APPENDIX ONE
Boeing F4B
Crew: one
Length: 20 ft 4 in (6.19 m)
Wingspan: 30 ft (9.14 m)
Height: 9 ft (2.74 m)
Loaded weight: 2,690 lb (1,220 kg)
Powerplant: 1 × Pratt & Whitney R-1340-17 Radial engine, 500 hp (373 kW)
Performance
Maximum speed: 189 mph (304 km/h)
Cruise speed: 160 mph (257 km/h)
Range: 570 miles (917 km)
Armament
Guns: Two 0.30-inch (7.62 mm) machine-guns or one 0.30-inch (7.62 mm) and one 0.50-inch (12.7 mm) machine-guns
Bombs: 244 lb (111 kg) of bombs carried externally
Curtiss JN
Crew: two
Length: 27 ft 4 in (8.33 m)
Wingspan: 43 ft 7¾ in (13.3 m)
Height: 9 ft 10½ in (3.01 m)
Empty weight: 1,390 lb (630 kg)
Max take-off weight: 1,920 lb (871 kg)
Powerplant: 1 × Curtiss OX-5 inline piston, 90 hp (67 kW)
Performance
Maximum speed: 75 mph (65 kn, 121 km/h)
Cruise speed: 60 mph (52 kn, 97 km/h)
Service ceiling: 6,500 ft (2,000 m)
The Curtiss Aircraft Company produced two versions of the Helldiver. This is the biplane version that had the SBC type designation.
(US Navy/NARA via Dennis R. Jenkins)
Curtiss H-12/16
Crew: four
Length: 46 ft 6 in (14.18 m)
Wingspan: 92 ft 8½ in (28.26 m)
Height: 16 ft 6 in (5.03 m)
Empty weight: 7,293 lb (3,609 kg)
Gross weight: 10,650 lb (5,550 kg)
Powerplant: 2 × Rolls-Royce Eagle I, 275 hp (205 kW) each
Performance
Maximum speed: 85 mph (137 km/h)
Service ceiling: 10,800 ft (3,292 m)
Rate of climb: 336 ft/min (1.7 m/s)
Armament
4 × 0.303 in (7.7 mm) Lewis guns on flexible mounts
4 × 100 lb (45 kg) or 2 × 230 lb (105 kg) bombs below the wings
Curtiss SBC Helldiver
Crew: two
Length: 28 ft 4 in (8.64 m)
Wingspan: 34 ft 0 in (10.36 m)
Height: 12 ft 7 in (3.84 m)
Empty weight: 4,841 lb (2,196 kg)
Loaded weight: 7,080 lb (3,211 kg)
Powerplant: 1 × Wright R-1820-34 Cyclone radial engine, 950 hp (709 kW) Performance
Maximum speed: 237 mph (206 kn, 381 km/h)
Service ceiling: 27,300 ft (8,320 m)
Rate of climb: 1,630 ft/min (8.28 m/s)
Armament
Guns: 1 × 0.30 in (7.62 mm) forward-firing M1919 Browning machine-gun, 1 × 0.30 in (7.62 mm) flexible rearward-firing machine-gun
Bombs: 1 × bomb of up to 1,000 lb (450 kg)
Curtiss SB2C Helldiver
Crew: two
Length: 36 ft 9 in (11.2 m)
Wingspan: 49 ft 9 in (15.2 m)
Height: 14 ft 9 in (4.5 m)
Empty weight: 10,114 lb (4,588 kg)
Loaded weight: 13,674 lb (6,202 kg)
Powerplant: 1 × Wright R-2600 Cyclone radial engine, 1,900 hp (1,400 kW)
Performance
Maximum speed: 294 mph (473 km/h)
Range: 1,200 miles (1,900 km)
Service ceiling: 25,000 ft (7,600 m)
Armament
Guns: 2 × 20 mm (0.79 in) cannon in the wings, 2 × 0.30 in (7.62 mm) M1919 Browning machine-guns in the rear cockpit
Bombs: in internal: 2,000 lb (900 kg) of bombs or 1 × Mark 13-2 torpedo
Underwing hardpoints: 500 lb (225 kg) of bombs each
Douglas S/TBD Devastator
Crew: three
Length: 35 ft 0 in (10.67 m)
Wingspan: 50 ft 0 in (15.24 m)
Height: 15 ft 1 in (4.60 m)
Empty weight: 6,182 lb (2,804 kg)
Loaded weight: 9,862 lb (4,473 kg)
The Helldiver name would be used again by Curtiss, although this was applied to a much more aggressive machine, the SB2C. Not only did examples fight across the Pacific but numbers remained in front-line service in the immediate post-war period.
(US Navy/NARA via Dennis R. Jenkins)
One of the first attack types supplied by Douglas to the US Navy was the SBD/TBD Dauntless, capable of dispensing bombs and torpedoes. This is a pre-war aircraft assigned to VT-6 aboard the USS Enterprise.
(US Navy/NARA via Dennis R. Jenkins)
Powerplant: 1 × Pratt & Whitney R-1830-64 Twin Wasp radial engine, 900 hp (671 kW)
Performance
Maximum speed: 206 mph (331 km/h)
Service ceiling: 19,700 ft (6,000 m)
Rate of climb: 720 ft/min (3.7 m/s)
Armament
1 × 0.30 in (7.62 mm) machine-gun forward-firing, or
The AD, Able Dog, Skyraider served in both Korea and Vietnam. Capable of carrying a great load of weaponry, the Spad, as it was also known, was one of the best piston-powered attack aircraft ever produced.
(US Navy/NARA via Dennis R. Jenkins)
Douglas also manufactured the F4D Skyray fighter for the US Navy. Unlike contemporary fighters, this aircraft featured an ovoidal-shaped delta wing, with its combined flight controls mounted on the trailing edge. While it featured a cannon armament, the ‘Ford’ was also capable of carrying the Philco-Ford AIM-9 Sidewinder missile.
(John Ryan Collection)
1 × 0.50 in (12.7 mm) machine-gun forward-firing
1 (later 2) × 0.30 in (7.62 mm) machine-gun in rear cockpit
1 × 1,000 lb (454 kg) bomb, or
1 × Mark XIII torpedo–1,200 lb (544 kg)
Douglas AD Skyraider
Crew: one
Length: 38 ft 10 in (11.84 m)
Wingspan: 50 ft 0¼ in (15.25 m)
Height: 15 ft 8¼ in (4.78 m)
Empty weight: 11,968 lb (5,429 kg)
Loaded weight: 18,106 lb (8,213 kg)
Powerplant: 1 × Wright R-3350-26WA radial engine, 2,700 hp (2,000 kW)
Performance
Maximum speed: 322 mph (280 kn, 518 km/h) at 18,000 ft (5,500 m)
Cruise speed: 198 mph (172 kn, 319 km/h)
Service ceiling: 28,500 ft (8,685 m)
Rate of climb: 2,850 ft/min (14.5 m/s)
Armament
Guns: 4 × 20 mm (0.79 in) M2 cannon
Others: Up to 8,000 lb (3,600 kg) of ordnance on 15 external hardpoints including bombs, torpedoes, mine dispensers, unguided rockets, or gun pods
Douglas F4D Skyray
Crew: one
Length: 45 ft 3 in (10.21 m)
Wingspan: 33 ft 6 in (13.8 m)
The Douglas Company would also supply one of the largest carrier-borne aircraft ever taken to sea on a regular basis, the A-3 Skywarrior. Originally delivered as a nuclear-capable bomber, the type served in both the tanker and electronic warfare roles before retirement.
(John Ryan Collection)
Height: 13 ft 0 in (3.96 m)
Empty weight: 16,024 lb (7,268 kg)
Loaded weight: 22,648 lb (10,273 kg)
Powerplant: 1 × Pratt & Whitney J57-P-8, -8A or -8B turbojet
Dry thrust: 10,200 lbf (45 kN)
Thrust with afterburner: 16,000 lbf (71 kN)
Performance
Maximum speed: 722 mph (627 kn, 1,200 km/h)
Service ceiling: 55,000 ft (17,000 m)
Rate of climb: 18,300 ft/min (93.3 m/s)
Armament
Guns: 4 × 20 mm (0.79 in) Mk 12-0 cannons, two (2) each just aft of wing leading edge, mid-wing, underside, with 65 rounds/gun
Missiles: 2 × AIM-9 Sidewinder air-to-air missiles
Bombs: 2 × 2,000 lb (907 kg) bombs
Douglas A-3 Skywarrior
Crew: three
Length: 76 ft 4 in (23.27 m)
Wingspan: 72 ft 6 in (22.1 m)
Height: 22 ft 9½ in (6.95 m)
Empty weight: 39,400 lb (17,900 kg)
Loaded weight: 70,000 lb (31,750 kg)
Powerplant: 2 × Pratt & Whitney J57-P-10 turbojet, 10,500 lbf (46.7 kN) each Performance
Maximum speed: 530 kn (610 mph, 980 km/h)
Cruise speed: 450 kn (520 mph, 840 km/h)
Service ceiling: 41,000 ft (12,500 m)
The Douglas A-4 Skyhawk, or Scooter, was one of the most capable attack aircraft ever built. Known as the Bantam Bomber, the A-4 was produced in many versions for the Navy and Marines.
(John Ryan Collection)
Armament
Guns: 2 × 20 mm (0.79 in) cannon in tail turret
Bombs: 12,000 lb (5,443 kg) of free-fall bombs
12 × 500 lb (227 kg) Mark 82 bombs or
6 × 1,000 lb (454 kg) Mark 83 bombs or
1,600 lb (726 kg) armour-piercing bombs or
500 lb (227 kg) Mark 36 DST Destructor Mines or
1,000 lb (454 kg) Mark 40 DST Destructor Mines or
2,000 lb (907 kg) Mark 41 DST Destructor Mines or
1 × Mark 15 free-fall nuclear weapon or
1 × B43 free-fall nuclear weapon
Douglas A-4 Skyhawk
Crew: one (two in OA-4F, TA-4F, TA-4J)
Length: 40 ft 3 in (12.22 m)
Wingspan: 26 ft 6 in (8.38 m)
Height: 15 ft (4.57 m)
Empty weight: 10,450 lb (4,750 kg)
Loaded weight: 18,300 lb (8,318 kg)
Powerplant: 1 × Pratt & Whitney J52-P8A turbojet, 9,300 lbf (41 kN) Performance
Maximum speed: 585 kn (673 mph, 1,077 km/h)
Range: 1,700 nmi (2,000 miles, 3,220 km)
Service ceiling: 42,250 ft (12,880 m)
Grumman was associated with the US Navy for many years, being a primary supplier of aircraft. The F4F Wildcat was one of its first designs after its biplane period. Although quickly outclassed by the aircraft of other nations, it was a favourite aboard escort carriers employed on convoy duties.
(NASA/ Dennis R. Jenkins)
Rate of climb: 8,440 ft/min (43 m/s)
Armament
Guns: 2 × 20 mm (0.79 in) Colt Mk 12 cannon, 100 rounds/gun
Hardpoints: 4 × underwing and 1 × under-fuselage pylon stations holding up to 9,900 lb (4,490 kg) of payload
Rockets: 4 × LAU-10 rocket pods (each with 4 × 127 mm Mk 32 Zuni rockets)
Missiles:
Air-to-surface missiles:
2 × AGM-12 Bullpup
2 × AGM-45 Shrike anti-radiation missile
2 × AGM-62 Walleye TV-guided glide bomb
2 × AGM-65 Maverick
Bombs:
6 × Rockeye-II Mark 20 cluster bomb unit (CBU)
6 × Rockeye Mark 7/APAM-59 CBU
Mark 80 series of unguided bombs (including 3 kg and 14 kg practice
bombs)
B57 nuclear bomb
B61 nuclear bomb
Grumman F3F
Crew: one
Length: 23 ft 2 in (7.06 m)
Wingspan: 32 ft 0 in (9.75 m)
Height: 9 ft 4 in (2.84 m)
Empty weight: 3,285 lb (1,490 kg)
Max take-off weight: 4,795 lb (2,175 kg)
Grumman also delivered one of the most capable attack aircraft of the Second World War–the Avenger. Although the type ended its combat career post-1945, many were converted for the carrier onboard delivery role for later service.
(US Navy/NARA via Dennis R. Jenkins)
Powerplant: 1 × Wright R-1820-22 Cyclone 9-cylinder radial engine, 950 hp (710 kW)
Performance
Maximum speed: 264 mph (229 kn, 425 km/h) at 15,250 ft (4,658 m)
Cruise speed: 150 mph (130 kn, 240 km/h)
Service ceiling: 33,200 ft (10,120 m)
Rate of climb: 2,800 ft/min (14 m/s) at sea level
Armament
Guns:
1 × 0.30 in (7.62 mm) M1919 machine-gun, 500 rounds (left)
1 × 0.50 in (12.7 mm) M2 machine-gun, 200 rounds (right)
Bombs: 2 × 116 lb (52.6 kg) Mk IV bombs, one under each wing
Grumman F4F Wildcat
Crew: one
Length: 28 ft 9 in (8.76 m)
Wingspan: 38 ft (11.58 m)
Height: 11 ft 10 in (3.60 m)
Loaded weight: 7,000 lb (3,200 kg)
Powerplant: 1 × Pratt & Whitney R-1830-76 double-row radial engine, 1,200 hp (900 kW)
Performance
Maximum speed: 331 mph (531 km/h)
Service ceiling: 39,500 ft (12,000 m)
Rate of climb: 2,303 ft/min (11.7 m/s)
Armament
Guns: 4 × 0.50 in (12.7 mm) M2 Browning machine-guns with 450 rounds per gun
Bombs: 2 × 100 lb (45 kg) bombs and/or 2 × 58 gal (220 l) drop tanks
Grumman TBF/M Avenger
Crew: three
Length: 40 ft 11½ in (12.48 m)
Wingspan: 54 ft 2 in [18] (16.51 m)
Height: 15 ft 5 in (4.70 m)
Empty weight: 10,545 lb (4,783 kg)
Loaded weight: 17,893 lb (8,115 kg)
Powerplant: 1 × Wright R-2600-20 radial engine, 1,900 hp (1,420 kW) Performance
Maximum speed: 275 mph [19] (442 km/h)
Service ceiling: 30,100 ft (9,170 m)
Rate of climb: 2,060 ft/min (10.5 m/s)
Armament
Guns:
1 × 0.30 in (7.62 mm) nose-mounted M1919 Browning machine-gun or
2 × 0.50 in (12.7 mm) wing-mounted M2 Browning machine-guns
1 × 0.50 in (12.7 mm) dorsal-mounted M2 Browning machine-gun
1 × 0.30 in (7.62 mm) ventral-mounted M1919 Browning machine-gun
Bombs:
up to 2,000 lb (907 kg) of bombs or
1 × 2,000 lb (907 kg) Mark 13 torpedo
Grumman F6F Hellcat
Crew: one
Length: 33 ft 7 in (10.24 m)
Wingspan: 42 ft 10 in (13.06 m)
Height: 13 ft 1 in (3.99 m)
Empty weight: 9,238 lb (4,190 kg)
Loaded weight: 12,598 lb (5,714 kg)
Max take-off weight: 15,415 lb (6,990 kg)
Powerplant: 1 × Pratt & Whitney R-2800-10W Double Wasp two-row radial engine with a two-speed, two-stage supercharger, 2,000 hp (1,491 kW[40])
Performance
Maximum speed: 330 kn (380 mph, 610 km/h)
Service ceiling: 37,300 ft (11,370 m)
Rate of climb: 3,500 ft/min (17.8 m/s)
After the Wildcat, Grumman designed the much more capable F6F Hellcat, which was not only more heavily armed, but faster, and it had a longer range.
(Rick Harding Collection)
Armament
Guns:
6 × 0.50 in (12.7 mm) M2 Browning machine-guns, with 400 rpg, F6F-3/
F6F-5, or
2 × 0.79 in (20 mm) cannon, with 225 rpg
4 × 0.50 in (12.7 mm) Browning machine-guns with 400 rpg,F6F-5N.
Rockets:
6 × 5 in (127 mm) HVARs or
2 × 11¾ in (298 mm) Tiny Tim unguided rockets
Bombs: up to 4,000 lb (1,814 kg) full load, including:
Bombs or torpedoes
1 × 2,000 lb (907 kg) bomb or
1 × Mk 13-3 torpedo
Grumman F8F Bearcat
Crew: one
Length: 28 ft 3 in (8.61 m)
Wingspan: 35 ft 10 in (10.92 m)
Height: 13 ft 9 in (4.21 m)
Empty weight: 7,070 lb (3,207 kg)
Loaded weight: 9,600 lb (4,354 kg)
Powerplant: 1 × Pratt & Whitney R-2800-34W Double Wasp two-row radial engine, 2,100 hp (1,567 kW)
Performance
Maximum speed: 421 mph (366 kn, 678 km/h)
Range: 1,105 miles (1,778 km)
Service ceiling: 38,700 ft (11,796 m)
Rate of climb: 4,570 ft/min (23.2 m/s)
Armament
Guns: 4 × 0.50 in (12.7 mm) machine-guns or 4 × 20 mm M3 cannon F8F-1B)
Rockets: 4 × 5 in (127 mm) unguided rockets
Bombs: 1,000 lb (454 kg) bombs
Grumman AF Guardian
Crew: two
Length: 43 ft 4 in (13.21 m)
Wingspan: 60 ft 8 in (18.49 m)
Height: 16 ft 2 in (5.08 m)
Empty weight: 14,580 lb (6,613 kg)
Max take-off weight: 25,500 lb (11,567 kg)
Powerplant: 1 × Pratt & Whitney R-2800-48W ‘Double Wasp’ radial engine, 2,400 hp (1,790 kW)
Performance
Maximum speed: 317 mph (276 kn, 510 km/h)
Service ceiling: 32,500 ft (9,900 m)
Rate of climb: 1,850 ft/min (9.4 m/s)
Armament
Rockets: 16 × 5 in (127 mm) unguided high-velocity aircraft rocket (HVAR) rockets
Bombs: 4,000 lb (1,814 kg) of bombs, torpedoes, and depth charges
Grumman F9F Panther
Crew: one
Length: 37 ft 5 in (11.3 m)
Wingspan: 38 ft 0 in (11.6 m)
Height: 11 ft 4 in (3.8 m)
Empty weight: 9,303 lb (4,220 kg)
Loaded weight: 14,235 lb (6,456 kg)
Powerplant: 1 × Pratt & Whitney J42-P-6/P-8 turbojet, 5,950 lbf (26.5 kN) with water injection
Performance
Maximum speed: 500 kn (575 mph, 925 km/h)
Range: 1,300 miles (1,100 nmi, 2,100 km)
Service ceiling: 44,600 ft (13,600 m)
Armament
Guns: 4 × 20 mm (0.79 in) M2 cannon, 190 rpg
Hardpoints: Underwing hardpoints and provisions to carry combinations of:
Rockets: 6 × 5 in (127 mm) rockets on underwing hardpoints
Bombs: 2,000 lb (907 kg) of bombs
Grumman F9F Cougar
Crew: one
Length: 42 ft 2 in (12.9 m)
Wingspan: 34 ft 6 in (10.5 m)
Height: 12 ft 3 in (3.7 m)
Empty weight: 11,866 lb (5,382 kg)
Loaded weight: 20,098 lb (9,116 kg)
Powerplant: 1 × Pratt & Whitney J48-P-8A turbojet, 8,500 lbf (38 kN) with water injection
Performance
Maximum speed: 647 mph (1,041 km/h)
Service ceiling: 42,000 ft (12,800 m)
Rate of climb: 5,750 ft/min (29.2 m/s)
Armament
Guns: 4 × 20 mm (0.79 in) M2 cannon, 190 rounds per gun
Rockets: 6 × 5 in (127 mm) rockets
Missiles: 4 × AIM-9 Sidewinder air-to-air missiles
Bombs: 2 × 1,000 lb (454 kg) bombs
Grumman F11F Tiger
Crew: one
Length: 46 ft 11 in (14.3 m)
Wingspan: 31 ft 7½ in (9.6 m)
Height: 13 ft 3 in (4.0 m)
Grumman also provided the Navy with its first anti-submarine aircraft that combined both detection and attack in one airframe, this being the S-2 Tracker. This particular machine was assigned to VS-33.
(Trevor Jones Collection)
Empty weight: 13,810 lb (6,277 kg)
Loaded weight: 21,035 lb (9,561 kg)
Powerplant: 1 × Wright J65-W-18 turbojet
Dry thrust: 7,400 lbf (32.9 kN)
Thrust with afterburner: 10,500 lbf (46.7 kN)
Performance
Maximum speed: Mach 1.1 (727 mph, 1,170 km/h) at 35,000 ft (11,000 m)
Cruise speed: 577 mph (929 km/h)
Service ceiling: 49,000 ft (14,900 m)
Rate of climb: 16,300 ft/min (83 m/s)
Armament
Guns: 4 × 20 mm (.79 in) Colt Mk 12 cannon, 125 rounds per gun
Hardpoints: 4 and provisions to carry combinations of:
Missiles: 4 × AIM-9 Sidewinders
Grumman S-2 Tracker
Crew: four
Length: 43 ft 6 in (13.26 m)
Wingspan: 72 ft 7 in (22.12 m)
Height: 17 ft 6 in (5.33 m)
Empty weight: 18,315 lb (8,310 kg)
Loaded weight: 23,435 lb (10,630 kg)
Powerplant: 2 × Wright R-1820-82WA radial engines, 1,525 hp (kW) each Performance
Maximum speed: 280 mph (450 km/h) at sea level
Cruise speed: 150 mph (240 km/h)
Service ceiling: 22,000 ft (6,700 m)
Armament
2 × homing torpedoes (Mk 41, Mk 43, or Mk 34), depth charges (Mk 54), or mines in the bomb bay
6 × underwing hardpoints for torpedoes, depth charges, or rockets
Grumman E-1 Tracer
Crew: four
Length: 42.25 ft (12.9 m)
Wingspan: 69.6 ft (21.2 m)
Height: 16.3 ft (4.9 m)
Empty weight: 18,750 lb (8,504 kg)
Loaded weight: 26,600 lb (12,065 kg)
Powerplant: 2 × Wright R-1820-82WA Cyclone 9-cylinder radial piston engine, 1,525 hp (1,137 kW) each
Performance
Maximum speed: 287 mph (462 km/h)
Service ceiling: 15,800 ft (4,800 m)
Rate of climb: 1,120 ft/min (340 m/min)
Grumman E-2 Hawkeye
Crew: five
Length: 57 ft 7 in (17.56 m)
Wingspan: 80 ft 7 in (24.58 m)
Height: 18 ft 4 in (5.58 m)
Empty weight: 37,678 lb (17,090 kg)
Loaded weight: 55,000 lb (23,391 kg)
Powerplant: 2 × Allison T56-A-425 or -427 turboprop, 5100 shp (-427) (3,800 kW) each
Performance
Maximum speed: 375 mph (604 km/h)
Service ceiling: 30,800 ft (9,300 m)
Rate of climb: 2,515 ft/min (13 m/s)
Grumman A-6 Intruder
Crew: two
Length: 54 ft 7 in (16.6 m)
Wingspan: 53 ft (16.2 m)
Height: 15 ft 7 in (4.75 m)
Empty weight: 25,630 lb (11,630 kg)
Max take-off weight: 60,626 lb (27,500 kg)
Powerplant: 2 × Pratt & Whitney J52-P8B turbojets, 9,300 lbf (41.4 kN) each
Performance
Maximum speed: 563 kn (648 mph, 1,040 km/h)
Grumman also provided the Navy with its AEW aircraft. The first was based on the Avenger, the second was a modified version of the Tracker that became the E-1 Tracer, while the third, pictured here, was the E-2 Hawkeye, still in service.
(US Navy/NARA via Dennis R. Jenkins)
Service ceiling: 40,600 ft (12,400 m)
Rate of climb: 7,620 ft/min (38.7 m/s)
Armament
Hardpoints: 4 × wing and 1 × fuselage with 18,000 lb (8,170 kg) load
Rockets:
2.75 in (70 mm) CRV7 rocket pod
5 in (127 mm) Zuni rocket pod
Air-to-ground missiles:
AGM-45 Shrike
AGM-62 Walleye
AGM-65 Maverick
AGM-84 Harpoon and
AGM-88 HARM
Bombs:
Mk 81 250 lb (113 kg) GP bombs
Mk 82 500 lb (241 kg) GP bombs
Mk 83 1,000 lb (454 kg) GP bombs
Mk-84 2,000 lb (907 kg) GP bombs
Mk-117 750 lb (340 kg) GP bombs
Mk-20 Rockeye II cluster bombs
CBU-89 GATOR mine cluster bombs
Mk 77 750 lb (340 kg) incendiary bombs
GBU-10 Paveway II laser-guided bombs
GBU-12 Paveway II laser-guided bombs
GBU-16 Paveway II laser-guided bombs
B61 nuclear bomb
B43 nuclear bomb
Grumman EA-6B Prowler
Crew: four
Length: 59 ft 10 in (17.7 m)
Once its avionics problems had been sorted out, the Grumman A-6 Intruder served the US Navy throughout the Vietnam War, not finally retiring until after Operation Desert Storm.
(Trevor Jones Collection)
The F-14 Tomcat was the final fighter delivered by Grumman to the Navy. The F-14 featured swing wings, all-flying tailplanes and turbofan engines. It was also armed with the AIM-54 Phoenix missile, which had an extraordinary range.
(US Navy/NARA via Dennis R. Jenkins)
Wingspan: 53 ft (15.9 m)
Height: 16 ft 8 in (4.9 m)
Empty weight: 31,160 lb (15,130 kg)
Max take-off weight: 61,500 lb (27,900 kg)
Powerplant: 2 × Pratt & Whitney J52-P408A turbojet, 10,400 lbf (46 kN) each
Performance
Maximum speed: 566 kn (651 mph, 1,050 km/h)
Cruise speed: 418 kn (481 mph, 774 km/h)
Service ceiling: 37,600 ft (11,500 m)
Armament
4 × AGM-88 HARM anti-radar missiles
5 × ALQ-99 tactical jamming system (TJS) external pods
Grumman F-14 Tomcat
Crew: two
Length: 62 ft 9 in (19.1 m)
Wingspan:
Spread: 64 ft (19.55 m)
Swept: 38 ft (11.58 m)
Height: 16 ft (4.88 m)
Empty weight: 43,735 lb (19,838 kg)
Loaded weight: 61,000 lb (27,700 kg)
Powerplant: 2 × General Electric F110-GE-400 afterburning turbofans
Dry thrust: 13,810 lbf (61.4 kN) each
Thrust with afterburner: 27,800 lbf (124.7 kN) each
Performance
Maximum speed: Mach 2.34 (1,544 mph, 2,485 km/h) at high altitude Service ceiling: 50,000 ft (15,200 m)
Rate of climb: >45,000 ft/min (229 m/s)
Armament
Guns: 1 × 20 mm (0.787 in) M61 Vulcan Gatling gun, with 675 rounds
Hardpoints: 10 total: 6 × under-fuselage, 2 × under nacelles and 2 × on wing gloves with a capacity of 14,500 lb (6,600 kg) of ordnance and fuel tanks
Missiles:
Air-to-air missiles: AIM-54 Phoenix, AIM-7 Sparrow, AIM-9 Sidewinder
Bombs:
JDAM precision-guided munitions (PGMs)
Paveway series of laser-guided bombs
Mk 80 series of unguided iron bombs
Mk 20 Rockeye II
Others:
LANTIRN targeting pod
Lockheed S-3 Viking
Crew: four
Length: 53 ft 4 in (16.26 m)
Wingspan: 68 ft 8 in (20.93 m)
Height: 22 ft 9 in (6.93 m)
Empty weight: 26,581 lb (12,057 kg)
Loaded weight: 38,192 lb (17,324 kg)
Powerplant: 2 × General Electric TF34-GE-2 turbofans, 9,275 lbf (41.26 kN) each
Performance
Maximum speed: 493 mph (795 km/h) at sea level
Cruise speed: 405 mph, 650 km/h
Service ceiling: 40,900 ft (12,465 m)
Rate of climb: 5,120 ft/min (26.0 m/s)
Armament
Up to 4,900 lb (2,220 kg) on four internal and two external hardpoints, including:
10 × 500 lb (227 kg) Mark 82 bombs
2 × 1000 lb (454 kg) Mark 83 bombs
2 × 2000 lb (908 kg) Mark 84 bombs
6 × CBU-100 cluster bombs
2 × Mark 50 torpedoes
4 × Mark 46 torpedoes
6 × mines or depth charges
2 × B57 nuclear bombs
2 × AGM-65E/F Maverick missiles
2 × AGM-84D Harpoon missiles
1 × AGM-84H/K SLAM-ER missile
Ling Temco Vought would deliver the A-7 Corsair II to the Navy. Based on the earlier Vought F-8 Crusader fighter, the A-7 was an attack aircraft capable of carrying a large range of weapons.
(Trevor Jones Collection)
LTV A-7 Corsair II
Crew: one
Length: 46 ft 1½ in (14.06 m)
Wingspan: 38 ft 9 in (11.81 m)
Height: 16 ft 0¾ in (4.90 m)
Empty weight: 19,490 lb (8,840 kg)
Max take-off weight: 42,000 lb (19,050 kg)
Powerplant: 1 × Allison TF41-A-2 turbofan, 14,500 lbf (64.5 kN)
Performance
Maximum speed: 698 mph (1,123 km/h) at sea level
Armament
Guns: 1 × 20 mm (0.787 in) M61 Vulcan Gatling gun with 1,030 rounds
Hardpoints: 6 × under-wing plus 2 × fuselage pylon stations for AIM-9 Sidewinder
Rockets:
4 × LAU-10 rocket pods
Missiles:
Air-to-air missiles:
2 × AIM-9 Sidewinders
Air-to-surface missiles:
2 × AGM-45 Shrike anti-radiation missiles, or
2 × AGM-62 Walleye TV-guided glide bombs, or
2 × AGM-65 Mavericks, or
2 × AGM-88 HARMs, or
2 × GBU-15 electro-optically guided glide bombs
Bombs: Up to 30 × 500 lb (227 kg) Mk 82 bombs or any combination of the following:
Mk 80 series of unguided bombs (including 3 kg and 14 kg practice
bombs)
Paveway series of laser-guided bombs
McDonnell FH Phantom
Crew: one
Length: 37 ft 3 in (11.35 m)
Wingspan: 40 ft 9 in; 16 ft 3 in with folded wings [8] (12.42 m/4.95 m)
Height: 14 ft 2 in (4.32 m)
Empty weight: 6,683 lb (3,031 kg)
Loaded weight: 10,035 lb (4,552 kg)
Powerplant: 2 × Westinghouse J30-WE-20 turbojets, 1,600 lbf (7.1 kN) each
Performance
Maximum speed: 417 kn (479 mph, 771 km/h) at sea level
Cruise speed: 216 kn (248 mph, 399 km/h)
Service ceiling: 41,100 ft (12,525 m)
Rate of climb: 4,230 ft/min (21.5 m/s)
Armament
Guns: 4 × 0.50 in (12.7 mm) machine-guns
McDonnell F2H Banshee
Crew: one
Length: 48 ft 2 in (14.68 m)
Wingspan: 41 ft 9 in (12.73 m)
Height: 14 ft 6 in (4.42 m)
Empty weight: 13,183 lb (5,980 kg)
Loaded weight: 21,013 lb (9,531 kg)
Powerplant: 2 × Westinghouse J34-WE-34 turbojets, 3,250 lbf (14.5 kN) each
Performance
Maximum speed: 580 mph (933 km/h) at sea level
Cruise speed: 461 mph
Service ceiling: 46,600 ft (14,205 m)
Rate of climb: 6,000 ft/min (30 m/s) from sea level
Armament
Guns: 4 × 20 mm (0.79 in) Colt Mk 16 cannon
Rockets:
8 × 60 lb high-explosive rockets, or
6 × 500 lb bombs and 2 × 60 lb high-explosive rockets
McDonnell F3H Demon
Crew: one
Length: 59 ft 0 in (17.98 m)
Wingspan: 35 ft 4 in (10.77 m)
Height: 14 ft 7 in (4.45 m)
Empty weight: 21,287 lb (9,656 kg)
Possibly the most significant fighter of the twentieth century, the McDonnell F-4 Phantom II would eventually end up in service with many of the world’s air forces. This example, an F-4B, was assigned to VF-151 aboard the USS Coral Sea
. (Rick Harding Collection)
Loaded weight: 31,145 lb (14,127 kg)
Powerplant: 1 × Westinghouse J40-WE-22 turbojet, 14,400 lbf (64 kN) Performance
Maximum speed: 716 mph (622 kn, 1,152 km/h)
Service ceiling: 42,650 ft (13,000 m)
Rate of climb: 14,350 ft/min (72.9 m/s)
Armament
Guns: 4 × 20 mm (0.79 in) Colt Mk 12 cannon, 150 rpg
Missiles: 4 × AIM-7 Sparrows or 2 × Sparrows and 2 × AIM-9 Sidewinders
Bombs: 6,000 lb (2,720 kg) of bombs
McDonnell F-4 Phantom II
Crew: two
Length: 58 ft 3¾ in (17.5 m)
Wingspan: 38 ft 4½ in (11.7 m)
Height: 16 ft 6 in (5.0 m)
Empty weight: 30,328 lb (13,757 kg)
Loaded weight: 41,500 lb (18,825 kg)
Powerplant: 2 × General Electric J79-GE-8B axial compressor turbojets, 17,000 lbf (79.4 kN) each
Performance
Maximum speed: Mach 2.23 (1,472 mph, 2,370 km/h) at 40,000 ft (12,190 m)
Cruise speed: 506 kn (585 mph, 940 km/h)
Service ceiling: 60,000 ft (18,300 m)
Rate of climb: 41,300 ft/min (210 m/s)
Armament
Up to 18,650 lb (8,480 kg) of weapons on 9 external hardpoints, including general-purpose bombs, cluster bombs, TV- and laser-guided bombs, rocket air-to-ground missiles, anti-runway weapons, anti-ship missiles, targeting pods, reconnaissance pods, and nuclear weapons. Baggage pods and external fuel tanks may also be carried.
4 × AIM-7 Sparrows in fuselage recesses plus 4 × AIM-9 Sidewinders on wing pylons;
4 × AIM-9 Sidewinders
6 × AGM-65 Mavericks
4 × AGM-62 Walleyes
4 × AGM-45 Shrikes, AGM-88 HARMs, AGM-78 Standard ARMs
Martin T3M
Crew: three
Length: 41 ft 4 in (12.60 m)
Wingspan: 56 ft 7 in (17.25 m)
Height: 15 ft 1 in (4.60 m)
Empty weight: 5,814 lb (2,643 kg)
Loaded weight: 9,503 lb (4,320 kg)
Powerplant: 1 × Packard 3A-2500 liquid cooled V-12 engine, 770 hp (574 kW)
Performance
Maximum speed: 109 mph (95 kn, 175 km/h)
Service ceiling: 7,900 ft (2,400 m)
Climb to 5,000 ft: 16.8 min
Armament
1 × flexible mounted 0.3 in (7.62 mm) machine-gun in rear cockpit
1 × torpedo or bombs under fuselage
North American AJ Savage
Crew: three
Length: 63 ft 1 in (19.2 m)
Wingspan: 71 ft 5 in (21.8 m)
Height: 20 ft 5 in (6.2 m)
Empty weight: 27,558 lb (12,500 kg)
Loaded weight: 47,000 lb (21,363 kg)
Powerplant:
1 × Allison J33-A-1 turbojet, 4,600 lbf (20 kN)
2 × Pratt & Whitney R-2800-44W radial engines, 2,400 hp (1,790 kW) each
Performance
Maximum speed: 471 mph [4] (409 kn, 758 km/h)
Range: 1,731 miles (1,505 nmi, 2,787 km)
Service ceiling: 40,800 ft [5] (12,440 m)
Rate of climb: 2,900 ft/min (14.7 m/s)
Armament
Bombs: 12,000 lb (5,400 kg) conventional bombs, or 1 × nuclear bomb
North American, normally a USAF supplier, would deliver the FJ-3 Fury to the squadrons of the Navy; this aircraft was assigned to VF-145 when photographed.
(Rick Harding Collection)
North American FJ Fury
Crew: one
Length: 36 ft 4 in (11.1 m)
Wingspan: 39 ft 1 in (11.9 m)
Height: 13 ft 11 in (4.2 m)
Empty weight: 13,210 lb (5,992 kg)
Loaded weight: 20,130 lb (9,130 kg)
Powerplant: 1 × Wright J65-W-16A turbojet, 7,700 lbf (34 kN)
Performance
Maximum speed: 680 mph (1,090 km/h) at 35,000 ft (10,670 m)
Service ceiling: 46,800 ft (14,300 m)
Rate of climb: 7,660 ft/min (38.9 m/s)
In total contrast to the FJ-3 Fury, NAA/ Rockwell would develop the A-5A Vigilante for use in the nuclear delivery role at high speed. The Navy decided not to go ahead with this version, preferring instead to rework it as the RA-5C Vigilante reconnaissance platform.
(US Navy/NARA via Dennis R. Jenkins)
Armament
Guns: 4 × 20 mm (0.787 in) cannon
Missiles: 4 × AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles
Bombs: 3,000 lb (1,400 kg) of underwing ordnance, including missiles
North American A-5A Vigilante
Crew: two
Length: 76 ft 6 in (23.32 m)
Wingspan: 53 ft 0 in (16.16 m)
Height: 19 ft 4¾ in (5.91 m)
Empty weight: 32,714 lb (14,870 kg)
Loaded weight: 47,530 lb (21,605 kg)
Powerplant: 2 × General Electric J79-GE-8 afterburning turbojets
Dry thrust: 10,900 lbf (48 kN) each
Thrust with afterburner: 17,000 lbf (76 kN) each
Performance
Maximum speed: Mach 2.0 (1,149 knots, 1,320 mph, 2,123 km/h) at 40,0000 ft (12,200 m)
Service ceiling: 52,100 ft (15,880 m)
Rate of climb: 8,000 ft/min (40.6 m/s)
Armament
Bombs:
1 × Mk 27 nuclear bomb, B28 or B43 freefall nuclear bomb in internal weapons bay
2 × B43, Mk 83, or Mk 84 bombs on two external hardpoints
Piasecki HUP Retriever
Crew: two
Length: 56 ft 11 in (17.35 m)
Rotor diameter: 35 ft 0 in (10.67 m)
Height: 12 ft 6 in (3.81 m)
Empty weight: 3,928 lb (1,782 kg)
Loaded weight: 5,750 lb (2,608 kg)
Powerplant: 1 × Continental R-975-46A radial, 550 hp (410 kW)
Performance
Maximum speed: 105 mph (169 km/h)
Service ceiling: 10,000 ft (3,048 m)
Rate of climb: 100 ft/min (5.01 m/s)
Sikorsky HO3S
Length: 41 ft 2 in (12.5 m)
Rotor diameter: 48 ft (14.6 m)
Height: 12 ft 11 in (3.9 m)
Loaded weight: 4,815 lb (2,184 kg)
Performance
Maximum speed: 78 kn (90 mph, 145 km/h)
Service ceiling: 10,000 ft (3,000 m)
Sikorsky HO4S
Crew: two
Length: 62 ft 7 in (19.1 m)
Rotor diameter: 53 ft (16.16 m)
Height: 13 ft 4 in (4.07 m)
Empty weight: 4,795 lb (2,177 kg)
Loaded weight: 7,200 lb (3,266 kg)
Powerplant: 1 × Pratt & Whitney R-1340-57 radial engine, 600 hp (450 kW)
Performance
Maximum speed: 101 mph (163 km/h)
Service ceiling: 10,500 ft (3,200 m)
Rate of climb: 700 ft/min (213 m/min)
Sikorsky HSS-1 Seabat
Crew: two
Length: 56 ft 8½ in (17.28 m)
Rotor diameter: 56 ft 0 in (17.07 m)
Height: 15 ft 11 in (4.85 m)
Empty weight: 7,900 lb (3,583 kg)
Max take-off weight: 14,000 lb (6,350 kg)
Powerplant: 1 × Wright R-1820-84 radial engine, 1,525 hp (1,137 kW)
Performance
Maximum speed: 123 mph (107 kn, 198 km/h)
Range: 182 miles (293 km)
Sikorsky H-3 Sea King
Crew: four
Length: 54 ft 9 in (16.7 m)
Rotor diameter: 62 ft (19 m)
Height: 16 ft 10 in (5.13 m)
Empty weight: 11,865 lb (5,382 kg)
Loaded weight: 18,626 lb (8,449 kg)
Powerplant: 2 × General Electric T58-GE-10 turboshafts, 1,400 shp (kW) each
Performance
Maximum speed: 166 mph (267 km/h)
Service ceiling: 14,700 ft (4,481 m)
Rate of climb: 1,310–2,220 ft/min (400–670 m/min)
Armament
2 × Mk 46/44 anti-submarine torpedoes
Various sonobuoys and pyrotechnic devices
B-57 nuclear depth charge
By the mid-1920s the US Navy had started to buy aircraft in batches instead of the earlier mish-mash of types approach previously followed. One such aircraft was the Vought O2U-1 Corsair, a name that would be resurrected at a later date for a famous fighter.
(NASA/Dennis R. Jenkins)
Vought VE-7
Crew: two
Length: 24 ft 5⅜ in (7.45 m)
Wingspan: 34 ft 4 in (10.47 m)
Height: 8 ft 7½ in (2.63 m)
Empty weight: 1,392 lb (631 kg)
Loaded weight: 1,937 lb (879 kg)
Powerplant: 1 × Wright-Hispano E-3 two-bladed 8 ft 8 in (2.64 m) diameter propeller, 180 hp (134 kW)
Performance
Maximum speed: 106 mph (171 km/h)
Service ceiling: 15,000 ft (4,600 m)
Rate of climb: 738 ft/min (225 m/min)
Vought O2U Corsair
Crew: two
Length: 27 ft 5½ in (8.37 m)
Wingspan: 36 ft (10.97 m)
Height: 11 ft 4 in (3.45 m)
Empty weight: 3,312 lb (1,502 kg)
Max take-off weight: 4,765 lb (2,161 kg)
Powerplant: 1 × Pratt & Whitney R-1690-42 Hornet radial, 600 hp (447 kW) Performance
Maximum speed: 167 mph (269 km/h) at sea level
Service ceiling: 18,600 ft (5,670 m)
The Vought aircraft designers would develop one of the most significant fighters of the Second World War–the F4U Corsair. Having served through much of the Pacific campaign, the Corsair would have one last chance to shine over Korea.
(US Navy/NARA via Dennis R. Jenkins)
Armament
3 × 7.62 mm Browning machine-guns
Vought F4U Corsair
Crew: one
Length: 33 ft 8 in (10.2 m)
Wingspan: 41 ft 0 in (12.5 m)
Height: 14 ft 9 in (4.50 m)
Empty weight: 9,205 lb (4,174 kg)
Loaded weight: 14,669 lb (6,653 kg)
Powerplant: 1 × Pratt & Whitney R-2800-18W radial engine, 2,450 hp (1,827 kW)
Performance
Maximum speed: 446 mph (388 kn, 718 km/h)
Service ceiling: 41,500 ft (12,649 m)
Rate of climb: 3,870 ft/min (19.7 m/s)
Armament
Guns:
6 × 0.50 in (12.7 mm) M2 Browning machine-guns, 400 rpg or
4 × 0.79 in (20 mm) AN/M2 cannon
Rockets: 8 × 5 in (12.7 cm) high-velocity aircraft rockets and/or
Bombs: 4,000 lb (1,800 kg)
Vought F7U Cutlass
Crew: one
Length: 44 ft 3 in (13.49 m)
Wingspan: 38 ft 8 in (11.79 m)
Height: 14 ft 0 in (4.27 m)
Empty weight: 18,210 lb (8,260 kg)
Max take-off weight: 31,642 lb (14,353 kg)
Powerplant: 2 × Westinghouse J46-WE-8A turbojets, 4,600 lbf (20.46 kN) each Performance
Maximum speed: 680 mph (590 kn, 1,095 km/h)
Range: 660 miles (570 nmi, 1,060 km)
Service ceiling: 40,000 ft (12,000 m)
Rate of climb: 13,000 ft/min (67 m/s)
Armament
Guns: 4 × 0.79 in (20 mm) M3 cannon above inlet ducts, 180 rpg
Hardpoints: 4 with a capacity of 5,500 lb (2,500 kg)
Missiles: AIM-7 Sparrow air-to-air missiles
Vought F-8 Crusader
Crew: one
Length: 54 ft 3 in (16.53 m)
Wingspan: 35 ft 8 in (10.87 m)
Height: 15 ft 9 in (4.80 m)
Empty weight: 17,541 lb (7,956 kg)
Loaded weight: 29,000 lb (13,000 kg)
Powerplant: 1 × Pratt & Whitney J57-P-20A afterburning turbojet
Dry thrust: 10,700 lbf (47.6 kN)
Thrust with afterburner: 18,000 lbf (80.1 kN)
Performance
Maximum speed: Mach 1.86 (1,225 mph, 1,975 km/h) at 36,000 ft (11,000 m) Service ceiling: 58,000 ft (17,700 m)
Rate of climb: 31,950 ft/min (162.3 m/s)
Armament
Guns: 4 × 0.79 in (20 mm) Colt Mk 12 cannon in lower fuselage, 125 rpg
Hardpoints:
2 × side-fuselage-mounted Y-pylons
2 × underwing pylon stations holding up to 4,000 lb (2,000 kg) of
payload
Rockets:
2 × LAU-10 rocket pods (each with 4 × 5 in (127 mm) Zuni rockets)
Missiles:
4 × AIM-9 Sidewinders