770kg Max.Weight: 2880kg Speed: 302km/h Ceiling: 6125m Range: 885km Armament: 2*mg7.62mm, 1*b454kg BLR-1 Boeing XBLR-1 Also known as the XB-15. BLR-2 Douglas XBLR-2 Also known as the XB-19. BM Martin BM Dive-bomber. Originally known as the XT5M-1. 33 built. Type: BM-1 Function: attack Year: 1932 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 385kW P&W R-1690-22 Speed: 233km/h Ceiling: 5000m Range: 645km Armament: 2*mg7.7mm, 450kg Boeing 767 Twin-engined jet airliner. Some 767 are being converted to AWACS aircraft for the JASDF, to be delivered in 1998 and 1999. BQ-1 Fleetwing BQ-1 Radio-controlled flying bomb. Two in-line air-cooled engines. BQ-2 Fleetwing BQ-2 Version of the BQ-1 with radial engines. BQ-3 Fairchild BQ-3 Radio-controlled version of the AT-21. 1814kg explosives. BQ-4 Interstate USAAF version of the TDR. BQ-5 Interstate BQ-4 with Franklin O-805 engines. Cancelled. BQ-6 Interstate BQ-4 with Wright R-975 engines. Cancelled. BQ-7 Boeing BQ-7 Aphrodite Unmanned version of the B-17; flight-deck roof cut away, equipment removed, radio-control installed and loaded with 9072kg Torpex. Eight operational missions; poor results. BQ-8 Consolidated BQ-8 Unmanned version of the B-24; 11340kg Torpex. BT Northrop BT-1 and Douglas XBT-2. The BT-1 was a monoplane dive bomber built by Northrop. It had rather vicious handling characteristics. When Northrop was dissolved, Douglas developed the XBT-2 into the SBD. Type: BT-1 Function: attack Year: 1938 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 825hp P&W R-1535-94 Speed: 357km/h Ceiling: 7710m Range: 1850km Armament: 1*mg12.7mm, 1*mg7.62mm, 454kg BT-1 Douglas BT-1 Trainer modification of the O-2. BT-2 Douglas BT-2 Modification of the 31 O-32's built. Type: BT-2B Task: trainer Year: Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 450hp P&W R-1340-11 Wing Span: 12.19m Length: 9.50m Height: 3.30m Wing Area: 33.63m2 Empty Weight: 1324kg Max.Weight: 1845kg Speed: 216km/h Ceiling: 5850m Range: 515km Armament: BT2C Curtiss BT2C Single-seat torpedo and dive bomber. The BT2C was a relatively small, clean aircraft with good handling and performance; but the Navy preferred the BT2D/AD Skyraider. Nine built. Type: XBT2C-1 Function: attack Year: 1945 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 2500hp Wright R-3350-24 Speed: 562km/h Ceiling: 8565m Range: 2415km Armament: 2*g20mm 1800kg BT2D Douglas XBT2D-1 Prototype of the AD Skyraider. BT-4 Curtiss BT-4 Trainer, a modificatioin of the O-1E, also known as XO-1G. BT-7 Consolidated BT-7 Development of PT-1/PT-3 with 223kW P&W Wasp engine. BT-8 Seversky BT-8 Monoplane trainer, the first all-metal low-wing monoplane trainer of the USAAC. The BT-8 had a fixed trousered undercarriage, but complete controls for a retractable one were fitted for training purposes! Type: BT-8 Function: trainer Year: 1935 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 400hp P&W R-985-11 Wasp Junior Speed: 320km/h Ceiling: 5180m Range: 1170km Armament: BT-9 North American BT-9 Trainer monoplane, precursor of the AT-6, with a fixed undercarriage. Type: BT-9 Function: trainer Year: 1936 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 400hp Wright R-975-E7 Speed: 282km/h Ceiling: 5795m Range: 1305km Armament: 2*mg BT-12 Fleetwings BT-12 Two-seat trainer. 335kW P&W R-985-25 engine. BT-13 Vultee BT-13 Valiant Basic trainer. Type: BT-13A Task: trainer Year: 1940 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 330kW P&W R-985-AN-1 Max. Speed: 293km/h Ceiling: 6600m Max. Range: 1170km Armament: BT-14 North American BT-14 Training monoplane. Type: BT-14 Function: trainer Year: Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 420hp Wright R-975-E3 Speed: 274km/h Ceiling: 5310m Range: 1180km Armament: BT-15 Vultee BT-15 Development of the BT-13 BT-17 Boeing BT-17 Trainer built from non-strategic materials during WWII. No production, because there were no materials shortages. There was also a version with a 225hp Lycoming. Type: XBT-17 Task: trainer Year: Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 450hp P&W Wasp Junior Max. Speed: Ceiling: Max. Range: Armament: BT-28 North American BT-28 Renamed T-28 BT-30 Douglas BT-30 Renamed T-30 BTC Curtiss BTC Torpedo / dive bomber. The heavy XBTC-2 had a big R-4360 engine with contra-rotating propellors, but was still underpowered. The XBTC-1 with R-3350 engine wasn't built. Two built. Type: XBTC-2 Function: attack Year: 1945 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 3000hp P&W R-4360-14 Speed: 574km/h Ceiling: 9100m Range: 4h 10m Armament: BTD Douglas BTD Destroyer Torpedo-bomber, developed from the SB2D and no more successfull. The BTD was lighter and simpler, but of an order for 358 only 29 were built. Douglas asked for the BTD contract to be cancelled, and designed the BT2D or AD Skyraider instead. Type: BTD Function: torpedo bomber Year: 1944 Crew: Engines: 1 * 1690kW Wright R-3350-14 Speed: 553km/h Ceiling: Range: Armament: BTK Kaiser-Fleetwing Torpedo bomber. Powered by R-2800 engine, competing with the BTD and BTM. BTM Martin BTM Renamed AM --C--------------------------------------------------------------------------- C-1 Grumman C-1 Trader A COD (Carrier Onboard Delivery) version of the S-2 Tracker anti-submarine aircraft. The C-1 had a larger, deeper fuselage. Type: C-1A Function: transport Year: 1952 Crew: 2 Engines: 2 * 1100kW Wright R-1820-82WA Speed: 467km/h Ceiling: 7000m Range: 1500km Freight: 9 seats. C-1 Douglas C-1 USAAC cargo and troop transport. 27 built. Type: C-1 Year: 1925 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 400hp Liberty Speed: 120mph Ceiling: 15950ft Range: Load: 6 seats C-2 Grumman C-2 Greyhound A COD version of the E-2 Hawkeye, with a larger and deeper fuselage. Type: C-2A Function: transport Year: 1964 Crew: 3 Engines: 2 * 3660kW Allison T56-A-425 Speed: 574km/h Ceiling: 10210m Range: 1930km Freight: 6804kg, 28 seats. C-2 Fokker C-2 Fokker F7B/3m transport. The C-2 'Question Mark' stayed in the air for 150hr, with the help of aerial refuelling. Later eight more C-2As were ordered. Type: C-2A Function: transport Year: Crew: Engines: 3 * 164kW Wright R-790 Wing Span: 22.61m Length: 14.73m Height: 4.11m Wing Area: 66.70m2 Empty Weight: 2951kg Max.Weight: 4715kg Speed: 182km/h Ceiling: Range: 475km Load: 10 seats C-3 Ford C-3 Army version of the Ford TriMotor. C-3 Martin C-3 Former RM, see there. C-4 Ford C-4 Army version of the Ford TriMotor. C-4 Grumman C-4 Gulfstream I Version of the Gulfstream I as VIP transport (VC-4) or trainer (TC-4). The TC-4 is a trainer for A-6 crews, with a large nose radome. C-5 Lockheed C-5 Galaxy Until the advent of the An-124 the C-5 was the world's largest aircraft. It was designed to carry the heaviest army equipment. Possible loads include two M-1 Abrams tanks, six AH-64 helicopters or ten Pershing missiles. The C-5 suffered from fatigue problems and underestimated costs, but later they were rewinged and modified to C-5B configuration. Type: C-5A Function: transport Year: 1971 Crew: 5 Engines: 4 * 18600kg G.E. TF39-GE-1 Speed: 919km/h Ceiling: 10360m Range: 12460km Freight: 120240kg, up to 345seats, but normally only 75 seats on the upper deck. Type: C-5B Function: transport Year: Crew: 5 Engines: 4 * 191.2kN G.E. TF39-GE-1C Wing Span: 67.88m Length: 75.51m Height: 19.85m Wing Area: 576m2 Empty Weight: 169645kg Max.Weight: 381018kg Speed: 919km/h Ceiling: 10900m Range: Armament: 118390kg. 90 seats on upper deck, 290 could be carried on main deck. C-6 Beechcraft VC-6 A VIP-transport version of the A90 King Air. Type: King Air C90 Function: transport Year: 1970 Crew: 2 Engines: 2 * 410kW P&WC PT6A-21 Speed: 412km/h Ceiling: 8700m Range: 2230km Freight: 4 to 8 seats C-7 Fokker C-7 Derivative of the C-2. C-7 De Havilland Canada C-7 The DHC-4A Caribou STOL transport. Type: DHC-4A Function: transport Year: 1958 Crew: 2 Engines: 2 * 1070kW P&W R-2000-7M2 Speed: 350km/h Ceiling: 7560m Range: 2100km Freight: 4000kg, 32 seats C-8 Fairchild C-8 Fairchild model 71. Used as photograpic aircraft. (?) Also known as the UC-96. C-8 De Havilland Canada C-8 The DHC-5 Buffalo, a development of the DHC-4 Caribou with turboprop engines. The XC-8A tested a hovercraft landing gear. Type: DHC-5D Function: transport Year: 1976 Crew: 3 Engines: 2 * 2335kW G.E. CT64-820-4 Speed: 467km/h Ceiling: 9450m Range: 3208km Freight: 8165kg, 41 seats C-9 Ford C-9 Army version of the Ford TriMotor. C-9 Douglas C-9B Version of the DC-9 sr.30 airliner. Type: C-9B Function: transport Year: 1973 Crew: 3 Engines: Speed: 927km/h Ceiling: Range: 4704km Freight: C-10 McDonnell Douglas KC-10 Extender The KC-10 is based on the DC-10/MD-11 series of commercial airliners and succeeded the KC-135 as tanker aircraft. It can also be operated as a transport. Type: KC-10A Function: transport Year: 1980 Crew: 4 Engines: 3 * 23814kg G.E. CF6-50C2 Speed: 908km/h Ceiling: 10180m Range: 18507km Freight: Can be used as a freighter carrying 77120kg. C-10 Beechcraft C-10 Beechcraft model 115, cancelled. C-10 British Aerospace C-10 Jetstream The BAe (Handley Page) Jetstream twin-turboprop business aircraft. C-11 Gulfstream VC-11 VIP transport version of the Gulfstream II Biz-Jet Type: Gulfstream II Function: transport Year: 1966 Crew: 2 Engines: 2 * 50.7kN R.R. Spey Mk511-8 Speed: 936km/h Ceiling: 13100m Range: 6025km Freight: 19 seats C-12 Lockheed Y1C-12 One Lockheed DL-1 Vega. C-12 Beech C-12 Huron Version of the Beech A/B200 and 1900 Super King Air. Some were also used with the designation U-21. A number were used as RC-12 Gurdrail V intelligence aircraft, loaded with electronic equipement for intercepting enemy radio transmissions. Some C-12's used as embassy transports have been known to carry hidden cameras during their 'diplomatic' flights. Type: C-12A Function: transport Year: 1975 Crew: 2 Engines: 2 * 559kW P&WC PT6A-38 Speed: 530km/h Ceiling: Range: Freight: 8 seats C-13 Beech C-13 Later redesignated U-25 Huron, and cancelled. C-14 Boeing YC-14 Only two were built of this STOL freighter. The YC-14 had a supercritical shoulder wing and a T-tail. STOL performance was achieved by directing the exhaust of the two engines over the upper wing and the flaps, adhering to it because of the Coanda effect. The USAF decided to postpone the procurement of new transport aircraft. Type: YC-14 Function: transport Year: 1976 Crew: 2 Engines: 2 * 227kN G.E. CF6-50D Wing Span: 39.32m Length: 40.13m Height: 14.73m Wing Area: 163.69m2 Empty Weight: 53297kg Max.Weight: 107501kg Speed: 811km/h Ceiling: 13716m Range: 5133km Freight: 36742kg, up to 150 seats. C-14 General Aircraft C-14 High-wing transport. 20 Y1C-14s were dselivered to the USAAC. Type: Y1C-14 Function: transport Year: 1932 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 225hp P&W Hornet Speed: 224km/h Ceiling: 5490m Range: 1280km Load: 6 seats C-15 General Aircraft C-15 One Y1C-14 converted to ambulance. C-15 McDonnell Douglas YC-15 The YC-15 was slightly more succesful than the YC-14, because it was the basis for the C-17. Still, only two were built and the USAF postponed the procurement of new transports. STOL effect was created by blowing special flaps with underwing engines. Type: YC-15 Function: transport Year: 1975 Crew: 2 Engines: 4 * 7250kg P&W JT8D-17 Speed: 861km/h Ceiling: Range: 4810km Freight: 28122kg, up to 150 seats. 7 C-17 McDonnell Douglas C-17 STOL long-range heavy-lift aircraft, currently entering service. The C-17 was designed to combine the payload and range of the C-141 and C-5 with the airfield performance of the C-130. There is room in the C-17 cargo compartiment of two AH-64's and three OH-58 helicopters. Type: C-17 Function: transport Year: 1993 Crew: 3 Engines: 4 185.5kN * P&W F-117-PW-100 Speed: 648km/h Ceiling: Range: 8710km Freight: 78110kg C-17 Lockheed Y1C-17 One Lockheed model DL-1B Speed Vega. C-18 Boeing EC-18 The C-18A was a 707-320C freighter. Of the eight bought by the USAF, two were rebuilt as EC-18C, two as EC-18D and four as EC-18B. The EC-18's are 707's modified to carry electronic equipment and radars. The EC-18C or J-STARS is known as the E-8. The EC-18D is a cruise mission control platform. The EC-18B with its very large nose radome is used for tracking spacecraft or missile tests. C-19 Northrop C-19 The YC-19 was a militarized Northrop Alpha mailplane. Three built. 420hp P&W Wasp engine. C-19 Boeing C-19 Boeing 747's in commercial service that are equipped with extra doors and reinforced floors to be avialable as military transports. Operated with government subsidy to compensate for the additional 5900kg weight. C-20 Gulfstream C-20 VIP transport version of the Gulfstream III C-21 Learjet C-21 Learjet 35A. The USAF leased 80 of them in 1985, bought them in 1986. Used to transport high-priority spares and people. Type: C-21A Function: transport Year: 1985 Crew: 2 Engines: 2 * 15.6kN Garrett TFE731-2-2B Speed: 872km/h Ceiling: 13715m Range: 2240km Freight: 1360kg, 8 seats. C-21 Douglas C-21 Dolphin Transport Amphibian. Type: C-21 Function: transport Year: Crew: Engines: 2 * 224kW Wright R-975 Speed: 225km/h Ceiling: Range: 885km Freight: C-22, Boeing Five Boeing 727's used by the USAF, all former civil aircraft. Type: C-22B Function: transport Function: transport Year: Crew: Engines: 3 * 6577kg P&W JT8D-7 Speed: 1014km/h Ceiling: 11400m Range: 3300km Load: 11677kg C-23 Shorts C-23 Sherpa Freighter version of the Shorts 330-200 commuter. Used for the transport of high-priority spares and people. Type: C-23A Function: transport Year: 1984 Crew: 3 Engines: 2 * 893kW P&WC PT6A-45R Wing Span: 22.76m Length: 17.69m Height: 4.95m Wing Area: 42.1m2 Empty Weight: 6680kg Max.Weight: 10400kg Speed: 352km/h Ceiling: Range: 1240km Freight: 3400kg, 33 seats C-23 Lockheed Y1C-23 Lockheed DL-2A Altair. C-24 McDonnell Douglas EC-24 The EC-24A is a DC-8-54F modified for fleet electronic warfare support missions. Type: EC-24A Task: Electric Warfare Year: Crew: 10 Engines: Max. Speed: Ceiling: Max. Range: 8895km Load: 20 seats, 1361kg C-25 Lockheed C-25 Army version of the Altair. C-25 Boeing C-25 The VC-25A is a presidential aircraft, a 747. Two built. Type: VC-25A Function: VIP transport Year: Crew: 23 Engines: 4 * 252.4kN G.E. F103-GE-102 Speed: Ceiling: Range: 11120km Freight: 80 seats C-26 Douglas C-26 Dolphin Development of C-21. C-26 Fairchild C-26A Metro III The Fairchild Metro III twin-turboprop feederliner in military service, as Operational Support Aircraft. The slender-looking Metro has a cramped cabin, but is fast and reasonably cheap. Type: Metro III Function: transport Year: 1970 Crew: 2 Engines: 2 * 820kW Garrett TPE331-11U-611G Wing Span: 1737m Length: 18.09m Height: 5.08m Wing Area: 28.7m2 Empty Weight: 3963kg Max.Weight: 6577kg Speed: 515km/h Ceiling: 8380m Range: 1970km Freight: 18-20 seats C-27 Bellance C-27 Army version of the Bellance Aircruiser. C-27 Fairchild C-27 Fairchild was Fokker's representative in the USA. The UC-27A was a Fokker F.27 Friendship used by the USN. (Originally sold to Pepsi-Cola...) C-27 Aeritalia/Chrysler C-27 The C-27A is the Aeritalia G.222 twin-turboprop STOL transport. USAF representative of the manufacturer was Chrysler. C-29 Douglas C-29 Dolphin Development of C-21. C-29 British Aerospace C-29 The British BAe.125 business jet. Six BAe 125 Sr.800 aircraft are used as navaid calibration aircraft by the USAAF. C-30 Curtiss C-30 Condor Military version of the Curtiss T-32 biplane airliner. C-32 Douglas C-32 Military version of the DC-2. Type: C-32A Function: transport Year: 1936 Crew: 2 Engines: 2 * 560kW Wright SGR-1820-F-52 Speed: 340km/h Ceiling: 6840m Range: Freight: 14-16 seats. C-33 Douglas C-33 The small number of C-33's were C-32 with a larger tail and wider doors. C-34 Douglas C-34 The difference between the C-32 and the YC-34 was mainly in the interior. Only two built. C-35 Lockeed C-35 The XC-35 was an experimental high-altitude version of the famous Lockheed 10 Electra. One built. C-36 Lockheed C-36 The C-36 was another variation on the Lockheed 10 Electra. Type: UC-36 Function: transport Year: 1935 Crew: 2 Engines: 2 * 330kW P&W R-985-13 Speed: 309km/h Ceiling: 5920m Range: 1410km Freight: 10 seats. C-37 Lockheed C-37 Yet another Lockheed Electra in military service... C-38 Douglas C-38 The C-38 was a C-33 with a DC-3 tail. One built. C-39 Douglas C-39 The C-39 was another C-33 variation with even more DC-3 parts than the C-38. 35 were built. C-40 Lockheed C-40 The C-40 was a militarized Lockheed 12 or 212 Electra Junior. Type: UC-40A Function: transport Year: Crew: 2 Engines: 3 * 330kW P&W Wasp Junior SB Speed: 344km/h Ceiling: 6800m Range: 1705km Freight: 5 pass. C-41 Douglas C-41 The C-41 was a reengined C-39. One C-41 and one C-14A built. C-42 Douglas C-42 The C-42 was a reengined C-39. One built. C-43 Beech UC-43 Traveler The Beech 17, an elegant high-performance biplane. Type: UC-43 Function: transport Year: 1942 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 330kW P&W R-985-AN-1 Speed: 312km/h Ceiling: 6100m Range: 800km Freight: 4 seats. C-45 Beech C-45 Expeditor One of the many forms in wich the Beech 18 was used by the military. In all, more than 4000 military model 18's were built. Type: C-45F Function: transport Year: 194n Crew: 1 Engines: 2 * 330kW P&W R-985-AN-1 Speed: 362km/h Ceiling: 6250m Range: 1630km Freight: 5 or 7 seats. C-46 Curtiss C-46 Commando Originally designed as the CW-20 civil transport. The C-46 was pressed into service too early to help the transports over the 'Hump' to China, and had a lot of problems at first. Later it was a succesfull and widely used freighter, larger and more powerful than the C-47. Type: C-46A Function: transport Year: 1943 Crew: 4 Engines: 2 * 1492kW P&W R-2800-51 Wing Span: 32.91m Length: 23.26m Height: 6.62m Wing Area: 126.34m2 Empty Weight: 13608kg Max.Weight: 20412kg Speed: 434km/h Ceiling: 7470m Range: 5070km Freight: 4535kg or 40 seats C-47 Douglas C-47 Skytrain The military DC-3, best known as the 'Dakota'. One of the most succesfull aircraft ever, and praised by Eisenhower amongst the most important instruments of victory in WWII. More than 13300 of the DC-3 in all its forms were built -- this included Japanese and Soviet production. Of course the C-47 was also used for other tasks than transport. There was an HC-47 rescue aircraft, an RC-47 recce aircraft, TC-47 trainer, and an EC-47. The AC-47 was a gunship version of the C-47, used as late as the the Vietnam war. Armament was pointed through the left windows; the AC-47 sprayed its targets with gunfire in a lefthand turn. Type: C-47 Function: transport Year: 1941 Crew: 3 Engines: 2 * 880kW P&W R-1830-92 Wing Span: 29.11m Length: 19.43m Height: 5.18m Wing Area: 91.69m Empty Weight: 8256kg Max.Weight: 11794kg Speed: 368km/h Ceiling: 7100m Range: 2400km Freight: 4500kg or 28 seats. C-48 Douglas C-48 A military DC-3, civil impressement. P&W R-1830. Some were former DST sleeper transports. C-49 Douglas C-49 A military DC-3, civil impressement. Wright R-1820-71. Also some DST's. C-50 Douglas C-50 A military DC-3, civil impressement. Wright R-1820-85. C-51 Douglas C-51 A military DC-3. Wright R-1820-33. Paratroop transport, one built. C-52 Douglas C-52 A military DC-3. Built to civil contracts taken over by the USAAF; paratroop transport. P&W R-1830-51. C-53 Douglas C-53 Skytrooper A military DC-3. Intended for troop transport; it did not have the reinforced floor and wide doors of the C-47. Type: C-53 Function: transport Year: 1941 Crew: 4 Engines: 2 * 880kW P&W R-1830-92 Speed: 370km/h Ceiling: 7300m Range: 2170km Freight: 27 seats, 5535kg C-54 Douglas C-54 Skymaster Also know in civil form as the DC-4. Production began with military aircraft; in three years, C-54's made 79642 crossings of the Atlantic; only three were lost. After WWII production reverted to airliners. There also was a SC-54 SAR version, a TC-54 trainer, an EC-54, a RC-54, and a MC-54 casevac aircraft. Type: C-54G Function: transport Year: 1941 Crew: Engines: 4 * 1070kW P&W R-2000-9 Speed: 440km/h Ceiling: 6860m Range: 6240km Freight: C-55 Curtiss C-55 A variant of the C-46 Commando. The original CW-20 prototype had twin tail fins; it was then modified with the single tailfin adopted by all production aircraft, and tested by the USAAF as C-55. It was ten delivered to the British BOAC. C-56 Lockheed C-56 Lodestar Militarized Lockheed Lodestar, civil impressement. Wright GR-1820-G1O2A. C-57 Lockheed C-57 Lodestar Militarized Lockheed Lodestar, civil impressement. P&W R-1830-51. C-58 Douglas C-58 Transport modification of the B-18 Bolo. Two converted, but many more served as transports. C-59 Lockheed C-59 Lodestar Militarized Lockheed Lodestar, civil impressement. P&W R-1690 Hornet. Crew of 4, 14 seats. C-60 Lockheed C-60 Lodestar Militarized Lockheed 18 Lodestar. Type: C-60A Function: transport Year: 1941 Crew: 2 Engines: 2 * 880kW Wright R-1820-87 Speed: 410km/h Ceiling: 8230m Range: 2670km Freight: 21 seats C-61 Fairchild UC-61 Forwarder Adaption of the model 24 four-seat commercial monoplane. The UC-61 had a Warner Scarab radial or Ranger inline engine. Type: UC-61K Function: liaison Year: 1944 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 200hp Ranger L-440-7 Speed: 198km/h Ceiling: 3880m Range: 745km Freight: 3 seats C-63 Lockheed C-63 An A-29 Hudson equipped with benches for troop transport. Later renamed A-29A. C-64 Noorduyn C-64 Norseman A Canada-built transport aircraft. The C-64B had floats. Type: UC-64A Year: 1935 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 440kW P&W R-1340-AN-1 Speed: 260km/h Ceiling: 5180m Range: 960km Freight: 8 seats. C-66 Lockheed C-66 Lodestar Militarized Lockheed Lodestar, civil impressement. Wright R-1820. C-67 Douglas UC-67 The UC-67 was a conversion of the B-23 bomber, itself a development of the B-18. Twelve were converted of 38 B-23's built. Type: B-23 Function: transport Year: Crew: 4 Engines: 2 * 1600hp P&W R-2600-3 Speed: 454km/h Ceiling: 9600m Range: 2340km Freight: C-68 Douglas C-68 One more designation assigned to a DC-3 like aircraft. Two DC-3A taken over from airlines. P&W R-1830. C-69 Lockheed C-69 Constellation Military Lockheed L-49 Constellation. Type: L-749 Function: transport Year: 1944 Crew: 5 Engines: 4 * 1840kW Wright GR-3350-BD1 Speed: 560km/h Ceiling: 7620m Range: 4000km Freight: 44 to 81 seats C-70 Howard UC-70 USAF Designation for the GH. Howard DGA-12, 15J, 8 and 9. C-71 Spartan UC-71 The Spartan Executive. 16 were used by the USAAF. Type: Function: transport Year: Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 295kW P&W R-985-33 Speed: 348km/h Ceiling: 7370m Range: 1520km Freight: 4 seats C-72 Waco UC-72 Four-seat biplane, designed as navigational trainer. Production ceased in 1942; many civil aircraft acquired by the USAAF. C-73 Boeing C-73 The Boeing 247, of which 27 were put into military service. Because of their narrow cabin doors, they were used as personnel transports or trainers. Type: C-73 Function: transport Year: 1932 Crew: 2 Engines: 2 * 400kW P&W Wasp S1H-1G Wing Span: 22.56m Length: 15.72m Height: 3.6m Wing Area: 77.68m2 Empty Weight: 4148kg Max.Weight: 6192kg Speed: 322km/h Ceiling: 5160m Range: 1200km Freight: C-74 Douglas C-47 Globemaster The first Globemaster. Greatly enlarged DC-4. Used also the DC-7 designation, but was that was reused later. Only 14 built, just in time for the airlift to Berlin, because the USAF wanted an even more advanced cargo aircraft. In service until 1959. Type: C-74 Function: transport Year: 1945 Crew: Engines: 4 * 2200kW P&W R-4360-49 Wing Span: 52.81m Length: 37.85m Height: 13.34m Wing Area: 233.19m2 Empty Weight: 39087kg Max.Weight: 78018kg Speed: 523km/h Ceiling: 6645m Range: 12550km Freight: 25400kg C-75 Boeing C-75 Stratoliner Boeing model 307, a transport aircraft with B-17 wings and a new, pressurised cabin. Ten built, that were exchanged by Panam, TWA and the USAAF. During WWII, they were operated by TWA as VIP transports on the transatlantic lines. Type: C-75 Function: transport Year: 1939 Crew: 5 Engines: 4 * 671kW Wright GR-1820 Wing Span: 32.61m Length: 22.66m Height: 6.34m Wing Area: 138.05m2 Empty Weight: 13608kg Max.Weight: 19050kg Speed: 396km/h Ceiling: 7985m Range: 3850km Freight: 33seats C-76 Curtiss Wright C-76 Caravan Twin-engined, high-wing all-wood transport. Curtiss received contracts for 1400, but these were quickly cancelled when the C-76 revealed bad handling and weak construction. 19 built. Type: C-76 Function: transport Year: 1943 Crew: Engines: 2 * 1200hp P&W R-1820 Speed: 320km/h Ceiling: Range: Freight: C-77 Cessna UC-77 Utility aircraft, put in military service in 1942. They were high-wing cabin monoplanes with four seats. The UC-77 was Curtiss DC-6A, powered by a 224kW Wright Whirlwind and the UC-77A was the DC-6B, with a 168kW Wright J-6 engine. The UC-77B was the Curtiss C-34, powered by a 108kW Warner Super Scarab, and the improved Curtiss C-37 was known as UC-77C. They were all built between 1929 and 1938; small series were built, and a few put into military service. C-78 Cessna UC-78 Bobcat Used as advanced trainer and light transport, a militarized Cessna T-50. The same aircraft served as trainer as the AT-8 and AT-17. Cessna built 3414 UC-78s for the military, and a few former civilian aicraft were also known as UC-78A's. Type: UC-78 Function: transport / trainer Year: 1941 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 183kW Jacobs R-755-9 Wing Span: 12.8m Length: 9.98m Height: 3.02m Wing Area: 27.41m2 Empty Weight: 1588kg Max.Weight: 2585kg Speed: 315km/h Ceiling: 6700m Range: 1200km Freight: 4 seats C-79 Junkers C-79 Assigned to a Junkers Ju52/3m that was pressed into service in 1941. C-80 Harlow UC-80 Four used by the USAAF. Type: UC-80 Function: transport Year: Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 105kW Warner Super Scarab 50A Speed: 241km/h Ceiling: 4720m Range: 805km Freight: 3 seats C-81 Stinson UC-81 Reliant Four/five seat bussiness and sports monoplane. Built for the USAAF as transport and trainer (AT-19). Type: UC-81 Function: utility Year: 1938 Crew: 4 Engines: 1 * 290hp Lycoming R-680-13 Speed: 226km/h Ceiling: 5500m Range: 1285km Freight: 18 seats C-82 Fairchild C-82 Packet Fairchild F-78 twin-boom transport. Design began in 1941 and prototype flew in 1944. Most were cancelled when the war ended, because the more developed C-119 was preferred. 220 built. Type: C-82A Function: transport Year: 1945 Crew: 4 Engines: 2 * 2100hp P&W R-2800-85 Speed: 381km/h Ceiling: 6710m Range: 1600km Freight: 41 seats. C-83 Piper UC-83 Also known as the L-4. C-84 Douglas C-84 Douglas DC-3B's taken over from airlines. Wright R-1820-G202A. Four built. C-85 Lockheed UC-85 A Lockheed 9D-2 Orion. C-86 Fairchild UC-86 Forwarder Former UC-61K, the radial-engined (Warner Scarab) version of the Fairchild model 24. C-87 Consolidated C-87 Liberator The C-87 was a B-24 bomber with the guns removed, that proved useful as a long-range transport. Some 280 were built. Type: C-87 Function: transport Year: Crew: 5 Engines: 4 * 880kW P&W R-1830-43 Speed: 492km/h Ceiling: 9500m Range: 4670km Freight: 3990kg, 25 seats. C-93 Budd C-93 Conestoga USAF designation of the RB. C-96 Fairchild UC-96 Fairchil model 71. Type: 71 Function: utility Year: 1928 Crew: Engines: 1 * 305kW P&W R-1340-1 Freight: seven seats. C-97 Boeing C-97 Stratofreighter. Boeing model 367, the military version of the civil 377 Stratocruiser. It combined the B-29 wing with a new, double-bulge fuselage of large capacity, and was very versatile. It was built as C-97 transport, KC-97 Stratotanker, MC-97 ambulance aircraft, VC-97 airborne command post, EC-97 electronic warfare aircraft and HC-97 SAR aircraft. The later KC-97L could be fitted two additional jet engines under the outboard wing panels, replacing fuel tanks. 888 military C-97s were built Type: KC-97G Function: transport / tanker Year: 1953 Crew: 7 Engines: 4 * 2570kW P&W R-436-59B Speed: 595km/h Ceiling: 9144m Range: 6920m Freight: 56750l fuel. C-98 Boeing C-98 Boeing model 314 Clipper transatlantic flying boat. During WWII they were operated for the USN, by PanAm crews. Type: 314 Function: transport Year: 1938 Crew: 10 Engines: 4 * 1100 kW Wright R-2600 Wing Span: 46.33m Length: 32.31m Height: 8.41m Wing Area: 266.34m Empty Weight: 22801kg Max.Weight: 37421kg Speed: 311km/h Ceiling: 4080m Range: 5630km Freight: 74 seats C-99 Convair C-99 The only XC-99 built was a large transport developed from the B-36. The XC-99 proved too large for its customer, able to carry 400 men in a two-deck fuselage. The single XC-99 built remained in service until 1957. Type: XC-99 Function: transport Year: 1947 Crew: Engines: 6 * 2205kW P&W R-4360-41 Speed: 485km/h Ceiling: Range: 13030km Freight: 45813kg, or up to 400 seats. C-100 Handley Page C-100 Handley Page HP-137 Mk.3M, a version of the British commuter aircraft. Cancelled. Type: C-100A Function: transport Year: Crew: Engines: 2 * Garett TPE 331 Speed: Ceiling: Range: Freight: C-101 Lockheed UC-101 The Lockheed Vega high-wing transport, made famous by long-distance flights in the pre-war years. Type: UC-101 Function: transport / utility Year: Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 330kW P&W R-1340 Speed: 306km/h Ceiling: 5790m Range: Freight: 6 seats C-104 Lockheed C-104 Twin-engined freighter. Not built. C-105 Boeing XC-105 The large XB-15 bomber was underpowered. The prototype was rebuilt as a transport. One built. Type: XC-105 Function: transport Year: 1943 Crew: Engines: 4 * 740kW P&W R-1830-11 Speed: 305km/h Ceiling: Range: Freight: C-108 Boeing XC-108 The XC-108 was a transport variation on the B-17F. A deluxe interior and some armament retained. C-109 Consolidated C-109 The C-109 was a fuel carrier version of the B-24. It carried fuel over the 'Hump' to China for the B-29 force. The C-109 versions carried 2900 gallon in the nose, above and in the bomb-bay. C-110 Douglas C-110 The high-wing DC-5 was the least succesfull of the DC series. Three aircraft, originally used by the KLM --- the only airline to use the DC-5 --- were used by the USAF. Navy version was the R3D. C-111 Lockheed C-111 Lockeed 14N Super Electra. Civil impressment. C-112 Douglas C-112 Military protype of the DC-6, essentially a larger and pressurized DC-4. C-113 Curtiss C-113 Yet one more variation on the C-46. Also known as XC-46C. The C-113 had one R-2800-34ZW radial and one G.E. TG-100 jet engine, in the left and right engine nacelle, respectively. C-114 Douglas C-114 Version of the C-54 (DC-4) with Allison V-1710 engines. One built. C-115 Douglas C-115 A DC-4 / C-54 version. C-116 Douglas C-116 A DC-4 / C-54 version, powered by Allison V-1710 engines. Used for de-icing experiments. C-117 Douglas C-117 A DC-3 development with 1200hp P&W R-1830-90C engines, a 'commercial' 21-seat interior, and C-47 wings and improvements. Many went to the airlines. C-118 Douglas C-118 This was the DC-6A Liftmaster, originally named R6D in USN service. Type: DC-6B Function: transport Year: 1947 Crew: 3 Engines: 4 * 1865kW P&W R-2800-CB17 Wing Span: 35.81m Length: 32.18m Height: 8.74m Wing Area: 135.91m2 Empty Weight: 25110kg Max.Weight: 48534kg Speed: 576km/h Ceiling: 7620m Range: 7600km Freight: 74 seats, 12260kg C-119 Fairchild AC-119 Gunship version of the C-119 Packet. C-119 Fairchild C-119 Flying Boxcar A widely used twin-boom transport, development of C-82. The C-119 was more powerful than the C-82. There was also an AC-119G gunship version. Type: C-119G Function: transport Year: 1946 Crew: 4 Engines: 2 * 2610kW Wright R-3350-85 Wing Span: 33.30m Length: 26.30m Height: 8.00m Wing Area: 143.43m2 Empty Weight: 18136kg Max.Weight: 33747kg Speed: 322km/h Ceiling: 6460m Range: 3670km Freight: 13608km or 62 seats C-120 Fairchild XC-120 Pack-Plane The XC-120 looked a lot like the C-119, but the freight was in a streamlined 82.12 cubic metres pod, attached to the flat underside of the fuselage. One built. Type: XC-120 Function: transport Year: 1950 Crew: 5 Engines: 2 * 2390kW P&W R-4360 Speed: Ceiling: Range: Freight: C-121 Lockheed C-121 Super Constellation, used as a VIP transport. Became best known as radar aircraft in the EC-121 'Warning Star' form, an AEW development of the C-121 Constellation with large radar bulges above and below the fuselage. Also known as RC-121. The C-121J was an airborne television studio and transmitter, used during the war in Vietnam. Type: C-121 Function: transport Year: 1970 Crew: Engines: Speed: 517km/h Ceiling: Range: 7400km Freight: C-122 Chase YC-122 Avitruc Experimental transport. It was developed from the CG-18 glider transport. Eleven built. One airframe was later rebuilt into the X-18 VTOL. Type: YC-122 Function: transport Year: 1948 Crew: Engines: 2 * Speed: Ceiling: Range: Freight: 30 troops C-123 Fairchild C-123 Provider Originally designed by Chase. Based on the XCG-20 transport glider. 308 built, of which 302 by Fairchild. The NC-123 was a gunship version. Later C-123s had auxiliary jet engines. Type: C-123B Function: transport Year: 1955 Crew: 2 Engines: 2 * 1715kW P&W R-2800-99W Wing Span: 33.53m Length: 23.09m Height: 10.39m Wing Area: 113.62m2 Empty Weight: 13562kg Max.Weight: 27216kg Speed: 394km/h Ceiling: 7015m Range: 2366km Freight: 60 seats C-124 Douglas C-124 Globemaster II The C-124 was basically a C-74 with a new, larger, two-deck fuselage. 446 were built. The C-124 was capable of transporting very bulky loads, such as ballistic missiles, by its large nose doors. Type: C-124C Function: transport Year: 1950 Crew: 8 Engines: 4 * 2800kW P&W R-4360-63A Wing Span: 53.07m Length: 39.75m Height: 14.72m Wing Area: Empty Weight: 45888kg Max.Weight: 88224kg Speed: 489km/h Ceiling: 5000m Range: 1930km Freight: 31070kg or 200 seats C-125 Northrop C-125 Raider Northrop model N-23. 23 built for the USAF. Three 894kW Wright R-1820-994 engines. C-126 Cessna C-126 Cessna 195. The LC-126 was a special variant intended for Arctic rescue work, with interchangeable wheels, floats or skis landing gear. Type: LC-126 Function: utility Year: 1954 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 275hp Jacobs R-755B-2 Speed: Ceiling: Range: Load: 2 or 3 seats. C-127 Boeing C-127 Not built. C-128 Fairchild C-128 A variation on the C-119 theme. C-129 Douglas C-129 This is a DC-3F, 'Super DC-3', with 1475hp Wright R-1820 engines, a new tail, and a longer fuselage. C-130 Lockheed AC-130 Spectre Gunship conversion of the C-130 Hercules. C-130 Lockheed C-130 Hercules. The omnipresent post-war transport, a large succes. The C-130 has the characteristics that have become the standard for military transprots: high-set wing, turboprop engines, upswept tail with loading ramp, multi-wheeled landing gear... It has been the platform for a lot of different missions: EC-130 jamming aircraft; HC-130 aerial recovery aircraft; MC-130 for 'special' operations, including airdropping, psy-war, and recce; DC-130 drone control aircraft; JC-130 for the recovery of space capsules; ... The first was delivered to the USAF in 1953 and production still continues. Type: C-130H Year: Crew: 5 Engines: 4 * 3600kW Allison T56-A-15 Speed: 621km/h Ceiling: 10670m Range: 7880km Freight: 20560kg C-131 Convair C-131 Samaritan The Convair 240 and 340 were built as an attempt for a DC-3 successor. They enjoyed reasonable succes. The C-131 was a military version. The TC-131E and RC-131F/G were electronic warfare training aircraft. The NC-131 is a 'variable stability' testbed with a large radar nose and wing-mounted control surfaces. Type: C-131A Function: transport Year: Crew: Engines: 2 * 2500hp P&W R-2800-99W Speed: 500km/h Ceiling: 7470m Range: 2560km Freight: 37seats or 27 stretchers C-132 Douglas C-132 Globemaster III Remained a project. The 15000hp P&W T57 turboprop was cancelled in 1957, and the C-132 disappeared together with it. C-133 Douglas C-133 Cargomaster Some 34 of these large transport aircraft were delivered. They were large high-wing, turboprop-engined aircraft. They were useful during the Vietnam war, but retired in 1971 because of fatigue. Type: C-133B Function: transport Year: 1957 Crew: 4 Engines: 4 * 5593kW P&W T34-P-9W Wing Span: 54.77m Length: 48.02m Height: 14.71m Wing Area: 248.32m2 Empty Weight: 54550kg Max.Weight: 129727kg Speed: 578km/h Ceiling: 9130m Range: 7010km Freight: 40824kg or 200 seats C-134 Stroukoff C-134 Pantobase ? C-135 Boeing C-135 A close relative of the 707, but smaller, known to the manufacturer as type 717. For many years this was the standard USAF tanker aircraft. Other C-135 were ELINT aircraft stuffed with electronics. There were several RC-135 and EC-135 versions, all loaded with diverse electronical equipment. Some EC-135s were ARIA aircraft to track spacecraft, other were airborne command posts, but most special versions were ELINT aircraft. Many RC-135's flew more-or-less secret intelligence missions close to the borders of the USSR under codenames such as Rivet Brass or Combat Scent. Some tampering with their registrations has been observed. Type: KC-135A Year: 1956 Crew: Engines: 4 * 6238kg P&W J57-59W Speed: 966km/h Ceiling: 12200m Range: 6440km Freight: 118200l fuel. 80 seats. Type: RC-135V Function: reconaissance Year: Crew: 4+? Engines: 4 * 8165kg P&W TF33-9 Wing Span: 39.88m Length: 42.82m Height: 12.70m Wing Area: 226.03m2 Empty Weight: 46403kg Max.Weight: 135624kg Speed: 966km/h Ceiling: 12735m Range: 9100km C-136 Reserved for the USN, cancelled. C-137 Boeing C-137 Applied for some time to the YC-97J. C-137 Boeing VC-137 Military 707, used as VIP transport. The VC-137C was the presidential transport. The EC-137 became the E-3 Sentry. The basic aircraft was a 707-320C. Type: 707-320C Year: 1963 Crew: 6 Engines: 4 * 8100kg P&W JT3D-3B Speed: 1010km/h Ceiling: 11750m Range: 12030km Freight: 38101kg, 215 seats C-138 C-138 Reserved for the USN, cancelled. C-140 Lockheed CL-329 Jetstar Military version of the Lockheed 1329 biz-jet. Type: 1329 Year: 1963 Crew: 2 Engines: 4 * 1360kg P&W JT12A-6A Speed: M0.82 Ceiling: 10050m Range: 3515km Armament: C-141 Lockheed C-141 Starlifter The big, high-wing Starlifter jet transport provided the USAF with the capacity of carrying heavy loads fast over long distances. Some 285 were built. Later they were rebuilt in 'stretched' C-141B form, because the cabin volume of the C-141A was too small relative to its weightlifting capacity. The C-141B also introduced an air refuelling receptacle. Type: C-141B Function: transport Year: 1964 Crew: 4 Engines: 4 * 9530kg P&W TF-33-P-7 Wing Span: 48.74m Length: 51.29m Height: 11.96m Wing Area: 299.88m2 Empty Weight: 36900kg Max.Weight: 155583kg Speed: 917km/h Ceiling: 13700m Range: 10280km Freight: 41200kg or 166 seats. C-142 LTV-Hiller-Ryan C-142 The XC-142A was a tilt-wing VTOL transport. Remained a prototype. Five built. Type: XC-142A Function: VTOL transport Year: 1964 Crew: 2 Engines: 4 * 2265kW G.E. T64-GE-1 Speed: Ceiling: Range: Freight: 3630kg, or 32 seats C-880 Convair UC-880 The Convair 880 and 990 were unsuccesfull competitors of the 707 and DC-8. One was used by the USN as UC-880 tanker aircraft. Type: 880 Function: tanker / transport Year: 1959 Crew: 5 Engines: 4 * 5080kg G.E. CJ805-3 Speed: 990km/h Ceiling: 12600m Range: Freight: 84 - 110 seats CO-2 Cox-Klemin CO-2 Type: CO-2 Task: observation Year: Crew: Engines: Max. Speed: Ceiling: Max. Range: Armament: CO-4 Fokker CO-4 Reconaissance biplane, the Fokker C.4. Fokker built 139 of this aircraft, for five countries. Type: CO-4 Task: observation Year: Crew: Engines: Max. Speed: Ceiling: Max. Range: Armament: CO-5 Engineering Divison CO-5 Type: CO-5 Task: observation Year: Crew: Engines: Max. Speed: Ceiling: Max. Range: Armament: CO-6 Engineering Division CO-6 Type: CO-6 Task: observation Year: Crew: Engines: Max. Speed: Ceiling: Max. Range: Armament: CO-7 Boeing CO-7 Three built. Type: CO-7 Task: observation Year: 1925 Crew: Engines: Max. Speed: Ceiling: Max. Range: Armament: CO-8 Atlantic CO-8 Type: CO-8 Task: observation Year: Crew: Engines: Max. Speed: Ceiling: Max. Range: Armament: COA-1 Loening COA-1 Renamed OA-1. CR Curtiss CR Racing aircraft. The CR-1 won the Pulitzer trophy of 1921; The CR-3 won the Schneider Trophy of 1923 with an average speed of 285km/h. The CR-1 and -2 were landplanes, the CR-3 was put on floats. Type: CR-3 Task: racing Year: 1923 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 450hp Curtiss D-12 Max. Speed: 312km/h Ceiling: Max. Range: Armament: CS Curtiss CS Torpedo bomber biplane. Type: CS-1 Year: 1932 Crew: Engines: 1 * 525hp Wright T-2 Speed: 170km/h Ceiling: 2200m Range: Armament: CT Curtiss CT Twin-engined, twin-boom monoplane on floats. Was designed as a torpedo aircraft, but proved unable to lift a torpedo... Type: CT Task: torpedo bomber Year: Crew: Engines: 2 * 400hp Curtiss CD-12 Max. Speed: Ceiling: Max. Range: Armament: CW-21 Demon, Curtiss This was a light single-seat fighter monoplane built by Curtiss. The CW-21 was not adopted by the USAAC. Exported aircraft were deficient in combat against the Japanese. Type: CW-21B Function: fighter Year: Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 1000hp Wright Cyclone Speed: 508km/h Ceiling: Range: Armament: 2*mg12.7mm 2*mg7.7mm --D--------------------------------------------------------------------------- D Orenco D Biplane fighter. Type: D Year: Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 300hp Wright-Hispano H Speed: 147mph Ceiling: Range: 275mls Armament: 2*mg DT Douglas DT Torpedo bomber. The DT was an ugly, angular biplane, but could lift a 832kg torpedo. One single-seat DT-1 and 86 two-seat DT-2s were built. They usually operated on floats. Type: DT-1 Year: 1921 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 336kW Liberty Wing Span: 15.24m Length: 10.41m Height: 4.14m Wing Area: 65.68m2 Empty Weight: 1695kg Max.Weight: 2949kg Speed: 163km/h Ceiling: 2375m Range: 472km Armament: 832kg DWC Douglas DWC World Cruiser The DWC did exactly what its name indicated. Two out of four completed the 175days, 44800km flight. It was a development of the DT-2 torpedo aircraft. Type: DWC Function: long-range experimental Year: 1925 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 420hp Liberty Speed: 166km/h Ceiling: 3000m Range: 3550km Armament: --E--------------------------------------------------------------------------- E Curtiss E Curtiss biplane. Type: E Task: observation Year: Crew: Engines: Max. Speed: Ceiling: Max. Range: Armament: E-1 Standard E-1 Fighter biplane, only used as a trainer during WWI. Type: E-1 Year: 1917 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 80hp Le Rhone Max. Speed: 161km/h Ceiling: 14800ft Max. Range: Armament: E-1 Grumman E-1 Tracer AEW version of the S-2 Tracker, with a streamlined pancake radome on its back. The E-1 had triple tail fins; the center fin was cut short and connected to the radome. Type: E-1B Task: carrier-borne AEW Year: 1954 Crew: 4 Engines: 2 * 1120kW Wright R-1820-82WA Max. Speed: 426km/h Ceiling: 6700m Max. Range: 1850km Armament: none E-2 Grumman E-2 Hawkeye Carrier-borne AEW aircraft. The TE-2C is a trainer version. The E-2 is a twin-turboprop aircraft with four tailfins. It would pleasant to the eye, if it did not have a large saucer radome on its back. The E-2A and E-2B were unreliable; the much improved E-2C with its modern electronics can direct up to 36 fighters at a single time. It proved very effective in Vietnam and the Middle-East. Type: E-2C Task: carrier-borne AEW Year: 1972 Crew: 5 Engines: 2 * 3661kW Allison T56-A-425 Wing Span: 24.56m Length: 17.54m Height: 5.58m Wing Area: 65.03m2 Empty Weight: 17211kg Max.Weight: 23503kg Max. Speed: 602km/h Ceiling: 9390m Max. Range: 2585km Armament: none E-3 Boeing E-3 Sentry AWACS version of the Boeing 707, with a large rotating saucer on its back and turbofan engines. The AN/APY-1 radar in the dish --- with a cross-section of 9.14m, and rotating at 6rpm --- has a search range of 370km for low-flying aircraft, much more for high- flying aircraft. Type: E-3A Task: AWACS Year: 1977 Crew: 17 Engines: 4 * 9500kg P&W TF33-PW-100A Wing Span: 44.42m Length: 46.61m Height: 12.60m Wing Area: 283.35m2 Empty Weight: Max.Weight: 147418kg Max. Speed: 853km/h Ceiling: 8840m Range: Armament: E-4 Boeing E-4 Developed from the 747. Flying command center for the USA, supposed to survive when command centers on the ground are wiped out. Type: E-4A Task: Airborne command center Year: 1973 Crew: 28 Engines: 4 * 23800kg G.E. F103-GE-100 Max. Speed: 978km/h Ceiling: 13715m Max. Range: 10460km Armament: none E-5 Windecker E-5 Eagle A light, composite aircraft, modified by Lockheed to investigate it Stealth characteristics. Shielding the remainging metal parts was a problem, and the technology of composite construction was not yet advanced enough for the design of combat aircraft. One YE-5A. E-6 Boeing E-6 Mercury (Hermes) The E-6 TACAMO aircraft carries equipment to provide communications between the US command and the USN's nuclear submarines. The fuselage is almost identical to that of the E-3 / 707, but the E-6 carries VLF radios with trailing wire anntennas, a 8530m long vertical antenna and a 1520m long horizontal antenna. Type: E-6A Task: Communications Year: 1989 Crew: 9-18 Engines: 4 * 9980kg CFM F108-CF-100 Wing Span: 45.16m Length: 46.61m Height: 12.93m Wing Area: 283.4m2 Empty Weight: 78378kg Max.Weight: 155128kg Max. Speed: 981km/h Ceiling: 12800m Max. Range: 11760km E-8 Boeing E-8 J-STARS The E-8 carries a side-looking radar, in a large gondola under the fuselage, to detect enemy ground forces at long distance and then direct the attack on them. Originally named E-18C. Type: E-8 Task: reconaissance Year: 1988 Crew: Engines: 4 * Max. Speed: Ceiling: Max. Range: Armament: E-9 De Havilland Canada E-9 A EW development of the Dash 8 airliner. A large side-looking radar is fitted to the starboard side of the fuselage. It is employed to track missile and aircraft tests. EA Boeing EA Biplane trainer. The two EA's were the 6th and 7th aircraft built by Boeing. ER-2 Lockheed ER-2 ER for 'earth resources'. This designation was given to U-2 aircraft serving with NASA. Two aircraft. --F--------------------------------------------------------------------------- F-1 North American F-1 Fury Former FJ Fury. F-2 McDonnell F-2 Banshee Former F2H. F-2 Beech F-2 Reconaissance version of the UC-45 transport. F2A Brewster F2A Buffalo The F2A was the first monoplane carrier fighter of the USN, designed in response to a requirement issued in 1935. The F2A had a barrel-shaped fuselage, small wings, retractable narrow-track landing gear and an enclosed cockpit. The undercarriage was to proved insufficiently strong for carrier operations. The F2A was originally preferred by the USN over the Grumman F4F-2 Wildcat, later the gain fame in much redesigned form. It entered service in 1939, but alrady in 1941 it was being replaced by the F4F, and the only US unit to use it in combat was an USMC squadron defending Midway. The F2A was totally outclassed by the Mitshubishi A6M Reisen 'Zero' and proved a disaster in combat. Export versions had a little more succes, notably in Finland. The RAF named it 'Buffalo'. Type: F2A-3 Function: fighter Year: 1938 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 895kW Wright R-1820-40 Wing Span: 10.67m Length: 8.03m Height: 3.86m Wing Area: 19.41m2 Empty Weight: 2146kg Max.Weight: 3247kg Max. Speed: 517km/h Ceiling: 10120m Max. Range: 1550km Armament: 4*mg12.7mm 2*b45kg F2B Boeing F2B Developed from the P-8 for the USN. 34 built. Type: F2B-1 Function: fighter Year: 1926 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 310kW P&W Wasp Wing Span: 9.17m Length: 6.98m Height: 2.81m Wing Area: 22.57m Empty Weight: 902kg Max.Weight: 1272kg Max. Speed: 254km/h Ceiling: 6400m Max. Range: 577km Armament: 1*mg12.7mm 1*mg7.62mm F2D McDonnell F2D Banshee Later renamed F2H. F2F Grumman F2F This small barrel-shaped biplane owed much of its design to the FF. It was smaller and a single-seater, but the forward fuselage remained bulky, providing room for the undercarriage. Performance was excellent and the USN ordered 55 F2Fs, for that time a very large order. Some 219 were built of the F2F and F3F together. Type: F2F-1 Function: fighter Year: 1934 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 515kW P&W R-1535-72 Wing Span: 8.69m Length: 6.53m Height: 2.77m Wing Area: 21.37m2 Empty Weight: 1221kg Max.Weight: 1745kg Max. Speed: 371km/h Ceiling: 8250m Max. Range: 1585km Armament: 2*mg7.62mm F2G Goodyear F2G High-powered development of the Vought F4U Corsair intended to counter Kamikaze-attacks. Goodyear was a major produced of the F4U, under the designation of FG. Apart from the new engine, the F2G had a bubble canopy. The war ended and production orders were cancelled. Only 10 built, five F2G-1s with fixed wings and five F2G-2s with folding wings. Performance was not considered sufficiently better than that of the F4U to warrant production; and handling had suffered. Type: F2G-1 Function: fighter Year: 1945 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 2685kW P&W R-4360-4 Max. Speed: 692km/h Ceiling: Max. Range: Armament: 6*mg12.7mm F2H McDonnell F2H Banshee Development of the FH Phantom. Like the FH it was a straightforward twin-engined, straight-wing carrier jet fighter. Performance was not very impressive, but if it lacked glamour, it also lacked vices. The good handling qualities made the F2H popular with its pilots. The F2H-3 was an all-weather development. The Banshee was used as fighter-bomber and reconaissance aircraft in Korea. Type: F2H-2D Function: fighter Year: 1949 Crew: 1 Engines: 2 * 1480kg Westinghouse J34-WE-34 Max. Speed: 860 km/h Ceiling: 13600m Max. Range: 2370km Armament: 4*g20mm F2J Berliner-Joyce F2J Naval version of the P-16. Had the misfortune of competing with the Grumman FF. Type: XF2J-1 Task: fighter Year: Crew: Engines: 1 * 625hp P&W R-1510-92 Max. Speed: Ceiling: Max. Range: Armament: F2L Bell F2L Some sources indicate that this was a variation on the P-39Q Airacobra used by the USN as target aircraft. Other that it was a the P-59 Airacomet tested by the USN. Maybe it was both, and the confusion can have been created for secrecy. F2M General Motors F2M Proposed development of the FM, with a turbosupercharged Wright R-1820 engine. Not built. F2R Ryan XF2R Dark Shark Development of the FR Fireball with a turboprop engine in the nose, instea of the R-1820 radial. One built, a conversion from a FR-1. Type: XF2R-1 Function: fighter Year: 1946 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 726kg General Electric J31-GE-3 1 * General Electric XT31-GE-2 Max. Speed: 800km/h Ceiling: 11920m Max. Range: Armament: F2T Northrop F2T Black Widow The USN acquired 12 P-61s as land-based night fighters, and these were given the designation F2T. However, they did only enter service after WWII, and only as trainers, because the USN preferred the carrier-capable F7F as nighfighter. F2U Vought F2U Biplane fighter. F2Y Convair XF2Y Sea Dart Supersonic flying boat fighter prototype. The F2Y had a delta wing, ski landing gear and a boat-shaped fuselage; the engines were recessed in the top of the fuselage. First and probably only supersonic flying boat ever built! As could have been expected, the requirement for such aircraft soon vaporized. Four built. Type: XF2Y-1 Function: fighter Year: 1953 Crew: 1 Engines: 2 * Westinghouse J34-WE-32 Max. Speed: 1328km/h Ceiling: 15300m Max. Range: Armament: 21500lb (never fitted) F-3 McDonnell F-3 Demon Former F3H. F-3 Douglas F-3 Havoc Reconaissance version of the A-20 bomber. F3A Brewster F3A Corsair Vought F4U Corsair built by Brewster. The F3A-1 was similar to the F4U-1; 738 were built. F3B Boeing F3B Developed from F2B. The XF3B-1 was first intended as a floatplane fighter, but was rejected by the USN. After a redesign 74 were ordered. Type: F3B-1 Function: fighter Year: 1928 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 315kW P&W Wasp R-1340-80 Wing Span: 10.06m Length: 7.57m Height: 2.79m Wing Area: 25.55m2 Empty Weight: 988kg Max.Weight: 1336kg Max. Speed: 253km/h Ceiling: 6570m Max. Range: 805km Armament: 1*mg12.7mm 1*mg7.62mm F3D Douglas F3D Skynight. Large twin-engined, straight-wing night fighter. The F3D was a heavy aircraft, and the two J34 engines were too weak to give it more than mediocre performance. But it was pleasant to fly and well equipped. The F3D saw combat in Korea, and had a good combat record. Some were used as ECM aircraft until 1969. 268 built. Type: F3D-2 Function: fighter Year: 1950 Crew: 2 Engines: 2 * 1542kg Westinghouse J34-WE-36 Wing Span: 15.24m Length: 13.97m Height: 4.88m Wing Area: 37.16m2 Empty Weight: 8237kg Max.Weight: 12179kg Max. Speed: 965km/h Ceiling: 12160m Max. Range: 1930km Armament: 4*g20mm F3F Grumman F3F Development of the F2F fighter biplane. The F3F was longer and had a more powerful engine. The F3F had good performance and very good handling. The F3F was much liked by its pilots, but quickly neared obsolesence when monoplane fighter were introduced. Type: F3F-3 Function: fighter Year: 1935 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 700kW Wright R-1820-22 Wing Span: 9.75m Length: 7.06m Height: 2.84m Wing Area: 24.15m2 Empty Weight: 1490kg Max.Weight: 2175kg Max. Speed: 425 km/h Ceiling: 10120m Max. Range: 1600km Armament: 2*mg7.62mm F3H McDonnell F3H Demon The F3H was underpowered but served a short period with the USN. The original F3H-1N was completely unairworthy because of its unreliable Westinghouse J40 engine. The F3H-2 was better, but arrived late and was soon retired. It had moderate wing sweep, and typical half-circular intakes; the Demon marked the switch to missile armament, and some carried early versions of the AIM-7 Sparrow. Type: F3H-2 Function: fighter Year: 1957 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 4400kg Allison J71-A-2E Max. Speed: 1040km/h Ceiling: 13000m Max. Range: 2200km Armament: 4*g20mm F3J Berliner-Joyce XF3J-1 One of the last biplane fighters developed for the USN. F3M General Motors F3M Bearcat GM built Grumman F8F Bearcat. F3U Vought F3U Two-seat fighter derivative of the SBU. One built. Type: XF3U-1 Function: fighter Year: Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * P&W R-1535-64 Max. Speed: km/h Ceiling: m Max. Range: km Armament: F3W Wright F3W Apache Single-seat biplane fighter. Type: F3W-1 Function: fighter Year: 1926 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 315kW P&W R-1340B Wasp Max. Speed: 261km/h Ceiling: m Max. Range: km Armament: F-4 McDonnell F-4 Phantom II The big F-4 fighter-bomber was gradually evolved from the F3H, with which it had no more than a configurational similarity. Despite its size and bulky look, the F-4 has excellent performance and good maneuvrability; it was adopted by both the USN and the USAF. Early F-4's had no fixed gun, but this was rectified after combat experience in Vietnam showed the need for one. Over 5000 were built, making the F-4 one of the most numerous modern combat aircraft. Many are still in service. Now and then, plans are announced to upgrade the F-4 with new engines and electronics. The RF-4 is a recce version of the F-4 fighter with a camera nose. Type: F-4E Function: fighter Year: 1967 Crew: 2 Engines: 2 * 8120kg GE J79-GE-17A Max. Speed: 2410km/h Ceiling: 21600 m Max. Range: 4180 km Armament: 1*g20mm F-4 Lockheed F-4 Lightning Reconaissance version of the P-38 fighter. F4B Boeing F4B The F4B served seven years with the USN in four versions, and was also exported. It was the naval version of the P-12. Type: F4B-4 Function: fighter Year: 1930 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 400kW P&W R-1340-16 Wing Span: 9.14m Length: 6.12m Height: 2.84m Wing Area: 21.13m2 Empty Weight: 1068kg Max.Weight: 1638kg Max. Speed: 300km/h Ceiling: 8200 m Max. Range: 600 km Armament: 2*mg7.62mm F4C Curtiss F4C All-metal development of the FC/TS. Only a prototype. F4D Douglas F4D Skyray Delta-winged jet fighter, based on German wartime research. The original Westinghouse J-40 engine had to be abandoned because of continuing problems, and this delayed service entry. With the J57 engine, performance was entirely satisfactory. But the F4D was phased out rather quickly in favour of even more advanced designs, also because it was too highly specialized for the interceptor role. 421 built. Type: F4D-1 Function: fighter Year: 1956 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 7300kg P&W J57-P-8B Wing Span: 10.21m Length: 13.79m Height: 3.96m Wing Area: 51.75m2 Empty Weight: 7268kg Max.Weight: 12300kg Max. Speed: 1210km/h Ceiling: 16900m Max. Range: 1930km Armament: 4*g20mm 1814kg F4F Grumman XF4F-1 Development of F3F. Cancelled in favour of monoplane XF4F-2. F4F Grumman F4F Wildcat (from -2 onwards) The Wildcat was the main shipboard fighter when the US entered WWII. The F4F was barrel-shaped, with angular wingtips and rudder and a narrow-track undercarriage. The Mitsubishi A6M outperformed it, but the F4F was well-armed and reliable, and was a natural shipboard aircraft, probably easier to land on a carrier deck than on land. It set the reputation of Grumman for building immensely strong aircraft. The F4F never had a operationa speed limitation. Production continued to the end of the war, mainly for use on escort carriers; General Motors built it as the FM. 7815 built. Type: F4F-4 Function: fighter Year: 1940 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 880kW P&W R-1830-86 Wing Span: 11.58m Length: 8.76m Height: 2.81m Wing Area: 24.15m2 Empty Weight: 2612kg Max.Weight: 3607kg Max. Speed: 512km/h Ceiling: 10600m Max. Range: 2050km Armament: 6*mg12.7mm 2*b45kg F4F Grumman XF4F-1 Development of F3F. Cancelled in favour of monoplane XF4F-2. F4H McDonnell F4H Phantom II Renamed F-4. F4U Chance-Vought F4U Corsair The F4U was one of the most succesful fighters of WWII. It achieved a claimed 11.3 to 1 'kill ratio' in the Pacific. It was fast, but had some handling problems, and early versions tended to 'bounce' upon landing because of their stiff undercarriage. Therefore it was at first restricted to land-based marine units, and equipped all USMC fighter units in the Pacific in the second half of 1943. After some modifications, it was used also for shipboard operations, but continued to require careful handling. The vast majority of F4U sorties (54470 out of 64051) were flown from land bases. The F4U had an inverted gull wing, a streamlined fuselage of circular cross-section and a big propeller. The cockpit was set well back, and the restricted view was a serious problem. 12571 built, of which 4017 by Goodyear and 735 by Brewster (FG and F3A, respectively.) Type: F4U-1A Function: fighter Year: 1943 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 1490kW P&W R-2800-8 Wing Span: 12.50m Length: 10.16m Height: 4.90m Wing Area: 29.17m2 Empty Weight: 4074kg Max.Weight: 6350kg Max. Speed: 671km/h Ceiling: 11245m Max. Range: 1640km Armament: 6*mg12.7mm Type: F4U-4 Function: fighter Year: 1944 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 2350hp P&W R-2800-18W Wing Span: 12.49m Length: 10.13m Height: 4.50m Wing Area: 29.17m2 Empty Weight: 4238kg Max.Weight: 6592kg Max. Speed: 684km/h Ceiling: Max. Range: Armament: 6*mg12.7mm 1*b454kg 2*b726kg F4W Canadian Car and Foundry Co F4W Bearcat Plans to produce the F8F Bearcat as F4W did not materialize. F-5 Northrop F-5A Freedom Fighter Cheap 'export fighter' for military assistance programs, never used on a large scale by the USAF. The latter fighter did use the closely related T-38 supersonic trainer. The F-5 was a small jet fighter with short-span wings. Because of its characteristics similar to the MiG-21, the F-5 was also used as 'agressor' aircraft. The F-5A was a very basic aircraft with minimal equipment. The F-5E Tiger II was much more capable; the single-engined F-5G was renamed F-20. Type: F-5A Function: fighter Year: 1963 Crew: 1 Engines: 2 * 1800kg G.E. J85-GE-13 Max. Speed: M 1.4 Ceiling: 15200 m Max. Range: 2600 km Armament: 2*g20mm Northrop F-5E Tiger II Type: F-5E Function: fighter Year: 1973 Crew: 1 Engines: 2 * 22.24kN G.E. J85-GE-21A Max. Speed: M 1.64 Ceiling: 15790 m Max. Range: 2860 km Armament: 2*g20mm F-5 Lockheed F-5 Lightning Unarmed reconaissance version of the P-38 fighter. F5B Boeing F5B Designation given to a naval derivative of the Boeing XP-15 parasol monoplane fighter. F5D Douglas XF5D Skylancer Development of the F4D Skyray, cancelled in favor of the F8U. Two built. Type: F5D-1 Function: fighter Year: Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * P&W J57-P-12 Max. Speed: M 1+ Ceiling: m Max. Range: km Armament: F5F Grumman XF5F-1 Skyrocket Experimental twin-engined shipboard fighter, designed as a fast interceptor. The F5F was unusual because the nose of the fuselage ended well before the wing leading edge and the engines; it had twin fins and rudders. Performance was good, but handling of the F5F was unsatisfactory because of aerodynamical problems, and forward visibilty was considered too limited for carrier landings. Also, Grumman was already heavily loaded with the production of other aircraft. Only one XF5F-1 and one XP-50 were built. Type: XF5F-1 Function: fighter Year: 1940 Crew: 1 Engines: 2 * 880kW Wright XR-1820-40/42 Max. Speed: 610km/h Ceiling: 10100m Max. Range: 1930km Armament: F.5.L Curtiss F.5.L The British Felixstowe factory built a series of improved Curtiss H flying boats. The F.5.L was an USA-built version of the Felixstowe F.5. Type: F.5.L Function: reconaissance / ASW Year: 1922 Crew: 5 Engines: 2 * 420hp Liberty 12 Speed: 87mph Ceiling: Range: 850mls Armament: F5U Chance-Vought XF5U An unusual pancake-shaped fighter prototype. One was built but it never flew. The V-173 technology demonstrator flew well, however. At least a picture exists of a WWII German aircraft of similar 'flying saucer' design. Type: XF5U-1 Function: fighter Year: 1946 Crew: 1 Engines: 2 * 1180kW P&W R-2000-2 Max. Speed: 811km/h Ceiling: 9750 m Max. Range: 1465 km Armament: 6*mg12.7mm F-6 Douglas F-6 Skyray Former F4D. F-6 North American F-6 Mustang Reconaissance version of the P-51 fighter. F6B Boeing F6B 1933, one XF6B-1 built. F6C Curtiss F6C Hawk Biplane fighter. This was another member of the Curtiss Hawk family, a naval version of the P-1. Some on floats, some with radial engines, other with in-line engines... Type: F6C-4 Function: fighter Year: 1925 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 306kW P&W R-1340 Wasp Wing Span: 11.43m Length: 6.86m Height: 3.33m Wing Area: 23.41m2 Empty Weight: 898kg Max.Weight: 14238kg Max. Speed: 255km/h Ceiling: 7000m Max. Range: 580km Armament: 2*mg7.62mm F6D Douglas F6D Missileer Project for a large subsonic missile-carrier, powered with two P&W TF30-P-2 engines. The three-man crew would be able to make six hour patrol flights, and lauch six long-range Eagle missiles to intruders. Cancelled. F6F Grumman F6F Hellcat The F6F began life as a development of the F4F powered by the R-2600 engine, but soon evolved into a much larger and more capable aircraft, with the R-2800 engine. The F6F was designed and put into service in a very short period, assuring the ascendancing of the USN over the A6M 'Zero' from the second half of 1943 onwards. It was credited with 76% of all aircraft destroyed by USN carrier fighters. In line with Grumman tradition, the F6F was a rugged aircraft that lacked easthetic appeal. Typical features were a tail-down attitude in level flight, because of the engine trust line, and the biggest wings fitted to a WWII fighter. Some were converted into unmanned flying bombs, used in Korea. 12275 built. Type: F6F-5 Function: fighter Year: 1942 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 1620kW P&W R-2800-10W Wing Span: 13.06m Length: 10.24m Height: 4.11m Wing Area: 31.03m2 Empty Weight: 4152kg Max.Weight: 6991kg Max. Speed: 611km/h Ceiling: 11400m Max. Range: 2100km Armament: 6*mg12.7mm 2*b454kg F6U Vought F6U Pirate An ugly and rather unsuccesful aircraft. Was, however, the first operational jet fighter with an afterburner. 33 built. Type: F6U-1 Function: fighter Year: 1949 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 1916kg Westinghouse J34-WE-30 Max. Speed: 902km/h Ceiling: 14100 m Max. Range: km Armament: 4*g20mm F-7 Convair F-7 Sea Dart Former F2Y. F-7 Consolidated F-7 Liberator Reconaissance version of the B-24 bomber. F7B Boeing XF7B The F7B was built in 1934 as a modern monoplane aircraft. The USN decided to continue its use of biplane-fighters. One built. Type: XF7B-1 Function: fighter Year: 1934 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * Max. Speed: km/h Ceiling: m Max. Range: km Armament: F7C Curtiss F7C Sea Hawk Only 17 were built of this biplane fighter. Type: F7C-1 Function: fighter Year: 1928 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 330kW P&W R-1340-B Wasp Max. Speed: 242km/h Ceiling: 7120 m Max. Range: 530 km Armament: 2*mg F7F Grumman F7F Tigercat The F7F was a fast twin-engined fighter, designed with a very slender fuselage and two radial powerful engines. Too late for WWII, it proved useful in a variety of roles, but was built in relatively small numbers. It was the first twin-engined shipboard aircraft to go in service, and it weight and speed at first restricted it land-based service with the USMC. Only the last version, F7F-4N, was considered fully acceptable for carrier use. Nightfighter versions of the F7F were in service with the USMC until 1952. Type: F7F-1 Function: fighter Year: 1944 Crew: 1 Engines: 2 * 1545kW P&W R-2800-22W Wing Span: 15.7m Length: 13.85m Height: 5.06m Wing Area: 42.27m2 Empty Weight: 7238kg Max.Weight: 10730kg Max. Speed: 687km/h Ceiling: 11000m Max. Range: 2880km Armament: 4*g20mm 4*mg12.7mm 2*b454kg F7U Vought F7U Cutlass Very unusual Vought design for a tailless fighter, with a swept wing and twin fins on the trailing edge near mid-span. The original F7U-1 was very unsatisfactory; after much redesign the F7U-3 entered service. It enjoyed only limited succes and service, and had a bad safety record. 289 built. Type: F7U-3 Function: fighter Year: 1951 Crew: 1 Engines: 2 * 2785kg Westinghouse J46-WE-8A Wing Span: 12.10m Length: 13.50m Height: 4.45m Wing Area: 46.08m2 Empty Weight: 8267kg Max.Weight: 14365kg Max. Speed: 1094km/h Ceiling: 12200m Max. Range: 1060km Armament: 4*g20mm F-8 Vought F-8 Crusader Supersonic shipboard fighter. Enjoyed a long career and is still in service with some other forces, notably the French 'Aeronavale'. The problem of putting a supersonic fighter on a carrier deck was solved by giving the F-8 a variable incidence wing. Type: F-8E Function: fighter Year: 1958 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 8160kg P&W J57-P-201 Max. Speed: 2110km/h Ceiling: 17700 m Max. Range: 1000 km Armament: 4*g20mm F-8 Vought RF-8 Crusader Recce version of the F-8 fighter. Large rectangular fairing under forward fuselage houses cameras. Type: RF-8A Function Year: 1957 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 7258kg P&W J75-P-4 Speed: 1589km/h Ceiling: 15790m Range: 3233km F-8 De Havilland F-8 Mosquito Reconaissance version of the British DH Mosquito, in service with the USAAF. Modification of the Mosquito Mk.XX bomber. F8B Boeing XF8B The big F8B was too late to fight in WWII. It was more a long-range attack aircraft than a fighter; it was among the heaviest and most powerful single-engined aircraft built during WWII. The XF8B-1 had an internal bomb-bay for four 500lb or two 1600lb bombs, as well as external bomb racks. First flight was on 27 November 1944. Intended for an invasion of Japan, it was cancelled after the end of WWII. Three built. Type: XF8B-1 Function: attack / fighter Year: 1944 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 2237kW P&W XR-4360-10 Wing Span: 16.46m Length: 13.18m Height: 4.95m Wing Area: 45.43m2 Empty Weight: 6132kg Max.Weight: 9302kg Max. Speed: 695km/h Ceiling: 11430m Max. Range: 5630km Armament: 6*g20mm 1451kg F8C Curtiss F8C Two-seat biplane fighter, developed from the O-12, itself a development of the O-1. This biplane fighter was also used as a dive bomber. Laterµ models were known (unofficially) as 'Helldiver'. Type: F8C-4 Function: fighter / attack Year: Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * P&W R-1340-88 Max. Speed: 225km/h Ceiling: 5300 m Max. Range: 610 km Armament: mg F8F Grumman F8F Bearcat The supreme radial-engined shipboard fighter design. Was too late for WWII. The F8F, a reaction on the continuous weight and size increases, combined a very powerful engine with an airframe that was small enough to be put on board of escort carriers. However, it had limited armament and short range. Despite the end of the war, 1266 were built. Some saw action with the French airforce in Inochina. Type: F8F-1B Function: fighter Year: 1945 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 1566kW P&W R-2800-34W Wing Span: 10.92m Length: 8.61m Height: 4.22m Wing Area: 22.67m2 Empty Weight: 3207kg Max.Weight: 5873kg Max. Speed: 678km/h Ceiling: 11800m Max. Range: 3160km Armament: 4*g20mm 2*b454kg F8U Vought F8U Crusader Renamed F-8. F-9 Grumman F-9 Cougar Renamed F9F Cougar. F-9 Boeing F-9 Flying Fortress Reconaissance version of the B-17 bomber. These were conversions of B-17F and B-17G bombers, F9C Curtiss F9C Sparrowhawk The F9C was a parasite fighter carried by airships. This biplane for this purpose had a large hook and rail on top of the upper wing, that enabled it to catch on to the airship. Eight built. Type: F9C-2 Function: fighter Year: 1931 Crew:1 Engines: 1 * 310kW Wright R-975 Max. Speed: 283km/h Ceiling: 5800 m Max. Range: 590 km Armament: 2*mg7.62mm F9F Grumman XF9F-1 Night-fighter project with four 680kg Westinghouse J30 engines. Abandoned. F9F Grumman F9F Panther The F9F-2 to F9F-5 Panther was a straight-wing jet fighter. The Panther was a straightforward aircraft, but much attention was given to detail refinement and easy of maintenance. Its performance and handling were below that required for a good fighter, but it did make an excellent fighter-bomber. In that role, it saw combat in Korea. Over 1300 built. Type: F9F-5 Function: fighter Year: 1949 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 2800kg P&W J48-P-6A Wing Span: 11.58m Length: 11.84m Height: 3.73m Wing Area: 23.23m2 Empty Weight: 4603kg Max.Weight: 8492kg Max. Speed: 930km/h Ceiling: 13000m Max. Range: 2100km Armament: 4*g20mm 2*b454kg F9F Grumman F9F Cougar The Cougar had sweptback wings, F9F-6 to -8. Commonality with the Panther was very limited, and only for political reasons the same number was kept. The F9F was a good aircraft and was built in large numbers, despite the availability of fighters with a higher performance. Type: F9F-6 Function: fighter Year: 1952 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 3300kg P&W J48-P-8 Max. Speed: 1100km/h Ceiling: 15200m Max. Range: 1600km Armament: 4*g20mm F-10 Douglas F-10 Skynight Former F3D. F-10 North American F-10 Reconaissance version of the B-25 bomber. F10C Curtiss F10C Two-seat fighter, a development of the F8C. Also known as XF8C-8 or XS3C-1. One built. F10F Grumman F10F Jaguar The F10F had a variable geometry wing. Because of the cheek jet intakes and the wing sweep mechanism, the fuselage was rather fat. Wing sweep could be varied from 13.5 to 42.5 degrees. The horizontal tail was controlled by a small tab surface on a protruding boom, that was the only part of it connected to the pilot's controls. The XF10F-1 demonstrated the handling problems of swing-wing aircraft, later solved by the development of fiwed wing root 'gloves'. One built. Type: XF10F-1 Function: fighter Year: 1952 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 4945kg Westinghouse XJ40-W-8 Max. Speed: 1160km/h Ceiling: m Max. Range: km Armament: F-11 Grumman F-11 Tiger Former F11F. F-11 Hughes F-11 A very streamlined twin-engined reconaissance aircraft. Only two built. The F-11 was the subject of a political fight after WWII. Type: XF-11 Task: reconaissance Year: 1946 Crew: Engines: 2 * P&W R-4360 Max. Speed: 450mph Ceiling: 42000ft Max. Range: 5000mls Armament: F11C Curtiss F11C Goshawk A member of the Hawk family. The F11C was basically a developed F6C. The F11C-3 had a retractable undercarriage, and was later renamed BF2C. Type: F11C-2 Function: fighter Year: 1933 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 550kW Wrighte SR-1820-78 Max. Speed: 330km/h Ceiling: 7400 m Max. Range: 900 km Armament: 2*mg7.62mm F11F Grumman F11F Tiger The F11F (former F9F-9) was a very elegant shipboard fighter from Grumman. It served only a short time with the fleet, because it was overtaken by the rapid developments of that time: the F11F was a pure dayfighter. The Navy acrobatic team, the 'Blue Angels', flew the F11F for a much longer period. The 'Super Tiger' development with a J79 engine, was promising, but found no customers. Type: F11F-1 Function: fighter Year: 1957 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 5000kg Wright J65-4 Max. Speed: 1432km/h Ceiling: 15400 m Max. Range: 1130 km Armament: 4*g20mm F-12 Lockheed YF-12 The YF-12 was an interceptor derivative (?) of the A-12 recce/spy aircraft. It is not very clear wether this should be taken serious; its potential as a fighter was rather low. The A-12/SR-71 is fast, but lacks climbing speed and is very difficult to operate. The YF-12 carried missiles in the large nose chines. Type: YF-12 Function: fighter Year: 1962 Crew: 2 Engines: 2 * 14740kg P&W J58 Max. Speed: M 3 Ceiling: 24400 m Max. Range: 4800 km Armament: msl F-12 Republic F-12 Rainbow Strategic recce aircraft powered by 4 * 3000hp R-4360-31 engines. Two built. F12C Curtiss F12C Parasol-wing two-seat fighter. One built. From which developed (?) the XS4C-1, which later became the SBC. The designation system of the Curtiss interwar naval biplanes is a mess! Type: XF12C-1 Function: fighter Year: Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * Max. Speed: km/h Ceiling: m Max. Range: km Armament: F12F Grumman F12F Development of the F11F. Not built. F-13 Boeing F-13 Superfortress Reconaissance version of the B-29. F-14 Lockheed F-14 Reconaissance version of the P-80 fighter. One built, modified from a YP-80A; later reconaissance versions of the P-80 were named RF-80. F-14 Grumman F-14 Tomcat Large and powerful two-seat shipboard fighter with variable geometry wings. The weapons system and the Phoenix missile armament are unrivalled for long-distance interceptions, making the F-14 one of the most effective heavy fighters. A weak point is the TF-30 engine, that is not powerful enough and unreliable. The F-14D is reengined, but there is no money to replace all F-14A's. Type: F-14A Function: fighter Year: 1972 Crew: 2 Engines: 2 * 9500kg P&W TF30-P-412A Max. Speed: 2500km/h Ceiling: 18300 m Max. Range: 3220 km Armament: 1*g20mm F14C Curtiss XF14C The F14C was originally designed around the liquid-cooled 2200hp Lycoming XH-2470-1 engine. Devlopment of this engine was slow, and the XF14C-1 was cancelled. The design was then restarted with the R-3350 engine, with a turbosupercharger and contraprops. The heavy fighter had a disappointing performance. One built. Type: XF14C-2 Function: fighter Year: 1944 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 1690kW Wright XR-3350-16 Wing Span: 14.03m Length: 11.51m Height: 3.76m Wing Area: 34.84m2 Empty Weight: 4808kg Max. Weight: 6620kg Max. Speed: 682km/h Ceiling: 12050m Max. Range: 2180km Armament: 4*g20mm F-15 McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle Big twin-engined air-superiority fighter. The F-15 was the US answer to the MiG-25; while not as fast, it is a better all-round fighter and has the armament to down any opponent. F-15's made nearly all air-to-air 'kills' in the (second) Gulf War. Type: F-15A Function: fighter Year: 1973 Crew: 1 Engines: 2 * 12300kg P&W F100-PW-100 Max. Speed: M 2.3 Ceiling: 20000 m Max. Range: 4600 km Armament: 1*g20mm F-15 Northrop F-15 Reporter Reconaissance version of the P-61 fighter. Only 37 were built, based on P-61C airframes. F15C Curtiss XF15C The XF15C was a mixed power fighter, with a radial engine in the nose and a jet engine aft of the wing, with the jet nozzle under the aft fuselage. The F15C was far heavier and more powerful than the similar Ryan FR-1. It was the last Navy Curtiss fighter. It had a tricycle undercarriage, to clear the jet exhaust, and a bubble cockpit. Two of the three prototypes were later modified with T-tails. The XF15C-1 was soon obsolete. Three built. Type: XF15C-1 Function: fighter Year: 1945 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 1545kW P&W R-2800-34W 1 * 1225kg Allis-Chalmers J36 Wing Span: 14.64m Length: 13.42m Height: 4.65m Wing Area: 37.16m2 Empty Weight: 5742kg Max. Weight: 8490kg Max. Speed: 755km/h Ceiling: 12750m Max. Range: 2230km Armament: 4*g20mm F-16 General Dynamics / Lockheed F-16 Fighting Falcon Well known light fighter aircraft, in use with over 17 air forces. The F-16 began life as a research project for a very light fighter, optimized for dogfighting. The project looked promising enough to develop a real fighter from it, but common sense dictated that maneuvrability is not the only requirement for a fighter, and the production F-16 is heavier and bigger than the original concept. Still, it is one of the best dogfighting aircraft. Type: F-16A Function: fighter Year: 1976 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 105.7kN P&W F100-PW-220 Wing Span: 10.00m Length: 15.03m Height: 5.09m Wing Area: 27.9m2 Empty Weight: 7387kg Max.Weight: 17010kg Max. Speed: Mach 2.05 Ceiling: 16750m Max. Range: 3900km Armament: 1*g20mm 9276kg F-16 General Dynamics F-16XL Derivative of the F-16 with a large cranked delta wing. Prototypes only. This version was intended as attack aircraft; the extra wing area greatly enhanced weapons load. Type: F-16XL Function: fighter / attack Year: 1931 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 11350kg P&W F100-PW-100 Max. Speed: km/h Ceiling: m Max. Range: km Armament: 1*g20mm F-17 Northrop YF-17 The YF-17 lost out to the YF-16 but was the basis for the F-18. Type: YF-17 Function: fighter Year: 1974 Crew: 1 Engines: 2 * G.E. YJ101-GE-100 Max. Speed: 2071km/h Ceiling: m Max. Range: 4506 km Armament: 1*g20mm msl F-18 McDonnell Douglas F-18 Hornet Twin-engined shipboard fighter. The USN planned to replace a lot of combat aircraft by the multifunctional F-18. The F-18 has also been sold abroad, to Canada, Australia, and others. The F-18 is a medium-sized fighter, heavier than the F-16 but lighter than the F-14 and F-15. The RF-18 is a recce version. The internal gun is removed and cameras are installed in the nose. Type: F-18A Function: fighter / attack Year: 1980 Crew: 1 Engines: 2 * 7250kg GE F404-GE-400 Max. Speed: 2125km/h Ceiling: 15250 m Max. Range: 3670 km Armament: 1*g20mm F-19 ? Rumoured name for a 'Stealth' design. Maybe the F-117, maybe not. F-20 Northrop F-20 Tigershark Previous name was F-5G. The F-20 was a capable aircraft but found no customer; the USN rejected in favour of the F-16 and without home market there was little hope for export orders. Three built. Type: F-20 Function: fighter Year: 1982 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 7711kg G.E. F404-GE-100 Max. Speed: 2124km/h Ceiling: m Max. Range: 2965 km Armament: 2*g20mm F-21 IAI Kfir Israeli aircraft that were in service in the US as agressors. The Kfir is a development of the French Mirage 5 with an J79 engine, built in Israel after France refused to deliver the original aircraft. Twelve were used by theb US Navy and thirteen by the USMC, for use as 'aggressor' aircraft. Type: Kfir C-1 Function: fighter Year: 1975 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 8120kg P&W J79-PW-17 Max. Speed: 2445km/h Ceiling: 18000 m Max. Range: 1300+ km Armament: 2*g30mm F-22 Lockheed F-22 Lightning II Stealth air-superiority fighter. Another requirement is the ability to cruise at supersonic speeds. The F-22 has a rather conventional appearance, with twin tails and flat fuselage sides; armament is carried in internal weapons bays. The engines have two-dimensional nozzles. A planned naval version, intended to replace the F-14, has extensive changes to make the aircraft suitable for carrier use. Type: YF-22A Function: fighter Year: 1990 Crew: 1 Engines: 2 * 156kN P&W YF119-GE-100 Wing Span: Length: Height: Wing Area: 77.1m2 Empty Weight: 14970kg Max.Weight: 28123kg Max. Speed: 2335km/h Ceiling: 19810m Max. Range: Armament: F-23 Northrop F-23 Stealth air-superiority fighter. Lost the competition with the YF-22. The YF-23 had a diamond-shape wing platform and a V-tail. Type: YF-23A Year: 1990 Crew: Engines: 2 * P&W YF119-PW-100 Wing Span: Length: Height: Wing Area: 88.25m2 Empty Weight: Max.Weight: Max. Speed: Ceiling: Max. Range: Armament: F-24 Douglas F-24 In 1948, the USAAF abandoned the A- for 'attack' designations. The A-24 Dauntless became the F-24. F-80 Lockheed F-80 Shooting Star Former P-80. F-82 North American F-82 Twin Mustang Renamed P-82. F-84 Republic F-84 Thunderjet This straight-wing fighter was soon outclassed by the F-86 and MiG-15, but it was an useful fighter-bomber. It was built in large numbers, mainly to fill the need for aircraft during the Korean war. Type: F-84D Function: fighter Year: 1948 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 1700kg Allison J35-A-13C Max. Speed: 945km/h Ceiling: Max. Range: 1930km Armament: 6*mg12.7mm F-84 Republic F-84F Thunderstreak The F-84F was a major redesign of the F-84, with sweptback wings and a new engine, and kept the same number only for political reasons. (It would have been the F-96 at first.) The F-84F was not easy to fly, but it potential was big enough to secure large orders and world-wide export. Type: F-84F Function: fighter-bomber Year: 1952 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * Westinghouse J65-W-3 Max. Speed: 1060km/h Ceiling: 12000m Max. Range: 3440km Armament: 6*mg12.7mm F-84 Republic RF-84F Thunderflash The RF-84F had wing root intakes to make room for photographic equipment in the nose. The RF-84K's had anhedralled tailplanes to fit under the bomb bay of a GRB-36. Type: RF-84F Function: reconaissance Year: 1954 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 3540kg Wright J65-W-7 Max. Speed: 936km/h Ceiling: 12000m Max. Range: Armament: 4*mg12.7mm F-84 Republic XF-84H Thunderscreech Turboprop-powered attack aircraft. Probably the noisiest aircraft ever built, with a very disappointing performance. Twelve flights, eleven emergencies... Needless to say that the customers lost interest. Two built. Type: XF-84H Function: attack Year: 1955 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 3920kW Allison XT40-A-1 Max. Speed: 1080km/h Ceiling: Max. Range: Armament: 3*g16mm F-85 McDonnell XF-85 Goblin The Goblin was a parasite fighter intended to be carried in the bomb bay of a B-36: A little egg-shaped aircraft with foldable wings. Had good flying characteristics, but hook-ons proved too dangerous. Two built. Type: XF-85 Function: fighter Year: 194 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 1360kg Westinghouse J34-WE-22 Max. Speed: 830km/h Ceiling: 48000ft Max. Range: Armament: 4*mg12.7mm F-86 North American F-86 Sabre First USAF swept-wing fighter. The famous opponent of the MiG-51 in Korea. The swept wing was added when it was found out that the straight-wing design (later built for the Navy as the FJ-1) was too slow. The early F-86A was inferior in some respects to the MiG-15, but better US pilot training compensated that. More powerful engines and redesigned wings substantially improved performance of later types. A radar nose and a 'beard' air intake characterized the F-86D and F-86K all-wheater fighters. The TF-86 was a longer trainer version and the RF-86 was a recce version; bulges at the wing roots and under the cockpit housed the photographic equipment. Type: F-86F Function: fighter Year: 1948 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 2710kg G.E. J47-GE-27 Wing Span: 11.30m Length: 11.40m Height: 4.40m Wing Area: 26.7m2 Empty Weight: 4940kg Max.Weight: 9234kg Max. Speed: 1120km/h Ceiling: 15200m Max. Range: 2050km Armament: 6*mg12.7mm 2*b454kg F-87 Curtiss XF-87 Blackhawk Beautiful but underpowered four-engined night fighter, a development of the XA-43 design. The XF-87 was a clean aircraft with a mid-set, straight wing and a nacelle of rectangular cross-section on each wing, that contained two engines and the landing gear. It was the last fighter built by Curtiss. Type: XF-87 Function: nightfighter Year: 1948 Crew: 2 Engines: 4 * 3000lb Westinghouse XJ34-WE-7 Max. Speed: 600mph Ceiling: 41000ft Max. Range: 1610km Armament: 4*g20mm, never installed F-88 McDonnell XF-88 Voodoo This long-range escort fighter failed to attract orders. Served as prototype for the F-101. One was converted to a XF-88B testbed for high-speed propellers. Type: XF-88 Function: fighter Year: 1948 Crew: 1 Engines: 2 * 1633kg Westinghouse J34-WE-15 Max. Speed: 706mph Ceiling: 39400ft Max. Range: 1737mls Armament: 6*g20mm Type: XF-88B Task: experimental Year: 1953 Crew: 1 Engines: 2 * 1360kg Westinghouse J34-EW-13 1 * Allison XT38 Max. Speed: Ceiling: Max. Range: Armament: F-89 Northrop F-89 Scorpion Large twin-engined all-weather fighter. Despite its size and bulk, the F-89 had good performance. It was the main all-wheater interceptor of the USAF for some years. It switched from cannon armament to rockets carried in enormous wing tip pods, and later to guided missiles, carried also in wing tip pods. Type: F-89D Function: fighter Year: 1953 Crew: 2 Engines: 2 * 3270kg Allison J35-A-35 Max. Speed: 1020km/h Ceiling: 15000m Max. Range: 2200km Armament: 104 rockets. F-90 Lockheed XF-90 The XF-90 was a transsonic long-range escort fighter. Performance was very unsatisfactory. Two built. Type: XF-90 Function: fighter Year: 1949 Crew: 1 Engines: 2 * 1800kg Westinghouse XJ-34WE-15 Max. Speed: 668mph Ceiling: 39000ft Max. Range: 2300mls Armament: 6*g20mm (never installed) F-91 Republic XF-91 Thunderceptor The Thunderceptor had inverse-taper wings and rocket booster engines. It was the first US fighter to exceed mach 1 in level flight. Two built. Type: XF-91 Function: fighter Year: 1949 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 3200 kg G.E. J47-GE-3 4 * 1500lb Reaction Motors XLR11-RM-9 Max. Speed: 1126mph Ceiling: 50000ft Max. Range: 1885km Armament: 4*g20mm, never installed F-92 Convair XF-92A This was, in fact, a reduced-scale flying model of the cancelled XF-92 intercepor. It was used by NASA for research into the characteristics of its delta wing. Type: XF-92A Function: experimental Year: 1948 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 2086 Allison J33-A-23 Max. Speed: 718mph Ceiling: 50750ft Max. Range: F-93 North American YF-93 Later named YF-86C. A Sabre development with a solid nose and flush intakes, intended as long-range penetration fighter. The F-93 was selected for production, but was later the victim of a budget cut. Two built. Type: YF-93A Function: fighter Year: 1950 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 2722kg P&W J48-P-6 Max. Speed: 1139km/h Ceiling: 46800ft Max. Range: 3165km Armament: 6*g20mm F-94 Lockheed F-94 All-weather interceptor derived from the T-33. The F-94A and B were stopgap fighters pending introduction of the F-89, and developed in great haste; its performance was inadequate. Later Lockheed developed the much more capable F-94C Starfire, with new wings, a new engine, and rocket armament to compete with the F-89. The F-94D (only two built) was an attack version. 854 were built. Type: F-94C Function: nightfighter Year: 1949 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 3970kg P&W J48-P-5 Wing Span: 12.98m Length: 13.57m Height: 4.53m Wing Area: 21.63m2 Empty Weight: 5770kg Max.Weight: 10977kg Max. Speed: 1030km/h Ceiling: 15670m Max. Range: 1800km Armament: 48 r. F-95 North American F-95 This number was intended for what became the F-86D; the USAF designed to continue the F-86 designation for political reasons. F-96 Republic F-96 Thunderstreak. This number was intended for what became the F84F. The YF-96 itself was a more direct swept-wing development of the F-84, still using the J35 engine; the aircraft was later completely redesigned. F-97 Lockheed F-97 Starfire This number was intended for what became the F-94C. The new designation was logical --- the F-94C had little in common with the T-33, F-94A or F-94B --- but abandoned for political reasons. F-98 Hughes XF-98 Falcon Common sense won and this was considered a missile, not a fighter: the AIM-4 Falcon. F-99 Marquardt-Boeing F-99 Bomarc This too was a missile. F-100 North American F-100 Super Sabre First operational supersonic fighter. The F-100 had a long and distinguished career, but was not without problems. It was designed before the 'area rule' was known; its performance was achieved by streamlining and power. It was very big for a fighter aircraft when it was first flown, and heralded a new generation of bigger, faster, and heavier fighters. As an interceptor, it was soon overtaken by newer designs; the F-100 was used mostly as a fighter-bomber. The RF-100 was recce version of the F-100 Super Sabre with equipment in a rectangular fairing under the forward fuselage. There also was an NF-100 with a thrust-reverser for low-speed controllability tests. Type: F-100D Year: 1956 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 7260kg P&W J57-P-21 Max. Speed: 1471km/h Ceiling: m Max. Range: 920 km Armament: 4*g20mm F-101 McDonnell F-101 Voodoo The F-101 was a larger and more powerful development of the F-88. Due to continuously changing requirements, the F-101 had a protracted development; its task was changed from fighter to nuclear attack and back, and later reconaissance. It never was a major type in the US inventory, but was flown for a long time by Canada. 807 built. Type: F-101B Function: fighter Year: 1957 Crew: 2 Engines: 2 * 6600kg P&W J57-P-53 Max. Speed: M 1.85 Ceiling: 15850 m Max. Range: 2800 km Armament: msl F-102 Convair F-102 Delta Dagger This delta-wing interceptor was amongst the first to be designed as part of a 'weapons system' and to employ the area rule -- the latter refinement necessitated a total redesign after the first pre-series aircraft had failed to attain Mach 1. The effort paid off, and the F-102 became the main home-defence interceptor of the USAAF. Type: F-102A Function: fighter Year: 1954 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 7800kg P&W J57-P-23 Wing Span: 11.67m Length: 20.84m Height: 6.46m Wing Area: 61.45m2 Empty Weight: Max.Weight: 14187kg Max. Speed: 1328km/h Ceiling: 16500 m Max. Range: 2173km Armament: msl, r F-103 Republic XF-103 Twin-engined mach 3 fighter, a big aircraft with titanium construction. The F-103 was a tailed delta; the cockpit was flush with the upper fuselage, and the pilot was provided with a periscope for forward view. The F-103 would have been powered by both a conventional jet engine and a ramjet. The proposal was soon considered too bold to be practical, and cancelled in August 1957. None built. Type: XF-103 Function: fighter Year: - Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 66.73kN Wright XJ-67-W-3 1 * 83.63kN Wright XJR55-W-1 Wing Span: 10.92m Length: 24.97m Height: Wing Area: Empty Weight: 11340kg Max.Weight: 19051kg Speed: 3860km/h Ceiling: Range: 1300km Armament: 36*r, msl F-104 Lockheed F-104 Starfighter The F-104 was built around a big engine, and had extremely small, thin, unswept wings. The F-104 interceptor had exceptional performance but rather limited ability to carry equipment and armament. Its all-round fighter-bomber F-104G variant enjoyed great export sales (and a poor reputation for safety), but the early F-104's were quickly abandoned by the USAF. The NF-104 was an F-104 fitted with an additional rocket engine under the tailfin, pointing slightly upwards. It was used for astronaut training; one set a record altitude of 36273m. There was also a TF-104 trainer and a RF-104 reconaissance version. Type: F-104G Function: fighter Year: 1960 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 7170kg G.E. J79-GE-11A Max. Speed: M2.2 Ceiling: 17700m Max. Range: 3500km Armament: 1*g20mm F-105 Republic F-105 Thunderchief The F-105 was a large fighter-bomber. Development was slow and the reliability of the F-105 was always low. Many modifications were needed to make the aircraft combat-ready, but then the though F-105 proved a very effective aircraft that was used a lot in Vietnam until the available force was too much downgraded by losses. Approx 900 built. Type: F-105D Function: fighter Year: 1958 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 12010kg P&W J75-P-19W Max. Speed: 2208km/h Ceiling: 14780m Max. Range: 3800 km Armament: 1*g20mm F-106 Convair F-106 Delta Dart Development of the F-102 with significantly higher performance. The F-106 was primarily an interceptor, integrated in the computer- radar controlled SAGE network. The F-106 was a versatile fighter that proved to be an excellent dogfighter; it served many years with the USAF, armed with Falcon missiles, Genie nuclear-tipped rockets, and a later added 20mm Vulcan cannon. The last was retired in 1988. 341 built. Type: F-106A Function: fighter Year: 1959 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 11130kg P&W J57-P-17 Wing Span: 11.67m Length: 21.56m Height: 6.18m Wing Area: 64.83m2 Empty Weight: 10957kg Max.Weight: 18974kg Max. Speed: 2020km/h Ceiling: 17400m Max. Range: 4300km Armament: msl. A 20mm cannon was added later. F-106 Republic F-106 Thunderscreech This designation was also used briefly for the XF-84H. F-107 North American YF-107 Super Sabre The F-107 was an interceptor development of the F-100, that began life as the F-100B. The intake was moved to above and behind the cockpit to make room for the radar in the nose. Later the role was switched to fighter-bomber. The USAF preferred the F-105, and the F-107 never entered production. Type: F-107A Function: fighter Year: 1956 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 11113 kg P&W YJ75-P-9 Max. Speed: 1432km/h Ceiling: Max. Range: 1300km Armament: 4*g20mm F-108 North American XF-108 Rapier Project for a Mach 3+ long-range interceptor. Large delta wing, two G.E. J93 engines. Cancelled in September 1959. Type: XF-108 Function: fighter Year: Crew: 2 Engines: 2 * 133.45kN G.E. XJ93-GE-3 Wing Span: 16.12m Length: 25.87m Height: Wing Area: Empty Weight: 21773kg Max.Weight: 46267kg Speed: 3220km/h Ceiling: Range: 1850km Armament: F-108 Bell F-108 Some sources indicate that this became the X-14, but the X-14 built and flown can not be called a fighter... F-109 Ryan F-109 Alledgedly became the Ryan X-13 Vertijet, a tail-sitting VTOL testbed. F-109 Bell F-109 A large Mach 2.3 VTOL fighter projects. Had two engines in each rotating nacelle on the wingtips, and four more lift engines in the fuselage. Cancelled. F-110 McDonnell F-110 Spectre Renamed F-4 Phantom II. F-111 General Dynamics F-111 The swing-wing F-111 was designed as a multi-role aircraft, but ended as an attack/strike aircraft rather than a fighter. It was the result of an unwise and unhappy attempt to fulfill different USAF and Navy requirements with a single aircraft. The F-111B shipboard fighter, developed in cooperation with Grumman, was a complete failure. The F-111 strike fighter itself had a difficult start, but accumulated a good service record in later years. Production was 563 aircraft. Type: F-111D Function: attack Year: 1971 Crew: 2 Engines: 2 * 8890kg P&W TF30-P-9 Max. Speed: 2660km/h Ceiling: 19000m Max. Range: 6100km Armament: Type: F-111F Function: attack Year: Crew: 2 Engines: 2 * 11385kg P&W TF30-P-100 Wing Span: 19.20m/9.74m Length: 22.40m Height: 5.22m Wing Area: Empty Weight: 21398kg Max.Weight: 45359kg Speed: 2655km/h Ceiling: +17900m Range: 4710km Armament: 1*g20mm F-111 General Dynamics FB-111 A strategic bomber development of the F-111. The FB-111 is longer and can carry more fuel, but doesn't have real intercontinental range; this is compensated by its missile armament. Type: FB-111A Function: bomber Year: 1969 Crew: 2 Engines: 2 * 90.58kN P&W TF30-P-7 Speed: 2335km/h Ceiling: Range: Armament: 17000kg F-111 Grumman EF-111 Raven Electronic warfare development of the F-111 attack aircraft. The equipment is stored in a large canoe under the fuselage and a pod on the tail fin. F-111 General Dynamics RF-111 One F-111A was modified to the RF-111A/D configuration with cameras and SLAR. F-117 Lockheed F-117 Nighthawk The F-117 is a 'Stealth' attack aircraft. The logic behind this designation remains mysterious or is non-existent. The F-117 uses flat, angled fuselage and wing panels to direct radar reflections in a few sharply defined directions. Despite the aerodynamic disadvantages of such design, and because of the computer controls, it is easy to fly. The F-117 can execute precision attacks on point targets with impunity, but has a limited weapons load. Type: F-117A Function: attack Year: 1981 Crew: 1 Engines: 2 * 48kN G.E. F404-GE-F1D2 Max. Speed: 700mph Ceiling: Max. Range: Armament: 5000lb FA General Aviation XFA Biplane fighter. One built. 'General Aviation' was the US branch of the Fokker company. Type: XFA-1 Function: fighter Year: 1932 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * Max. Speed: 274km/h Ceiling: m Max. Range: km Armament: 2 * mg F/A-16, General Dynamics F/A-16 Designation temporarely applied to F-16s fitted with the GPU-5 30mm cannon pod. F/A-18, McDonnel Douglas F/A-18 Hornet See F-18. FB Boeing FB USN version of PW-9. Small series were built: 10 FB-1s with Curtiss D-12 liquid-cooled engines, two FB-2s with inline 380kW Packard 1A-1500 engines, one FB-3 with floats, one FB-4 with a 336 kW Wright P-1 radial, 27 FB-5s with an inline Packard 2A-1500 engine and one FB-6 with a 298kW P&W Wasp radial. Type: FB-5 Function: fighter Year: 1926 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 388kW packard 2A-1500 Wing Span: 9.75m Length: 7.24m Height: 2.87m Wing Area: 22.39m2 Empty Weight: 1115kg Max.Weight: 1474kg Max. Speed: 283km/h Ceiling: Max. Range: 676km Armament: 1*mg12.7mm 1*mg7.62mm FC Curtiss FC First fighter intentionally built for the USN. Single-seat biplane. 39 built. Also called TS. Type: FC-1 Function: fighter Year: 1922 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 150 kW Wright J-1 Max. Speed: km/h Ceiling: 5000 m Max. Range: 775 km Armament: 1 * mg 7.62mm FD McDonnell FD Phantom Later renamed FH. FF Grumman FF Goblin Grumman's first fighter for the US Navy. It was a two-seat biplane; the landing gear was rectracted into the bulky front fuselage, and the FF was the first USN carrier aircraft with a retractable undercarriage. It was soon replaced by the F2F. 120 built of all versions. Type: FF-2 Function: fighter Year: 1932 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 515kW Wright R-1820-78 Wing Span: 10.52m Length: 7.47m Height: 3.38m Wing Area: 28.80m2 Empty Weight: 1474kg Max.Weight: 2190kg Max. Speed: 393km/h Ceiling: 6400m Max. Range: 1500km Armament: 3*mg7.62mm FG Goodyear FG Corsair Vought F4U Corsair, built by Goodyear. The FG-1 was similar to the F4U-1 but had fixed wings, being intended for the USMC exclusively. Goodyear built 1694. The FG-1D was equivalent to the F4U-1D; Goodyear built 2303. The FG-3 was to be the productipon version of the XF4U-3 with a turbosupercharged engine; only 13 were built. The FG-4, equivalent to the F4U-4, was cancelled. FG-1 Cornelius XFG-1 Fuel-carrying glider with forward swept wings. FH McDonnell FH Phantom The first US naval pure jet fighter, a twin-engined straight-wing aircraft with the engines buried in the wing roots. The FH was a conserative approach to jet fighter design, but at least it proved that jet fighters could be good shipboard aircraft. Type: FH-1 Function: fighter Year: 1945 Crew: 1 Engines: 2 x 725kg Westinghouse J30-WE-20 Max. Speed: 812km/h Ceiling: 13100 m Max. Range: 1580 km Armament: 4*mg12.7mm FJ North American FJ Fury The FJ was a relative of the F-86 Sabre. The FJ-1 was the straight-winged precursor of the F-86, the FJ-2 was a naval version of the F-86E. Later FJ's were further developments of the F-86, so that the FJ-4 had little in common with the FJ-1. The FJ was an excellent fighter, but had some disadvatages for shipboard operations. Type: FJ-4B Function: fighter / attack Year: 1956 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 3500kg Wright J65-16A M6x. Speed: 1094km/h Ceiling: 15200m Max. Range: 4340km Armament: 4*g20mm FL Bell XFL Airabonita Navalized P-39 Airacobra. The XFL-1 had a tailwheel undercarriage, a strengthened fuselage and a enlarged wing. Initially the XFL-1 failed its carrier qualification tests. After the beginning of the war the interest of the Navy disappeared. The USN did not really want an aircraft with a liquid-cooled engine, and anyway the FL couldn't compete with the F4U Corsair. One built. Type: XFL-1 Function: fighter Year: 1940 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 845 kW Allison XV-1710-6 Wing Span: 10.68m Length: 9.09m Weight: 3.91m Wing Area: 21.57m2 Empty Weight: 2343kg Max.Weight: 3274kg Max. Speed: 541km/h Ceiling: 9425m Max. Range: 1725km Armament: (2*mg7.62mm 1*g37mm) FM Lockheed FM Not built. FM General Motors FM Wildcat Grumman F4F Wildcat built by General Motors; all Wildcat production was undertaken by the Eastern division of GM from 1943 onwards. The FM-1 was equivalent to the F4F-4.The FM-2 was a lighter version, the XF4F-8, specially developed for escort carriers. Despite the age of the design, the FM-2 was still useful, and below 10000ft actually outperformed more modern fighters such as the P-51D or F6F-5. Type: FM-2 Function: fighter Year: 1943 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * Wright R-1820-56 Max. Speed: 534 km/h Ceiling: 10800m Max. Range: 2170km Armament: 4*mg12.7mm FM-1 Bell XFM-1 Airacuda Experimental fighter with two pusher engines and gunners in front of the engine nacelles. FM stands for 'Fighter Multiplace' and is an USAAC designation, not an USN designation. 14 built. Type: XFM-1 Function: fighter Year: 1937 Crew: 5 Engines: 2 * Allison V-1710-13 Max. Speed: 432km/h Ceiling: 10600 m Max. Range: 4185 km Armament: 2*g37mm ?*mg12.7mm FN Seversky FN Derived from the P-35, for the USN. One built. Type: XFN-1 Function: fighter Year: 1937 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 950hp Wright R-1820-22 Max. Speed: 430km/h Ceiling: m Range: 1570 km Armament: 1*mg12.7mm 1*mg7.62mm FO Lockheed XFO Renamed XFV FO Lockheed FO Some F-5B reconnaisance aircraft, versions of the P-38, on loan to the USN. FR Ryan FR Fireball Neat mixed-power naval fighter, with a R-1820 radial in the nose and an I-16 jet engine in the tail. The FR-1 was completely flush-riveted, had a laminar flow wing, and tricycle undercarriage. The FR-1 was too late for participation in WWII, and only 66 were built. They were retired in November 1947. Type: FR-1 Function: fighter Year: 1945 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * Wright R-1820-72W 1 * 725kg General Electric J31-GE-3 Wing Span: 12.20m Length: 9.86m Height: 3.97m Wing Area: 25.55m2 Empty Weight: 3593kg Max. Weight: 4810kg Max. Speed: 685km/h Ceiling: 13150 m Max. Range: 2300 km Armament: 4*mg12.7mm FT Northrop XFT-1 Monoplane shipboard fighter with fixed landing gear, ordered together with the F7B-1. The FT did little to make monoplanes popular with the US Navy; it was finally declared unairworthy. Type: XFT-1 Function: fighter Year: 1934 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 625hp Wright R-1510-26 Max. Speed: 378km/h Ceiling: m Max. Range: 1570 km Armament: 2*mg7.62mm FU Vought FU Biplane fighter. Type: FU-1 Function: fighter Year: 1926 Crew: Engines: 1 * 220hp Wright Whirlwind Speed: 242km Ceiling: 8378m Range: Armament: 2*mg7.62mm FV Vickers-Canada FV Designation assigned to F6F-1s built in Canada. This plan did not proceed. FV Lockheed XFV Vertical Riser Turboprop-engined tail-sitting VTOL fighter. Only flown as a conventional aircraft with a temporary undercarriage. One built. Type: XFV-1 Function: fighter Year: 1954 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 4045kW Allison YT40-A-6 Max. Speed: 900km/h Ceiling: m Max. Range: km Armament: FV-12 Rockwell XFV-12 Number 12 in the 'V for VTOL' series. Never managed to fly, but tethered tests were done. After many years, spending a lot of money testing numerous prototypes and experimental aircraft, the US had to accept a British VTOL design, the AV-8 Harrier. Type: XFV-12A Function: experimental / fighter Year: 1977 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 133.4 kN P&W F401-PW-400 Max. Speed: Mach 2+ Ceiling: m Max. Range: km Armament: FY Convair XFY Pogo Turboprop-engined tail-sitting VTOL fighter. One built. Type: XFY-1 Function: fighter Year: 1954 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 4270kW Allison T40 Max. Speed: 800km/h Ceiling: m Max. Range: km Armament: --G--------------------------------------------------------------------------- G-1 Kellet G-1 Autogiro. The G-1 had two open cockpits, a radail engine and a three- bladed rotor. Type: YG-1A Function: autogiro Year: Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * Jacobs R-755-1 Speed: Ceiling: Range: Armament: G-1 Frankfort TG-1 Training glider. G-2 Schweizer TG-2 Training glider. G-2 Pitcairn G-2 Autogiro. Handling was bad, and NACA considered it unsuitable for service use. G-2 Timm AG-2 Assault Glider G-3 Waco CG-3 Troop carrying glider. Crew of 2, seven seats. Towing speed 192km/h. Approx 100 built, used mainly as trainers. G-3 Schweizer TG-3 Training glider. G-4 Waco CG-4 Much used troop transport glider. Extensively used on D-day. Year: 1941 Crew: 2 Seats: 13 Towing Speed: 200km/h. G-4 Laister-Kaufmann TG-4A Training glider. G-5 Aeronca TG-5 Training glider. Developed from the L-3 Type: TG-5 Task: Training glider Year: Crew: Engines: Max. Speed: Ceiling: Max. Range: Armament: G-6 Taylorcraft TG-6 Training glider developed from the L-2 Type: TG-6 Task: Training glider. Year: Crew: Engines: Max. Speed: Ceiling: Max. Range: Armament: G-7 Laister-Kaufmann XCG-7 Glider transport, somewhat smaller than the CG-10 of the same manufacturer. One pilot, seven troops. G-8 Schweizer RG-8 The US Coast Guard bought two Schweizer Condor motorized gliders, equipped as quiet surveillance aircraft for anti-narcotics operations. A RG-8B version is being developed; this will be a highly modified, twin-boom twin-engined version. Type: RG-8A Function: surveillance Year: 1987 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * Lycoming IO-540 Speed: Ceiling: Range: Armament: G-8 Piper TG-8 Training glider developed from the L-4 Type: TG-8 Task: Training glider Year: Crew: Engines: Max. Speed: Ceiling: Max. Range: Armament: G-10 Laister-Kaufmann XCG-10A This was a large experimental transport glider. I could carry 30 troops or 5 tons. Built of wood. G-13 WACO CG-13 Large glider transport, a devlopment of the CG-4. Capable of carrying 42 troops. G-15 WACO CG-15 Development of the CG-4. Two pilots, 16 seats, and towing speed of 288km/h. G-16 General Airborne CG-16 The XCG-16A of 1944 was a flying-wing, twin-boom glider transport aircraft. Two built. Type: XCG-16A Function: transport glider Year: 1944 Crew: 2 Engines: 0 * - Wing Span: 28.04m Length: Height: Wing Area: Empty Weight: Max.Weight: 8618kg Speed: Ceiling: Range: Load: 3635kg, 40 seats G-17 Douglas CG-17 The XCG-17 was a glider verion of the C-47, intended to be towed by a C-54. Towing speed was 464km/h, and it could carry 6356kg or 40 troops. One built. G-18 CG-18 Transport glider. Year: 1946 G-20 Chase XG-20 Transport glider, precursor of the C-123. Two built. GA-1 Boeing GA-1 A large, heavily armoured triplane, intended to attack the infantry with gunfire. Severely underpowered. Ten built. Type: GA-1 Function: attack Year: 1921 Crew: 4 Engines: 4 * 320kW Liberty 12A Speed: 85mph Ceiling: Range: Armament: 8*mg7.62mm 1*g37mm GA-2 Boeing GA-2 Intended for the same purpose as the GA-1, but a much smaller single-engined biplane. Two built. Type: GA-2 Function: attack Year: 1921 Crew: 3 Engines: 1 * 550kW Engineering Division W-18 Speed: Ceiling: Range: Armament: 5*mg12.7mm 1*g37mm 2*mg7.62mm GB Beech GB Traveller Navy version of the UC-43 GH Howard GH Nightingale Transport / ambulance aircraft developed from the civil DGA-15/16 transport. Type: GH-1 Function: transport / ambulance Year: 1941 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 330kW P&W R-985-AN-2 Speed: 265km/h Ceiling: 6100m Range: 1130km Freight: 3 seats GK Fairchild GK Navy version of the UC-61. GMB Martin GMB First post-war twin-engined USAF bomber, the Martin MB-1. The MB-1 was a biplane of wooden constructin, with good performance. Due to the end of WWII, the production was very limited; ten MB-1s were built, in different versions: Four observation aircraft, three bombers, one long-range bomber (GMT), a cannon-armed bomber (GMC) and a transport (GMP.) Type: GMB Function: bomber Year: 1918 Crew: 3 Engines: 2 * 295kW Liberty 12A Speed: 170km/h Ceiling: 3140m Range: 630km Armament: 5*mg, 470kg GMC Martin GMC For 'Glenn Martin Cannon', a GMB with a 37mm cannon in the nose. One built. GMP Martin GMP For 'Glenn Martin Passenger', a transport version of the GMB. Renamed T-1. One built. GMT Martin GMT For 'Glenn Martin Transcontinental', a long range version of the GMB. One built. GV Lockheed GV Hercules Navy designation for C-130. --H--------------------------------------------------------------------------- H Curtiss H The original Curtiss 'America' was built for a transatlantic flight. WWI intervened, but the H-series (H-4, H-6, H-12, H-16 ) was much used during the war. Type: H-12 Task: patrol flying boat Year: Crew: Engines: 2 * 330hp Liberty 12 Max. Speed: 137km/h Ceiling: Max. Range: Armament: 3*mg, 108kg H-1 Bell AH-1 Hueycobra Bell model 209. The first true gunship; derivative of the UH-1. Standard US attack helicopter of the Vietnam war. Still in service, in improved versions, both single- and twin-engined. Type: AH-1G Function: attack Year: 1967 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 1810kW Lycoming T53-L-13 Speed: 277km/h Ceiling: 3470m Range: 570km Load: 2*mg7.62mm or 2*gl40mm 4 points H-1 Bell UH-1 Iroquois Bell model 204 and 205, also 212 (UH-1N). Better known as 'Huey', this has been the standard US tactical transport helicopter for a long time. Early models were not very effective in Vietnam, but improvements produced a versatile and reliable aircraft. There is also an EH-1 version for electronic warfare. Is now being replaced by the H-60. Type: UH-1H Function: utility Year: 1967 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 1030kW Lycoming T53-L-13 Speed: 204km/h Ceiling: 3840m Range: 510km Load: 11 to 14 seats, or 1759kg H-2 Bell RH-2 RH for 'Research Helicopter'. A version of the UH-1 for instrument tests. H-2 Kaman H-2 Seasprite The Kaman H-2 was built as transport (UH-2), ASW (SH-2) and rescue (HH-2) helicopter for the USN. First flew in 1959; converted to twin-engined from 1967 onwards; prodcution reopened in 1981. A lot of ships have one or two SH-2's on board. Type: SH-2G Function: ASW Year: 1987 Crew: 3 Engines: 1 * 1285kW G.E. T700-GE-401 Speed: 271km/h Ceiling: 6400m Range: 1083km Load: H-3 Sikorsky H-3 Sea King The Sikorsky S-61 has been built as Search & Rescue heli (HH-3), ASW (SH-3), tactical transport (CH-3), VIP transport (VH-3), and commercial transport. Westland built many as the Sea King and the Commando. Type: SH-3D Function: ASW Year: 1966 Crew: 2 Engines: 2 * 1044kW G.E. T58-GE-10 Speed: 267km/h Ceiling: 4480m Range: 1005km Load: 381kg b,t,msl. H-4 Bell OH-4 Bell model 206, designed as a light observation helicopter. The OH-6 was selected. 1962. H-5 Sikorsky H-5 Formerly R-5, the Sikorsky S-51. Type : H-5F Function: utility Year: Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 450hp P&W R-985 Speed: 165km/h Ceiling: 4270m Range: 420km Load: 3 seats. H-5 Hiller OH-5 The OH-5 was designed as a light observation helicopter for the Army. Lost the competition. Appeared later on the civil market as the FH-1100. H-6 Hughes H-6 Cayuse A small and agile helicopter with a distinctive teardrop shape. The OH-6 Cayuse was used by the US Army in Vietnam for observation duties. Also known as the 'Loach'. The AH-6 and MH-6 versions are known as 'Defender'; only 20 or so of these are in service with special units. Type: OH-6A Function: observation Year: 1966 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 263kW Allison T63-A-5A Rotor Span: 8.03m Length: 9.24m Height: 2.48m Wing Area: 50.60m2 Empty Weight: 524kg Max.Weight: 1225kg Speed: 274km/h Ceiling: 4800m Range: 610km Load: 1*mg H-12 Hiller UH-12 Deliveries of the light UH-12 helicopter were resumed in 1986. Type: UH-12 Function: utility Year: Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 228kW Lycoming VO-540 Speed: 154km/h Ceiling: 4940m Range: 676km/h Load: 2 seats H-13 Bell OH-13 Bell model 47. The model 47 was the first certified civil helicopter; the OH-13 model proved the military usefulness of the helicopter in the Korean war. Type: 47G Function: observation Year: Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 200hp Franklin O-355-5 Speed: 138km/h Ceiling: 2718m Range: 341km Load: 2 seats H-15 Kellett XH-15 The rotor was driven by Reaction Motors XLR-32 rocket engines on the tips. Flew in 1954. H-16 Piasecki H-16 Large tandem-rotor helicopter. First with two 2100hp P&W radial engines, later reengined with Allison YT38-A-3 turbines. Type: YH-16 Function: Year: 1953 Crew: Engines: 2 * P&W R-2180-11 Speed: Ceiling: Range: Load: H-17 Kellett-Hughes XH-17 One built. At 19960kg, the XH-17 was more than twice as heavy than any contemporary helicopter. It was a 'skycrane', with four long long legs that aneblad it to manoeuvre itself above bulky cargoes. The exhaust of the J35 engines was directed to the rotor tips. Type: XH-17 Function: transport Year: 1952 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * G.E. J35 Speed: Ceiling: Range: 65km Load: 25000lbs7 H-18 Sikorsky H-18 Four-place development of the Sikorsky S-52. The YH-18 with an 245hp engine was underpowered. The YH-18B had a 280hp Turbomeca Artouste turbine engine. H-19 Sikorsky UH-19 Sikorsky S.55. The H-19 had a radial engine fitted in the bulbous nose, and a box-like fuselage with the cocpit on top. Type: UH-19B Function: utility Year: Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 800hp Wright R-1300-3 Speed: 180km/h Ceiling: Range: 720km Load: 10 seats H-20 Hughes XH-20 Little Henry One built. The XH-20 was powered by ramjets at the rotor tips. It was no more than a steel tube frame with an open seat for the pilot, a rudder and fuel tanks. Type: 1947 Year: Crew: 1 Engines: 2 * Speed: Ceiling: Range: Load: H-21 Boeing-Vertol H-21 Work Horse USAF version of the HRP-2 tandem rotor helicopter. Type: H-21C Function: transport Year: 1952 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 1050kW Wright R-1820-103 Speed: 190km/h Ceiling: Range: 480km Load: 20 seats, 2130kg H-23 Hiller H-23 Raven Development of the H-12. Around 2000 of this small heli were built. Type: 0H-23D Function: observation / utility Year: 1946 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 241kW Lycoming VO-435-A1C Rotor Span: 10.82m Length: 8.53m Height: 2.97m Disc Area: 92.47m2 Empty Weight: 824kg Max. Weight: 1225kg Speed: 153km/h Ceiling: 4020m Range: 320km Load: 2 seats H-25 Boeing-Vertol H-25 Army Mule US Army version of the HUP. Type: HH-25 Function: SAR Year: Crew: Engines: Speed: Ceiling: Range: Load: H-26 American Helicopter H-26 Jet Jeep Single-seat, collapsible helicopter powered by pulse jets on the rotor tips. Type: XH-26 Year: Crew: 1 Engines: 2 * 16kg Speed: 130km/h Ceiling: Range: 170km Load: H-28 Enstrom TH-28 A modified model 280 trainer for the US Army, intended to replace the UH-1 in the training role. The Bell 206B JetRanger III was chosen instead. Type: TH-28 Function: trainer Year: 1988 Crew: Engines: 1 * 313kW Allison 250-C20B Speed: Ceiling: Range: Load: H-28 Hughes H-28 Project only. Development of the XH-17. Designed maximum weight was 47627kg H-32 Hiller H-32 Only 17 built. Prototype flew in 1952. The H-32 had a small engine to bring the rotor to speed; then small ramjets at the tips of the two-bladed rotor were ignited. Type: YH-32 Year: Crew: Engines: 1 * kW 2 * kN Speed: 130km/h Ceiling: Range: Load: H-34 Sikorsky H-34 The Sikorsky S-58 was a very succesfull general-duty helicopter. The radial engine was fitted in the nose as in the S-55, but the fuselage was more streamlined. 2261 were built. Type: UH-34D Function: utility Year: 1955 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 1120kW Wright R-1820 Speed: 200km/h Ceiling: 3660m Range: 400km Load: 18 seats H-35 McDonnell H-35 Renamed V-1. H-37 Sikorsky H-37 Mojave Large piston-engined transport helicopter. Type: CH-37A Function: transport Year: 1955 Crew: 3 Engines: 2 * 1545kW P&W R-2800 Speed: 210km/h Ceiling: 2650m Range: 320km Load: 33 seats H-39 Sikorsky XH-39 Modified YH-18B. One set a world altitude record for rotorcraft: 7468m, in 1954. H-40 Bell XH-40 Renamed H-1. H-41 Cessna YH-41 Seneca Utility heli, 1959. H-43 Kaman H-43 Huskie The HH-43, with its intermeshing twin rotors, was the standard rescue helicopter at USAF airfields. Type: HH-43B Function: SAR Year: 1958 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 640kW Lycoming T53-L-1B Speed: 193km/h Ceiling: 7620m Range: 445km Load: 1760kg H-44 Hiller XH-44 Coaxial rotor helicopter. 1944. H-46 Boeing-Vertol H-46 Sea Knight Tandem-rotor transport and utility helicopter for the USMC and USN. The two turboshaft engines are fitted on the aft rotor pylon; the fuselage in watertight and compartimented, with a large aft loading door. In service as UH-46 and CH-46 transport and HH-46 rescue helicopter with the USN and the USMC. Very similar to the CH-47 in general layout, because the CH-47 is in fact a larger development of the CH-46. Currently built by Kawasaki as the KV-107. Type: CH-46A Function: transport Year: 1964 Crew: 3 Engines: 2 * kW G.E. T58 Rotor Span: Length: Height: Wing Area: Empty Weight: Max.Weight: Speed: 253km/h Ceiling: 3960m Range: 370km Load: 25 seats H-47 Boeing-Vertol H-47 Chinook The standard US Army medium transport helicopter. A 'banana' design with fore and aft rotors, and a loading ramp in the tail. Large underslung loads are also carried, including large guns or downed aircraft --- CH-47s saved a lot of hardware. There is also an MH-47 version for the special forces, equipped with a refuelling probe. Type: CH-47C Function: transport Year: 1968 Crew: 2 Engines: 2 * 2760kW Lycoming T55-L-11C Rotor Span: 18.29m Length: 30.18m Height: 5.68m Disc Area: 2 * 262.67m2 Empty Weight: 9736kg Max.Weight: 17463kg Speed: 300km/h Ceiling: 3100m Range: 2140km Load: 8440kg (internal), 10528kg (max), 33 seats H-48 Bell H-48 Model 204B, used as 'missile site support' helicopter. H-50 H-50 Gyrodyne An unmanned ASW helicopter, built in 1960. The USN bought more than 300. The Gyrodyne carried two torpedos. Type: QH-50 Function: ASW Year: 1962 Crew: 0 Engines: 1 * 270hp Boeing T-50 Speed: 150km/h Ceiling: Range: Load: H-51 Lockheed H-51 Three built. The H-51 set a few records. The XH-51 was a compound-heli, i.e. with an additional jet engine on a stub wing. Type: XH-51N Function: experimental Year: 1962 Crew: Engines: 1 * P&W C T74 1 * 1180kg P&W Speed: 437km/h Ceiling: Range: Load: H-52 Sikorksy H-52 Rescue helicopter used by the US Coast Guard. Type: HH-52A Function: SAR Year: 1962 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 1250hp G.E. T58-GE-8 Speed: 175km/h Ceiling: 3410m Range: 763km Load: 12 seats, 1450kg H-53 Sikorsky H-53 The most powerful western heli. Easily recognized by its boxlike fuselage, large sponsons and inclined tail rotor pylon. The CH-53 Stallion is a transport; the MH-53 Sea Dragon and the MH-53 are used for minesweeping, the HH-53 Super Jolly Green Giant is a rescue helicopter. The H-53 is not without technical problems; the attempt to free US hostages from the embassy in Teheran was abandoned after three out of eight RH-53s became unflyable! Type: CH-53E Function: transport Year: 1975 Crew: 3 Engines: 3 * 3266kW G.E. T64-GE-416 Speed: 315km/h Ceiling: 5640m Range: 2075km Load: 55 seats, max. 16330kg H-54 Sikorsky CH-54 Tarhe This is the typical S-64 'Skycrane' helicopter, with a thin flatbottomed fuselage on high wheels, to carry a container. The CH-54 was also used in Vietnam to retrieve 380 downed aircraft. Type: CH-54 Function: transport Year: 1964 Crew: 3 Engines: 2 * 3310kW P&W JTD12-4A Speed: 200km/h Ceiling: 4000m Range: 410km Load: 9100kg H-55 Hughes TH-55 Osage Small training helicopter, the Hughes 269A-1. The TH-55 has a simple sferical cabin, a tubular tail boom, and a two-bladed rotor. 792 were built, civil production not included. Type: TH-55A Function: trainer Year: 1961 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 134kW Lycoming HIO-360-B1A Speed: 140km/h Ceiling: 3625m Range: 328km Load: 45kg H-56 Lockheed AH-56 Cheyenne The complicated AH-56 anti-tank heli was rejected. Only 11 were built, and the procurement of a new attack heli was postponed until the AH-64 came available. The AH-56 had an additional pusher prop on the tail. Type: AH-56A Function: attack Year: 1967 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 2528kW G.E. T64-GE-16 Speed: 410km/h Ceiling: 8000m Range: 1400km Load: 1 * g30mm, 1 * mg7.62mm, 900kg b,r,msl H-57 Bell TH-57 Sea Ranger Bell model 206 Jet Ranger, used by the USN as trainer. Type: TH-57 Function: trainer Year: Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 317hp Allison 250-C18A Speed: 241km/h Ceiling: 5180m Range: 630km Load: 3 seats H-58 Bell OH-58 Kiowa Standard US Army scout helicopter, developed from the model 206 JetRanger. The OH-58D was selected to replace the earlier OH-58A. There is also an armed version, unofficially known as the AH-58 Warrior. Type: OH-58A Function: observation Year: 1969 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 237kW Allison T63-A-700 Speed: 220km/h Ceiling: 5760m Range: 490km Load: 2 seats, 1*mg7.62mm H-59 Sikorsky H-59 Two built. The XH-59A was built to test the ABC rotor system, consisting of two three-blade, coaxial counter-rotating rotors. Type: XH-59A Function: experimental Year: 1973 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * P&W C PT6T-3 Speed: 196km/h Ceiling: Range: Load: H-60 Sikorsky H-60 The H-60 was developed to replace the UH-1 as tactical transport helicopter. It has been developed into a wide range of models, including the UH-60 Black Hawk, EH-60, MH-60 Pave Hawk, VH-60, SH-60 Seahawk, and HH-60 Jayhawk. The UH-60 is a compact design, with large sliding doors for easy entry, and can carry larger loads than the UH-1. Survivability, reliability and easy maintenance were also required, and the UH-60 has lived up to expectations. Type: UH-60A Function: utility Year: 1980 Crew: 3 Engines: 2 * 1130kW G.E. T700-GE-700 Rotor Span: 16.36m Length: 19.76m Height: 5.13m Disc Area: 210.05m2 Empty Weight: 4819kg Max.Weight: 9185kg Speed: 296km/h Ceiling: 5790m Range: 600km Load: 11 seats, 4500kg on external hardpoints. H-61 Boeing-Vertol H-61 Boeing design competing with the UH-60. Three built. Type: YUH-61 Function: utility Year: 1974 Crew: Engines: 2 * 1146kW G.E. T700-GE-700 Wing Span: 14.93m Length: 18.13m Height: 4.63m Disc Area: 175.19m2 Empty Weight: 4302kg Max.Weight: 8481kg Speed: 290km/h Ceiling: Range: 964km Load: 11 seats, 4500kg H-62 Boeing H-62 Heavy-lift helicopter. Cancelled. Type: XCH-62 Function: transport Year: Crew: Engines: 3 * 5945kW Allison T701 Speed: Ceiling: Range: Load: H-63 Bell H-63 The YAH-63 attack heli lost the competition with the AH-64. Type: YAH-63 Function: attack Year: Crew: 2 Engines: 2 * 1130kW G.E. T700 Speed: Ceiling: Range: Load: 1 * g30mm, b,r,msl H-64 Hughes H-64 Apache Attack helicopter now in service with the US Army. The Apache is a relatively big helicopter with tandem seating. It is armed with the M230 Chain Gun and up to sixteen AGM-114 Hellfire anti-tank missiles. The AH-64D Longbow Apache can have a rotor-mast mounted millimetre-wave radar, and actively-homing Hellfire missiles. The AH-64D without this radar would originally be named AH-64C, but the US Army decided that the cost of printing separate documentation is too high... Type: AH-64A Function: attack Year: 1986 Crew: 2 Engines: 2 * 1265kW G.E. T700-GE-701 Speed: 296km/h Ceiling: 6400m Range: 1700km Load: 1 * g30mm, 701kg msl,r Type: AH-64D Function: attack Year: Crew: 2 Engines: 2 * 1265kW G.E. T700-GE-701C Rotor Diameter: 14.63m Length: 17.73m Height: 4.95m Wing Area: Empty Weight: 5352kg Max.Weight: 10107kg Speed: 264km/h Ceiling: Range: Armament: 1*g30mm H-65 Aerospatiale HH-65 Dauphin The US Coast Guard selected the Aerospatiale SA366 Dauphin 2 for its requirement for a short-range rescue helicopter. Basically similar to the SA365, the HH-65 uses 60% US equipment. Type: HH-65 Function: SAR Year: 1982 Crew: 3 Engines: 2 * 507kW Textron Lycoming LTS101-750A-1 Speed: 257km/h Ceiling: Range: 760km Load: H-66 Boeing-Sikorsky RAH-66 Comanche The new recce/attack helicopter of the US Army, selected under the LHX program. RAH-66 is a two-seater, built of composite materials. Stealth characteristics are achieved by retractable weapons stubs, an angular shape and engines exhaust slots under the fuselage. Type: RAH-66A Function: reconaissance / attack Year: Crew: 2 Engines: 2 * 895kW T800-LHT-801 Rotor Span: 11.90m Length: 14.28m Height: 3.39m Wing Area: Empty Weight: 3533kg Max.Weight: 7869kg Speed: 328km/h Ceiling: Range: 2335km Armament: 1*g20mm H-67 Bell TH-67 Creek Bell model 206B JetRanger III, selected by the US Army for its training programme. H-76 Sikorsky H-76 ? HA Curtiss HA Fighter floatplane for the USN. Three built. Type: HA Function: fighter Year: 1918 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 380hp Liberty 12 Max. Speed: 212km/h Ceiling: Max. Range: Armament: HB-1 Huff-Daland HB-1 Single engined 'heavy' bomber. HB-2 Fokker-Atlantic HB-2 Project for a twin-engine monoplane bomber with 787hp Packard 2A-2450 engines. Cancelled. HB-3 Huff-Daland HB-3 Projected monoplane heavy bomber, with two 787hp Packard 2A-2450 engines. Cancelled. HC-1 Boeing-Vertol HC-1 Renamed CH-46 (YHC-1A) or CH-47 (YHC-1B). HCH McDonnell HCH-1 Non-compound version of the HRH, 1953. Intended as tactical transport. Had a three-bladed rotor with tipjets. HE Piper HE Ambulance version of the L-4 for the USN. HJD McDonnell HJD Wirraway One built. The HJD had its rotors on the tips of a large wing; the engines were fitted in nacelles in the mid wing. The world's first twin-engined helicopter. Type: XHJD-1 Function: utility Year: 1946 Crew: Engines: 2 * 336kW P&W R-985 Wasp Junior Speed: 190km/h Ceiling: Range: Load: 10 seats HJP Piasecki HJP Tandem-rotor helicopter. One 550hp Continental R-975 engine. The rotors overlapped, so that the HJP would fit in a carrier elevator with blades unfolded. Production version was the HUP. HJS Sikorsky HJS Sikorsky S-53. No prodcution. HN Huff-Daland HN Two seat biplane trainer. 134kW Wright-Hispano E-2 (HN-1) or 149kW Lawrence J-1 (NH-2). Six built. HNS Vought-Sikorsky HNS Navy version of the R-4 Hoverfly. HO Huff-Daland HO Observation biplane developed from the HN. Three built. HO-1 Hiller HO-1 Renamed VZ-1. HO-1 Sud-Aviation HO-1 Djinn French observation helicopter. HO-2 Hughes HO-2 Observation helicopter, the Hughes 269A. No production in HO-2 form, but the 269A was a succes in other versions, including the TH-55 training helicopter. HO2S Sikorsky HO2S Navy version of the R-5. HO-3 Brantly HO-3 Observation helicopter. HO3S Sikorsky HO3S Navy version of the H-5. HO-4 Bell HO-4 Renamed OH-58. HO4S Sikorsky HO4S Navy designation of the H-19. HO-5 Hiller HO-5 Military version of the Hiller FH-1100, as observation helicopter. Not ordered. HO5S Sikorsky HO5S Medevac helicopter; USMC version of the H-18. Type: HO5S Function: ambulance Year: Crew: Engines: 1 * 180kW Franklin Speed: Ceiling: Range: Load: HO-6 Hughes HO-6 Renamed OH-6. HOE Hiller HOE Navy version of the H-32. The navy bought three of them. HOK Kaman HOK Larger development of the HTK as liason helicopter. The USAF version is the HH-43. HOS Sikorsky HOS Navy version of the R-6. HR2S Sikorsky HR2S Renamed H-37. Type: XHR2S Function: SAR / transport Year: 1953 Crew: Engines: 2 * 1400kW P&W R-2800-50 Speed: 196km/h Ceiling: Range: 350km Load: HR2S Sikorsky HR2S-1W AEW version of the HR2S. The entire forward lower fuselage was a radome for the APS-20 radar. Type: HR2S-1W Task: AEW helicopter Year: Crew: Engines: 2 * 1900hp P&W R-2800-50 Max. Speed: 122mph Ceiling: Max. Range: 220mls Armament: HRB Boeing-Vertol HRB Renamed H-46. HRH McDonnell (?) XHRH-1 Project only. Assault helicopter for the USMC. Compound helicopter with the rotor driven by tipjets. 30 seats. 1953. HRP Piasecki HRP-1 The 'flying banana' was the first heli with tandem (fore and aft) rotors, in this case driven by a single engine in the tail. Type: HRP-1 Year: 1943 Crew: Engines: 1 * 600hp P&W R-1340 Speed: 160km/h Ceiling: Range: Load: 10 seats HRP Boeing-Vertol HRP-2 Much improved HRP-1. Type: HRP-2 Year: 1948 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 440kW P&W R-1340 Speed: 168km/h Ceiling: Range: 480km Load: 10 seats HRS SIkorsky HRS USMC version of the H-19 / HO4S. HS Curtiss HS Patrol flying boat. Type: HS-1L Function: reconaissance Year: Crew: 2/3 Engines: 1 * Liberty Max. Speed: Ceiling: Max. Range: Armament: 2 * 80kg depth charge HSL Bell HSL ASW helicopter with fore and aft rotors. Type: HSL-1 Function: ASW Year: 1955 Crew: Engines: 1 * 1765kW P&W R-2800-50 Speed: 222km/h Ceiling: Range: 560km Load: HSS Sikorsky HSS Seabat Renamed H-34. HTE Hiller HTE Navy designation of the H-23. HTK Kaman HTK Trainer and utility helicopter with intermeshing rotors. Type: HTK-1 Function: trainer / utility Year: 1952 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 240hp Lycoming O-435 Speed: 130km/h Ceiling: 4420m Range: Load: HTL Bell HTL Renamed H-13 HU2K Kaman HU2K Renamed H-2. HUK Kaman HUK USMC version of the HOK. HUL Bell HUL Bell model 47J, also known as H-13J, a four-seat version of the Bell model 47. 240hp Lycoming VO-435 engine. HUP Piasecki HUP Production version of the HJP. 339 built. Type: HUP-1 Function: utility Year: Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 550hp Continental R-975-46 Speed: 170km/h Ceiling: 3050m Range: 630km Load: 5 seats. HUS Sikorsky HUS Seahorse Renamed H-34. --I--------------------------------------------------------------------------- --J--------------------------------------------------------------------------- J2F Grumman J2F Duck Amphibian utility aircraft. The J2F was a small biplane with a central float; the gap between float and fuselage was completely faired in. The J2F was built througout WWII, and also used for covert night operations and SAR. Type: J2F-6 Function: utility Year: 1937 Crew: 2 Engines: 2 * 770kW Wright R-1830-54 Speed: 283km/h Ceiling: 6100m Range: Freight: 5 seats, 1*mg7.62mm, depth-charges 147kg J2K Fairchild J2K Forwarder Three-seat transport fot the USCG, 1936. J2W Waco J2W Three seat cabin biplane. J3F Grumman J3F Goose After the first XJ3F-1, Production aircraft were renamed JRF. J4F Grumman J4F Widgeon The J4F was a widely used utility amphibian, and a number are still flying. The J4F was a small twin-engined amphibian, designed for commercial use shortly before WWII. 345 were built. Type: J4F-2 Function: utility Year: 1941 Crew: 2 Engines: 2 * 150kW Ranger L-440-5 Speed: 245km/h Ceiling: 4450m Range: 1470km Freight: 3 to 5 seats JA Noorduyn JA Norseman Navy designation of UC-64 JD Douglas JD-1 Navy version of the A-26 Invader; used for target towing. Type: A-26B Function: bomber Year: 1944 Crew: 3 Engines: 2 * 1470kW P&W R-2800-27 Speed: 517km/h Ceiling: 6700m Range: 2900km JF Grumman JF Utility amphibian, in fact a development of the Loening O2L. More developed versions were named J2F. JK Fairchild JK Fairchild model 45 5-seat transport. JL Columbia XJL-1 Mid-wing amphibian, two prototypes only. Intended to replace the J2F Duck, the JL was virtually a J2F without upper wing and with tricylce undercarriage. Type: XJL-1 Function: utility Year: 1946 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 1350hp Wright R-1820-56 Speed: 322km/h Ceiling: Range: 3330km Freight: 6 seats JM Martin JM Navy version of the AT-23 / TB-26G training version of the B-26 Marauder. Used for target towing. Type: B-26G Function: bomber Year: 1944 Crew: 7 Engines: 2 * 1470kW P&W R-2800-43 Speed: 455km/h Ceiling: 6050m Range: 1770km Freight: JN Curtiss JN Biplane trainer, better known as the 'Jenny'. After WWI the most common aircraft of barnstormers and flying circuses. 6813 built, with the JN-4D 'Canuck' as most-built model. Type: JN-4 Task: trainer Year: 1916 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 90hp Curtiss OX-5 Max. Speed: 121km/h Ceiling: 3350m Max. Range: Armament: JNS Curtiss JNS Standardised JN. The US Army had between 200 and 300 of its JN trainers upgraded to JNS standard, with 134kW Hispano-Suiza engines. JO Lockheed JO Lockheed model 12; equivalent to C-40. JR Ford JR USN version of Ford TriMotor. One prototype and eight operational aircraft. JR2F Grumman JR2F Albatross Also known as the HU-16 or UF. JRB Beech JRB Equivalent to UC-45 JRB Budd JRB Conestoga Renamed RB. JRC Cessna JRC USN version of the Cessna T-50, equivalent to UC-78. 67 built. JRF Grumman JRF Goose Utility amphibian, military version of civil G-21. The JRF was a small high-wing, twin-engined flying boat with the standard Grumman retractable landing gear, the made the wheel flush with the fuselage when retracted. Type: JRF-5 Function: utility Year: Crew: 2 Engines: 2 * 330kW P&W R-985-AN-6 Speed: 323km/h Ceiling: 6400m Range: 1030km Freight: 4 to 7 seats JRM Martin JRM Mars Transport version of the PB2M flying boat. Seven built. Type: JRM-1 Function: transport Year: 1943 Crew: 11 Engines: 4 * 2200hp Wright R-3350-18 Speed: 355km/h Ceiling: Range: Freight: 9300kg, 132 seats. JRS Sikorsky JRS S-43 flying boat used by the USN. Type: S-43 Function: transport Year: 1936 Crew: 2 Engines: 2 * 550kW P&W Hornet Speed: 315km/h Ceiling: 6100m Range: 1300km Freight: 15 seats JW Waco JW Biplane. Waco model C. --K--------------------------------------------------------------------------- KDB Beechcraft KDB Unmanned target aircraft. KG-1 Kellet KG-1 Autogiro, military version of the civil KD-1. Type: KG-1A Task: Year: 1935 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 120kW Jacobs L4 Max. Speed: 206km/h Ceiling: Max. Range: 320km Armament: --L--------------------------------------------------------------------------- L-1 Stinson L-1 Vigilant The little Vigilant was an useful liaison aircraft. Type: L-1 Function: liaison Year: Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 220kW Lycoming R-680-9 Speed: 196km/h Ceiling: 3900m Range: 450km Freight: L-2 Taylorcraft L-2 Grasshopper Taylor built the original Cub, but the L-2 was a new design, a similar high-wing monoplane with tandem seating. Type: L-2A Function: liaison Year: Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 47kW Continental O-170-3 Speed: 142km/h Ceiling: 3060m Range: 370km Freight: L-3 Aeronca L-3 Grasshopper The Aeronca Defender and Super-Chief light aircraft. Used mainly for training. Type: L-3 Function: utility Year: Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 47kW Continental O-170-3 Speed: 139km/h Ceiling: 2400m Range: 300km Freight: 2 L-4 Piper L-4 Grasshopper High-wing monoplane, a widely used as liaison and artillery spotting aircraft. Type: L-4 Function: liaison / observation Year: 1941 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 47kW Continental O-170-3 Wing Span: 10.74m Length: 6.22m Height: Wing Area: Empty Weight: 336kg Max Weight: 554kg Speed: 137km/h Ceiling: 2830m Range: 300km Freight: L-5 Stinson L-5 Sentinel More than 3700 were used by the military. Type: L-5 Function: liaison / observation Year: 1941 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 135kW Lycoming O-435-1 Speed: 210km/h Ceiling: 4810m Range: 805km Freight: The L-5B could carry 200lbs. L-6 Interstate L-6 Grasshopper Insterstate S-1B Cadet, a military liaison/observation development of the civil S-1A. The L-6 was a high-wing monoplane with fixed landing gear. Military aircraft had a larger 'greenhouse' canopy than civilian S-1s. About 600 S-1s were built, of which 250 for the military. Type: L-6 Function: laison / observation Year: 1940 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 75kW Franklin 0-200-5 Wing Span: 10.9m Length: 7.13m Height: Wing Area: 16.1m2 Empty Weight: Max.Weight: 790kg Speed: 183km/h Ceiling: 4870m Range: 466km Freight: L-7 Universal L-7 All 19 ordered were lend-leased to the Free French. Type: L-7A Function: liaison / observation Year: Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 75kW Franklin O-200-1 Speed: 193km/h Ceiling: 4570m Range: 930km Freight: L-8 Interstate L-8 Interstate S-1A Cadet, the civil version of the L-6, acquired second hand by the USAAF. L-9 Stinson L-9 Variation on the L-5 L-13 Consolidated Vultee L-13 Two/three seat observation and liaison monoplane. Type: L-13A Function: observation / liaison Year: 1950 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * Franklin O-425-9 Speed: 185km/h Ceiling: 4570m Range: 1207km L-15 Boeing L-15 Scout Of the Boeing model 451 light recce aircraft were only 12 built. It was an unusual light aircraft with a high wing, an extensively glazed cockpit and a boom carrying the tail surfaces. Type: XL-15 Function: observation Year: 1947 Crew: Engines: Speed: Ceiling: Range: Freight: L-16 Aeronca L-16 Champion Two-seat liaison aircraft. 85hp Continental engine. L-17 Ryan L-17 Navion A low-wing liaison aircraft. Originally designed by North American. Type: L-17B Function: liaison Year: Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 185hp Continental E185 Speed: 251km/h Ceiling: 4755m Range: 800km Armament: 3 seats L-18 Piper L-18 The L-18 was the Super Cub. Type: Super Cub Function: utility Year: 1951 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 112 kW Lycoming O-320 Speed: 208km:h Ceiling: 5800m Range: 735km Freight: L-19 Cessna L-19 Birddog Military version of the Cessna Mountaineer. Renamed O-1. L-20 De Havilland Canada L-20 Also in service as U-6. (????) L-21 Piper L-21 Another Super Cub. Type: L-21B Function: utility Year: 1952 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 110kW Lycoming O-320 Speed: 200km/h Ceiling: 5800m Range: 735km Freight: L-23 Beechcraft L-23 The Twin Bonanza, used by the USAF as VIP transport. Also known as the U-8. The RL-23 was a version of the L-23 with battelfield surveillance radars. Type: L-23A Function: transport Year: Crew: 2 Engines: 2 * 260hp Lycoming GO-435-C2 Speed: 324km/h Ceiling: 5780m Range: 1580km Load: 6 seats L-24 Helio L-24 Courier A Helio H-391B Courier, tested by the US Army. Production aircraft were the L-28s. L-25 McDonnell Renamed H-35, then V-1. L-26 Aerocommander L-26 Renamed U-4 L-27 Cessna L-27 Renamed U-3 L-28 Helio L-28 Also known as the U-10. L-39 Bell L-39 Swept-wing version of the P-63 Kingcobra, used by the NACA to test the low-speed characteristics of these wings. First flown in 1946. Two built. LB-1 Huff-Daland LB-1 The LB-1 was a single-engined biplane bomber. Ten were built, but the USAAC decided that single-engined bombers were too unsafe. Type: LB-1 Function: bomber Year: 1923 Crew: 3 Engines: 1 * 787hp Packard 2A-2540 Wing Span: 85ft Length: 62ft Height: 19ft 3in Wing Area: 1604ft2 Empty Weight: 5704lb Max.Weight: 10346lb Speed: 121mph Ceiling: 14425ft Range: 940mls Armament: 4*mg7.62mm 1500kb LB-2 Atlantic XLB-2 Atlantic was the American subsidiary of Fokker. The LB-2 was the first USAAC monoplane bomber. It was a high-wing monoplane in typical Fokker tradition; the twin engines were suspened beneath the wing. The performance of the LB-2 was mediocre, and the conservatism of the USAAC worked against a monoplane design. Type: XLB-2 Function: bomber Year: Crew: 2 Engines: 2 * 410hp P&W R-1340 Wing Span: Length: Height: Wing Area: Empty Weight: 5916lb Max.Weight: 12039lb Speed: 116mph Ceiling: 10925ft Range: 540mls Armament: 5*mg7.62mm 2050lb LB-4 Martin LB-4 Design for an all-metal biplane bomber, powered by two P&W R-1690 engines. Not built. LB-3 Huff-Daland LB-3 LB-5 Huff-Daland / Keystone LB-5 Development of the LB-3, powered by 420hp Liberty engines. 36 built. Huff-Daland was renamed Keystone. Type: LB-5 Function: bomber Year: Crew: 5 Engines: 2 * 420hp Liberty V-1650 Wing Span: 67ft Length: 44ft 8in Height: 16ft 10in Wing Area: 1138.7ft2 Empty Weight: 7024lb Max.Weight: 12155lb Speed: 107mph Ceiling: 8000ft Range: Armament: 5*mg7.62mm LB-6 Keystone LB-6 The LB-6 was a development of the LB-5 with new wings and radial engines. It had better performance than the LB-5. 18 built. Type: LB-6 Function: bomber Year: 1929 Crew: 5 Engines: 2 * 525hp Wright R-1750-1 Wing Span: 75ft Length: 43ft 5in Height: 18ft 1in Wing Area: 1148ft2 Empty Weight: 7024lb Max.Weight: 12155lb Speed: 114mph Ceiling: 11650ft Range: Armament: 5*mg7.62mm LB-7 Keystone LB-7 The LB-6 was similar to the LB-6, except for the P&W R-1690 engines. 16 built. Type: LB-7 Function: bomber Year: 1929 Crew: 5 Engines: 2 * 525hp P&W R-1690-3 Wing Span: 75ft Length: 43ft 5in Height: 18ft 1in Wing Area: 1148ft2 Empty Weight: 6556lb Max.Weight: 12903lb Speed: 114mph Ceiling: 13325ft Range: Armament: 5*mg7.62mm LB-8 Keystone LB-8 One LB-7 was completed as LB-8 with geared P&W R-1860-3 engines. Type: LB-8 Function: bomber Year: 1929 Crew: 5 Engines: 2 * 550hp P&W R-1860-3 Wing Span: 75ft Length: 43ft 5in Height: 18ft 1in Wing Area: 1148ft2 Empty Weight: Max.Weight: 13250lb Speed: 112mph Ceiling: Range: Armament: 5*mg7.62mm LB-9 Keystone LB-9 One LB-7 was completed as LB-9 with geared P&W R-1750 engines. Type: LB-9 Function: bomber Year: 1929 Crew: 5 Engines: 2 * 575hp Wright R-1750 Wing Span: 75ft Length: 43ft 5in Height: 18ft 1in Wing Area: 1148ft2 Empty Weight: Max.Weight: 13100lb Speed: 118mph Ceiling: Range: Armament: 5*mg7.62mm LB-10 Keystone LB-10 Renamed B-3, B-4 or B-5. LB-11 Keystone LB-11 One LB-6 was completed as the single LB-11 with Wright R-1750-3 engines. Type: LB-11 Function: bomber Year: 1929 Crew: 5 Engines: 2 * 525hp Wright R-1750-3 Wing Span: 75ft Length: 49ft 3in Height: 15ft 6in Wing Area: 1148ft2 Empty Weight: Max.Weight: 13000lb Speed: 115mph Ceiling: Range: Armament: 5*mg7.62mm LB-12 Keystone LB-12 The single LB-12 was converted from an LB-7 by installing P&W R-1860-1 engines. LB-13 Keystone LB-13 Renamed B-4 and B-6, depending on whether they had R-1860-7 engines or R-1820-1 engines, respectively. LB-14 Keystone LB-14 Renamed B-5. The LB-14 had P&W GR-1860 engines. It is uncertain if any were built. LNP Piper LNP Navy equivalent of the TG-8. One XLNP-1. LNS Schweizer LNS Navy version of TG-2. LNT Taylorcraft LNT Navy equivalent of the TG-6. LUSAC Packard-Le Pere LUSAC Two-seat fighter aircraft. At the end of WWI large orders were cancelled; only 27 built. Type: LUSAC-11 Function: fighter Year: Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 400hp Liberty Speed: 136mph Ceiling: Range: Armament: 4*mg --M--------------------------------------------------------------------------- M2O Martin M2O Observation biplane. Developed from MO. Type: M2O-1 Function: observation Year: 1925 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 400hp Curtiss D-12 Speed: 177km/h Ceiling: 4600m Range: Armament: M.8 Wright-Martin M.8 Monoplane fighter. Two built. Type: M.8 Function: fighter Year: 1918 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 300hp Wright-Hispno H Max. Speed: 230km/h Ceiling: Max. Range: Armament: M-8 Loening M-8 Two-seat monoplane aircraft. Developed as fighter, but served as observation aircraft with the USN. Type: M-8-0 Task: observation Year: 1918 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 300hp Hispano-Suiza Max. Speed: 145mph Ceiling: 22000ft Max. Range: Armament: 2*mg M-21 Lockheed M-21 A version of the A-11 / A-12, precursor of the SR-71, to carry the D-21 high-speed drone in a piggy-back arrangment. M.B.1 Thomas-Morse M.B.1 Two-seat, parasol monoplane fighter. The M.B.1 was of wooden construction, with some metal parts. Attempts to reduce the structural weight as much as possible resulted in structural weakness. The first flight was also the last; it ended in a crash. Two built. Type: M.B.1 Function: fighter Year: 1918 Crew: 3 Engines: 1 * 400hp Liberty 12 Wing Span: 11.28m Length: 6.70m Height: Wing Area: Empty Weight: Max.Weight: 1077kg Speed: Ceiling: Range: Armament: MB-1 Martin MB-1 See GMB. M.B.2 Thomas-Morse M.B.2 Two-seat biplane fighter, of wooden construction and covered with fabric. The performance did not encourage further development, and the M.B.2 was abandoned. Type: M.B.2 Function: fighter Year: 1918 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * Liberty 12 Wing Span: 9.45m Length: 7.31m Height: 2.43m Wing Area: 30.00m2 Empty Weight: 929kg Max.Weight: 1258kg Speed: Ceiling: Range: Armament: 2*mg7.62mm 1*mg12.7mm MB-2 Martin MB-2 See NBS-1. M.B.3 Thomas-Morse M.B.3 Biplane fighter. The M.B.3 had a good performance. 261 were built by Thomas-Morse and Boeing, for the US Amry and the Marine Corps. Type: M.B.3A Function: fighter Year: 1922 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 320hp Wright-Hispano H-3 Wing Span: 7.92m Length: 6.10m Height: 2.59m Wing Area: 21.32m2 Empty Weight: 778kg Max.Weight: 1152kg Speed: 225km/h Ceiling: Range: 2.25hrs Armament: 1*mg12.7mm 1*mg7.62mm M.B.9 Thomas-Morse M.B.9 All-metal parasol monoplane fighter, with corrugated metal skinning. The M.B.9 was abandoned because of excessive vibration. Type: M.B.9 Function: fighter Year: 1922 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 320hp Hispano-Suiza H-3 Wing Span: 8.84m Length: 5.79m Height: Wing Area: Empty Weight: Max.Weight: Speed: 274km/h Ceiling: Range: Armament: 1*mg12.7mm 1*mg7.62mm M.B.10 Thomas-Morse M.B.10 Two-seat monoplane trainer, of similar configuration as the M.B.9. Abandoned. Messenger, Sperry Unarmed single-seat biplane, intended for use as liaison aircraft. Type: Messenger Function: liaison Year: Crew: Engines: 1 * 60hp Lawrance Speed: 90mph Ceiling: Range: 170mls Armament: MF Martin/Curtiss MF 1918, training flying boat. Type: MF Function: training Year: 1919 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 75kW Curtiss OXX Speed: Ceiling: Range: 325mls Armament: MO Martin MO Observation monoplane. one Curtiss D-12. 36 built. 1923. MS Martin MS Small spotting aircraft for submarines. The hangar for the MS was to be built in the submarines conning tower. Type: MS-1 Task: observation Year: Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * Max. Speed: Ceiling: Max. Range: Armament: MT Martin MT Torpedo bomber development of MB. --N--------------------------------------------------------------------------- N-1 Naval Aircraft Factory N-1 Floatplane. The configuration was unusual, with three large floats close together. N2B Boeing XN2B-1 Trainer. 1928, two built. N2C Curtiss N2C Fledgling Biplane trainer. Type: N2C-2 Task: trainer Year: Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 240hp Wright R-760 Max. Speed: 186km/h Ceiling: 5430m Max. Range: 480km Armament: N2S Boeing-Stearman N2S Another version of the NS/PT-13 series. N2T Timm N2T Tutor Two-seat training monoplane, built from plastified wood. Type: N2T-1 Function: trainer Year: 1941 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 220hp Continental W-670 Speed: 232km/h Ceiling: 4880m Range: 640km N2Y Consolidated N2Y Trainer biplane. Equipped to train hook-ons to airships for the F9C pilots. N3N Naval Aircraft Factory N3N Biplane trainer. Type: N3N-1 Function: trainer Year: 1935 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 235hp NAF R-760 Speed: Ceiling: Range: Armament: N4Y Consolidated N4Y Two-seat biplane trainer. N5N Naval Aircraft Factory Primary trainer N-9 Curtiss N-9 Basically a JN on floats for the USN. The wing was enlarged to support the additional weight. NB Boeing NB Biplane primary trainer. The first NB-1s were too easy to fly; some experimentation was required to get the desired flying characteristics. About 70 built. Type: NB-1 Task: trainer Year: 1924 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 149kW Lawrance J-1 Wing Span: 11.23m Length: 8.76m Height: 3.56m Wing Area: 31.96m2 Empty Weight: 969kg Max.Weight: 1287kg Max. Speed: 160km/h Ceiling: 3110m Max. Range: 483km Armament: 0-1*mg7.62mm NBL-1 Witteman Lewis XNBL-1 'Barling Bomber' At 42570lbs and with a span of 36.60m, the six-engined triplane XNBL-1 was a giant for its time, but underpowered, slow, and short on range. Mitchell was one of the few supporters of the NBL-1. He should have known better. Type: XNBL-1 Function: bomber Year: 1923 Crew: 6 Engines: 6 * 420hp Liberty 12A Wing Span: 120ft Length: 65ft Height: 27ft Wing Area: 4200ft2 Empty Weight: 27703lb Max.Weight: 42569lb Speed: 130km/h Ceiling: 7000ft Range: 275km Armament: 7*mg7.62mm 5000lbs NBL-2 Martin NBl-2 The XNBL-2 design was a proposal for a four-seat monoplane bomber, powered by two 700hp W-2279 engines. It was never built. NBS-1 Martin NBS-1 The NBS-1 (Martin MB-2) was a development of the GMB (Martin MB-1). It was designed as a night bomber, sacrifying the high performance of the GMB for a larger bomb load. The NBS-1 is best known because of its use in the sinking of the 'Ostfriesland' in a demonstration of aerial bombardment, in 1921. 120 built. Many NBS-1s were built by L.W.F, Curtiss of Aeromarine. Type: NBS-1 Function: bomber Year: 1920 Crew: 4 Engines: 2 * 420hp Liberty 12 Speed: 99mph Ceiling: 8500ft Range: 558mls Armament: 5*mg7.62mm 2000lb NBS-2 L.W.F. NBS-2 Design for a twin-engined biplane bomber, to replace the NBS-1. Never built. NBS-2 Elias NBS-3 Twin-engined bomber, designed to replace the NBS-1. The NBS-3 was of a similar biplane configuration as the NBS-1, and also powered by Liberty 12 engines. Its performance was not better than that of the NBS-1, and only one was built. Type: XNBS-3 Function: bomber Year: 1924 Crew: Engines: 2 * 425hp Liberty 12A Speed: 101mph Ceiling: 8680ft Range: Armament: 5*mg7.62mm 1692lb NBS-4 Curtiss NBS-4 The NBS-4 was another attempt to replace the NBS-1. It was also a biplane powered by two Liberty 12 engines, but had a fuselage built of steel tube instead of wood. Two were built. Type: XNBS-4 Function: bomber Year: 1924 Crew: Engines: 2 * 435hp Liberty 12A Speed: 100mph Ceiling: 11100ft Range: Armament: 7*mg7.62mm 2100lb NC Navy-Curtiss NC Ten NC's were built. One NC-4 was the first aircraft to cross the Atlantic, with a stop in the Azores. The NC was a big biplane flying boat with a short fuselage; the tail was carried on a tubular structure. Some had three engines, others four. Type: NC.4 Function: patrol Year: 1919 Crew: 5 Engines: 4 * 420hp Liberty 12 Speed: 90mph Ceiling: Range: 2720km Armament: NE Piper NE Navy version of the L-4 Grasshopper. NH Howard NH Instrument trainer version of the GH Nightingale. NK Keystone NK Pup Two-seat trainer. 1930. NP Spartan NP Trainer biplane. 201 built. Type: NP-1 Function: trainer Year: Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 168kW Lycoming R-680-8 engine. Speed: 175km/h Ceiling: 4025m Range: 505km Armament: NQ Fairchild NQ Navy version of T-31. NR Ryan NR USN version of the PT-22. NS Stearman NS Kaydet. Trainer, naval version of the PT-13, with an 225hp Wright Whirlwind. NW Navy-Wright NW Racing aircraft. Withdrawn from 1923 Schneider Trophy contest. Type: NW-2 Task: racing Year: 1923 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 650hp Wright T-3 Tornado Max. Speed: Ceiling: Max. Range: Armament: NY Consolidated NY Two-seat trainer of the 1920's. Type: NY-2 Task: trainer Year: Crew: 2 Engines: Max. Speed: Ceiling: Max. Range: Armament: --O--------------------------------------------------------------------------- O-1 Cessna O-1 Birddog Liaison monoplane, Cessna model 305. At first known as the L-15. Delivery began in 1950. It was also used as FAC aircraft in Vietnam, and as trainer. It was exported on a large scale, and license-built in Japan and Fuji. Type: O-1E Task: liaison Year: 1956 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 213hp Continental O-470-11 Wing Span: 10.97m Length: 7.85m Height: 2.22m Wing Area: 16.16m2 Empty Weight: 732kg Max.Weight: 1089kh Max. Speed: 209km/h Ceiling: 5640m Max. Range: 848km O-1 Curtiss O-1 Falcon This two-seat biplane was ordered in small numbers, because the O-2 was preferred. Type: O-1E Task: observation Year: 1929 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 324kW Curtiss V-1150-5 Wing Span: 11.58m Length: 8.28m Height: 3.20m Wing Area: 32.79m2 Empty Weight: 1325kg Max.Weight: 1972kg Max. Speed: 227km/h Ceiling: 4665m Max. Range: 1014km Armament: 3*mg7.62mm O-2 Cessna O-2 Twin boom push/pull aircraft, the Cessna 337 Super Skymaster. Ordered by the USAF as a stop-gap after delivery of the the OV-10 Bronco was delayed. The O-2A is used as FAC, the O-2B as psy-war aircraft. Production for the USAF was 544; total production, including those licence-built in France, was 2832. Type: O-2A Task: observation Year: 1961 Crew: 2 Engines: 2 * 155kW Continental TSIO-360-A Max. Speed: 370km/h Ceiling: 8930m Max. Range: 2500km Load: 2 seats O-2 Douglas O-2 Observation biplane. Type: O-2 Task: observation Year: 1925 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 400hp Liberty Max. Speed: 140mph Ceiling: 17000ft Max. Range: Armament: O2C Curtiss O2C Observation aircraft and dive-bomber developed from the OC / F8C series. The O2C designation was used for what had been the XF8C-7. 1929. O2L Loening Utility amphibian. O2U Vought O2U Corsair Two seat biplane. First USN aircraft called 'Corsair'. Could be fitted with floats; later some were converted with Grumman-designed amhipbious floats. Type: O2U-1 Task: observation Year: 1926 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 330kW P&W R-1340-88 Max. Speed: 240km/h Ceiling: 5700m Max. Range: 980km Armament: 2 * mg7.62m O-3 Lockheed O-3 The YO-3A was a motorized glider, designed to be very silent, with a slow-turning propeller. Six built. Type: YO-3A Task: reconaissance Year: 1971 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 155kW Continental Max. Speed: Ceiling: Max. Range: Armament: O3C Curtiss O3C Renamed SOC O3U Vought O3U Corsair Development of O2U. Type: O3U-1 Task: observation Year: Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 450hp P&W Wasp C Max. Speed: 220km/h Ceiling: 4940m Max. Range: Armament: 2*mg O-6 Thomas-Morse O-6 Observation biplane. Type: O-6B Function: observation Year: Crew: Engines: 1 * 425hp P&W Wasp Speed: Ceiling: Range: Armament: O-10 Loening O-10 Amphibian. 500hp Wright Typhoon engine. O-11 Curtiss O-11 Version of the O-1 with 400hp Liberty engine for the Air National Guards. O-12 Curtiss O-12 Modified O-1. O-13 Curtiss O-13 The O-13's were O-1's modified with Curtiss V-1570 engines. They took part in air races. Seven built. Type: O-13C Task: observation Year: Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * Curtiss V-1570 Max. Speed: Ceiling: Max. Range: Armament: O-14 Douglas O-14 A small biplane, in fact a smaller version of the O-2. One built. Type: XO-14 Task: observation Year: 1929 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 225hp Wright R-790-5 Max. Speed: Ceiling: Max. Range: Armament: O-15 Keystone O-15 Small biplane, competing design with the O-14. Type: XO-15 Task: observation Year: Crew: Engines: 1 * 225hp Wright R-790-5 Max. Speed: Ceiling: Max. Range: Armament: O-16 Curtiss O-16 A O-11 with an Curtiss Conqueror engine. Type: XO-16 Task: observation Year: Crew: Engines: 1 * 600hp Curtiss V-1570-9 Max. Speed: Ceiling: Max. Range: Armament: O-17 Consolidated O-17 Modified PT-3 primary trainer. 27 built. Type: O-17 Task: observation Year: Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 225hp Wright R-790-1 Max. Speed: Ceiling: Max. Range: Armament: O-18 Curtiss O-18 One O-1 was modified to test the 600hp Curtiss H-1640-1 engine. The engine proved to be a failure. O-19 Thomas-Morse O-19 Observation biplane. Several hunderd built. Type: O-19E Task: observation Year: 1930 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 425hp P&W Wasp Max. Speed: 252km/h Ceiling: 6405m Max. Range: 480km Armament: 2*mg7.62mm O-20 Thomas-Morse O-20 One O-19 with an 525hp P&W R-1690-1 Hornet engine. O-21 Thomas-Morse O-21 One O-19 with an 600hp Curtiss H-1640-1, and another with an 525hp Wright R-1750-1 Cyclone. O-22 Douglas O-22 Two built. Type: O-22 Task: observation Year: Crew: Engines: 1 * 500hp P&W R-1340-9 Max. Speed: Ceiling: Max. Range: Armament: O-23 Thomas-Morse YO-23 Development of the O-19 with a 600hp Curtiss V-1570-1 engine. Cancelled. O-24 Curtiss O-24 Cancelled. P&W R-140-7 engine. O-25 Douglas O-25 Another observation biplane. 37 were built. Possibly a modification of the O-2. Type: O-25A Task: observation Year: 1930 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 600hp Curtiss V-1570-7 Max. Speed: 250km/h Ceiling: 6765m Max. Range: Armament: O-26 Curtiss O-26 One O-1E with a Curtiss V-1570-11 engine. Type: Y1O-26 Task: observation Year: Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * Curtiss V-1570-11 Max. Speed: 259km/h Ceiling: Max. Range: Armament: O-27 General Aviation O-27 First monoplane and first twin-engined aircraft in the O-series. Later modified into the B-8 bomber. 14 built. Type: XO-27 Task: observation Year: 1931 Crew: 3 Engines: 2 * 600hp Curtiss V-1570-9 Max. Speed: (YO-27:188km/h) Ceiling: Max. Range: Armament: O-28 Vought O-28 One O2U-3 with an 450hp P&W R-1340-C. O-29 Douglas O-29 Two of the old O-2's. The first was reengined with the Wright R-1750-1 and later with the R-1820-1. The second had an P&W R-1340-3 and became the O-32. O-30 Curtiss O-30 Not built. Monoplane with one Curtiss V-1570-9. O-31 Douglas O-31 The sleek O-31, a gull-wing monoplane, had development problems. Eight built. Developed into the O-43. Type: YO-31A Task: observation Year: Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 600hp Curtiss V-1570-33 Max. Speed: Ceiling: Max. Range: Armament: O-32 Douglas O-32 The second O-29 was renamed O-32. Later 30 O-32's were built. O-33 Thomas-Morse O-33 Developed from O-19. One. Type: O-33 Task: observation Year: Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 600hp Curtiss V-1570-11 Max. Speed: Ceiling: Max. Range: Armament: O-34 Douglas O-34 One O-22 with an Curtiss V-1570-11 engine. O-35 Douglas O-35 Twin-engined parasol-wing aircraft. Six built. The five pre-series models carrier airmail for a period. Type: O-35 Task: observation Year: 1932 Crew: 4 Engines: 2 * 600hp Curtiss V-1570-33 Max. Speed: Ceiling: Max. Range: Armament: O-36 Douglas O-36 Project closely related to the O-35, but built as the B-7 bomber. It was powered by a different version of the V-1570, with three-bladed propellers instead of two-bladed. O-37 Keystone O-37 Never built. O-38 Douglas O-38 Basically an O-25 reengined with an P&W R-1690 Hornet engine. 46 built. Type: O-38E Task: observation Year: Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 625hp P&W R-1690-13 Max. Speed: 240km/h Ceiling: 6315m Max. Range: Armament: O-39 Curtiss O-39 Comparable to the O-16, with a Curtiss V-1570 engine. Ten built. Type: O-39 Task: observation Year: Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 600hp Curtiss V-1570-25 Max. Speed: 275km/h Ceiling: 6375m Max. Range: 1170km Armament: 2*mg O-40 Curtiss O-40 Raven All-metal sesquiplane (YO-40 and YO-40A) or parasol monoplane (Y1O-40B). Five built. Type: Y1O-40B Task: observation Year: Crew: Engines: 1 * Wright R-1820 Max. Speed: Ceiling: Max. Range: Armament: O-41 Thomas-Morse O-41 The single Y1O-41 was a derivation of the O-33 with sesquiplane wings and a 600hp Curtiss V-1570-29 engine. O-42 Thomas-Morse O-42 Never built. Parasol monoplane. O-43 Douglas O-43 Production Development of the O-31. Parasol wing. Five renamed YO-31C's and 24 procuction machines. Type: O-43A Task: observation Year: 1933 Crew: Engines: 1 * 495kW Curtiss V-1570-59 Max. Speed: Ceiling: Max. Range: Armament: O-44 Douglas O-44 Renamed OA-5. O-45 Martin O-45 One B-10 bomber was modified temporarly to an O-45 with two R-1820-17 engines. O-46 Douglas O-46 Development of the O-43. Type: O-46A Task: observation Year: 1936 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 530kW P&W R-1535-7 Max. Speed: 322km/h Ceiling: Max. Range: Armament: 2 * mg7.62mm O-47 North American O-47 A mid-wing monoplane with retractable undercarriage, very different from al its precursors in the O-series. Fairly successful, with over 200 built. Type: O-47A Task: observation Year: Crew: 3 Engines: 1 * 720kW Wright R-1820-49 Max. Speed: 356km/h Ceiling: 7070m Max. Range: Armament: 2 * mg7.62mm O-48 Douglas O-48 Not built. Would have been a O-46 with an Wright R-1670-3 engines. O-49 Stinson O-49 Renamed L-1. O-50 Bellanca O-50 High-wing STOL monoplane. Three built. Type: YO-50 Function: liaison Year: Crew: Engines: 1 * 420hp Ranger V-770-1 Speed: Ceiling: Range: O-51 Ryan O-51 Dragonfly High-wing STOL monoplane. Three built. Type: YO-51 Function: liaison Year: Crew: Engines: 1 * 440hp P&W R-985-21 Speed: Ceiling: Range: Armament: O-52 Curtiss O-52 Owl Two-seat, high-wing monoplane. The wheels retracted in the forward fuselage, in the BF2C / F2A style. All used as trainers. 203 built. Type: O-52 Task: observation Year: Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 440kW P&W R-1340-51 Max. Speed: 335km/h Ceiling: 5940m Max. Range: 1126km Armament: 1*mg12.7mm 1*mg7.62mm O-53 Douglas O-53 Havoc Version of the A-20 light bomber with photographic equipment in the bomb bay. Cancelled. O-54 Stinson O-54 Type: YO-54 Task: observation Year: Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 60kW Continental O-170-1 Max. Speed: 145km/h Ceiling: Max. Range: Armament: 2 * 45kg depth charges O-55 Erco O-55 Two-seat, low-wing monoplane. Type: YO-55 Task: observation Year: 1945 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 65hp Continental A65 Max. Speed: 187km/h Ceiling: 3955m Max. Range: 840km Armament: O-56 Lockheed O-56 Version of the PV Ventura. Renamed B-37. O-57 Taylorcraft O-57 Also known as L-2. O-58 Aeronca O-58 Also known as L-3. O-59 Piper O-59 Also known as L-4. O-60 Kellett YO-60 Autogiro. A more refined version of Kellett's earlier autogiros, with an enclosed cockpit and a jump-start possibility. Type: YO-60 Function: observation Year: Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 300hp Jacobs R-915-3 Speed: Ceiling: Range: Armament: O-61, AGA Aviation Autogiro. Cancelled. O-62 Vultee O-62 Vultee-built Stinson 105 (O-54). Also called L-5. O-63 Interstate O-63 Also known as L-6. O-932 Thomas-Morse O-932 Also known as the O-41. OA-1 Loening OA-1 Army version of the OL. OA-5 Douglas OA-5 Former B-11 and O-44. The single YOA-5 was a twin-engined amphibian, that set a distance record in its category of 1662km. Type: YO-5 Task: observation amphibian Year: 1945 Crew: Engines: 2 * 930hp Wright YR-1820-45 Max. Speed: Ceiling: Max. Range: Armament: OA-8 Sikorsky OA-8 Army version of the JRS. OA-9 Grumman OA-9 Army version of the JRF. OA-10 Convair OA-10 Version of the PBY Catalina. OA-11 Sikorsky OA-11 Also known as the JRS. OA-13 Grumman OA-13 Also known as the JRF. A version of the OA-9 with another engine. OA-14 Grumman OA-14 Version of the J4F Widgeon. OC Curtiss OC Designation applied to the F8C fighter-bomber after 1928. OE Cessna OE Two-seat monoplane. 197kW Continental O-470-2. 1955. 28 built. Renamed O-1B. OF Grumman OF Mohawk Renamed OV-1. OJ Berliner/Joyce OJ Two-seat observation biplane, with fixed landing gear and open cockpits. 40 built, and used as reconaissance aircraft for light cruisers from 1933 to 1935. Type: OJ-2 Function: observation floatplane Year: 1933 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 400hp P&W wasp Junior Wing Span: 10.26m Length: 7.82m Height: Wing Area: Empty Weight: Max Weight: 1646kg Speed: 248km/h Ceiling: 4660m Range: 854km Armament: 2*mg, 500lb OL Loening/Keystone OL Spoonbill Observation floatplane. The space between the fuselage and the central float was faired in, as was continued on the Grumman J2F series, and used for the radiator in versions with liquid-cooled engines. Type: OL-9 Function: observation Year: Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 425hp P&W Wasp Speed: 198km/h Ceiling: Range: 1040km Armament: OP Pitcairn OP Version of the Pitcairn PA34 autogiro. OS2N Vought/NAF OS2N Kingfisher Naval Aircraft Factory version of the OS2U. OS2U Vought OS2U Kingfisher Catapult-launched, observation floatplane. With 1519 built the most used and most popular one of WWII. Type: OS2U-3 Task: observation Year: 1940 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 330kW P&W R-985-AN-2 Max. Speed: 264km/h Ceiling: 3960m Max. Range: 1860km Armament: 2 * mg7.62mm 295kg b. OSE Edo OSE Floatplane. One built. Type: XOSE-1 Task: observation Year: Crew: Engines: 1 * 500hp Ranger V-770 Max. Speed: Ceiling: Max. Range: Armament: OY Stinson OY Navy versions of the L-5 and L-9. OZ Wilford OZ Autogiro seaplane. --P--------------------------------------------------------------------------- P-1 Curtiss P-1 First of the Curtiss Hawk family, development of the PW-8. Type: P-1 Year: 1924 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 330kW Curtiss V-1150-1 Max. Speed: 262km/h Ceiling: 6900 m Max. Range: km Armament: 2*mg7.62mm P-2 Curtiss P-2 Curtiss P-1 Hawk derivative with 510hp Curtis V-1400 Engine. Three built. P-2 Lockheed P-2 Neptune Designed before WWII ended, the Neptune became the most famous post-war sea recce and ASW aircraft. The original design had two radial engines, but latter small jets were added, and a Japanese development has turboprop engines. The USN naval reserve abandoned its last Neptunes in 1978; some are still in service in Japan. The P-2 was not very fast, nor was it agile, but it could fly very long distances. The US Navy used it for some time as nuclear strike aircraft, and even operated P2V-3C Neptune from carriers, with the limitation that they could not land on the carrier again. Type: P-2H Function: ASW / reconaissance Year: 1947 Crew: 10 Engines: 2 * 2609kW Wright R-3350-32W 2 * 3400lb Westinghouse J34-WE-34 Wing Span: 31.65m Length: 27.94m Height: 8.94m Wing Area: 92.9m2 Empty Weight: 22650kg Max. Weight: 36240kg Speed: 555km/h Ceiling: 6700m Range: 3540km Armament: 5440kg P2B Boeing P2B Four Boeing B-29s in Navy service as test aircraft. P2D Douglas P2D Development of the T2D. Biplane patrol aircraft, on wheels of floats. Type: P2D Year: 1932 Crew: 3 Engines: 2 * 575hp Wright Cyclone Speed: 216km/h Ceiling: 3665m Range: Armament: P2M Martin P2M Flying boat. P2V Lockheed P2V Renamed P-2. P2Y Consolidated P2Y Development of the PY. Sesquiplane flying boat. The P2Y-3 had the engines moved from between the wings to the upper wing. Type: P2Y-3 Function: patrol Year: Crew: Engines: 2 * Wright R-1820-90 Max. Speed: 225km/h Ceiling: 5040m Max. Range: 4270km Armament: P-3 Curtiss P-3 Derivatives of the P-1 with several engines, all air-cooled radials. Five built. P-3 Lockheed P-3 Orion Sea recce and ASW development of the L.188 Electra transport. The Orion is the current ASW aircraft of the US; attempts to replace it have failed. Sold to Iran and Canada. Type: P-3C Function: ASW / reconaissance Year: 1969 Crew: 12 Engines: 4 * 3660kW Allison T56-A-14 Speed: 760km/h Ceiling: 8600m Range: 7700km Armament: 9070kg P-3 Lockheed EP-3E Modified P-3 Orion, replacing the EC-121 with the USN. The EP-3E has canoe fairing under and above the fuselage and a radome under the forward fuselage. There is also an RP-3 and a WP-3. P3D Douglas P3D Torpedo bomber, 1930. P3M Martin P3M Twin-engined, high-wing flying boat. Type: P3M-1 Function: patrol Year: Crew: 4 Engines: 2 * 425hp P&W Wasp Speed: 180km/h Ceiling: Range: 720km Armament: P3V Lockheed P3V Orion Renamed P-3. P3Y Consolidated P3Y To be renamed PBY and to become famous as the Catalina. P-4 Boeing P-4 Derivative of the PW-9 with Packard 1A-1500 turbocharged engine, new wings, and a four-bladed propeller. Only one was built, and had disappointing performance. Type: XP-4 Function: fighter Year: 1927 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 510hp Packard 1A-1500 Empty Weight: 2711lb Max.Weight: 3603lb Speed: 161mph Ceiling: 22000ft Range: 375mls Armament: 4*mg7.62mm P4M Martin P4M Mercator A less succesful competitor for the P2V Neptune. A small number was built and used as ELINT aircraft. Flying along the borders of the USSR during the Cold War wasn't very safe: several P4M's were shot at. Type: P4M-1Q Function: ELINT Year: 1949 Crew: 14 Engines: 2 * 2424kW P&W R-4360-20A 2 * 1800kg Allison J33-A-10A Speed: 675km/h Ceiling: 7700m Range: 4570km Armament: 4*g20mm 2*mg12.7mm 2722kg P4Y Consolidated P4Y Also known as PB4Y. P-5 Curtiss P-5 Superhawk Curtiss P-1 Hawk derivative with a turbocharged 435hp Curtiss V-1150-4 engine. The P-5 had good high-altitude performance, but the USAAC decided to wait for the Curtiss Conqueror engine. Five built. Type: P-5 Function: fighter Year: 1928 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 435hp V-1150-4 Empty Weight: 2551lb Max.Weight: 3340lb Speed: 174mph Ceiling: 31900ft Range: Armament: 2*mg7.62mm P-5 Martin P-5 Marlin ASW flying boat. Type: P-5A Function: ASW / reconaissance Year: 1948 Crew: 8 Engines: 2 * 2400kW Wright R-3350-30WA Speed: 420km/h Ceiling: 6800m Range: 5800km Armament: 2*g20mm, 3600kg P5M Martim P5M Renamed P-5 P5Y Convair P5Y Tradewind ? P-6 Curtiss P-6 Hawk Another member of the Curtiss P-1 Hawk family, but the D-12 (V-1150) engine was replaced by the larger and more powerful V-1750 Conqueror. 50 built, all but four were P-6E's. Type: P-6E Function: fighter Year: 1931 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 440kW Curtiss V-1750-23 Conqueror C Empty Weight: 2715lb Max.Weight: 3436lb Max. Speed: 320km/h Ceiling: 7500m Max. Range: 244mls Armament: 2*mg7.62mm P6M Martin P6M Seamaster Swept-wing jet flying boat. Only four built. Type: P6M-2 Function: maritime patrol Year: 1959 Crew: 4 Engines: 4 * 7940kg P&W J75-P-2 Speed: 965km/h Ceiling: 12200m Range: 2415km Armament: 2*g20mm P-7 Boeing P-7 Derivative of the PW-9D with Curtiss V-1570 Conqueror engine. The engine was satisfactory, buit did not improve performance much. One built. Type: XP-7 Function: fighter Year: 1928 Crew: 1 Engines: Empty Weight: 2358lb Max.Weight: 3260lb Speed: 168mph Ceiling: Range: Armament: 1*mg12.7mm 1*mg7.62mm P-7 Lockheed P-7 The P-7 would have been a replacement and development of the P-3 Orion, but was cancelled recently. P-8 Boeing P-8 Biplane fighter, designed round the new Packard 2A-1500 engine. Performance was disappointing. One built. Type: XP-8 Function: fighter Year: 1927 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 600hp Packard 2A-1500 Empty Weight: 2390lb Max.Weight: 3521lb Max. Speed: 173mph Ceiling: 23000ft Max. Range: 325mls Armament: 1*mg12.7mm 1*mg7.62mm P-9 Boeing P-9 Shoulder-wing monoplane fighter. The P-9 was innovative in layout and construction, but had completely unacceptable flying characteristics. After 15 hours of flying, it was grounded. One built. Type: XP-9 Function: fighter Year: 1930 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 600hp Curtiss V-1570 Empty Weight: 2669lb Max.Weight: 3623lb Max. Speed: 213mph Ceiling: 26800ft Max. Range: 425mls Armament: P-10 Curtiss P-10 Biplane fighter, a very clean design with a gulled upper wing. But performance was little better than that of fighters already in service, and the surface radiators applied were troublesome. One built. Type: XP-10 Task: fighter Year: 1930 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 600hp Curtiss V-1570-15 Empty Weight: 3040lb Max.Weight: 3975lb Max. Speed: 215mph Ceiling: 26500ft Max. Range: 461mls Armament: 2*mg7.62mm P-11 Curtiss XP-11 Another Curtiss Hawk derivative: a P-6 with a 600hp Curtiss H-1640 Chieftain engine. This engine was a failure, and the P-11 project was abandoned. The airframes were completed as two P-6's and one P-20. P-12 Boeing P-12 Biplane fighter. The naval version of this aircraft was the F4B; the Army borowwed a F4B to test it. The F4B / P-12 was the numerically most important US fighter of the interbellum. It was a rather conventional biplane; the P-12 served in the front line until 1935 and as a trainer until 1941. Type: P-12E Function: fighter Year: 1931 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * P&W R-1340-17 Empty Weight: 2014lb Max.Weight: 2701lb Max. Speed: 189mph Ceiling: 31400ft Max. Range: 585mls Armament: P-13 Thomas-Morse P-13 Viper Biplane fighter, of all-metal construction with corrugated skinning. This fighter was the victim of its unsatisfcatory Curtiss H-1640 two-row radial engine. A change to an P&W R-1340 came too late. This was also the end for the Thomas-Morse company; it was bought by Consolidated. Type: XP-13 Task: fighter Year: 1929 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 600hp Curtiss H-1640-1 Wing Span: 8.53m Length: 7.16m Height: 2.56m Wing Area: 17.56m2 Empty Weight: 1026kg Max.Weight: 1477kg Max. Speed: 277km/h Ceiling: 20800ft Max. Range: Armament: none P-14 Curtiss P-14 Curtiss-built P-13. Cancelled. P-15 Boeing P-15 Parasol-wing fighter, essentially a P-12E fuselage with a new wing. The air force was not yet willing the decrease in maneuvrability and increase in landing speed of monoplanes, and the XP-15 remained experimental. Type: XP-15 Function: fighter Year: 1930 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 330kW P&W SR-1340D Empty Weight: 2052lb Max.Weight: 2764lb Max. Speed: 190mph Ceiling: 26550ft Max. Range: 421mls Armament: 2*mg7.62mm P-16 Berliner-Joyce P-16 Two-seat biplane fighter, the last fighter biplane in USAAC service. The P-16 was of metal construction; the upper wing was gulled into the front fuselage and of longer span than the upper wing. Their performance was rather low and they easily overturned on landing; after two years they were retired. 26 built. Type: P-16 Task: fighter Year: 1932 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 447kW Curtiss V-1570-25 Wing Span: 10.36m Length: 8.59m Height: 2.74m Wing Area: 25.92m2 Empty Weight: 1271kg Max Weight: 1813kg Max. Speed: 282km/h Ceiling: 21600ft Max. Range: 1046km Armament: 3*mg7.62mm 102kg P-17 Curtiss P-17 A conversion of the P-1 Hawk to test the Wright V-1460-3 Tornado engine. P-18 Curtiss XP-18 Biplane fighter with Wright V-1560 engine. Cancelled. P-19 Curtiss XP-19 Monoplane fighter with Wright V-1560 engine. Cancelled. P-20 Curtiss YP-20 A conversion of a, never completed, P-11 airframe, with an 650hp Wright R-1870. The XP-22 with its Curtiss Conqueror engine was preferred. P-21 Curtiss XP-21 Conversion of the P-3 as testbed for the P&W R-985. P-22 Curtiss P-22 The XP-22 was the prototype of the P-6E, with a Curtiss V-1570-23 engine. P-23 Curtiss XP-23 Last Curtiss biplane fighter, a much-modified P-6E with a turbosupercharged engine, new tail and landing gear, cleaned up nose contours, and a three-bladed propeller. The Army finally decided to adopt monoplane fighters (the P-26) and only one P-23 was built. Type: XP-23 Task: fighter Year: 1932 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * Curtiss G1V-1570-C Empty Weight: 3274lb Max.Weight: 4124lb Max. Speed: 223mph Ceiling: 33000ft Max. Range: 435mls Armament: 1*mg12.7mm 2*mg7.62mm P-24 Lockheed P-24 Large two-seat fighter, developed from the Lockheed Altair. The P-24 was a cantilever monoplane with enclosed cockpits and retractable landing gear. The depression of 1931 and the bankrupcy of Lockheed halted development. One built. Type: YP-24 Function: fighter Year: 1931 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 440kW Curtiss V-1570-23 Empty Weight: 3010lb Max.Weight: 4360lb Max. Speed: 364km/h Ceiling: 25000ft Max. Range: 556mls Armament: 1*mg12.7mm 2*mg7.62mm P-25 Consolidated P-25 Consolidated development of the Lockheed P-24. Consolidated took over because Lockheed had ceased to exist. It made some changes, including an all-metal wing and a turbocharger. One built. Type: Y1P-25 Function: fighter Year: 1932 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 600hp Curtiss V-1570-27 Conqueror Empty Weight: 3887lb Max.Weight: 5110lb Speed: 247mph Ceiling: Range: Armament: P-26 Boeing P-26 Peashooter First monoplane USAAF fighter. The stubby P-26 introduced the monoplane to the USAAC, but kept the open cockpit, bracing wires and fixed landing gear of older types. Boeing may have been a little irritated by such conservatism and built more modern aircraft, but the USAAC didn't want them. The P-26 was a very popular aircraft, that remained in service until 1940. Type: P-26A Function: fighter Year: 1934 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 373kW P&W R-1340-27 Wing Span: 8.52m Length: 7.19m Height: 3.06m Wing Area: 13.89m2 Empty Weight: 997kg Max.Weight: 1340kg Max. Speed: 377km/h Ceiling: 8350m Max. Range: 580km Armament: 1*mg7.62mm 1*mg12.7mm P-27 Consolidated P-27 The Y1P-27 was a P-25 reengined with a P&W R-1340-21. Cancelled. P-28 Consolidated P-28 The Y1P-27 was a P-25 reengined with a P&W R-1340-19. Cancelled. P-29 Boeing XP-29 Built by Boeing as a more modern alternative to the P-26: cantilever wing, retractable undercarriage, NACA cowling and initially an enclosed cockpit. But it was not accepted by the USAAF. Three built. Type: YP-29 Function: fighter Year: 1934 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 600hp P&W R-1340-35 Wing Span: Length: Height: Wing Area: Empty Weight: 2509lb Max.Weight: 3518lb Max. Speed: 400km/h Ceiling: 26000ft Max. Range: 1300km Armament: 1*mg7.62mm 1*mg12.7mm P-30 Consolidated P-30 Production version of the P-25. 54 built, that were redesignated PB-2. The idea of a two-seat fighter was never popular, and the service career of the type was brief. Type: P-30 Task: fighter Year: 1934 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 675hp Curtiss V-1570-57 Empty Weight: 3832lb Max.Weight: 5092lb Max. Speed: 274mph Ceiling: 28000ft Max. Range: 508mls Armament: 3*mg7.62mm P-31 Curtiss XP-31 Swift Also known as XP-934. Monoplane, enclosed cockpit, but fixed undercarriage and external braces. Performance was disappointing, and the Army preferred the P-26. It was flown with a Wright R-1820 radial and a Curtiss V-1570 Conqueror line engine. One built. Type: XP-31 Task: fighter Year: 1932 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * Curtiss V-1570-53 Empty Weight: 3340lb Max.Weight: 4143lb Max. Speed: 215mph Ceiling: 22700ft Max. Range: 396mls Armament: 4*mg7.62mm P-32 Boeing XP-32 Version of the P-29A with a P&W R-1535. Cancelled. P-33 Consolidated P-33 A P-30 with a 800hp P&W R-1830-1. Cancelled. P-34 Williams P-34 Fighter developed from the famous Wedell-Williams racing aircraft. Cancelled. P-35 Seversky P-35 Monoplane fighter built in competition with the P-36. The P-35 actually won the competition, but Seversky was unable to build the P-35 at the rate demanded by the USAAC. It was soon understood that the P-35 was too slow and too lightly armed, and it was reteried from frontline service before Pearl Harbour. About 180 built. Type: P-35A Function: fighter Year: 1939 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 770kW P&W R-1830-45 Max. Speed: 499km/h Ceiling: 9550m Max. Range: 1850km Armament: 2*mg12.7mm 2*mg7.62mm P-36 Curtiss P-36 Hawk The P-36 was, together with the P-35, the first USAAF fighter making use of modern technology. It suffered long development and numerous theething troubles. Fighter development was quick in these days, and the P-36 was already obsolete at the outbreak of WWII. They fought at Pearl Harbour, but were soon retired thereafter. However, large numbers were exported as Hawk 75, in versions with both fixed and retractable landing gear, and these saw more combat. 1424 built. Type: P-36A Function: fighter Year: 1935 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 770kW R-1830-13 Max. Speed: 483km/h Ceiling: 10100m Max. Range: 1330km Armament: 1*mg12.7mm 1*mg7.62mm P-37 Curtiss P-37 Derived from the P-36, with a liqui-cooled, turbocharged V-1710 engine. The engine installation was problematic. 13 built. Type: YP-37 Function: fighter Year: 1939 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 1000hp Allison V-1710-21 Wing Span: 37ft 3.5in Length: 32ft 11.5in Height: Wing Area: 236ft2 Empty Weight: 5592lb Max.Weight: 6700lb Max. Speed: 340mph Ceiling: 34000ft Max. Range: Armament: 1*mg7.62mm 1*mg12.7mm P-37 Hughes XP-37 Night fighter project, built of wood. Rejected, but revived as the XA-37. P-38 Lockheed P-38 Lightning Unusual twin-boom WWII fighter. Most US fighters with the Allison V-1710 engine suffered from bad performance at higher altitudes, but the P-38 was fitted with turbochargers in the tail booms, behind the engines. Armament was concentrated in the nose of the central nacelle. The P-38 was not very suitable for combat in Europe, but achieved great succes in the Pacific. 10037 built. Type: P-38F Function: fighter Year: 1942 Crew: 1 Engines: 2 * 900kW Allison V-1710-49/53 Max. Speed: 628km/h Ceiling: 11900m Max. Range: 1125km Armament: 1*g20mm 4*mg12.7mm P-39 Bell P-39 Airacobra The small Airacobra fighter had an engine buried in the fuselage above the wing, behind the pilot, driving the prop by a long shaft. The P-39 was a disappointment, with too low performance to intercept Japanese bombers. But USAAF conservatism should take at least part of the blame for this; the P-39 had been developed into a low- and medium altitude strik fighter. The USSR found it to be a good ground-attack aircraft, because it was rugged and had a 37mm cannon. 9558 built. Type: P-39D Function: fighter Year: 1941 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 1200kW Allison V-1710-35 Max. Speed: 521km/h Ceiling: 32100 ft Max. Range: 1770 km Armament: 1xg37mm 4xmg7.62mm 2xmg12.7mm P-40 Curtiss P-40 Warhawk The P-40 was a development of the P-36 with a liquid-cooled engine, known to the manufacturer as Hawk 81 and to the British as Tomahawk. and suffered from the obsoleteness of the basic design. The P-40 was never the equal of its opponents, but nevertheless served throughout WWII. It most famous user was the AVG, better known as the 'Flying Tigers', a group of American pilots hired by China. The P-40D model introduced strongly modified nose; this version was known as Hawk 87 to the manufacturer and Kittyhawk to the British. The P-40 was sturdy and had good diving characteristics, but was outperformed by modern fighters, despite continuous improvement. Later P-40s had lengthened fuselages, a lighter structure, and even Packard V-1650 Merlin engines. 13738 built. Type: P-40E-1 Function: fighter Year: 1942 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 1150kW Allison V-1710-39 Wing Span: Length: Height: Wing Area: Empty Weight: Max.Weight: Max. Speed: 582km/h Ceiling: 8900m Max. Range: 1370km Armament: 6*mg12.7mm Type: P-40N-20 Function: fighter Year: 1943 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 1015kW Allison V-1710-81 Wing Span: 11.42m Length: 10.20m Height: 3.77m Wing Area: 21.95m2 Empty Weight: 2724kg Max.Weight: 4018kg Speed: 609km/h Ceiling: 11630m Range: Armament: 6*mg12.7mm 227kg P-41 Republic XP-41 Development of P-35 as high-altitude fighter, with a turbosupercharged engine. The P-43 was preferred. Only one built. Type: XP-41 Function: fighter Year: 1939 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 880kW P&W R-1830-19 Max. Speed: 520km/h Ceiling: Range: 1175km Armament: 1*mg7.62mm 1*mg12.7mm P-42 Curtiss XP-42 Hawk A development of the P-36 with a close-cowled radial engine as part of a drag reduction research programme. One built. Type: XP-42 Function: fighter Year: 1939 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 1050hp P&W R-1830-31 Max. Speed: 552km/h Ceiling: Max. Range: Armament: P-43 Republic P-43 Lancer Development of the P-35. The P-43 was heavier, but the addition of a turbosupercharger improved performance considerably. Nevertheless the performance of the P-43 was not up to European standards, and it lacked armour protection. Most P-43s were only ordered to keep the production lines of Republic open, until the P-47 could be delivered. Only the P-43s lend-leased to China saw combat. 272 built. Type: P-43A Function: fighter Year: 1940 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 880kW P&W R-1830-57 Max. Speed: 573km/h Ceiling: 11000m Max. Range: 2300km Armament: 2*mg12.7mm 2*mg7.62mm P-44 Republic XP-44 Rocket Development of P-43, more powerful and with armour and armament increased. Cancelled in favour of the P-47. Type: XP-44 Function: fighter Year: 1939 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 1030kW Wright R-1820-1 Max. Speed: km/h Ceiling: m Max. Range: km Armament: 6*mg12.7mm P-45 Bell P-45 Airacobra The USAAF intended to use this number for the production version of the Airacobra. In the end it was called P-39C. P-46 Curtiss XP-46 The P-46 was designed to improve on the P-40, but the P-40D with the same engine had superior performance. Two built. Type: XP-46 Function: fighter Year: 1941 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 845kW Allison V-1710-39 Max. Speed: 571km/h Ceiling: 9000m Range: 325mls Armament: 2*mg12.7mm 8*mg7.62mm P-47 Republic XP-47 (P-47 and P-47A) The first P-47 project had an Allison V-1710 and an armament of only two .50 guns. Cancelled. P-47 Republic P-47 Thunderbolt (from B onwards) The P-47 was a big and very powerful high-altitude fighter. It was designed round the powerful R-2800 engine and its turbocharger, because the USAAF had (entirely justified) misgivings about fitting all its fighters with the Allison V-1710. The R-2800 was powerful, thirsty, costly to operate, but rugged and reliable; by extracting all possible power from it, the P-47 evolved into a fighter that was equal or superior to its adversaries. With drop tanks, the P-47 could fly escort missions deep into Germany, and it did much to defeat the Luftwaffe. The P-47M was the fastest US fighter in WWII service. Because of a shorter range and more rugged structure than the P-51, the P-47 was used as fighter-bomber, in which role it performed very well. Most built US fighter of WWII with 15683 aircraft. Type: P-47D-30 Function: fighter Year: 1943 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 1865kW P&W R-2800-59 Max. Speed: 687km/h Ceiling: 12800 m Max. Range: 2900 km Armament: 8*mg12.7mm P-48 Douglas XP-48 Small, lightweight high-altitude fighter. Cancelled. Type: XP-48 Function: fighter Year: 1939 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 525 hp Ranger SGV-770 Max. Speed: 525mph Ceiling: Max. Range: Armament: 1*mg12.7mm 1*mg7.62mm P-49 Lockheed XP-49 The XP-49 was developed from the P-38, but proved inferior to the P-38J. Only one was built. Type: XP-49 Function: fighter Year: 1942 Crew: 1 Engines: 2 * 1175kW Continental XIV-1430-13/15 Wing Span: 52ft 0in Length: 40ft 1in Height: 9ft 9.5in Wing Area: 327.5ft2 Empty Weight: 15410lb Max.Weight: 18750lb Max. Speed: 406mph Ceiling: 37500ft Max. Range: 1800mls Armament: 2*g20mm 2*mg12.7mm (not fitted) P-50 Grumman XP-50 Skyrocket USAAF version of F5F. The XP-50 had a nosewheel undercarriage, a longer nose, and superscharged engines. The fuselage was redesigned to have a smoother, shark-like shape. It was better than the XF5F-1, but the programme ended when the XP-50 was lost. P-51 North American P-51 Mustang This best known US fighter of WWII was built to British requirements. The British reluctantly accepted North American's proposal to design a new fighter for them, instead of license-building P-40's, and the USAAF was at first not interested at all. The P-51 was a clean and very refined design, with a laminar flow wing and carefully positioned radiator bath. The early P-51, with Allison V-1710, engine, was an excellent low-altitude reconaissance fighter, but had low performance above 15000ft. After reengining with the R.R. Merlin, the P-51B was one of the best fighters of WWII. It proved to be the ideal fighter to escort the bomber force on the long missions over Germany. The P-51D sacrificed some speed for the introduction of a 'bubble' hood, offering much better view. The P-51F, G and J versions were lightweight developments, with only a superficial resemblance to the original Mustang; the P-51H was more diurectly related to the P-51D, but powered by the more powerful V-1650-9 engine. After WWII, the P-51D played a very important role as fighter-bomber in Korea. 14819 built. Type: P-51D Function: fighter Year: 1944 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 1100kW RR-Packard V-1650-7 Merlin Max. Speed: 703km/h Ceiling: 12800m Max. Range: 3350km Armament: 6*mg12.7mm P-52 Bell XP-52 The P-52 was a design for a twin-boom, pusher-prop fighter. It featured 20 degrees of wing sweepback and a nose-mounted radiator. It was cancelled in favour of the more powerful XP-59, similar but powered by the P&W R-2800. Later the P-59 designation was used for the first US jet fighter, the Airacomet. Type: XP-52 Function: fighter Year: 1940 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 1250hp Continental XIV-1430-5 Max. Speed: 425mph Ceiling: 40000ft Max. Range: 960mls Armament: 2*g20mm 6*mg12.7mm P-53 Curtiss XP-53 Variation on the P-40 with a new, laminar flow wing and the XIV-1430 engine. Cancelled together with the engine; the design became the basis for the P-60. Type: XP-53 Function: fighter Year: 1940 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 920kW Continental XIV-1430-3 Max. Speed: 724km/h Ceiling: Max. Range: Armament: 8*mg12.7mm P-54 Vultee XP-54 Experimental twin-boom pusher-prop fighter. The XP-54 was built to specification R-40C, issued by the USAAC to encourage the development of fighters with an unusual configuration. The XP-54 was the first US fighter to have an ejector seat: the pilot entered the aircraft by lowering the seat under the aircraft -- the cockpit hood was fixed -- and could leave it in an emergency by catapulting the seat downwards. The entire nose could be elevated and depressed to make gun ranging easier. The XP-54 was abandoned because of its unsatisfactory engine. One built. Type: XP-54 Function: fighter Year: 1943 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 2200hp Lycoming XH-2470 Max. Speed: 381mph Ceiling: 37000 ft Max. Range: Armament: 2*g37mm 2*mg12.7mm P-55 Curtiss XP-55 Ascender Experimental fighter of canard configuration with a pusher engine, designed in repsonse to the R-40C specification. The XP-55 had unimpressive performance. Three built. Type: XP-55 Function: fighter Year: 1943 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 1275hp Allison V-1710-95 Max. Speed: 390 mph Ceiling: 34600 ft Max. Range: 1440 miles Armament: 4*mg12.7mm P-56 Northrop XP-56 Black Bullet The XP-56 was developed to specification R-40C, that encouraged the development of unconventional fighters. It was a tailless aircraft of magnesium construction. A setback occured when the original engine was cancelled and had to be replaced by the P&W R-2800. The handling characteristics of the P-56 were unsatisfactory; one was lost and the second was finally declared unairworthy. Type: XP-56 Function: fighter Year: 1943 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 2000hp P&W R-2800-29 Max. Speed: 671km/h Ceiling: 33000ft Max. Range: 660mls Armament: 2*g20mm 4*mg12.7mm P-57 Tucker XP-57 Lightweight high-altitude fighter. The XP-57 had a low-powered engine in the mid-fuselage, behind the pilot, driving the propeller by an extension shaft. Cancelled. Type: XP-57 Function: fighter Year: 1940 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 720hp Miller L-510 Max. Speed: 308mph Ceiling: Max. Range: 960mls Armament: 3*mg12.7mm P-58 Lockheed XP-58 Chain Lightning Long-term development of P-38. Numberous changes of requirements and engines resulted in a waste of money and excessively long development. It finally emerged as a high-altitude bomber destroyer, with turbosupercharged engines, aft-facing dorsal and ventral gun turrets, and interchangeable forward-firing armament of four 37mm cannon or one 75mm cannon and two 12.7mm machine guns. Finally, only one, unarmed, prototype was built. Type: XP-58 Function: fighter Year: 1944 Crew: 2 Engines: 2 * Allison V-3420-11/13 Max. Speed: 436mph Ceiling: 38400ft Max. Range: 2650mls Armament: 4*g37mm 4*mg12.7mm 4000lb P-59 Bell XP-59 The first P-59 was a pusher prop fighter project developed from the P-52, but with a P&W R-2800-52 engine. Cancelled. P-59 Bell P-59 Airacomet First US jet aircraft. In all but its engines the P-59 was thorougly conventional design. The two jet engines were placed under the wing roots, to make maintenance and their possible replacement by other engines easier. The P-59 was a rather big aircraft and underpowered, and it was a failure as a fighter. It was used as an operational trainer for the conversion to jet engines. Type: P-59A Function: fighter / trainer Year: 1944 Crew: 1 Engines: 2 * 1650lb G.E. J31-GE-3 Max. Speed: 413mph Ceiling: Max. Range: 520mls Armament: 1*g37mm 3*mg12.7mm P-60 Curtiss XP-60 Developed from the P-53, originally with a Merlin engine (XP-60 and XP-60D), later with a V-1710 (XP-60A) and (XP-60B and XP-60E) with a P&W R-2800 engine. The P-60 did never perform well. Large orders for the P-60 and P-60A were cancelled, and numerous changes failed to produce a succesful fighter. Type: XP-60A Function: fighter Year: 1942 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 1425hp Allison V-1710-75 Max. Speed: 676km/h Ceiling: 9906m Max. Range: 1200km km Armament: 6*mg12.7mm P-61 Northrop P-61 Black Widow The only specially designed night fighter of WWII, a large maneuvrable twin-engined, twin-boom aircraft. The allied enjoyed almost total air superiority by the time the P-61 entered service, and the P-61 was often used as a night intruder and attack aircraft. The nose housed a big, and heavy, centimetric radar set, made in the US; four machine guns were installed in a remotely controlled turret on top of the fuselage (deleted on many P-61As) and four cannon were fitted in the fuselage belly. The P-61 was surprisingly maneuverable for such a large aircraft, but too slow too make a really excellent fighter. 706 built. Type: P-61B-1 Function: nightfighter Year: 1944 Crew: 3 Engines: 2 * 2250hp P&W R-2800-65 Wing Span: 20.11m Length: 15.11m Height: 4.47m Wing Area: 61.53m2 Empty Weight: 10637m Max.Weight: 16240m Max. Speed: 589km/h Ceiling: Max. Range: 2175km Armament: 4*g20mm (4*mg12.7mm) 4*725kg P-62 Curtiss XP-62 Large, innovative high-altitude fighter, with a turbo-compressor, contra-rotating propellers, a pressure cabin and heavy armament. The R-3350 engine was scarce and unreliable, and the P-62 was abandoned. One built. Type: XP-62 Function: fighter Year: 1943 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 1690kW Wright R-3350-17 Max. Speed: 721km/h Ceiling: 10900m Max. Range: 1500mls Armament: 4*g20mm P-63 Bell P-63 Kingcobra The P-63 inherited the general layout of the P-39 Airacobra, but was totally redesigned. It had a supercharged engine and a laminar flow wing in an attempt to improve high-altitude performance. Superior fighters were already in service, however, and the USAAF bought few P-63s and never used them in combat. Most production aircraft (2397) were lend-leased to the USSR. The USAAF did buy the bizarre RP-63, a manned aerial target, well-armoured to resist the hits of special, frangible bullets. 3303 built. Type: P-63A Function: fighter Year: 1943 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 975kW Allison V-1710-93 Wing Span: 11.69m Length: 9.96m Height: 3.84m Wing Area: 23.04m2 Empty Weight: 2894kg Max.Weight: 4767kg Max. Speed: 660km/h Ceiling: 13100m Max. Range: 4140km Armament: 1*g37mm 4*mg12.7mm 237kg P-64 North American P-64 The P-64 was a fighter extrapolation of the well known T-6 trainer. The aircraft, built for Thailand, went to the USAAF and were named P-64. Never used as fighters. 13 built. Type: P-64 Function: fighter Year: 1935 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 640kW Wright R-1820-77 Max. Speed: 434km/h Ceiling: 8400 m Max. Range: 1550 km Armament: 2*mg7.62mm 2*g20mm P-65 Grumman XP-65 The USAAF used this number for the F7F, but cancelled its orders in order to allow Grumman to optimize the design for the USN. P-66 Vultee P-66 Vanguard The Vultee Vanguard was a private venture fighter, that shared the same wing and tail surfaces as the BT-13 and BC-3. After two abortive attempts to sell the P-66 abroad, most of the 144 aircraft built were Lend-Leased to China. Some were a short time in US service of Pearl Harbour. Type: P-66 Function: fighter Year: 1940 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 880kW P&W R-1830-33 Max. Speed: 547km/h Ceiling: 8600 m Max. Range: 1530 km Armament: 2*mg12.7mm 4*mg7.62mm P-67 McDonnell XP-67 Bat The first aircraft McDonnell designed was a radical and innovatove fighter. The USAAC rejected the design, but encouraged McDonnell to proceed with the relatively more conventional P-67. Aero foil shape was applied to its entire fuselage and the engine nacelles, with all parst joining smoothly together. The XP-67 did not meet expectations, due in large part to the troublesome engines. One built. Type: XP-67 Function: fighter Year: 1944 Crew: 1 Engines: 2 * 1545kW Continental XI-1430-17/19 Max. Speed: 652km/h Ceiling: 11400m Max. Range: 3840km Armament: 6*g37mm P-68 Vultee XP-68 Tornado Development of P-54 with another engine, the Wright R-2610 Tornado Cancelled. P-69 Republic XP-69 High-altitude fighter with the engine, a liquid-cooled radial, buried in the mid-fuselage position. Cancelled in favour of the P-72. Type: XP-69 Function: fighter Year: 1943 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 1840kW Wright R-2160-3 Max. Speed: 450 mph Ceiling: 48900ft Max. Range: 1800mls Armament: 2*g37mm 4*mg12.7mm P-70 Douglas P-70 The P-70 was an improvised night fighter version of the twin-engined A-20 bomber aircraft. The performance of the P-70 was inadequate, and the few units that went to combat with it exchanged it for other aircraft as soon as these were available. Many nightfighter crews were trained on the P-70, however. P-71 Curtiss XP-71 Cancelled. The XP-71 was a very big twin-engined fighter with two R-4360-13 engines, driving contra-rotaing pusher propellers. It was intended as long-range escort aircraft. P-72 Republic XP-72 The P-72 was more or less a development of P-47, powered by the might P&W R-4360 Wasp Major radial. The fuselage was redesigned, with a cut-back supercharger intake. It had excellent performance, but the introduction of jet aircraft made the P-72 superfluous. Two built. Type: XP-72 Function: fighter Year: 1944 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 2540kW P&W R-4360-13 Max. Speed: 788 km/h Ceiling: 12800m Max. Range: 2460km Armament: 6*mg12.7mm P-75 General Motors / Fisher P-75 Eagle GM tried to build a long-range fighter, that used parts of the P-40, A-24 and F4U. It more or less succeeded, eventually, after a lot of redesign. Performance was disappointing, however, and better escort aircraft were already in service. 14 built. Type: XP-75 Function: fighter Year: 1943 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 2920kW Allison V-3420-23 Max. Speed: 697km/h Ceiling: 11100m Max. Range: 3300km Armament: 10*mg12.7mm P-76 Bell XP-76 The XP-76 was a more refined P-39 Airacobra with a laminar flow wing. Also known as the XP-39E. Three built. Type: XP-76 Function: fighter Year: 1942 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 1325hp Allison V-1770-47 Max. Speed: 368mph Ceiling: Max. Range: Armament: P-77 Bell XP-77 The XP-77 was an unsuccesfull attempt to built an extremely light-weight fighter of non-strategic materials. Performance was far below expectations, there was no shortage of aluminium, and better fighters were already in service. Two built. Type: XP-77 Function: fighter Year: 1944 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 380kW Ranger XV-770-7 Max. Speed: 531km/h Ceiling: 9200m Max. Range: 885km Armament: 2*mg12.7mm P-78 North American XP-78 Mustang When a RR Merlin was installed in the P-51, the aircraft was conisered worthy of a new number. Later it was called P-51B. P-79 Northrop XP-79 Flying Ram The XP-79 was a flying wing of magnesium construction, powered by two jet engines. The pilot lay prone in the nose; the wing leading edges were reinforced to slice of the tails of enemy bombers! The XP-79 was destroyed on its first flight. Type: XP-79B Function: fighter Year: 1945 Crew: 1 Engines: 2 * 522kg Westinghouse 19-B Max. Speed: 821km/h Ceiling: Max. Range: 1600km Armament: 4*mg12.7mm P-80 Lockheed P-80 Shooting Star The P-80 was the first operational US jet fighter, a fairly conventional design apart from the jet engine and laminar flow wing. A few were sent to Europe during WWII, but they did not see any combat during WWII. In Korea it was already obsolete as a fighter, but served well as attack aircraft. 1732 built. Type: P-80C Function: fighter Year: 1945 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 24.03kN Allison J33-A-35 Wing Span: 11.81m Length: 10.49m Height: 3.43m Wing Area: 22.07m2 Empty Weight: 3819kg Max.Weight: 7646kg Max. Speed: 967km/h Ceiling: 14265m Max. Range: 1328km Armament: 6*mg12.7mm 2*b454kg P-81 Consolidated Vultee XP-81 The XP-81 was an experimental fighter with a TG-180 turboprop in the nose and an J-33 turbojet in the tail; this combination, it was hoped, would create an aircraft with a better range than pure jet fighter. But the TG-180 did deliver only 1400hp instead of the promised 2300hp, and the performance of the XP-81 did not warrant production. Two built. Type: XP-81 Function: fighter Year: 1945 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 1700kW G.E. XT31-GE-1 1 * 1705kg Allison J33-GE-5 Max. Speed: 815km/h Ceiling: 10830m Max. Range: 4025km Armament: 6*mg12.7mm P-82 North American P-82 Twin Mustang The unusual P-82 long-range fighter used two elongated P-51H fuselages and P-51H outer wings, joined by a new center-wing panel. It was best known as night fighter, with a large radar pod fitted to the center section. Type: F-82F Function: nightfighter Year: 1948 Crew: 2 Engines: 2 * 1600kW Allison V-1710-143/145 Max. Speed: 750km/h Ceiling: 12800m Max. Range: 3450km Armament: 6*mg12.7mm P-83 Bell XP-83 The XP-83 was an long-range, twin-engined jet fighter roughly similar to the P-59. To carry enough fuel, the XP-83 had a large fuselage, and this resulted in poor performance. Two built. Type: XP-83 Function: fighter Year: 1945 Crew: 1 Engines: 2 * 1815kg G.E. J33-GE-5 Max. Speed: 840km/h Ceiling: 9150m Max. Range: 2700km Armament: 6*mg12.7mm P-84 Republic P-84 Renamed F-84. P-322 Lockheed P-322 Lightning Number assigned to Lightnings built to British contracts, without turbochargers and handed propellers. Unsuitable for combat, and used as trainers. P-400 Bell P-400 Airacobra Number assigned to the Airacobra's built to British contracts. P-559 Thomas-Morse P-559 Redesignated P-13. P-900 Lockheed P-900 Renamed P-24. P-925 Boeing P-925 Version of the P-12 with an R-1340D or E engine. This became the P-12E. P-934 Curtiss P-934 Also known as P-31 P-936 Boeing P-936 The two P-26 prototypes, that were at first owned by Boeing and not the USAF, had this number. P-940 Boeing P-29 Redesignated P-29. P-948 Northrop XP-948 Fighter, based on the FT, but fitted with retractable landing gear. The XP-948 was intended as a possible successor to the P-26. The XP-948 (Northrop model 3A) disappeared on a demonstration flight, never to be seen again. Later it was alledged (without any proof) that the XP-948 was secretly handed over to the Japanese, who developed the Mitsubishi A6M 'Zero' from it... Type: XP-948 Function: fighter Year: 1935 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 750hp P&W R-1535 Wing Span: 9.75m Length: 7.01m Height: Wing Area: Empty Weight: Max.Weight: Speed: Ceiling: Range: Armament: PA-1 Loening PA-1 Biplane fighter Type: PA-1 Function: fighter Year: Crew: Engines: 1 * 350hp Wright Speed: 234km/h Ceiling: Range: Armament: PB Boeing PB Naval version of the B-17. The PB-1G was stripped of armament and fitted with equipment SAR missions. The PB-1W was a conversion with an AN/APS-20 early-warning radar, as ASW and AEW aircraft. PB-1 Berliner-Joyce PB-1 PB stood for 'Pursuit Biplace', two-seat fighter. The PB-1 was known as the P-16 before this designation was introduced. PB-2 Consolidated PB-2 The P-30, redesignated PB for Pursuit Biplace. Type: PB-2A Function: fighter Year: 1935 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 700hp Curtiss V-1570-61 Empty Weight: 4306lb Max.Weight: 5643lb Speed: 441km/h Ceiling: Range: 817km Armament: 3*mg7.62mm 10*b17lb PB2B Boeing PB2B PBY built by Boeing. PB2M Martin XPB2M-1 Mars Patrol-bomber flying boat. Production version was the JRM transport. Type: XPB2M-1 Function: reconaissance Year: Crew: Engines: Speed: Ceiling: Range: Armament: PB2Y Consolidated PB2Y Coronado Flying boat. Intended to replace the PBY, but never had the succes of its precursor. The PB2Y was a large, four-engined aircraft with twin tail fins. Some were also used as transports, because of their capacious fuselage. Type: PB2Y-3 Function: reconaissance Year: 1941 Crew: 10 Engines: 4 * 895kW P&W R-1830-88 Wing Span: 35.05m Length: 24.16m Height: 8.38m Wing Area: 165.36m2 Empty Weight: 18568kg Max.Weight: 30844kg Speed: 359km/h Ceiling: 6250m Range: 3815km Armament: 8*mg12.7mm, 5443kg Consolidated PB2Y-3R and PB2Y-5R Transport version of the PB2Y Coronado patrol flying boat. All armament removed; turrets faired over. Type: PB2Y-3R Function: transport Year: 1941 Crew: 5 Engines: 4 * 1200 P&W R-1830-92 Speed: 310km/h Ceiling: Range: 1710km Freight: 7246kg, 44 seats PB4Y Consolidated PB4Y The PB4Y-1 was the B-24 Liberator in naval use. The PB4Y-2 Privateer was a development of the late single-tail B-24N Liberator. It could be recognized by its single tail, waist gunner bulges, and different positioning of the oil coolers. Type: PB4Y-2 Function: reconaissance Year: 1944 Crew: 11 Engines: 4 * 990kW P&W R-1830-94 Speed: 381km/h Ceiling: 6300m Range: 4500km Armament: 12*mg12.7mm, 2725kg PBB Boeing XPBB-1 Sea Ranger Flying boat. Type: XPBB-1 Function: reconaissance Year: 1942 Crew: 10 Engines: 2 * 1470kW Wright Duplex Cyclone Speed: Ceiling: Range: Armament: 20*b454kg PBJ North American PBJ Mitchell Naval B-25. PBM Martin PBM Mariner Patrol and ASW flying boat, 1235 built. Type: PBM-3D Function: reconaissance / ASW Year: 1942 Crew: 9 Engines: * 1400kW Wright R-2600-22 Speed: 320km/h Ceiling: 5200m Range: 4400km Armament: 6*mg12.7mm, 1800kg PBN Naval Aircraft Factory PBN Nomad NAF developed a new version of the Catalina, also known as the PBY-6A. PBO Lockheed PBO Navy A-29 Hudson. PBS Sikorsky PBS Precursor of the VS-44 civil flying boat. Type: XPBS-1 Function: reconaissance Year: 1937 Crew: Engines: 4 * 770kW P&W Speed: Ceiling: Range: Armament: PBV Canadian Vickers PBV License-built PBY. PBY Consolidated PBY Catalina The most famous flying boat of WWII, built in large numbers. The Catalina carried its big wing on a pylon on top of the fuselage. It was slow and hence vulnerable, but had long range and was reliable. The PBY was also built in the USSR and Canada, and flew in British, French, Soviet, Australian, Dutch and Canadian service. Type: PBY-5A Function: reconaissance Year: 1939 Crew: 7 Engines: 2 * 895kW P&W R-1830-92 Wing Span: 31.70m Length: 19.47m Height: 6.15m Wing Area: 130.06m2 Empty Weight: 9845kg Max.Weight: 16066kg Speed: 288km/h Ceiling: 4480m Range: 4096km Armament: 2*mg12.7mm, 3*mg7.62mm, 1814kg PD Douglas PD Twin-engined patrol flying boat, modification of PN. Type: PD-1 Function: reconaissance Year: 1931 Crew: 4 Engines: 2 * 429kW R-1820 Max. Speed: 194km/h Ceiling: 3540 m Max. Range: km Armament: PH Hall PH Flying boat, 24 built. Last US biplane flying boat. Development of the Naval Aircraft Factory PN. Type: PH-3 Function: reconaissance Year: 1936 Crew: 6 Engines: 2 * 550kW R-1820-F51 Speed: 256km/h Ceiling: 6500m Range: 3120km Armament: 4*mg7.7mm, 454kg PJ General Aviation PJ Twin-engined rescue flying boat. The PJ-1 had pusher props, the PJ-2 tractor props. Type: PJ-1 Function: reconaissance / SAR Year: Crew: 4 Engines: 2 * 420hp P&W Wasp Speed: Ceiling: Range: Armament: PK Keystone PK Development of the PN. All-metal biplane flying boat. Type: PK-1 Function: reconaissance Year: 1933 Crew: 5 Engines: 2 * 575hp Wright Cyclone Speed: 192km/h Ceiling: 12000ft Range: Armament: PM Martin PM Biplane flying boat. Type: PM-1 Function: reconaissance Year: 1931 Crew: 5 Engines: 2 * 550hp Wright Cyclone Speed: 197km/h Ceiling: 2200m Range: 2320km Armament: PN-1 Curtis PN-1 Nightfighter, 1921. PN Naval Aircraft Factory PN Biplane flying boat. The NAF built a long series of such aircraft to develop and refine the design. Type: PN-12 Function: reconaissance Year: 1931 Crew: 5 Engines: 2 * 525hp Wright R-1570D Cyclone Speed: 182km/h Ceiling: 3325m Range: 2080km Armament: PO Lockheed PO Radar AEW version of the Super Constellation. PT Naval Aircraft Factory PT PT-1 Consolidated PT-1 Development of TW-3. Type: PT-1 Function: trainer Year: 1924 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 180hp Wright E Speed: 166km/h Ceiling: Range: PT-3 Consolidated PT-3 Version of PT-1 with 164kW Wright J-5 PT-8 Consolidated PT-8 Developed from the O-17. PT-11 Consolidated PT-11 Training biplane. Version of BT-7. Type: PT-11 Function: trainer Year: 1932 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 400hp P&W Wasp Junior Speed: 256km/h Ceiling: 6924m Range: Armament: PT-13 Boeing-Stearman PT-13 Kaydet Trainer, of mixed construction, with a Lycoming R-680 engine. Also built as PT-17 with a Jacobs engine, and as NS and N2S for the USN. Most built (8584) US biplane trainer. Some of them are still flying. Type: PT-1113 Task: trainer Year: 1936 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 160kW Lycoming R-680-5 Max. Speed: 200km/h Ceiling: 3400m Max. Range: 750km Armament: none PT-14 Waco PT-14 Two-seat trainer biplane. Type: Waco F-7YPF Function: trainer Year: Crew: Engines: 1 * 225hp Jacobs R-755-5 Speed: 227km/h Ceiling: 4880m Range: Armament: PT-16 Ryan PT-16 Basic model of the PT-16/PT-20/PT-21/PT-22 series. Type: PT-16 Function: trainer Year: 1939 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 125hp Menasco C-4 Speed: 241km:h Ceiling: 5340m Range: 560km Armament: PT-17 Boeing-Stearman PT-17 Kaydet Version of the PT-13 with a 220hp Continental R-670-5 engine. PT-18 Boeing-Stearman PT-18 Kaydet Another variation on the PT-13, this time with an Jacobs R-755 engine of 225hp. PT-19 Ryan PT-19 Cornell Monoplane training aircraft with open cockpits and fixed landing gear. Other versions were the PT-23 and PT-26. Production of the PT-19 was 4845. Its only fault was probably that it was too easy too fly, which was not good for training. It was later replaced by the PT-17. Type: PT-19A Task: trainer Year: 1940 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 175hp Ranger L-440-1 Wing Span: 10.65m Length: 8.48m Height: 2.25m Wing Area: 18.4m2 Empty Weight: 855kg Max.Weight: 1260kg Max. Speed: 200km/h Ceiling: 3965m Max. Range: 690km PT-20 Ryan PT-20 Development of PT-16 PT-21 Ryan PT-21 Development of the PT-16 with a 130hp Kinner radial. PT-22 Ryan PT-22 Recruit Development of the PT-16. The PT-22 had a 160hp Kinner R-5 radial engine. It wasn't easy to fly and had a high accident rate. 1023 built until end of production in 1942. PT-23 Ryan PT-23 PT-19 with an 220hp Continental R-670-11 engine. About 6900 built. PT-24 De Havilland PT-24 Tiger Moth British biplane trainer. The USAAF ordered 200, but they were used by the RCAF. PT-25 Ryan PT-25 Trainer, similar to the PT-16 but an entirely new design, built from nonstrategic materials. Type: PT-25 Function: trainer Year: 1943 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 185hp Lycoming O-435-1 Speed: 239km/h Ceiling: 6190m Range: 605km Armament: PT-26 Ryan PT-26 Cornell Version of the PT-19 for Canada. Type: PT-26A Function: trainer Year: Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 149kW Ranger L-440-7 Wing Span: 10.97m Length: 8.45m Height: 2.32m Wing Area: 18.58m2 Empty Weight: 917kg Max.Weight: 1241kg Speed: 196km/h Ceiling: 4025m Range: 644km Armament: PT-27 Boeing-Stearman PT-27 Kaydet Version of the PT-17 for the Canadian Air Force. PTBH Hall XPTBH-2 Torpedo-bomber flying boat developed from the PH. The Navy did not ask for such aircraft... PV Lockheed PV The PV-2 Harpoon and PV-1,3,7 Ventura were sea patrol and ASW aircraft. Developed from the model 18 Lodestar. Type: PV-2 Function: reconaissance / ASW Year: 1944 Crew: 5 Engines: 2 * 1470kW P&W R-2800-31 Speed: 453km/h Ceiling: 7300m Range: 3550km Armament: 9*mg12.7mm, 2720kg PW-2 Loening PW-2 Experimental monoplane of 1920. Ten built, most of them with a Wright-Hispano engine. When the wings and fuselage of one came apart in flight, the program ended. Type: PW-2 Function: fighter Year: 1921 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 322hp Wright H Max. Speed: Ceiling: m Max. Range: km Armament: Type: PW-5 Fokker PW-5 One built. Type: PW-5 Function: fighter Year: Crew: Engine: 1 * Wright-Hispano Max.Speed: 230km/h Ceiling: m Max. Range: km Armament: 2*mg PW-6 Fokker PW-6 One built. Type: PW-6 Function: fighter Year: Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 220kW Wright-Hispano Max. Speed: 220km/h Ceiling: m Max. Range: km Armament: 2*mg PW-7 Fokker PW-7 Type: PW-7 Function: fighter Year: Crew: Engines: x Max. Speed: 225km/h Ceiling: m Max. Range: km Armament: PW-8 Curtiss PW-8 Only 25 built. Based on the new and very successfull Curtiss D-12 engine. Later renamed P-1. The first of the Curtiss Hawk series. Type: PW-8 Function: fighter Year: 1924 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 315kW Curtiss D-12 Max. Speed: 265km/h Ceiling: m Max. Range: 440miles Armament: 1*mg12.7mm 1*7.62mm PW-9 Boeing PW-9. Biplane fighter, Boeing's first. The PW-9 was a single-bay biplane; the lower wing had short span than the upper one, and the was the succesfull Curtiss D-12. 113 built. Type: PW-9 Function: fighter Year: 1925 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 320kW Curtiss D-12 Max. Speed: 250km/h Ceiling: Max. Range: Armament: 1*mg12.7mm 1*mg7.62mm PY Martin PY Admiral The PY was designed by the Naval Aircraft Factory and built by Martin; in that days construction was awarded to the designer who could build it at the lowest price. The aircraft was in fact assigned to Consolidated, hence the Y. A civil version was sold as the Consolidated Commodore. --Q--------------------------------------------------------------------------- --R--------------------------------------------------------------------------- R-1 Platt-Le Page R-1 The R-1 helicopter had a large wing with rotors fitted on the wing tips, and a fuselage with a conventional aircraft tail and a glazed nose. Type: XR-1A Function: utility Year: 1943 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * kW P&W R-985-AN-1 Speed: Ceiling: Range: Load: R.1 Verville-Packard R.1 This was the first racing aircraft built for the USAAC, a clean biplane. Type: R.1 Function: racing Year: 1920 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 638hp Packard 1A-2025 Speed: 299km/h Ceiling: Range: Armament: R-1 Lockheed TR-1 Tactical recce version of the U-2R. The TR-1 has a side-looking radar to look 55km 'over the border', flying high on the own side. This was the third productiin run of the U-2. Later the USAF abandoned the TR-1 designation and all aircraft were renamed U-2R, because the differences between U-2R and TR-1 were very minor. Type: TR-1A Task: Tactical reconaissance. Year: 1981 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 75.6kN P&W J75-P-13B Max. Speed: 692km/h Ceiling: 27430m Max. Range: +4830km Armament: R-2 Kellett XR-2 Autogiro. One, formerly YG-1C. R2C Curtiss R2C Development of the CR. Type: R2C-1 Task: racing Year: 1923 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 360kW Curtiss D-12A Max. Speed: 420km/h Ceiling: 9700m Max. Range: Armament: none R2D Douglas R2D Navy version of C-32. R2K Fairchild R2K Fairchid model 22, a two-seat parasol wing monoplane. The R2K-1 was radial-engined, but there were versions with inline engines. R2O Lockheed R2O Navy designation of Lockheed 10A R2Y Consolidaed Vultee R2Y Model 39 transport. Used PB4Y Privateer wings and tail. One built. Went to American Airlines. Type: R2Y-1 Function: transport Year: Crew: Engines: Speed: 384km/h Ceiling: Range: 6400km R-3 Kellett XR-3 Autogiro. One, formerly YG-1B. R-3 Verville-Sperry R-3 Won the Pulitzer trophy of 1924 with an average speed of 349km/h. Type: R-3 Task: racing Year: 1924 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 370kW Curtiss D-12 Max. Speed: 355km/h Ceiling: Max. Range: Armament: R-3 Navy Curtiss R-3 Won the Schneider Trophy of 1923 with an average speed of 286km/h. Type: R-3 Task: racing Year: 1923 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 340kW Curtiss D-12 Max. Speed: 315km/h Ceiling: Max. Range: Armament: R-3 Lockheed R-3 Version of the P-3 used for geomagnetic cartography. R-3 Lockheed TR-3 The TR-3 or 'Black Manta' rumoured to be a Stealth flying-wing spy-plane. Its existence has not been admitted by the USAF. Reports claim that the TR-3 is a single-seat, twin-engined flying wing aircraft, with a curved trailing edge. It is claimed to have been active during 'Desert Storm', in cooperation with the F-117. Type: TR-3A Function: reconaissance Year: Crew: Engines: 2 * G.E. F404 Wing Span: 19m Length: 13m Height: 4.3m Wing Area: Empty Weight: Max.Weight: 28120kg Speed: Ceiling: Range: 5630km Armament: R3C Curtiss R3C Development of the R2C. Won the Schneider Trophy in 1925 with an average speed of 374km/h. Type: R3C-2 Task: racing Year: 1925 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 455kW Curtiss V-1400 Max. Speed: 400km/h Ceiling: Max. Range: Armament: R3D Douglas R3D Rather unsuccesful high-wing transport, the Douglas DC-5. Twelve built. Seven for the USN, five for KLM. Type: DC-5 Function: transport Year: 1942 Crew: 2 Engines: 2 * 900hp Wright GR-1820-G102A Wing Span: 23.77m Length: 19.05m Height: 6.05m Wing Area: 76.55m2 Empty Weight: 6202kg Max.Weight: 9072kg Speed: 370km/h Ceiling: 7230m Range: 2575km Freight: 16 seats R3O Lockheed R3O Navy designation for Lockheed 12 R3Y Convair R3Y Tradewind The P5Y patrol flying boat was converted to the R3Y transport. Eleven built. Their career was short due to engine problems. Type: R3Y-2 Function: transport Year: 1955 Crew: 5 Engines : 4 * 4100kW Allison T40-A-10 Speed: 386mph Ceiling: Range: Freight: 48000lbs. R4, Curtiss Two-seat bomber first flown in 1915. Used for training. Type: R4 Function: bomber Year: 1915 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 200hp Curtiss V-2 Max. Speed: 90mph Ceiling: m Max. Range: km Armament: 1020lbs R-4 Sikorsky R-4 Hoverfly Sikorsky VS-316. First operational helicopter used by the USAAF, the R-4 was a development of the original VS-300. A few saw service in WWII. 130 built. Type: YR-4B Function: utility Year: 1943 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 147kW Warner R-550-3 Speed: 131km/h Ceiling: 2440m Range: 370km Load: 150kg R4C Curtiss R4C Condor Two BT-32 Condors biplane transports operated by the USN. Type: R4C-1 Function: transport Year: Crew: 3 Engines: 2 * 720hp Wright R-1820F-2 Speed: 306km/h Ceiling: 7010m Range: 1152km Load: 1178kg R4D Douglas R4D Navy designation of the DC-3/C-47 family. The R4D-1 to R4D-8 were the C-47, C-49, C-53, C-53C, C-47A, C-47B, TC-47B and YC-47F / YC-129. R4O Lockheed R4O Navy designation for Lockheed 14 Super Electra. R4Q Fairchild R4Q Flying Boxcar Navy designation for C-119. R4Y Convair R4Y Version of the Convair 440 airliner for the USN. 1958. R-5 Sikorsky R-5 Two-seat observation helicopter, twice as large as the R-4. Type: R-5A Function: observation / utility Year: Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 450hp P&W R-985-AN-1 Speed: 144km/h Ceiling: Range: Load: up to four litters, carried externally. R5C Curtiss R5C Navy version of the C-46. R5D Douglas R5D Navy version of the C-54. R5O Lockheed R5O Navy version of C-56, C-59 and C-60. R6, Curtiss Development of the R4 with a 200hp Curtiss or Liberty engine. R-6 Sikorsky R-6 Utility helicopter, designed as a successor to the R-4. Some R-6 did serve in Birma during the last months of WWII. Type: R-6A Function: utility Year: 1944 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 245hp Franklin O-405-9 Speed: 161km/h Ceiling: 3050m Range: Load: two litters, carried externally. R-6 Army Curtiss R-6 Racing aircraft, a smaller development of the CR. Won the Pulitzer Trophy of 1922 with an average speed of 331km/h. Type: R-6 Task: racing Year: 1922 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 340kW Curtiss CD Max. Speed: 386km/h Ceiling: Max. Range: R6D Douglas R6D Renamed C-118. R6O Lockheed R6O Constellation Renamed R6V. R6V Lockheed R6V Constitution Large but underpowered troop-transport aircraft intended for use in the Pacific. Two built. Type: XR6V-1 Year: 1946 Crew: 12 Engines: 4 * 2200kW P&W Speed: Ceiling: Range: Freight: 168 seats R-71 Lockheed SR-71 The famous mach 3.5+ spy plane, the fastest aircraft ever known to be in service with an air force. Recently put in storage. The large, delta-winged SR-71 gets is performance from the the J-58 engines, that act at as ramjets at high altitude and speed. It was related to the the YF-12 fighter and its precessor, the A-12 CIA-operated spy aircraft. Type: SR-71A Task: reconaissance Year: 1966 Crew: 2 Engines: 2 * 14740kg P&W J-58 Max. Speed: 3715km/h Ceiling: 26000m Max. Range: 4800km Armament: none R7O Lockheed R7O Constellation Renamed R7V. R7V Lockheed R7V Constellation. Navy version of the C-121 Constellation. The R7V-2 had P&W T34 turboprops and a top speed of 640km/h. R-8 Kellett XR-8 Single engined helicopter with twin intermeshing rotors. 1944. One built. R8V Lockheed R8V Hercules. Renamed C-130. R9 Curtiss R-9 Development of the R4 bomber with a 200hp Liberty engine. Had the distinction of being the first US built military aircraft to serve abroad. R-9 Firestone R-9 Experimental rotorcraft, 1946. R-10 Kellett XR-10 Ten-seat twin-engined helicopter with intermeshing rotors. One built. R-11 Hughes R-11 Former F-11. R-12 Republic R-12 Rainbow Former F-12 R-15 Northrop R-15 Formerly F-15. R-16 Boeing R-16 Reconaissance version of the B-52. Later renamed RB-52. RA Fokker RA Navy version of the Fokker C-2. Three built. RB Budd RB Conestoga For a 1942 design the RB transport looks very modern, with an upswept tail and a ramp. But it ran into development problems. The USAAF cancelled their 600 C-93's. The USN bought 17 RB-1's instead of 200 and quickly sold them. Type: RB-1 Function: transport Year: 1944 Crew: 2 Engines: 2 * 1200hp P&W R-1830-92 Speed: 315km/h Ceiling: Range: 1120km Freight: RD Douglas RD Navy version of C-21/C-26/C-29 series. RE Bellanca RE USN version of the Bellanca CH-400 Skyrocket civil light transport. The CH-400 was a high-wing aircraft with with fixed landing gear and streamlined, aerofoil-section wing struts. The USN bought three: The XRE-1 was used for radio trials, the XRE-2 as a light transport, and the RE-3 served as an ambulance aircraft. Type: 31-42 Senior Skyrocket Function: transport Year: 1935 Crew: Engines: 1 * 410kW P&W Wasp S3H1 Speed: 306km/h Ceiling: 7620m Range: 2060km Load: 8 seats RM Martin RM VIP transport. USCG version of the Martin 4-0-4 airliner. Type: 4-0-4 Function: transport Year: 1951 Crew: 4 Engines: 2 * P&W R-2800-CB16 Speed: 500km/h Ceiling: 8845m Range: 4160km Load: 40 seats RN Stinson Reliant Navy designation for the UC-81. Lend-Lease to GB. RO Lockheed RO One Lockheed DL-2A Altair ROE Hiller ROE Rotorcycle The XROE-1 was a small, foldable, one-man helicopter. Eleven built. Type: YROE-1 Function: utility Year: 1959 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * Nelson Speed: Ceiling: Range: Armament: RR Ford RR USN version of Ford TriMotor. RY Consolidated RY Navy version of the C-87. The RY-3 was a freight version of the PB4Y-2 Privateer. --S--------------------------------------------------------------------------- S-2 Grumman S-2 Tracker Classic ASW aircraft, a twin-engined shoulder-wing aircraft. Had a long career, and some are still in service, while others have a second life as firefighting aircraft -- sometimes reengined with turboprops. Type: S-2E Function: ASW Year: 1952 Crew: 4 Engines: 2 * 1120kW Wright R-1820-82WA Speed: 425km/h Ceiling: 6400m Range: 2100km Armament: S2F Grumman S2F Tracker Renamed S-2. S-3 Lockheed S-3 Viking ASW aircraft that replaced the S-2 Tracker. There also is an US-3 six-seat utility transport and an ES-3 electronic warfare aircraft. A shoulder wing with two jet engines in underwing nacelles. Type: S-3A Function: ASW Year: 1974 Crew: 4 Engines: 2 * 41.25kN G.E. TF34-GE-2 Speed: 834km/h Ceiling: 10670m Range: 5560km Armament: S3C Curtiss S3C Renamed F10C. S-4 Thomas-Morse S-4 Biplane fighter. Only used as advanced trainer. Type: S-4C Function: fighter Year: 1917 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 80hp Le Rhone Max. Speed: 97mph Ceiling: Max. Range: Armament: S4C Curtiss S4C Renamed SBC. S-5 Thomas-Morse S-5 Single-seat seaplane fighter. Type: S-5 Function: fighter Year: 1917 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 100hp Gnome Monosoupape Speed: 95mph Ceiling: Range: Armament: SB2A Brewster SB2A Buccaneer Dive bomber developed from SBA/SBN. 1052 built. Production problems caused two years delay; many were used as target tugs, others were scrapped straight from the production line. Type: SB2A-2 Function: dive bomber Year: 1940 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 1268kW Wright R-2600-8 Wing Span: 14.33m Length: 11.94m Height: 4.70m Wing Area: 35.21m2 Empty Weight: 4501kg Max.Weight: 6481kg Speed: 441km/h Ceiling: 7590m Range: 2690km Armament: 450kg 2*mg12.7mm 4*mg7.62mm SB2C Curtiss SB2C Helldiver Carrier-based dive bomber. The SB2C was designed to combine a powerfule engine and a large weapons load in a small airframe, for carrier operations. The SB2C was compact and dense, and its fuselage was inordinately small compared with the large wings and tail. The bad handling characteristics earned this dive bomber the nickname 'The Beast'. Its performance was little better than that of the older SBD. Nevertheless the USN fought several major battles with it, and over 7000 were built. Type: SB2C-4 Function: dive bomber Year: 1943 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 1400kW Wright R-2600-20 Wing Span: 15.16m Length: 11.18m Height: 4.01m Wing Area: 39.20m2 Empty Weight: 4784kg Max.Weight: 7537kg Speed: 475km/h Ceiling: 8900m Range: 3100km Armament: 2*g20mm, 2*mg12.7mm, 907kg SB2D Douglas XSB2D Intended as a successor to the SBD, the XSB2D-1 was an unspectacular aircraft. It was complicated and too heavy, with a R-3350 radial engine, an inverted gull, laminar flow wing, two remote controlled gun turrets, and nosewheel landing gear. Two built. Type: XSB2D-1 Function: dive bomber Year: 1943 Crew: Engines: 1 * Wright R-3350 Speed: Ceiling: Range: Armament: SB2U Vought SB2U Vindicator The SB2U combined biplane technology with a monoplane layout and was obsolete in 1940. Some were nevertheless used in WWII, with little success. Type: SB2U-1 Function: dive bomber Year: 1937 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 610kW P&W R-1535-96 Speed: 402km/h Ceiling: 8350m Range: 1610km Armament: 2*mg7.62mm, 454kg SB3U Vought SB3U Biplane alternative to the SB2U. One built. SBA Naval Aircraft Factory SBA Prototype of the SBN, Brewster-built. Shoulder-wing monoplane with a tubular fuselage. Type: XSBA-1 Function: dive bomber Year: 1940 Crew: 3 Engines: 1 * Wright R-1820-4 Speed: 486km/h Ceiling: 9150m Range: 1250km Armament: SBC Curtiss SBC Helldiver Biplane dive-bomber, developed from the F12C / S4C. Some originally ordered by France were used as trainers by the RAF, that called them Cleveland. The last US-built combat biplanes. Type: SBC-4 Function: dive bomber Year: 1937 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 700kW Wright R-1820-34 Wing Span: 10.36m Length: 8.57m Height: 3.17m Wing Area: 29.45m2 Empty Weight: 2065kg Max.Weight: 3211kg Speed: 377km/h Ceiling: 7315m Range: 950km Armament: 2*mg7.62mm, 227kg SBD Douglas SBD Dauntless The SBD was a small aircraft, slow and vulnerable, and already considered obsolete when it entered service. Nevertheless it sparheaded the early offensives in the Pacific and served throughout WWII. If anything, it was an accurate dive-bomber and got ample opportunity to show it. Type: SBD-5 Function: dive bomber Year: 1940 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 895kW Wright R-1820-60 Wing Span: Length: Height: Wing Area: Empty Weight: Max.Weight: Speed: 407km/h Ceiling: 7400m Range: 2085km Armament: 2*mg12.7mm, 2*mg7.7mm, 1*b725kg, 2*b45kg SBF SBF Helldiver SB2C Helldiver produced by Fairchild. SBF Grumman SBF One XSBF-1 was an adaptation of the SF-1 capable to carry an 500lb bomb. (See SF, FF) SBN Naval Aircraft Factory SBN Developed SBA, built by the NAF because Brewster did not have the space. 31 built, most used as trainers. Type: SBN-1 Function: dive bomber Year: 1940 Crew: 3 Engines: 1 * 700kW Wright R-1820-38 Wing Span: 11.89m Length: 8.43m Height: 2.62m Wing Area: 24.06m2 Empty Weight: 1851kg Max.Weight: 3066kg Speed: 410km/h Ceiling: 8700m Range: 1630km Armament: 1*mg12.7mm, 1*mg7.7mm, 227kg SBU Vought SBU Dive-bomber developed form the F3U two-seat fighter. Relegated to training and liaison during WWII. Type: SBU-1 Function: dive bomber Year: 1935 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 515kW P&W R-1535-80 Speed: 330km/h Ceiling: 7200m Range: 880km Armament: 2*mg7.62mm, 227kg SBW SBW Helldiver SB2C Helldiver produced by Canadian Car & Foundry. SC Curtiss SC 1925. Torpedo/recce aircraft. The Martin T3M torpedo bomber was a development. SC Curtiss SC Seahawk Catapult-launched scout floatplane, that could also be operated on wheeled landing gear. 576 built. Type: SC-1 Task: reconaissance Year: 1944 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 1007kW Wright R-1820-62 Wing Span: 12.50m Length: 11.09m Height: 3.89m Wing Area: 26.01m2 Empty Weight: 2867kg Max.Weight: 4082kg Max. Speed: 504km/h Ceiling: 11400m Max. Range: 1000km Armament: 2*mg12.7mm, 340kg SEMA-X Special Electronic Mission Aircraft. This was a twin-turbofan VSTOL aircraft, designed by Grumman. SEMA-X had a small wing and rotating 9065lb TF34-GE-100 engines at the mid-fuselage position. It was cancelled when the 'Sea Control Ship' concept, a small carrier for V/STOL aircraft, was abandoned. Type: SEMA-X Function: electronic warfare / design Year: 1976 Crew: Engines: 2 * 9065lb G.E. TF-34-100 Speed: 500mph Ceiling: Range: 1150mls Armament: SF Grumman SF Scout version of the FF Goblin two-seat fighter. 33 built. SG Great Lakes XSG-1 1932. Amphibian. S.H.4 Thomas-Morse S.H.4 Trainer and observation seaplane, 1917. SNB Beechcraft SNB USN version of the AT-7 (SNB-2) and AT-11 (SNB-1). SNC Curtiss SNC Falcon Low-wing monoplane trainer. Type: SNC-1 Function: trainer Year: Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 420hp Wright R-975-E3 Speed: 322km/h Ceiling: 6680m Range: 825km Armament: SNJ North American SNJ The AT-6 in service with the USN. SNV Vultee SNV Navy version of the BT-13. SO3C Curtiss SO3C Seamew/Seagull Floatplane. A total of 794 built. Considered unfit for service, and many used as radio-controlled target aircraft. Type: SO3C-2 Task: reconaissance Year: 1942 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 440kW Ranger V-770-6 Max. Speed: 240km/h Ceiling: 5030m Max. Range: 1512km Armament: 2*mg7.62mm 227kg b. SOC Curtiss SOC Seagull Single-engined biplane on floats, with possibe option for wheeled landing gear. Type: SOC-1 Task: observation Year: Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 600hp P&W R-1340-18 Max. Speed: 265km/h Ceiling: 4542m Max. Range: 1535km Armament: 2*mg7.62mm 2*b100lb SON Naval Aircraft SON Seagull NAF-built SOC SU Vought SU Corsair Modification of the O2U/O3U Corsair. Type: SU-1 Function: reconaissance Year: Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 600hp P&W Hornet Speed: 170mph Ceiling: 6250m Range: Armament: 2*mg --T--------------------------------------------------------------------------- T-1 Martin T-1 Transport version of the MB-1 bomber. One built. T-1 Lockheed T-1 Seastar Navy version of the T-33 trainer, also known as the T2V. T-1 Beech T-1 Jayhawk Trainer version of the BeechJet 400a business aircraft, a twin-turbofan aircraft. The T-1A is used as trainer for transport and tanker crews. T-2 Rockwell T-2 Buckeye Jet trainer. There also is a DT-2 drone control version. Type: T-2C Task: trainer Year: 1968 Crew: 2 Engines: 2 *13.12kN G.E. J856-GE-4 Max. Speed: 852km/h Ceiling: 13870m Max. Range: 1720km Armament: 290kg T2D Douglas T2D Twin engined torpedo biplane. Type: T2D-1 Task: torpedo aircraft Year: Crew: Engines: 2 * 525hp Wright Cyclone Max. Speed: Ceiling: Max. Range: Armament: T2J North American T2J Renamed T-2. T2V Lockheed T2V Seastar Navy version of the T-33. The changes necessary to make the aircraft carrier-capable were extensive. Type: T2V-1 Task: trainer Year: 1957 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 2770kg Allison J33-A-22 Max. Speed: 933km/h Ceiling: 12200m Max. Range: 1440km Armament: T-3 Slingsby T-3 Firefly Primary trainer, replacing the T-41. Type: T-3A Function: trainer Year: 1991 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 260hp Textron Lycoming AEIO-540-D4A5 Speed: 281km/h Ceiling: Range: 652km T3M Martin T3M Torpedo aircraft. Used wings of the Curtiss SC with a new fuselage. Type: T3M-1 Function: torpedo bomber Year: 1926 Crew: 3 Engines: 1 * 425kW Wright T3B Speed: 175km/h Ceiling: Range: 845km Armament: T4M Martin T4M Development of T3M. Type: T4M-1 Function: torpedo bomber Year: Crew: 3 Engines: 1 * 390kW P&W Hornet Speed: 185km/h Ceiling: 3100m Range: 590km Armament: 953kg b. T5M Martin T5M Also known as the BM. T-6 North American T-6 Harvard Also known as the AT-6. T-7 Beechcraft T-7 Also known as AT-7. T-11 Beechcraft T-11 Also known as AT-11. T-28 North American T-28 This was a successor to the T-6. Was also widely used as a COIN aircraft. Type: T-28D Task: trainer Year: 1967 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 960kW Wright R-1820-565 Max. Speed: 565km/h Ceiling: Max. Range: 1900km Armament: T-29 Convair VT-29 Trainer version of the Convair 240 twin-engined transport. Later used as VIP transports. T-29 Convair T-29 Also known as AT-29. Crew trainer version of the Convair 240. Type: T-29B Function: trainer Year: Crew: Engines: 2 * 2500hp P&W R-2800-99W Speed: 480km/h Ceiling: 6320m Range: 2400km Armament: T-30 Douglas T-30 Cancelled. T-31 Fairchild T-31 Two seat primary trainer. No production aircraft. T-32 Convair T-32 Project only. Version of the CV-240 airliner. T-33 Lockheed T-33 The 'T-bird' was the most famous jet trainer ever, a development of the P-80 fighter. It was built and sold in large numbers. Some time ago Boeing proposed to revive the surviving T-33 airframes by an extensive rebuild! There was also an DT-33 drone control vesion and a single-seat RT-33 recce version. Type: T-33A Task: trainer Year: 1948 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 2360kg Allison J33-35 Max. Speed: 960km/h Ceiling: 15000m Max. Range: Armament: 2 * mg12.7mm T-34 Beechcraft T-34 Mentor The T-34 (Bonanza) has been a standard USAF trainer for a long time. The T-34C is reengined with a turboprop, the T-34A had a Continental O-470-13 of 225hp. Type: T-34C Task: trainer Year: 1973 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 298kW P&WC PT6A-25 Max. Speed: 414km/h Ceiling: 9150m Max. Range: 1205km Armament: 544kg T-35 Temco T-35 Buckaroo T-36 Beechcraft T-36 Jet Mentor Cancelled. T-37 Cessna T-37 A small twin-engined jet, with side-by-side seating, the standard USAF jet trainer that will soldier on for some time, because an attempt to replace it has failed. 1268 built, plus an additional 577 of the A-37 light attack aircraft that was developed from it. Type: T-37C Task: trainer Year: 1954 Crew: 2 Engines: 2 *4.56kN Continental J69-T-25 Max. Speed: 707km/h Ceiling: 8000m Max. Range: 1520km Armament: 2*b 205lb T-38 Northrop T-38 Talon Supersonic training aircraft related to the F-5 fighter. Type: T-38A Task: trainer Year: 1961 Crew: 2 Engines: 2 * 1750kg GE J65-GE-5 Max. Speed: M1.23 Ceiling: 16300m Max. Range: 1770km Armament: T-39 Rockwell T-39 Trainer version of the Sabreliner business aircraft. The T-39B is a radar trainer. Type: T-39A Task: trainer Year: Crew: Engines: 2 * G.E. J85 Max. Speed: Ceiling: Max. Range: Armament: T-40 Lockheed T-40 Jetstar Renamed C-140. T-40 Designation applied to flight simulator. ? T-41 Cessna T-41 Mescalero The Cessna 172 with a layer of military paint. The USAF bought 864; total production of the Cessna 170/172/175/182 series exceeded 60000. Type: T-41A Task: trainer Year: 1965 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 110kW Lycoming O-320-E2D Max. Speed: 225km/h Ceiling: 4000m Max. Range: 1030km Load: 2 seats T-42 Beechcraft T-42 Cochise Military version of the Beech Baron. T-43 Boeing T-43 A trainer version of the Boeing 737, equipped for 12 trainee navigators. 19 built. Type: T-43A Task: trainer Year: 1973 Crew: Engines: 2 * 6575kg P&W JT8D-9 Max. Speed: 943km/h Ceiling: Max. Range: Armament: T-44 Beechcraft T-44 Military version of the Beech 90 King Air. Type: T-44A Task: trainer Year: 1977 Crew: 2 Engines: 2 * 410kW P&WC PT6A-34B Max. Speed: 445km/h Ceiling: 8990m Max. Range: 2340km Armament: T-45 Designation applied to a flight simulator. ? T-45 McDonnell Douglas T-45 Goshawk The USN did choose an adapted British Aerospace Hawk for its carrier-capable trainer requirement. The Hawk is a single-engined, low-wing jet trainer with a secondary attack capability; BAe also built a single seat 'fighter/attack' version. Type: T-45A Task: trainer Year: 1989 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 24.24kN R.-R. Turbomeca F405-RR-400L Max. Speed: 997km/h Ceiling: 12875m Max. Range: 1850km Armament: T-46 Fairchild T-46 The T-46 was intended to replace the T-37. Only the three prototypes were built, before the cost of the program halted it. Type: T-46A Task: trainer Year: 1985 Crew: 2 Engines: 2 * 602kg Garret F109-GA-100 Max. Speed: 725km/h Ceiling: 13500m Max. Range: 2010km Armament: T-47 Cessna T-47 The USN has used 15 Cessna Citation S/II's as radar trainers, designated T-47A. The T-47B is intended for the USAF as a tanker trainer. Type: T-47A Task: radar trainer Year: 1985 Crew: 5 Engines: 2 * 12.89kN P&WC JT15D-5 Max. Speed: M0.733 Ceiling: Max. Range: Armament: T-48 Cessna T-48 Development of the T-37. Type: YT-48A Task: trainer Year: Crew: Engines: 2 * Garret F019-GA-100 Max. Speed: Ceiling: Max. Range: Armament: TA Fokker TA The three TA-1s were bomber versions of the C-2A (Fokker F.VII) delivered to the USMC for use in Nicaragua in 1928. TA-2 Huff-Daland TA-2 Renamed AT-1. 75kW Anzani engine. TA-3 Wright TA-3 Version of TW-3 with 80hp or 100hp Le Rhone engine. TA-6 Huff-Daland TA-6 Renamed AT-1. 149 Lawrence J-1 engine. TB Boeing TB 1927. Torpedo-bomber biplane with side-by-side seating for pilot and navigator. Three built. Type: TB-1 Function: torpedo bomber Year: Crew: 3 Engines: 1 * 850hp Packard 2A-2500 Speed: Ceiling: Range: Armament: TB Boeing TB Trainer. 1927, three built. TB2D Douglas TB2D Skypirate Large torpedo-bomber intended for service on the Midway-class carriers. Powered by the big R-4360 engine, the BT2D could carry four torpedoes in an internal armament bay. The TB2D was a good aircraft, but it was already obsolete when the Midway-class carriers entered service. It was cancelled at the end of WWII. Type: XTB2D-1 Function: torpedo bomber Year: 1945 Crew: 3 Engines: 1 * 3350hp P&W R-4360-8 Wing Span: Length: Height: Wing Area: Empty Weight: Max.Weight: Speed: Ceiling: Range: Armament: 8000lb TB2F Grumman TB2F Formerly called TSF. TB3F Grumman TB3F Renamed AF. TBD Douglas TBD Devastator Standard USN torpedo aircraft in 1941. Obsolete; suffered heavy losses. 130 built. Type: TBD-1 Function: torpedo bomber Year: 1936 Crew: 3 Engines: 1 * 660kW P&W R-1830-64 Speed: 332km/h Ceiling: 6000m Range: 1600km Armament: 2*mg7.62mm, 454kg TBF Grumman TBF Avenger Standard carrier-borne torpedo aircraft and light bomber of WWII and the period after the war. With its fat fuselage and rectangular surfaces the TBF was rather ugly, but it was a sturdy and reliable aircraft of advanced concept. Later models carried radar equipment for the ASW and EAW roles. Many Avengers were TBM's, built by General Motors. 9839 built. Type: TBF-1 Function: torpedo bomber Year: 1942 Crew: 3 Engines: 1 * 1250kW Wright R-2600-8 Wing Span: 16.51m Length: 12.20m Height: 4.19m Wing Area: 45.52m2 Empty Weight: 4788kg Max.Weight: 7876kg Speed: 436km/h Ceiling: 6830m Range: 4075km Armament: 3*mg12.7mm, 907kg TBG Great Lakes XTBG-1 Dive bomber. Lost out to the TBD for orders. TBM General Motors TBM Avenger See also TBF. 4657 of the Avengers were built by GM and called TBM. The TBM-3R was a COD version of the TBF/TBM series, with the gun turret faired over and seven seats; the TBM-3W version of the TBF/TBM Avenger was a AEW aircraft with a large radome under the forward fuselage, and two additional fins on the tailplane. The TBM-3Q was an electronic warfare version, also with a ventral radome and two extra fins. TBU Vought TBU The production version was renamed TBV/TBY. TBV Consolidated Vultee TBV Seawolf Navy version of the A-41. (?) TBV-2 had crew of three, P&W R-2800 engine. TBY Consolidated TBY Sea Wolf Renamed TBV. TD2N Naval Aircraft Factory See TDR. TD2R Interstate Development of TDR with 450hp engines. TD3N Naval Aircraft Factory Development of TD2N. TD3R Interstate Development of TDR. TDL Bell TDL The two XTDL-1s were Bell P-39Qs, used as target aircraft by the USN. They were later renamed F2L-1K. TDN Naval Aircraft Factory Precursor of TD2N / TDR. TDR Interstate Production version of the TD2N. The TDR was a remotely-controlled aircraft -- a cockpit was provided for ferry flights. It was a clean twin-engined monoplane with fixed landing gear. The TDR was fitted with a TV-camera in the nose, and could carry a bomb or a torpedo. The TDR was used in some attacks in the Pacific in 1944. Type: TDR-1 Function: attack Year: 1942 Crew: 1 Engines: 2 * 220hp Lycming O-435-2 Speed: 225km/h Ceiling: Range: 685km Armament: 906kg TF Grumman TF The Grumman Trader COD aircraft, later renamed C-1. The TF-1Q was an electronic testbed. TG Great Lakes TG Biplane torpedo bomber developed form the T4M. Type: TG-2 Function: torpedo bomber Year: 1934 Crew: 3 Engines: 1 * 575hp Wright Cyclone Speed: 205km/h Ceiling: 4010m Range: Armament: THAP Tactical High Altitude Penetrator. Alledged Nortrop technology demonstrator for the (also alledged) stealth reconnaissance aicraft TR-3. Type: THAP Function: experimental Year: 1978 Crew: Engines: 2 * Wing Span: 17m Length: 11.6m Height: 4.3m Wing Area: Empty Weight: Max.Weight: 26310kg Speed: Ceiling: Range: Armament: T.M.23 Thomas-Morse T.M.23 Small, all-metal single-seat biplane fighter. Even after major constructional modifications, the handling of the T.M.23 remained poor. Prototype only. Type: T.M.23 Function: fighter Year: 1924 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 440hp Curtiss D-12 Wing Span: 8.12m Length: 6.60m Height: Wing Area: 24.52m2 Empty Weight: 870kg Max.Weight: 1227kg Speed: 269km/h Ceiling: Range: 2.15hrs Armament: 1*mg12.7mm 1*mg7.62mm TO Lockheed TO Designation applied by the USN to (purely land-based) P-80 Shooting Stars that it used as trainers. Renamed TV after 1950. TR Curtiss TR Variation on the TS, with a different wing and/or engine. TR Navy-Wright TR Racing aircraft. The TR-3A did not compete in the 1923 Schneider races. It was a development of the TS/FC fighter. TS Curtiss TS First US biplane designed as a carrier fighter. Designed by the Naval Aircraft Factory. Also known as FC. Type: TS-1 Function: fighter Year: Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 220hp Lawrance J-1 Speed: 210km/h Ceiling: Range: Armament: TSF Grumman TSF Cancelled. Attack aircraft with two 1900hp P&W R-2800-22 engines. TT Temco TT Pinto First US jet primary trainer. Type: TT-1 Task: trainer Year: 1959 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 4.1kN Continental J69-T-9 Max. Speed: Ceiling: Max. Range: Armament: TV Lockheed TV The P-80 and T-33 in Navy service. The T2V was a more carrier-capable development. TW-2 Cox-Klemin TW-2 Two-seat training biplane. Three built. TW-3 Wright TW-3 Two-seat biplane trainer. 134kW Wright engine. TW-5 Huff-Daland TW-5 Renamed AT-1. Wright-Hispano E-2. --U--------------------------------------------------------------------------- U-1 De Havilland Canada U-1 Otter The DHC-3 Otter, a single-engined STOL transport. Type: DHC-3 Country: Canada Function: transport Year: 1951 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 600hp P&W R-1340-S1H1-G Wing Span: 17.68m Length: 12.75m Height: 3.84m Wing Area: 34.84m2 Empty Weight: 2010kg Max.Weight: 3629kg Speed: 222km/h Ceiling: 5730m Range: 1520km Load: 14 seats U-1 De Havilland Canada NU-1 Version of the U-1 Otter. U-2 Lockheed U-2 The U-2, a high-flying reconaissance aircraft, was camouflaged by this inoccent name. Ironically it has become the most famous U-designated aircraft... The extremely high-flying U-2 spyplane became infamous in 1960 by being shot down over the Soviet Union. After that, the U-2 was claimed to be restricted to meteorological and environment control flights -- some people actually believed that. It continued to spy above countries other than the USSR, as China and Cuba. Some were shot down. The WU-2 was used for sampling of the stratosphere, and examening the fall-out from nuclear tests. Later versions had a J75 engine. The U-2R is a much-modified version with two large pods on the wing, built in the second and third production runs --- the aircraft of the third series were named TR-1 for some time. The latest U-2R models were still present during the 1991 Gulf War. Reengining with the lighter and more powerful G.E. F118-GE-F29 engine is under way. Type: U-2B Task: reconaissance Year: 1956 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 7710kg P&W J57-P-13B Max. Speed: 850km/h Ceiling: 27400m Max. Range: 6640km Armament: U-3 Cessna U-3 The Cessna 310C. Type: 310 Function: utility Year: 1954 Crew: 1 Engines: 2 * 213kW Continental IO-520-M Speed: 383km/h Ceiling: 6020m Range: 2800km Freight: 4 to 5 seats U-4 Aerocommander U-4 Aerocommander 560, used as VIP transport. Type: 560F Function: utility Year: 1961 Crew: Engines: 2 * 350hp Lycoming IGO-540B1A Speed: 402km/h Ceiling: 6675m Range: 2745km Freight: U-5 Helio U-5 The Helio H-500 Twin Courier U-6 De Havilland Canada U-6 The DHC-2 Beaver. Type: DHC-2 Function: utility Year: 1948 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 330kW P&W R-985 Speed: 260km/h Ceiling: 5500m Range: 1200km Freight: 4-5 seats U-7 Piper U-7 Also known as the L-21 U-8 Beechcraft U-8 Seminole The Beechcraft 50 Twin Bonanza or the Queen Air, also known as the L-23. Type: U-8D Function: utility Year: Crew: Engines: 2 * 254kW Lycoming O-480-1 Speed: 375km/h Ceiling: Range: 2170km Freight: 6 seats U-9 Aerocommander U-9 Aerocommander 560, also known as the L-26 or U-4. U-9 Aero Commander RU-9 The RU-9D was a modified U-9 carrying side-looking radar. U-10 Helio U-10 Super Courier High-wing liaison aircraft, of which about 500 were built, of which 65 for the US Army. Type: U-10D Function: utility Year: 1959 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 220kW Lycoming GO-480-G1D6 Wing Span: 11.89m Length: 9.45m Height: 2.69m Wing Area: 21.46m2 Empty Weight: 943kg Max. Weight: 1542kg Speed: 270km/h Ceiling: 6250m Range: 2200km Freight: 5 seats U-11 Piper U-11 The Piper PA-23 Aztec. Type: Aztec F Function: utility Year: 1978 Crew: 2 Engines: 2 * 187kW Lycoming IO-540-C4B5 Speed: 346km/h Ceiling: 5775m Range: 2445km Freight: 4 seats U-16 Grumman HU-16 Albatross Previously called UF by the USN. The Albatross was probably the most succesfull post-WWII flying boat. It was used mainly as a search & rescue aircraft. Type: HU-16D Function: utility Year: 1955 Crew: 4 Engines: 2 * 1063kW R-1820-76A Wing Span: 18.67m Length: 7.87m Height: Wing Area: 96.15m2 Empty Weight: 10380kg Max.Weight: 16193kg Speed: 380km/h Ceiling: 6555m Range: 4587km Armament: U-17 Cessna U-17 Skywagon The Cessna 185 high-wing cabin monoplane, in military service. About 450 were bought by the USAF from 1962 onwards. Type: Cessna 185 Function: utility Year: 1961 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 244kW Continental IO-520-D Wing Span: 10.92m Length: 7.81m Height: 2.36m Wing Area: 16.16m2 Empty Weight: 769kg Max.Weight: 1520kg Speed: 286km/h Ceiling: 5230m Range: 1575km Freight: up to 5 seats U-18 Ryan U-18 Navion Formerly L-17. U-19 Stinson U-19 Sentinel Stinson V-76, former L-5G. U-21 Beech U-21 Ute Beech Super King Air. Mainly RU-21J and RU-21H Guardrail intelligence aircraft. Also known as C-12. Type: U-21A Function: utility Year: Crew: 2 Engines: 2 * 550hp P&W PT6A-20 Speed: 426km/h Ceiling: 7970m Range: 2697km Load: 10 seats U-21 Beechcraft RU-21 Precursor of the RC-12. The RU-21 is equipped with receivers to intercept enemy communications. U-22 Beechcraft U-22 ? U-23 Fairchild/Pilatus U-23 Peacemaker The PC-6 Porter in USAF form. The AU-23 was a gunship version of the U-23; experimental only. U-24 Helio U-24 Helio H-550A Stallion, a turboprop-engined development of the Courier (See L-28 and U-10). The AU-24 was a gunship version, 15 were bought by the USAF. experimental only. U-25 Dassault-Breguet HU-25 Guardian The US Coast Guard bought 41 HU-25A's. They are developed from the Falcon 20. Eight were modified to 'Night Stalker' drugs intercept aircraft. Type: HU-25A Function: utility Year: 1979 Crew: 5 Engines: 2 * 2400kg Garret AiResearch ATF3-6 Speed: M0.8 Ceiling: Range: 4185km Freight: U-25 Beech U-25 Huron Cancelled. Beech A-200 Huron. U-26 Cessna U-26A Turbo Stationcar Cessna TU206 Skywagon. U-27 Cessna U-27A Caravan Cessna model 208 utility transport. Type: 208 Function: utility Year: 1984 Crew: Engines: 1 * 447kW P&WC PT6A-114 Wing Span: 15.88m Length: 11.46m Height: 4.32m Wing Area: 25.96m2 Empty Weight: 1752kg Max.Weight: 3692kg Speed: 341km/h Ceiling: 8410m Range: 2010km Freight: UC De Havilland Canada UC Otter See U-1. UF Grumman UF Albatross Also known as the HU-16 UF Vought UF Single-seat fighter derivative of the UO. UO Piper UO Also known as U-11 UO Vought UO Recce aircraft for the USN. Developed from the VE series. Type: UO-1 Task: reconaissance Year: Crew: Engines: 1 * 200hp Wright Whirlwind Max. Speed: 197km/h Ceiling: 5500m Max. Range: Armament: UV Lockheed UV Jetstar Navy designation for C-140. --V--------------------------------------------------------------------------- V-1 McDonnell V-1 The XV-1 was an experimental compound-heli. It had a broad-bladed rotor, a streamlined hub, a pusher propeller and twin tail booms. The rotor was by tipjets, fed with fuel and compressed air from the engine. Two small anti-torque tail rotors were fitted. Type: XV-1 Task: Experimental Year: 1954 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 405kW Continental R-975-19 Max. Speed: 322km/h Ceiling: Max. Range: Load: 3 seats V-1 Grumman OV-1 / RV-1 / EV-1 Mohawk The OV-1 is a STOL aircraft intended for COIN duties. It has twin turboprop engines and, for single-engine stabiity, triple tailfins. Later versions carried a SLAR pod. The RV-1's were electronic warfare conversions to track SAM radars. The original EV-1 electronic warfare version was not sold to the US forces. The OV-1 will be retired from US service in late 1995. Some were already transferred to Argentina. Type: OV-1B Task: tactical reconaissance Year: 1960 Crew: 2 Engines: 2 * 810kW Lycoming T53-L-15 Max. Speed: 480km/h Ceiling: 9250m Max. Range: 2140km Armament: V-2 Sikorsky Sikorsky S.57, a convertiplane powered by a radial engine. Cancelled. V-2 De Havilland Canada CV-2 US Army designation for the DHC-4. Renamed C-7. V-3 Bell XV-3 Experimental VTOL with a tilting rotor/propeller at each wingtip. The engine was buried in the box-like fuselage. Jetpipes at the tail were added. Two built. Type: XV-3 Task: experimental Year: 1955 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 330kW P&W R-985 Max. Speed: 291km/h Ceiling: 3600m Max. Range: Load: 3 seats V-4 Lockheed XV-4 Hummingbird Two built. The VTOL characteristics were attained by expelling the exhaust through large openings in lower fuselage; this was augmented by air sucked in by openings in the upper fuselage. The XV-4B was a modified version that used only direct jet lift. Type: XV-4A Task: experimental Year: 1962 Crew: Engines: 2 * 1500kg P&W JT12A-3 Max. Speed: Ceiling: Max. Range: Armament: V-5 Ryan XV-5 Two built. The XV-5A had large fans in the wings and the nose, and the jet exhaust under the tail could be deflected downwards. Type: XV-5B Task: experimental Year: 1964 Crew: 2 Engines: 2 * 1200kg G.E. J85-GE-5 Max. Speed: 880km/h Ceiling: 12200m Max. Range: 1600km Armament: V-6 Hawker XV-6 Kestrel The precursor of the AV-8 Harrier, Hawker-Siddeley P.1127. As evaluated by the USAF. V-7 De Havilland Canada UV-7 Also known as the C-8. V-8 McDonnell Douglas AV-8 Harrier The only operational Western VTOL aircraft, a British design. U.S. Harriers are used by the Marine Corps. The AV-8A was later replaced by the AV-8B with 50% more internal fuel and 70% more external ordnance. Type: AV-8B Function: attack Year: 1983 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 9730kg R.R. F402-RR-406 Speed: M 0.93 Ceiling: Range: 1205km Armament: 1*g25mm, 4170kg V-8 Ryan XV-8 Fleep The XV-8 has a flexible hang-glider wing. It was an ultralight, with a pusher prop. One built. Type: XV-8A Task: experimental Year: 1963 Crew: Engines: 1 * 155kW Continental IO-360-A Max. Speed: Ceiling: Max. Range: Armament: V-9 Hughes XV-9 One built. The engine exhaust was ducted through the rotor hub and the blades, and expelled from the rotor tips. The system proved reliable, but the aircraft itself had bad characteristics. Type: XV-9A Task: experimental Year: 1964 Crew: Engines: 2 * G.E. YT64-GE-6 Max. Speed: Ceiling: Max. Range: Armament: V-10 Rockwell OV-10 Bronco COIN aircraft, a twin-boom, twin-turboprop aircraft. The OV-10 had a large bulged cockpit for good view, two pylons under the fuselage for the weapons load, and a cargo hold in the aft fuselage for transport and paradrops. It played an important role in the Vietnam was as FAC. German OV-10s had a jet engine on top of the fuselage, to increase the performance for target-towing. Retired from US service in 1994. Type: OV-10A Task: tactical reconaissance. Year: 1965 Crew: 2 Engines: 2 * 533kW Garrett T76-G-416/417 Wing Span: 12.19m Length: Height: Wing Area: Empty Weight: 3127kg Max.Weight: Max. Speed: 452km/h Ceiling: Max. Range: 2225km Armament: 4*mg7.62mm, 1635kg V-11 Parsons XV-11 Marvel Developed by the Mississipi State University, as a testbed for boundary layer control. It had a T-63-A engine and a pusher propeller. V-15 Bell XV-15 A tilt-engine VTOL aircraft, precursor of the V-22 Osprey. As in the latter, the engines are at the wingtips and rotate. Type: XV-15 Task: experimental Year: 1977 Crew: 2 Engines: 2 * 1140kW Avco Lycoming LTC1K-4K Max. Speed: 615km/h Ceiling: 8840m Max. Range: 825km Armament: V-16 McDonnell Douglas / Hawker Siddeley AV-16 Super Harrier Cancelled. Uprating the R.R. Pegasus engine was considered too costly. V-16 McDonnell Douglas AV-16 SUper Harrier See bomber/attack list. V-18 De Havilland Canada UV-18 Military DHC-6. V-18 DeHavilland Canada UV-18 Twin Otter See freighter list. V-20 Pilatus UV-20 Chiricahua The PC-6 Turbo Porter, a STOL transport. Type: PC-6/B2-H2 Function: utility Year: Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 507kW P&WC PT6A-27 Speed: 259km/h Ceiling: 8535m Range: 1620km Load: 10 seats. V-20 Pilatus UV-20 See freighter list. V-22 Bell-Boeing V-22 Osprey The V-22 is destined to be the first operational tilt-rotor aircraft. It has the configuration of the V-15, with rotating engine pods set at the wingtips. The fuselage is box-like. The wing is set above the fuselage, and can rotate to be parallel with the fuselage, for storage. Possible production versions include the MV-22 for the USMC, HV-22 and SV-22 for the USN, and CV-22 for the USAF. The programme is under constant treat of budget cuts. Type: V-22 Task: VTOL prototype Year: 1989 Crew: 3 Engines: 2 * 4586kW Allison T406-AD-400 Max. Speed: 556km/h Ceiling: 7925m Max. Range: 3892km Armament/Load: 9072kg V-23 Skytrader UV-23 STOL utility aircraft, tested by the USAF as special operations transport. Type: UV-23 Year: 1989 Crew: 2 Engines: 2 * 761kW Turbomeca Astazou XVI Speed: 371km/h Ceiling: 9145m Range: 2130km Freight: 19 seats V-23 V-23 Skytrader See freighter list. V-141 Vought V-141 Vought bought the Northrop 3A (XP-948) design, and rapidly developed the V-141 from it. The USN didn't want the V-141; Vought then modified it and tried to export it as the V-143. Type: V-141 Function: fighter Year: Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 750hp P&W R-1535-SA1-G Wing Span: 10.2m Length: 6.81m Height: Wing Area: Empty Weight: Max.Weight: Speed: 483km/h Ceiling: 9330m Range: 1530km Armament: 2*mg7.5mm 158kg V-143 Vought V-143 Development of the V-141, actually a modification of the prototype, initially only involving redesign of the tail surfaces. Later the V-143 was modified more, with a long fuselage. Northrop (that still owned the export rights) sold the by now obsolete V-143 to Japan for a fraction of the cost: $64800. The V-143 provided inspiration for a new generation of Japanese combat aircraft. V-150 Vought V-150 Fighter aircraft marketed by Vought, that actually didn't exist. V-173 Vought V-173 Pancake-shaped test aircraft, an aerodynamic prototype for the F5U fighter. Type: V-173 Function: experimental Year: 1942 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * Speed: 240km/h Ceiling: Range: VE Vought VE Bluebird Post-WWI trainer biplane. Type: VE-7 Task: trainer Year: Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 150hp Hispano-Suiza Max. Speed: 106mph Ceiling: Max. Range: Armament: Viking 00-1 License-built version of the French F.B.A.17 biplane flying boat, powered by Wright J-6 radial engines. Five built for the US Coast Guard. VZ-1 Hiller VZ-1 One-man flying platform, propelled by a ducted airscrew. Two built. VZ-2 Vertol VZ-2 The VZ-2 carried its engine on top of a rectangular fuselage, with a split exhaust to avoid the rudder; the two propellers were fitted to the wing. The whole wing was tilted to achieve VTOL. Type: VZ-2A Task: VTOL experimental Year: 1957 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 630kW Lycoming YT-53-L-1 Max. Speed: Ceiling: Max. Range: Armament: VZ-3 Ryan VZ-3 Vertiplane The VZ-3 had extremely large flaps and endplates under the wingtips, deflecting the slipstream from the propellers downwards. Type: VZ-3RY Task: STOL experimental Year: 1958 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 740kW Lycoming T53-L-1 Max. Speed: Ceiling: Max. Range: Armament: VZ-4 Doak VZ-4 Small VTOL test aircarft; the engine powered large ducted fans at the wingtips. Type: VZ-4DA Task: VTOL experimental Year: 1958 Crew: Engines: 1 * 825hp Lycoming YT53 Max. Speed: Ceiling: Max. Range: Armament: VZ-5 Fairchild VZ-5FA The VZ-5 was very similar to the VZ-3, but it had four propellers and a small tail rotor. Type: VZ-5FA Task: VTOL experimental Year: Crew: Engines: Max. Speed: Ceiling: Max. Range: Armament: VZ-6 Chrysler VZ-6 Ducted-fan testbed. Two built. VZ-7 Curtiss-Wright VZ-7 The VZ-7 was powered by a Turbomeca Artouste turboshaft, that drove four ducted fans. Two built. VZ-8 Piasecki VZ-8 Airgeep The 'airgeep' had two three-bladed, horizontal ducted rotors fore and aft of the fuselage. It looked like a flying boat, rather than a flying jeep. Type: VZ-8P Task: VTOL experimental Year: 1962 Crew: Engines: 1 * 390kW Turbomeca Artouste 11C Max. Speed: Ceiling: Max. Range: Armament: 4 seats VZ-9 Avro VZ-9 Avrocar A true flying soucer. A circular craft with a large central fan, that sucked in air from the upper side and expelled it at the edges of the disk. Never did more than hover at low altitude, and was abandoned after seven months because of stability problems. Type: VZ-9V Task: VTOL experimental Year: 1959 Crew: 2 Engines: 3 * 450kg Continental J69 Max. Speed: 483km/h Ceiling: Max. Range: 1600km Armament: VZ-10 Lockheed VZ-10 Hummingbird Renamed V-4. VZ-11 Ryan VZ-11 Renamed XV-5. VZ-12 Hawker VZ-12 Renamed XV-6. --W--------------------------------------------------------------------------- W2F Grumman W2F Hawkeye Renamed E-2. W2V Lockheed W2V Version of the WV with turboprop engines. Not built. WF Grumman WF Renamed E-1. WV Lockheed WV AEW version of the C-121/R7V Constellation. The WV-1 was equivalent to the EC-121, with large bulge radomes above and below the fuselage. The WV-2 had a large saucer radome, mounted on a fin on top of the fuselage. The WV-3 was a wheater recce version. --X--------------------------------------------------------------------------- X-1 Bell X-1 The three X-1's were high-speed research aircraft, carried to altitude by B-29's because the fuel supply for their rocket engines did not allow a normal take-off. On 14 October 1947 a X-1 piloted by C. Yeager was the first aircraft to exceed the speed of sound. Type: X-1A Task: experimental Year: 1946 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 2720kg Reaction Motros E6000-C4 Max. Speed: 2655km/h Ceiling: 27400m Max. Range: Armament: none X-2 Bell X-2 High-speed research aircraft. The X-2 had swept wings, but resembled the X-1 in many other aspects. Two built. The speed record of Mach 3.2 ended with a fatal crash; the other X-2 was lost in an explosion while still on the carrier aircraft. Type: X-2 Task: experimental Year: 1946 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 6804kg Curtiss-Wright XLR-25-CW-1 Max. Speed: M3.2 Ceiling: 38405m Max. Range: Armament: X-3 Douglas X-3 Stiletto The X-3 was intended for sustained Mach 2 research fights. A very slim fuselage was combined with a small, straight, thin wing; the long nose cone housed the research equipment. The J-46 engine was never available, and drag being higher than expected, the X-3 was incapable of exceeding Mach 1. The wing shape was used for the X-15 and F-104. Type: X-3 Task: experimental Year: 1952 Crew: 1 Engines: 2 * 1905kg Westinghouse J34-WE-17 Max. Speed: M0.98 Ceiling: Max. Range: Armament: X-4 Northrop X-4 Bantam Tailless, jet-engined research aircraft. Type: X-4 Task: experimental Year: Crew: 1 Engines: 2 * Max. Speed: Ceiling: Max. Range: Armament: X-5 Bell X-5 Variable geometry research aircraft, developed from the German Messerschmitt P.1101, with almost the same fuselage but a new wing sweep mechanism. Two built. Type: X-5 Task: experimental Year: 1951 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 2680kg Allison J35-A-17 Max. Speed: 1046km/h Ceiling: Max. Range: Armament: X-6 Convair X-6 Cancelled. Would have been a nuclear-powered B-36. X-7 Lockheed X-7 Unmanned ramjet test bed series. 61 built. X-8 Aerojet General X-8 X-9 Bell X-9 Shrike X-10 North American X-10 X-11 Convair X-11 X-12 Convair X-12 X-13 Ryan X-13 Vertijet VTOL-aircraft, two built. The X-13 was a tail-sitter with a large delta-wing. The X-13 is said to have had good control near the ground, quite unlike earlier tail-sitters as the XFV-1 and XFY-1. It did need a special ramp for take-off and landing. Type: X-13 Task: experimental Year: 1955 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 4535kg R.R. Avon Max. Speed: Ceiling: Max. Range: Armament: X-14 Bell X-14 Odd-looking VTOL research aircraft. Two jet engines in the extreme nose, open cockpit and fixed landing gear. For VTOL the trust was deflected downwards by diverters after the engines. One built. Type: X-14 Task: experimental Year: 1957 Crew: 2 Engines: 2 * 795kg Armstron Siddeley Viper ASV8J Max. Speed: 260km/h Ceiling: Max. Range: Armament: X-15 North American X-15 On the limit of aircraft and spacecraft, the X-15 reached Mach 6.72 and an height of 107960m. Three were built, one was lost. Type: X-15 Task: experimental Year: 1959 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 31750kg Reaction Motors XLR-99 Max. Speed: 6600km/h Ceiling: 95900m Max. Range: Armament: X-16 Bell X-16 Design for a spy aircraft, cancelled and replaced by the U-2. X-17 Lockheed X-17 Three-stage test vehicle. X-18 Hiller X-18 The X-18 had a rectangular fuselage and a short-span wing. The two turpoprop engines with contra-rotating propellers were placed halfway under the wing; the entire wing was rotated during takeoff. The jet engine was in the tail; its exhaust was diverted upwards and downwards to control the aircraft at low speeds. Type: X-18 Task: experimental Year: 1959 Crew: 2 Engines: 2 * 4300kg Allison T40-A-14 1 * 1540kg Westinghouse J34-WE Max. Speed: 400km:h Ceiling: Max. Range: Armament: X-19 Curtiss-Wright X-19 VTOL. The four rotors at the end of the wings and the taiplane could be rotated; also known as the X-100. One built. Type: X-19 Task: experimental Year: 1960 Crew: 2 Engines: 2 * 2650hp Lycoming T55-L-7 Max. Speed: 740km/h Ceiling: Max. Range: 830km Armament: X-20 Boeing X-20 Dyna-Soar Design for a 'spaceplane'. X-21 Northrop X-21 Conversions of two Douglas WB-66D wheater reconaissance aircraft to test a laminar-flow control system. They had, of course, a new wing. X-22 Bell X-22 VTOL aircraft. The four engines were placed at the wing roots. Large, rotating ducted fans were positioned at the front and in the leading edges of wing. Two built. Considered a succes. Type: X-22A Task: experimental Year: 1966 Crew: 2 Engines: 4 * 920kW G.E. YT58-GE-8D Max. Speed: 510km/h Ceiling: 4570m Max. Range: 710km Armament: X-23 Martin-Marietta X-23 Prime One built. Unmanned proof-of-concept model of the X-24. X-23 was launched by an Atlas missile. 'Prime' is an acronym for Precision Recovery Including Maneuvring Entry. X-24 Martin-Marietta X-24 One built. The X-24 was a lifting-body research vehicle. The X-24 was of bulbous shape with a flat bottom and twin fins; there were no wing surfaces, all lift being provided by the fuselage. The X-24B was a rebuild version with a flatter bottom, ending in sharp horizontal edges. Type: X-24A Task: experimental Year: 1967 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 3620kg Thiokol XLR11 Max. Speed: M1.62 Ceiling: 21765m Max. Range: Armament: Type: X-24B Function: experimental Year: 1973 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * XLR11 Speed: M1.76 Ceiling: Range: Armament: X-25 Bensen X-25 Single-seat autogiro glider, a small open frame with a seat and a two-bladed rotor; unpowered. X-26 Schweizer X-26 Frigate Sailplane, used for high lift-to-drag ratio exercises and to demonstrate the characteristics of high aspect ratio wings. X-27 Lockheed X-27 Assigned to the CL-1200 Lancer, a fighter project from Lockheed. Not built. X-28 Pereira X-28 Sea Skimmer Single-seat flying boat, homebuilt by George Pereira. The USN tested the X-28 as a candidate for civil patrol duties in South East Asia. Type: X-28A Task: experimental Year: Crew: Engines: 1 * 90hp Continental C-90-12 Max. Speed: 217km/h Ceiling: 5486m Max. Range: 595km Armament: X-29 Grumman X-29 The two X-29s were built to test a forward-swept wing of composite structure. The X-29 incorporates the forward fuselage of the F-5 and the landing gear of the F-16. It has close-coupled, all-moving canards. Type: X-29 Task: experimental Year: 1984 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 71.2kN G.E. F404-GE-400 Max. Speed: M1.46 Ceiling: Max. Range: Armament: X-30 X-30 The X-30 or NASP should be a Mach 25 space plane. X-31 Rockwell-MBB X-31 The X-31 is designed to develop techniques for enhanced maneuvrability. It has a large delta wing, canard foreplanes, and vanes in the jet exhaust to direct the trust. Type: X-31A Task: experimental Year: Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 4810kg G.E. F404-GE-400 Max. Speed: M0.9 Ceiling: Max. Range: Armament: X-32 The designation given to two experimental strike fighter prototypes, in the JAST project. The X-32A will be a conventional version, and the X-32B the ASTOVL (Advanced Short-Take Off and Vertical Landing) demonstrator. XS-1 Bell XS-1 Renamed X-1. XS-1 Cox-Klemin XS-1 Observation aircraft to be carried by submarines, developed from the TW-2. --Y--------------------------------------------------------------------------- --Z--------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ DESIGNATION SYSTEMS =================== I. US Army Air Corps, US Army Air Corps, US Army Air Force, and tri-service =========================================================================== A. 1919 ------- The first designation system was invented by the Air Service of the US Army in 1919. Fifteen number designations were introduced and a few additional, not numbered ones: I. PW Pursuit, water cooled II. PN Pursuit, night work III. PA Pursuit, air cooled IV. PG Pursuit, ground attack V. TP Two-seat pursuit VI. GA Ground attack VII. IL Infantry liaison VIII. NO Night observation IX. AO Artillery observation X. CO Corps observation XI. DB Day bombardment XII. NBS Night bombardment, short distance XIII. NBL Night bombardment, long distance XIV. TA Training, air cooled XV. TW Training, water cooled A Ambulance M Messenger R Racer T Transport B. 1924 ------- The 1919 system was rather complicated, and a new system was introduced in 1924. The following designations were applied: A Attack AT Advanced trainer B Bomber C Cargo HB Heavy bomber LB Light bomber O Observation OA Observation Amphibian P Pursuit PT Primary trainer This system was formally abandoned in 1948. But then 22 additional categories had been introduced, including: AG Attack Glider BC Basic Combat (trainer) BG Bomb Glider (glide bomb) BQ Bomb, guided BT Basic Trainer BLR Bomber, long range BQ Bomber, radio-controlled CB Cargo Bomber CG Cargo glider CQ Target controller F Photographic reconaissance FG Fuel-carrying glider FM Fighter, multiplace G Glider G Gyroplane GB Glide bomb GT Glide Torpedo JB Jet-propelled bomb L Liaison O Observation OA Observation, amphibian OQ Target, flying model PB Pursuit biplace PG Powered glider PQ Aerial target R Rotorcraft TG Training glider UC Utility cargo FP Reconaissance fighter X and Y letters were used to indicated prototypes and preseries aircraft. The letter Z was used for obsolete aircraft. In some cases, R (meaning 'restricted' was also used for this purpose. Some experimental aircraft had an 'E' prefix, meaning 'Exempt', instead of the more common 'X'. C. 1948 ------- The designation system of the USAF was changed in 1948. The new system seems to have mostly similar to that that was accepted as the tri-service system in 1962. Some aircraft were renumbered, e.g. the F-110 became the F-4. Some designations of the 1948 system were not adopted by the 1962 system: VZ VTOL experimental D. 1962 ------- In 1962 a new designation was instated for all three services, USAF, USN and USMC. Here is the description of this system, as provided by Erwin Moedersheim: DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE PUBLICATION 4120.15-L MISSION, DESIGN, AND SERIES SYSTEM (MDS) The current military vehicle designation system for military aircraft was introduced as a standard for all services in 1962. It is used for three purposes: 1) Aircraft 2) Guided missiles, rockets, boosters, and satellites 3) Electronic equipment The system consists of designations of the following type: XXXX-...X (-..-XX) where X indicates a letter, and . indicates a number. Not all letters are used all the time. 1) AIRCRAFT DESIGNATIONS: Starting at the first dash in the designation above, and moving to the LEFT, we encounter: VEHICLE TYPE: It indicates the type of vehicle at hand, e.g. helicopter, V/STOL. For normal aircraft, this designator is NOT used. (Example: the SH-2F uses the H to indicate it is a helicopter. The F-16A is a regular aircraft, and does not have a vehicle type designator). G - Glider H - Helicopter S - Spaceplane V - VTOL/STOL Z - Lighter than air BASIC MISSION: This is the most important designator. It indicates the primary design task of the aircraft. (Example: The B-1B uses a B because it is a bomber). A - Attack B - Bomber C - Cargo/ transport E - Special electronic installation F - Fighter O - Observation P - Patrol R - Reconnaissance: ER - Electronic Reconnaissance SR - Strategic Reconnaissance TR - Tactical Reconnaissance S - Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) T - Trainer U - Utility X - Research MODIFIED MISSION: Indicates the vehicle has been modified for a specific mission. Only one modified mission symbol is allowed. The modified mission symbol precedes the basic mission symbol. A - Attack C - Cargo/ transport D - Drone control E - Special electronic installation F - Fighter H - Search and Rescue (SAR) K - Tanker (from Kerosine tanker) L - Cold weather M - Multi-mission O - Observation P - Patrol Q - Drone R - Reconnaissance S - Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) T - Trainer U - Utility V - Staff/ VIP transport W - Weather STATUS PREFIX: Indicates that the vehicle is not standard due to tests, modifications, or experiments. This prefix precedes the modified and basic mission symbols. G - Permanently grounded J - Special test temporary N - Special test permanent X - Experimental Y - Prototype Z - Planning Returning to the first dash, and moving RIGHT, we encounter: DESIGN NUMBER: Supposedly in sequential order, it indicates the model aircraft within the basic mission catagorie. For example, C-20D, C-21A, C-22A, C-23B, EC-24A, VC-25A, C-26A, C-27A, etc. Obviously, the order is not always sequential, e.g. F-23, F-111, F-117. SERIES: Indicates alphabetically major modifications to the original design, which is indicated by the A. For example, the F-16B is a major modification of the F-16A. I and O are skipped. Then we officially encounter another dash, and two more designators. These are not used very often, however, and are not always indicated on the aircraft. Moving to the right from the dash, we find: BLOCK NUMBER: Indicates the block of identical aircraft to which the aircraft belonges. (another dash) MANUFACTURER IDENTIFICATION CODE: Indicates the manufacturer. Let's take an example: NKC-135A ||| | | Status prefix ----------------------------+|| | | || | | Modified mission --------------------------+| | | | | | Basic mission ------------------------------+ | | | | Design number ---------------------------------+ | | Series ------------------------------------------+ Sometimes, the block number and manufacturer code are added to the designation: F-4G-43-MC | || | | Basic mission ----------------------------+ || | | || | | Design number ------------------------------+| | | | | | Series --------------------------------------+ | | | | Block number ----------------------------------+ | | Manufacturer--------------------------------------+ 2) GUIDED MISSILES, ROCKETS, BOOSTERS, AND SATTELITES: Starting at the first dash in the designation above, and moving to the LEFT, we encounter: VEHICLE TYPE: Indicates the type of (unmanned) vehicle. B - Booster M - Guided missile or drone N - Probe R - Rocket S - Satellite BASIC MISSION: This is the most important designator. It indicates the primary design task of the vehicle. C - Cargo/ transport D - Decoy E - Electronic or communication G - Surface attack I - Intercept aerial or space L - Launch detection or surveillance M - Scientific/ calibration N - Navigation Q - Drone S - Space support T - Training U - Underwater attack W - Weather LAUNCH ENVIRONMENT: Type of launching platform. A - Air B - Multiple C - Coffin F - Individual G - Runway H - Silo stored L - Silo launched M - Mobile P - Soft pad R - Ship S - Space U - Underwater STATUS PREFIX: C - Captive D - Dummy J - Special test temporary M - Modified N - Special test permanent X - Experimental Y - Prototype Z - Planning The same rules as for aircraft apply to the rest of the designation, except for the block and manufacturer. This might be replaced by a CONFIGURATION NUMBER, which indicates a modification. Let's take an example: AIM-9L ||| || Launch environment -----------------------+|| || || || Basic mission -----------------------------+| || | || Vehicle type -------------------------------| || || Design number --------------------------------+| | Series ----------------------------------------+ 3) ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT: Starting at the first dash in the designation above, and moving to the LEFT, we encounter: PURPOSE: The primary task of this electronic equipment. A - Auxilary assemblies B - Bombing C - Communications D - Direction finding, recon, and/or surveillance E - Ejection and/or release G - Fire control or light finding H - Recording or reproducing K - Computing M - Maintenance or test assemblies N - Navigational aids Q - Special or combinations of purposes R - Receiving/ passive detecting S - Detecting and/or range bearing, search T - Transmitting W - Automatic flight or remote control X - Identification and recognition Y - Surveillance and control EQUIPMENT TYPE: A - Infrared or invisible light C - Carrier (wire) D - Radiac E - Nupac F - Photographic G - Telegraph or teletype I - Interphone or public address J - Electromechanical or inertial wire covered K - Telemetering L - Countermeasure M - Meteorological N - Sound in air P - Radar Q - Sonar and underwater sound R - Radio S - Special types, magnetic combination of types T - Telephone (wire) V - Visual or visible light W - Armament X - Facsimile or TV Y - Data processing PLATFORM/ INSTALLATION: A - Airborne (piloted aircraft) B - Underwater mobile (submarine) C - Air transportable D - Pilotless carrier F - Fixed (ground) G - General purpose use K - Amphibious M - Ground mobile P - Portable S - Water T - Ground transportable U - General utility assemblies V - Ground vehicular W - Water surface and underwater combination Z - Piloted and pilotless airborne combination JOINT SERVICE INDICATOR: AN - Joint services The same rules as for aircraft apply to the rest of the designation, except for the block and manufacturer. This might be replaced by a VARIABLE GROUPING, which indicates a modification. Let's take an example: AN/APG-68A | ||| || Approved for joint services -------------+ ||| || ||| || Installation ------------------------------+|| || || || Equipment type -----------------------------+| || | || Purpose -------------------------------------+ || || Design number ----------------------------------+| | Series ------------------------------------------+ ========================================================================== II. The US Navy designation system. =================================== The designation system adopted by the USN was qualitatively different from that adopted by the Army, beacuse not only the function of the aircraft but also its manufacturer was indicated. (A similar system was used by the Japanese Navy.) Designations were built as follows: 1) One or two function letters. The F4F was a Fighter, the T4M a Torpedo bomber, the SB2C a Scout-Bomber, ... 2) A sequence number, indicating that the aircraft was the nth one with this function built by the manufacturer. The number 1 was not written. The fighters built by Grumman for the USN were thus labeled: FF, F2F, F3F, F4F, ... 3) A letter indicaing the manufacturer. The F4F was built by Grumman, the F4U by Vought, the F4B by Boeing, ... 4) A dash. 5) A number indicating the subtype. The designation F4U-4 indicates that the aircraft is the fourth subtype of the F4U. 6) Optionally, a letter to indicate minor changes. The F4U-1A was a F4U-1 with a raised cabin and improved cockpit glazing. There was a short period at the introduction of the system when the manufacturer letter was placed first. Hence a designation as Vought UO, an observation aircrcaft (O) built by Vought (U), and a few others. Function letters and combinations were subject to changes, to simplify the system, make room for new categories, or adapt the system to changed practice. For example: shortly after WWII the USN abandoned the TB, BF and SB designations for a simplified A designation, indicating the replacement of specialized torpedo and dive bombers by all-round attack aircraft. A Attack A Ambulance BF Fighter bomber F Fighter G Utility transport H Ambulance HC Transport helicopters HJ Utility helicopter (?) HN Utility helicopter (?) HO Observation helicopter HR Transport helicopter HS ASW helicopter HT Training helicopter HU Utility helicopter J Utility transport JR Utility transport LB Bomb Glider (unmanned, of course) LN Training glider M Observation N Trainer O Observation OS Observation / Scout P Patrol PB Patrol Bomber R Racer R Transport SB Scout bomber (dive bomber) SF Scout Torpedo bomber SN Scout trainer SO Scout / Observation T Trainer TB Torpedo bomber TD Target drone? Unmanned aircraft. TS Torpedo bomber / Scout U Utility W AEW The X was a prefix applied to prototypes. Manufacturer letters were not always unique, nor always the same for one manufacturer. The USN manipulated the system to bring numerous manufacturers in line with only 26 letters, or more correctly only 23 because it didn't use all. A = Brewster F2A Buffalo General Aviation XFA Noorduyn JA Norseman Allied LRA B = Beechcraft GB Traveller Boeing F2B Budd RB Conestoga C = Curtiss F6C Hawk Cessna JRC Bobcat Culver TD2C D = Douglas A4D Skyhawk McDonnell F2D Phantom E = Piper HE Cessna OE-2 Birddog Hiller HOE Bellanca XSE-1 Edo XOSE-1 Pratt-Read (Gould) LBE F = Grumman F4F Wildcat Fairchild SBF Helldiver G = Goodyear FG Corsair Great Lakes BG Eberhart H = McDonnell FH Phantom Howard GH Nightingale Hall PH J = North American FJ Fury Berliner-Joyce F3J General Aviation PJ K = Fairchild J2K Forwarder Kaman HOK Keystone NK Pup L = Bell FL Airabonita Columbia XJL Loening OL M = General Motors (Eastern) F3M Bearcat Bell FM Airacuda Martin P4M Mercator N = Naval Aircraft Factory PBN Catalina Seversky FN Stinson RN Reliant O = Lockheed FO Lightning Piper UO P = Spartan NP-1 Piper XLNP Pitcairn OP Piasecki HUP Retriever Q = Fairchild R4Q flying Boxcar R = Ryan FR Fireball Interstate XTDR Ford RR Trimotor S = Stearman N2S Sikorsky HR2S Aeromarine FS Schweizer LNS T = Northrop FT Black Widow Timm N2T Tutor Taylorcraft LNT Grasshopper Temco TT-1 U = Chance-Vought F4U Corsair V = Lockheed P2V Neptune Vultee SNV W = Wright F3W Apache Waco JW Canadian Car & Foundry SBW Helldiver Y = Consolidated PBY Catalina Convair XFY pogo Stinson OY Sentinel Z = Wilford OZ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------