Ah 64 Apache Attack Helicopter Pilot S Flight Operating Instructions

Developed and deployed in a short time due to the pressure of the Vietnam War, Bell s AH-1 Cobra performed well; but Army planners believed a better attack helicopter would be needed in the next war. In 1976, Hughes Helicopter s YAH-64A prototype bested the Cobra in firepower, performance and range, and won the competition to replace it. It would be 1982 before production commenced, but eventually over 1100 would be produced including the advanced AH-64D Apache Longbow. Dubbed the Apache, the AH-64 is a four- blade, twin-engine, tandem-cockpit design with tailwheel landing gear. The AH-64 features double and triple-rendundant systems that ensure maximum survivability in combat, and an awesome array of weapons that can include Hellfire missiles and a 30mm M230 Chain Gun that can be slaved to the pilot s head movements via a helmet mounted display (IHADSS). The Apache first saw combat during the invasion of Panama in 1989, and conducted the first attack of Operation Desert Storm in 1991, flying into Iraq to destroy enemy radar systems. AH-64s are credited with destroying over 500 tanks during that conflict. They continued their service in Bosnia and Kosovo, in Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. The AH-64 is now also deployed by the United Kingdom, Israel, the Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, Japan and other air forces worldwide. Created by the Army for the AH-64A version of the Apache, this unclassified pilot s flight manual runs over 600 pages, and contains chapters about aircraft systems and procedures. It is reprinted here in its entirety."

During the Vietnam War fleets of transport helicopters provided U.S. forces with an unprecented level of mobility and proved the concept of air cavalry . But without adequate support, helicopters such as the Bell UH-1 proved vulnerable to enemy ground fire. The solution was to develop a helicopter gunship. Bell s first foray into the category was rejected by the Army, but after Lockheed s AH-56 failed to meet critical goals, Bell answered the call with a new design. Equipped with a tandem cockpit, stub wings for weapons and a chin-mounted gun turret, Bell s Model 209 protoype was smaller and lighter than the AH-56, and used proven components from the UH-1. Developed in less than nine months, the 209 performed well and easily won the Army competition. In April 1966 the Army placed its first order for 110 aircraft, now designated the AH-1 Cobra or HueyCobra (but also widely known by the nickname Snake ). Over 1100 would eventually be built, including twin-engine SeaCobra and SuperCobra versions for the Marine Corps. After entering service in June of 1967, Cobras provided extensive support in Vietnam as fire support platforms, and achieved over a million operational hours. Cobras also flew in Operation Desert Shield, Desert Storm and in Somalia before being retired in the late 1990s. They continue to fly for the Marine Corps, NATO allies and elsewhere. They also serve in a civil role as fire fighting helicopters. Created by Bell and the U.S. Army, this pilot s flight operating manual profiles the AH-1F Cobra. Over 300 pages long, this unclassified document is reprinted here in its entirety."

Developed by Bell in the early 1950s, the UH-1 Iroquois was the first turbine-powered helicopter to enter production for the U.S. military. Originally designated the HU-1A for Helicopter Utility, it was quickly nick- named the Huey a moniker that stuck even after the aircraft was reclassified UH-1 in 1962. Designed as a medical evacuation, trans- port and utility helicopter, the UH-1 was extraordinarily successful with more than 16,000 built. The XH-40 prototype flew in 1956, production commenced in 1959, and by 1962 the Huey entered combat service with the 57th Medical Detachment in S.E. Asia. The UH-1 s history in combat includes a long and meritorious service in Vietnam, where its distinctive airframe and two-blade teetering rotor came to symbolize the concept of air mobility. Hueys of various configuration flew in a wide variety of roles, and were modified as cargo carriers, search and rescue platforms, gunships and for reconnaissance and electronic warfare missions. Of over 7000 UH-1s to serve in Vietnam, an astonishing 3305 were destroyed including some of the last American aircraft lost in the war the Hueys used to evacuate the U.S.Embassy in Saigon at war s end. In addition to Army service, UH-1s flew for the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Navy as well as for air forces around the world. With the introduction of the UH-60 Black Hawk the UH-1 was phased out of the U.S. Army fleet by 2004, although residual aircraft continue tofly with the National Guard. Originally created by Bell and the U.S. Army, this pilot s manual contains technical, operational and emergency information for the UH-1H/V model Huey."

This manual has been produced for students undertaking their basic helicopter training. It concentrates on explaining not only how and why the helicopter flies but also on the correct handling techniques needed to master the flying exercises required to obtain a helicopter pilot's licence. The simpliflied text together with an abundance of diagrams will greatly assist the student to become a better and safer helicopter pilot. This is a revised and updated new edition for 2007.A manual for students undertaking their basic helicopter training, covering principles of flight and helicopter handling. Illustrations throughout.

Known as the ¿Thud¿, Republic¿s F-105 Thunderchief entered service in 1958, and flew in a variety of roles through 1984. The largest single-engine fighter in the U.S.A.F. inventory,the F-105 could exceed Mach 1.0 at sea level, and achieve Mach 2.0 at high altitude. It could carry up to 14,000 pounds of ordnance, or about as much as most WWII heavy bombers. The F-105 served as the primary strike aircraft in the early years of the Vietnam conflict, and its pilots flew over 20,000 missions. These included ¿wild weasel¿ flights intended to suppress North Vietnamese air defenses. The dangerous aspects of these missions help account for the aircraft¿s high loss rate ¿ out of 833 F-105s produced, 320 were lost in combat in S.E. Asia. Originally printed by the U.S. Air Force, this handbook provides a fascinating glimpse inside the cockpit of one of history¿s great planes. Classified ¿Restricted¿, the manual was declassified and is here reprinted in book form.

Flown by the American Volunteer Group in China known as the "Flying Tigers," the P-40 Warhawk earned a reputation for its toughness in combat. Facing odds of 6 to 1 in most combat situations, AVG pilots relied on their skill, daring and their aircraft's superior diving speed to achieve victory. By war's end the Tigers had destroyed more than 1200 Japanese planes, with another 700 listed as probables. Their own losses came to 573 aircraft. Originally printed by the U.S. Army Air Force for pilots transitioning to the P-40, this flight manual contains detailed information about one of history's great planes. Originally classified as "restricted," the manual was declassified long ago and is here reprinted in book form. Some color images appear in black and white, and some pages have been slightly reformatted. Care has been taken however to preserve the integrity of the text.

The Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress was the first mass-produced, four-engine heavy bomber. The plane earned a reputation during WWII for its toughness and versatility. Originally printed by the Army Air Force, this B-17 Bomber Pilot's Flight Operating Manual taught pilots everything they needed to know about the "Queen of the Skies."