316 THAT WONDERFUL WACO 10 Max Krueger's beautifully restored Waco 10 GXE is the featured airplane this issue. Written by Jay Miller, the curator of the aviation collection at the University of Texas in Austin, this is an enjoyable story of one man's passionate restoration of an antique airplane. V1#1 1974 #2347 of 5186 6 PONY EXPRESS WITH WINGS Fighting winter temperatures of thirty-six below zero while using the Union Pacific tracks for navigation, the men who first flew the mails were a unique breed of pilots. They had only their skill, courage and instinct -- plus a little luck -- to deliver the mail. Because of their dedication, the mail always got through and the U.S. Air Mail Service was conceived. 20 DINNER KEY The showplace of the great flying boats and gateway to the glamorous Spanish Main -- Dinner Key, located on Miami's Biscayne Bay. A model for future marine air terminals throughout the world, Dinner Key was headquarters for Pan American's Caribbean Operations and one of Miami's main tourist attractions of the 1930's. Relive the days of the Clipper Ships at this unique facility. 34 STAGGERWING Evolving from the early days of aviation -- days when both money and expertise were hard to find -- came the first of the truly classic birds -- The Staggerwing. Turn over its huge radial engine and the ground would tremble, feel the surge of power as she jumped from the runway, and meet the men who dared to build and fly her. 67 THE LEGEND OF BEN HOWARD Ben Howard is both man and myth. His life epitomized the mystique of those early days of aviation for above all else, his first passion was flight. To live was to fly -- be it in an open cockpit, barnstorming in a World War I "Jenny, " or putting a B-36 through its paces. Hobo and gentleman, leader and revolutionary, creator and critic -- Ben Howard. V1#2 1974 #2347 of 7680 76 THE LAFAYETTE ESCADRILLE A saga of sacrifice and suffering, of men who lived each day to its fullest, as it very well could be their last. Philip C. Brown tells the story of a small band of American pilots who, prior to the United States' entry into the First World War, were living and dying in the skies over France. Their adventures, their flights and their deaths have become legend. 92 ROCHEVILLE -- IMAGINEER EMERITUS Aviation has catapulted some to the pinnacle of both fame and fortune, their names becoming synonymous with flight itself. But others, by some unexplainable twist of fate, have remained in relative obscurity. Walt Boyne captures the creative genius of one such unheralded giant -- Charles F. Rocheville. A unique man with revolutionary ideas about flying. 112 RYAN! Sleek, silvery power thundering down the runway. PT-22. A bird that every fighter pilot remembers and loves. Bill Hodges tells her story -- from the birth of the Ryan Aircraft Company struggling to meet expenses, to designing a plane that would carry Lindbergh safely across the Atlantic, to full mass production of the PT-22. 144 A LESSON IN BLIND-FLYING For a pilot in the 1970's a flight from Washington, D.C. to Chicago would hardly be a noteworthy event. Colonel Phillips Melville's flight, which took place in the early 1920's, proved otherwise. During the course of his flight he was forced to accomplish one of the first instrument flights ever recorded. V1#3 1974 #2347 of 7390 (Trophy Edition) 156 THE NATIONAL WOMEN'S AIR DERBY August 18, 1929, Clover Field, Santa Monica, California. Nineteen young women sit anxiously in their various aircraft awaiting the starter's flag. Louise Thaden, a contestant in that race, recalls these anxious moments in her story written recently for this issue. In her unique and interesting style she takes us from start to finish of this most historic woman's air race. 176 THE FLIGHT HISTORY FORGOT..! Only sixteen years after the Wright brothers had conquered the air, and long before Lindbergh made his famous flight, two obscure men in a flimsy airplane flew the Atlantic. This is a capsule story of their daring adventure over the icy waters of the north Atlantic. 184 THE FORTUNATE FAIRCHILD'S From its inception through its mass production, everything went well for this not-too-photogenic but efficient 1920's airplane. An interesting story of an airplane you may not remember, but was a vital component in the early beginnings of the commercial aviation business, and is remembered today as the aircraft which literally brought the flying age to Canada. 206 SVA-9 Who hasn't dreamed of swinging open a barn door and discovering an airplane which has long since been forgotten? It happened recently in New York state, and the find was extraordinary. Not an ordinary airplane by any means, but an Italian model from World War I. Now beautifully restored, it is the only airworthy SVA 9 in existence, although over 2000 were once produced. It represents such an extraordinary find, and creates such envy for all us luckless searchers of similar treasure, that AQ decided to give each subscriber a piece of this valuable plane for posterity! 232 "COLUMBlA, GEM OF THE OCEAN!" But for unbelievable legal entanglements, bickering and superstition, this Bellanca may well have beaten Charles Lindbergh's Ryan to Paris. In a personal interview with Clarence Chamberlin, the pilot of the Columbia, who one week after Lindbergh's famous flight, flew from New York to Germany, we gather together both a rare story and many rare photographs of 1927. Clarence, now eighty-one, recounts his despair, his victory and his acclaim for AQ. V1#4 1975 #2347 of 8840 252 THOSE ANONYMOUS CUBS There were many airplanes that had similar construction, appearance and performance to the famous Cubs from Pennsylvania. Yet the Cub came to so dominate the market that today only antiquers or old timers can remember the Cub's competitors. Walt Boyne discusses some possible theories for the Cub's predominance, and the reasons its competitors failed. 281 FIRST CALL TO COMBAT A fascinating story of America's first air wartime operation written by the "dean" of naval aviation historians, Clarke Van Vleet. This significant story appropriately launches Aviation Quarterly into the realm of military aviation. 300 A SHORT REARWIN HISTORY Bob Taylor, President and founder of the Antique Airplane Association, wrote this brief history of Rearwin for Aviation Quarterly. Rearwin airplanes were well built and provided great comfort during a time when competitive manufacturers were offering basic airplanes and little more. 316 THAT WONDERFUL WACO 10 Max Krueger's beautifully restored Waco 10 GXE is the featured airplane this issue. Written by Jay Miller, the curator of the aviation collection at the University of Texas in Austin, this is an enjoyable story of one man's passionate restoration of an antique airplane. 332 "LUCKY" BOB -- AN EARLY AMERICAN BARNSTORMER As related to Aviation Quarterly by his daughter, Kay McCumber. An interesting look back to the very beginnings of aviation when most people had never seen an airplane let alone "death-defying" aerobatics. 345 THE HISTORY OF AMERICAN AVIATION 1822 -1905 Introduction This introduction calls attention to a four part series to be featured in Volume Two in honor of our Country's Bicentennial Birthday. The four part series concentrates on the little known efforts of Americans to conquer flight prior to the Wright brothers. The author of the series is Tom D. Crouch, a curator at the Smithsonian Institution and well known for his research into this forgotten period in American aviation history. V2#1 1976 #5199 of 9999 8 The History of American Aviation 1822 - 1905 The role which Americans played during the years preceding Kitty Hawk have gone largely unrecorded. The genius which the Wright Brothers brought to aeronautics and the brilliance of their achievement has eclipsed the fascinating story of their predecessor's attempts to fly heavier-than-air machines in the United States. This is the first of a four-part series which traces the evolution of the airplane in America from the first recorded flying machine built in this country in 1822 to the Wright flights at Huffman Meadow, near Dayton, in 1905. 24 College Park Airport America's first military airfield, and what is now the oldest continuously active airport in the world. In its sixty-six year history, dating back to October 8, 1909, many "firsts" were accomplished and many records set. But most importantly, this was the beginning... from this one time pasture arose American air power... for it was here that Wilbur Wright instructed the very first American military pilots. It is appropriate that College Park Airport be included in the first issue of our Bicentennial series. 38 Trapping on the High Seas Not long after the first flights at College Park Airport, the United States Navy was making plans to land an airplane aboard ship. On January 18, 1911, Eugene Ely accomplished the daring feat. (Refer to picture at right.) From that courageous event began naval air power. Over the years, that first landing or "trap" was refined until today the entire landing process can be accomplished "hands off. 64 Flight of ye Good U. S. Ship NC-4 This outstanding story written by Clarke Van Vleet, places the reader in a "you are there" surrounding. Actual conversations, newspaper stories and official records were painstakingly gathered and assembled. To the best of our knowledge numerous photos appearing in this four-part story will be printed for the first time. Of particular interest are the rare 1919 paintings that will be published throughout the next four books. These represent some of the first aviation art. We are extremely proud of this series to be published exclusively in Aviation Quarterly. Through it, we hope you will relive one of America's greatest moments... the first Transatlantic crossing by air. 97 Bite of the Cobra The Bell P-39 Airacobra is one of the rarest World War Two pursuit aircraft types in existence. In fact, of the 9,589 Airacobras built, only two airworthy craft survive. Naturally, when we found out these two remaining P-39s would be flying together over Texas we made sure our readers would be there also. This is an interesting in-depth story of the plane many American military pilots considered a "death-trap," while on the other hand, the Russian pilots considered it an exceptional airplane and affectionately nicknamed it "Iittle shaver." V2#2 1976 #5199 of 9999 129 History of American Aviation 1822 - 1905 The role which Americans played during the years preceding Kitty Hawk have gone largely unrecorded. The genius which the Wright Brothers brought to aeronautics and the brilliance of their achievement has eclipsed the fascinating story of their predecessor's attempts to fly heavier-than-air machines in the United States. This is the second of a four-part series which traces the evolution of the airplane in America from the first recorded flying machine built in this country in 1822 to the Wright flights at Huffman Meadow, near Dayton, in 1905. 145 Last of the Lafayette Another of Aviation Quarterly's significant interviews with aviation's pioneers. This time with Carl Dolan, last surviving member of one of our Nation's most colorful and daring military forces... the Lafayette Escadrille. Carl Dolan, now 81, recalls for our readers the events of nearly six decades ago when he was a dashing and adventurous young aviator. 157 The Cubs Grow Up A follow-on story to "Those Anonymous Cubs" published in Volume One, Number Four. There were numerous airplanes that resembled the Cub and in many ways they offered equal performance and appeal at a comparable price, yet the Cub dominated all. As these aircraft grew in size, power and comforts, the competition grew increasingly fierce. In this story, Walt Boyne discusses the transitions and events that took place during these most difficult years of maturation of the lightplane. 189 Gone with the Windecker An exclusive and unique look inside Windecker's "ghost" factory in west Texas, to answer the often asked question of whatever happened to the "Eagle." A few short years ago Windecker sales people were claiming their plastic airplane would revolutionize the aircraft industry. There was more than its unexpectedly high price tag that cut its life short. We take a closer look in this story written by Jay Miller, a native of Midland, Texas where the factory now stands idle. 216 Flight of ye Good U. S. Ship NC-4 Part Two. This outstanding story written by Clarke Van Vleet, places the reader in a "you are there" surrounding. Actual conversations, newspaper stories and official records were painstakingly gathered and assembled. To the best of our knowledge numerous photos appearing in this four-part story will be printed for the first time. Of particular interest are the rare 1919 paintings that appear in this issue. These represent some of the first aviation art. We are extremely proud of this series to be published exclusively in Aviation Quarterly. Through it, we hope you will relive one of America's greatest moments... the first trans-Atlantic crossing by air. V2#3 1976 #5199 244 History of American Aviation 1822-1905 The role which Americans played during the years preceding Kitty Hawk have gone largely unrecorded. The genius which the Wright Brothers brought to aeronautics and the brilliance of their achievement has eclipsed the fascinating story of their predecessor's attempts to fly heavier-than-air machines in the United States. This the third of a four-part series which traces the evolution of the airplane in America from the first recorded flying machine built in this country in 1822 to the Wright flights at Huffman Meadow, near Dayton, in 1905. 264 Thaddeus Lowe Thaddeus Lowe didn't set out to become America's first military aviator. He was just an eager, alert, ambitious youngster who hungered for adventure. He dreamed of flying across the Atlantic Ocean in a balloon, instead he found himself in the basket of a balloon being fired upon by Confederate soldiers. From this perilous position Thad commanded a view of miles and was able to report enemy troop positions and movements. Yet the narrow-minded military commanders of that day could see no real value in such a "bird's-eye" view. 273 Flight of ye Good U. S. Ship NC-4 Part Three. This outstanding story written by Clarke Van Vleet places the reader in a "you are there" surrounding. Actual conversations, newspaper stories and official records were painstakingly gathered and assembled. To the best of our knowledge numerous photos appearing in this four-part story will be printed for the first time. Of particular interest are the rare 1919 paintings that appear in this issue. These represent some of the first aviation art. We are extremely proud of this series to be published exclusively in Aviation Quarterly. Through it, we hope you will relive one of America's greatest moments... the first trans-Atlantic crossing by air. 300 The New National Air and Space Museum Featuring over 60 of the choicest aircraft in the world, the opening of the new National Air and Space Museum has been long awaited by aviation enthusiasts everywhere, for it was well known that due to the cramped quarters at the old museum, many rare and beautiful aircraft were being held in storage at the Silver Hill restoration facility hidden from public view. This story, written by Walt Boyne of the Smithsonian is more than a tour of these fabulous aircraft and the finished Museum. With photographs and text, you'll come to appreciate the enormous task of moving the aircraft through the streets of Washington, D.C. to their new home, and the problems of suspending them in their final positions. Due to the wealth of aviation history now assembled under one roof, AQ will return to the Museum in subsequent issues to concentrate extensively on particular exhibits. 328 The Airlines... The Early Days Ron Davies, the author of our first story on the airlines has published several definitive works on the subject including "A History of the World's Airlines" published by the Oxford University Press, and "Airlines of the United States Since 1914." In this article, the first attempts at commercial air carrier operations are discussed, including their successes and failures. Many of these pioneer air carriers were to evolve into the airlines we know today. This is a discussion of their very beginnings. V2#4 1976 #5199 356 History of American Aviation 1822 - 1905 The role which Americans played during the years preceding Kitty Hawk have gone largely unrecorded. The genius which the Wright Brothers brought to aeronautics and the brilliance of their achievement has eclipsed the fascinating story of their predecessor's attempts to fly heavier-than-air machines in the United States. This is the fourth of a four-part series which traces the evolution of the airplane in America from the first recorded flying machine built in this country in 1822 to the Wright flights at Huffman Meadow, near Dayton, in 1905. 378 The Gallery of Air Transportation We return to the new National Air & Space Museum to concentrate on the Gallery of Air Transportation, one of the three major galleries in the Museum. Once again, our author, Walt Boyne, has gathered together many fine photos to accompany his story. The featured aircraft are the Douglas DC-3, Ford Tri-Motor, Fairchild FC-2, Pitcairn Mailwing, Stearman-Northrop Alpha and Boeing 247D. Additionally, the numerous exhibits portraying air travel from its earliest beginnings through the present day and into the future are discussed. There are interesting photos of the Smithsonian's Alpha prior to, during and after its restoration. 406 Curtiss Jenny Pete Bowers has provided us with an outstanding and detailed story on the Curtiss Jenny, one of America's most famous airplanes. With ample photo support, the author discusses the origin of the aircraft, its various series and models, its civilian and military careers, and the part it played in air shows, barnstorming and even the movies. There are many vintage photographs plus numerous full color plates of Jim Nissen's recently restored 1918 Curtiss JN-4D. 454 1934 Air Mail Crisis Possible improprieties in awarding airmail contracts to major airlines while ignoring the small carriers, created a crisis for the airmail in 1934. All contracts were cancelled and the U. S. Army Air Corps was instructed to continue the airmail service. Without proper equipment, and with pilots poorly trained for this type of flying, the Air Corps made a valiant effort, and a costly one. 464 Flight of ye Good U. S. Ship NC-4 This, the last of the four-part series by Clarke Van Vleet, relates the story of the NC-4's last leg of the flight from Portugal to Plymouth, England. In the usual "you-are-there" approach, Read discusses the future of transatlantic air travel and the value to future generations of this historic first crossing of the "Atlantic Air" 475 The United States in Space Appropriately, the last story of our last edition of the Bicentennial year is devoted to the United States in Space, up to and including the most recent landings on Mars by Vikings I and II. So as not to detract from the color plates, the captions for each picture may be found in a booklet enclosed with this edition. V3#1 1977 #2347 4 Stacy C. Hinkle: Flying for "Billy" Mitchell In this personal interview conducted for Aviation Quarterly by Dale Walker, Stacy Hinkle recalls his early and eventful years in aviation while flying for the U.S. Army along the Mexican border and later participating in the test bombing of warships off the Virginia Capes under the command of General "Billy" Mitchell. 15 Airplanes -- Great and Not So Great Another title for this story might be: Should and should not have beens. Airplanes that were considered great at the time but should not have been, and airplanes that were maligned but should have been considered great. This story has two examples of each. For the "should not have beens:" the Heinkel He 177 and Curtiss C-76 "Caravan." The "should have beens" are represented by the Martin-Baker M.B.5 and the Martin XB-51. A unique story with an unusual theme. 46 Washington Harrison Donaldson: Aerial Showman Confronted by an apathetic public no longer in awe of manned balloon flights, this aerial daredevil of the 1870's wrecked such havoc on his balloon, his passengers, numerous houses and buildings and countless innocent bystanders that the account of his flying career reads like a Laurel and Hardy comedy. Yet, history recalls Donaldson as one of the very first in what would become a long line of barnstorming pilots. 58 Sleep Well Red Baron How many of us as youngsters have dreamed of valor in the air... the dashing combat pilot, scarf blowing in the breeze, pursuing the foe and shooting him into submission with a rat-tat-tat of our machine gun. The foe, disabled, knows his time has come, yet with a wave of our hand we grant him a reprieve. Badly damaged, his plane trailing smoke, he salutes and turns toward home to fight another day. To many the Red Baron symbolized such dreams of glory above the clouds. Our author recalls his thoughts and feelings of years ago when he visited the East Berlin grave site of his boyhood hero, General Baron von Richthofen. 62 Twilight of the Piston-Powered Airplane The Second World War created the necessity for the Republic XF-12 and the advent of the jet engine just as quickly destroyed its future. The XF-12 and a planned airliner derivative the RC-2 Rainbow represented the ultimate development of the piston-powered airplane at the dawn of the jet age. V3#2 1977 #2347 92 Return of the Backyard Aviator Don Dwiggins examines the growing phenomenon of the homebuilt movement. The great American dream of taking an ounce of sense, a few tools, and some spare time to build your own airplane is one in which more and more "backyard aviators" are taking part. This country's Experimental Aircraft Association boasts a membership of 43,000 enthusiasts, and thousands of do-it-yourself plane builders are discovering that building their own plane can be as much fun as flying the finished product. 129 Glacier Pilot In this personal interview conducted for Aviation Quarterly by J. D. Greiner, Bob Reeve recalls his early years as a bush pilot in the mountains of the Alaskan wilderness. Whether flying into the outer reaches of the Aleutian Chain or putting down where no one else would even dare to fly, Reeve built a reputation around the motto "Anywhere you'll ride, I'll fly." From Jenny to jet, Klondike to Prudhoe Bay, this is the story of the man who helped tame a frozen wilderness and came to be known as Alaska's first glacier pilot. 148 The GEE BEE Story The story of the Gee Bee racers has been told many times, most often from a viewpoint that emphasizes tragedy and misfortune. This article, written by Walter J. Boyne, deals with the people and events associated with production of the Granville Brothers' airplanes, and outlines the sophisticated engineering techniques used by Pete Miller and the Granvilles. From the early Model A to the jaunty Super Sportsters, the Gee Bee story offers a comprehensive view of this portion of aviation history. V3#3 1977 #2347 (Trophy Edition) 188 Half a century ago a lone, single-engine monoplane, dangerously overloaded with fuel, lumbered down a muddy landing strip at Roosevelt Field in New York and strained into the air, barely clearing trees and telephone wires at the end of the runway. Piloted by a young and unknown airmail pilot, this "Spirit of St. Louis" climbed, veered away from the runway and headed east-by-northeast toward Paris, France more than 3,600 miles away across the North Atlantic. It was an undertaking of incredible proportions -- never before had anyone successfully navigated a non-stop solo transatlantic journey. There had been many well-publicized attempts to make the crossing; all had been followed by an equal number of spectacular failures. The stage was set for Charles Augustus Lindbergh and his newly-constructed but virtually untested "Spirit of St. Louis." From the young, barnstorming mail pilot with the impossible dream to the world hero hounded, if not destroyed, by mass adulation, this then is the story of Charles Lindbergh and his quest to cross the Atlantic. V3#4 1977 #2347 (Trophy Edition) 268 WE DIE IN GLORY: A Fond Reminiscence of the Air-War Pulps Lucky Lindy may have started them; the great depression almost certainly killed them. In the decade or so they lasted, they were wondrous things to behold, to hold, and to read. They were full of blazing machine guns, Fokkers in death dives, Limeys, Yanks, Huns and the Kaiser. The colors were garish, the covers sensational, and for 10 cents you could buy 128 pages of pure escapism. Dale L. Walker has revived the pulps in all their glory in this delightful reminiscence written especially for AQ readers. 290 THE GASBAG ERA: The Early Years of the Airship in America The era of the gasbag in America was a short one, but nonetheless an historic and important one in aviation annals. The period of enthusiasm for these delicate craft lasted scarcely a decade, yet they were vitally important because they bridged the gap between the classic free balloon of the 19th century and the airplane of the 20th. Perhaps more importantly, they served as a training ground for a small band of daredevils who would become the first generation of American airplane pilots. 302 THE RED RIPPERS: 50 Years of Naval Fighter Aviation This year the U.S. Navy's Red Rippers celebrate 50 years of flying fighter aircraft in support and defense of our nation. From the original Curtiss Hawk to the McDonnell Douglas Phantom the history of the Red Rippers is the history of naval fighter aviation. In his AQ debut, author Jeff Ethell presents an exciting and comprehensive history of this famous fighting unit. 322 THE EXOTIC BIRDS OF DRYDEN: A Pictorial Essay Since 1946, the Hugh L. Dryden Flight Research Center of NASA has played a pivotal and critical role in America's aerospace development. Supersonic flight was born above the center, and the pilots who have flown there are as legendary as the planes they flew. Dr. Richard P. HalIion, Curator of the Science and Technology Division of the Smithsonian Institution's National Air and Space Museum, has compiled and exciting and comprehensive pictorial essay that chronicles the development of Dryden, and with it the development of American aerospace technology. V4#1 1978 #2347 4 The Ted Parsons Story One of aviation's earliest and most colorful figures, Edwin C. "Ted" Parsons was an eight-victory ace while flying with the legendary Lafayette Escadrille in France during World War I. Parsons served, between world wars, as an FBI agent, an actor, writer and technical director in several Hollywood war films, and wrote extensively for magazines and periodicals during the depression era, with much of his story material centered around the exploits of the Lafayette squadron. Parsons left Hollywood at the onslaught of World War II and rose to the rank of Rear Admiral in the United States Navy. When he died in 1968 at the age of 75, Time magazine called him "The last ace of the Lafayette Escadrille." 66 "Jenny was a lady... Sometimes" When the United States entered World War I in 1917, the Aviation Section of the U.S. Army Signal Corps consisted of 55 training planes -- most obsolete, none fit for combat Out of 130 pilots in the Signal Corps, only about two dozen were suited for combat flying. Thousands of young men were eager to join the fledgling air force, but the U.S. had no one to train them until they approached Canada for assistance. This is the story of how the U.S. and her allies joined resources to train allied combat pilots for World War I. 76 III-fated Flight to Oslo On August 25th, 1932 at 4:02 A.M., Clyde Lee and John Bockhon took off from Harbor Grace, Newfoundland, in an attempt to fly nonstop to Oslo, Norway -- more than three thousand miles away across the North Atlantic. They were never heard from again. This is the story of that "ill-fated flight to Oslo." V4#2 1978 #2347 93 THE NAVY'S AlR EXPRESS They downed no enemy planes, bombed no battleships, strafed no subs. They were, instead, the backbone support of men on the battle lines from Alaska to the Solomons, from the North Atlantic to North Africa. They fought the weather fronts from the winds of the arctic to the tropical storms of the Caribbean and South Pacific. Through all this and more they delivered the crucial goods necessary for victory. Author Clarke Van Vleet has pieced together a stirring story of man and machine, of good old Yankee ingenuity and integrity tempered with a lot of hard work. The result is an exciting account of the development of America's air cargo trade system -- the finest such system in the world. 136 STEARMAN! To an uneducated layman all biplanes look alike; to the buff, however, every biplane ever produced carries with it special and individual memories: visions of graceful wings, slender fuselages, humming wires and popping exhausts. But of all the great names in biplane history, one stands out as being almost synonymous with the word biplane -- Stearman. The Stearman Kaydet biplane is probably the most widely-recognized airplane in the history of aviation. Author Jay Miller has compiled a factual history of this fabulous airplane. Together with some of the greatest Stearman photographs ever taken, his article is perhaps the most comprehensive look ever at this versatile and beautiful classic. V4#3 1978 #2347 204 VOUGHT: Six Decades of Aviation History In 1918 the Army Signal Corps held an open competition among American airplane manufacturers to see who would get the government contract to build advanced trainers. The contract was won, not by one of the large manufacturers, but by a small and relatively new company called Lewis & Vought. Thus began six decades of aviation history. Headed by a young and brilliant designer named Chance Milton Vought, Lewis & Vought grew from a small corporation housed on the third floor of a women's shoe factory into the Vought Corporation, recognized worldwide as a leader in aircraft technology and aerospace development. This story is one of the most interesting and important stories ever told in the pages of Aviation Quarterly. We think you'll enjoy it. V4#4 1978 #2347 (Trophy Edition) 332 B-36: The Ponderous Peacemaker If it was nothing else, Convair's awesome B-36 long-range heavy bomber was big. Its wingspan -- 230 feet -- was greater than the distance first flown by the Wright Brothers' Kitty Hawk in 1903; its engines developed the equivalent of more than 44,000 horsepower (roughly equivalent to that of nine locomotives or 400 passenger cars), and it could carry a bomb load of 84,000 pounds -- more than a wartime B-24 weighed fully loaded. 370 FRANK LUKE: WWI Balloon Buster Frank Luke, Jr. spent six weeks on the Western Front. During those six weeks, only seventeen days were spent flying combat patrols, giving Luke a grand total of about 30 hours in the air before his brief but brilliant career came to an end. Even so, Luke was the second-ranking U.S. ace of the war behind the famed Eddie Rickenbacker. Author Dale Walker, in the tradition of his popular Ted Parsons story, brings to AQ readers another adventurous story of an authentic ace, Frank Luke, Jr. 382 DESERT AIR MUSEUM Located in Tucson, Arizona, the Pima Air Museum houses on its 30 acres close to 100 airplanes. Some of the planes have civilian backgrounds; some of them have military origins, but all of them are noted for the dependable service they have provided American aviation in years past. This journey through that past will be a treat for all AQ readers. 398 The Spartan C2-60 The Spartan Aircraft Company built a number of small and efficient airplanes, including one which has almost been forgotten -- the C2-60: a two-place, low-wing monoplane built and test flown in 1930. V5#1 1979 #2347 4 THE WATERMAN ARROWBILE One morning in late summer 1938 a strange-looking vehicle drove down Ocean Boulevard in Santa Monica, California and turned into the local airport, Clover Field. The streamlined, three-wheel vehicle had a large wooden prop mounted high on its rear end. Turning into a large wooden hangar, the strange craft appeared moments later sporting a pair of wings! In moments, the craft had taxied to the end of the runway and taken off! Those who witnessed this strange happening saw one of the first flights of the Waterman Arrowbile, a stranger-than-fiction vehicle that could do 50 MPH on the ground and 100 MPH in the air -- on regular gas! 14 DID HE FLY BEFORE THE WRIGHT BROTHERS? Near a small Northern California town named Grass Valley, between Sacramento and Lake Tahoe, lies a monument to a man named Lyman Gilmore, Jr. Gilmore, it seems, claimed for years that he flew before the Wrights. Maybe he did, maybe he didn't. At any rate, we think you'll agree that AQ writer Jay Browne has put together a fascinating story of a man who was one of aviations earliest and most ardent supporters, and one who had some surprisingly contemporary ideas on how aviation could benefit mankind. 30 "HELL RIDER" -- The Glenn Curtiss Story From his early experiments with Dr. Alexander Graham Bell to his recognition in the 1920's as one of the world's best airplane manufacturers, the story of Glenn Curtiss is a fascinating. Writers Vern Renaud and Fred Wolff have worked together to produce this comprehensive story of a true aviation legend. 72 FLIGHT OF THE ALBATROSS From somewhere along the Southern Coast of England next spring, an odd-looking craft, piloted by a young Californian, will take off for a flight across the English Channel to the coast of France. The surprising thing about this attempt is that the craft has no motor, is not a glider, and needs no tow plane‹the craft will be powered entirely by its pilot! 88 P-38: LIGHTNING OVER AFRICA The Lockheed P-38 drew first blood in Iceland and the Aleutians but did not come into its own as a fighting machine until entering the skies over North Africa during WWII. Popular AQ writer Jeff Ethell here puts together an exciting story of the trials and tribulations of these rugged P-38's and the men who flew them. V5#2 1979 #2347 108 MOROCCAN BOMBER A Narrative by Col. Paul Rockwell Aviation pioneer and historian Colonel Paul A. Rockwell's Story of American volunteers in Morocco during the Rif War in 1925 ranks with the finest stories published to date in Aviation Quarterly. Excerpted by AQ writer Dale Walker from Colonel Rockwell's original book-length manuscript (written by Rockwell immediately after his participation in the Rif War), it is presented here together with a collection of photographs never before published. We at AQ are proud to have this opportunity to present this important piece of history to our readers. 136 PORTFOLIO: A Collection of Classics Back to the classics! On a regular basis we plan to bring to our readers classic photos of the classics. Each "Portfolio" will be different, highly colorful, and will contain some of the finest photography available. This first collection is a beauty, incorporating some of the best of past AQs with some colorful new shots. We hope you'll enjoy this new type of feature. 152 PIONEER AIRMEN OF KANSAS by Kenneth D. Mace "Big as a haystack and just about as likely to fly" was what one early day skeptic said about Henry L. Call's first airplane. The skeptic proved to be right -- the craft, fifty feet long and thirty feet high, never got off the ground. 164 ZEPPELIN! By Lee Payne At the age of 52, Count Ferdinand Von Zeppelin embarked on a career that would make his name known around the world. He set out to invent a practical flying machine. 182 SWAN SONG FLIGHT OF MISS MATHILDE By Frank N. Potter In 1912 the world's first licensed woman air pilot, Miss Mathilde Moisant, staged a "daring" flying exhibition over Wichita Falls, Texas. The "Sweetheart of the Skies" did indeed put on a daring exhibition, crashed, and was rescued by an equally daring Texas cowboy who galloped to her rescue on his trusty horse. We think you'll enjoy this bit of the past. 190 THEY CONQUERED THE WORLD By Ernest A. McKay On April 6, 1924, four open-cockpit Army biplanes took off from Seattle for a planned flight around the world. Six months later, three of them landed in Boston Harbor after a 28,000 mile trip. V5#3 1979 #2347 204 "TEXAS LADY" A Color Photo Essay 210 "WACO" A Color Photo Essay 214 THE GREAT MARIANAS TURKEY SHOOT By Alvin S. Fick In June 1944, Japanese forces in the Pacific launched their aerial fleet of 440 fighters, dive bombers and torpedo planes into an all-out assault against the more than 900 planes supporting the American fleet. What resulted was perhaps the most lopsided air battle of World War II. 236 "LADY SOUTHERN CROSS" By Fred Morton On November 5, 1935, Australian aviation pioneer Kingsford Smith lifted off from Hamble Airport in London in an attempt to break the record of 71 flying hours between England and Australia. He was never seen again. 246 THE STORY OF JOHN JOSEPH MONTGOMERY By Weston George Many aeronautical historians consider John J. Montgomery's 1883 flight to be the first in a controlled, self-launched hang glider. If the facts are correct, Montgomery flew 17 years before the Wright Brothers launched their first glider! 268 MYSTERY SHIP: A Color Photo Essay 276 THE SWEPT WING By Robert D. Culp In 1935, the subject chosen for discussion at the Fifth Volta Conference was aviation, specifically "High Velocities in Aviation". Invitations went out to all the famous aerodynamicists of the world, and most attended. It was, however, the paper introduced by the second youngest scientist in attendance that was to revolutionize the face of the industry. His proposal? A radical change in aerodynamic thinking: a swept wing. 288 B-24: THE LIBERATOR By William Holder and Clifford Glassmeyer The Consolidated-Vultee B-24, the "Liberator", was built in greater numbers than any other World War II aircraft. Here's a nostalgic and interesting look at its highly controversial life. V5#4 1979 #2347 308 TRAVEL AIR A Color Photo Essay 314 FANTASTIC FLEET A Color Photo Essay 318 "PROPELLER ANNIE" By Glenn Kerfoot Helen Richey was known as "a pilot's pilot" because of her skill and talent as an aviator. One of the earliest licensed female fliers (she obtained her license while she was still a teenager), she barnstormed, flew exhibitions, became America's first woman transport pilot, and flew for the war effort overseas. This is the story then of one of America's true aviation pioneers: Helen "Propeller Annie" Richey. 338 AIRMAIL! By Mathew J. Bowyer Worldwide, there are many claims to "firsts" in airmail fame, each generally modified with many qualifying statements. Some are great and some are not so great, but all are interesting and a genuine part of aviation history. 348 PERSHING'S AIRWAR IN MEXICO By Grady E. McCright On wings of fabric and struts of wood, these gallant and adventurous Americans tested the rigors of the Mexican desert in eight rickety aircraft. It was 1916, the United States had for the first time called in military air power in a foreign country. 358 RYAN A Color Photo Essay 366 ALBERTO SANTOS-DUMONT By Lee Payne Today the name of Alberto Santos-Dumont is not exactly a household word. In 1906, however, the young millionaire Brazilian playboy was the toast of Paris and had been captivating the world's attention for nearly a decade with his daring aerial exploits. 386 JACK VILAS: Flying Boat Pioneer By Don Farrant Fourteen years before Lindbergh's epic flight, and a mere ten years after the Wright Brothers' achievement at Kitty Hawk, Logan A. "Jack" Vilas crossed Lake Michigan in a Curtiss-powered "flying boat." At the time it was considered something that "couldn't be done," but Vilas had found it a challenge too great to pass up. V6#1 1980 #2347 4 The Great Warbirds (1914-1918) by Dale L. Walker Among the legacies of WWI, none have been more influential, or longer lasting than the prototype fighter planes and the legendary "aces" who gallantly flew them. The first installment of this four part series chronicles the historic advent of the "aeroplane" as an effective instrument of war. Included are profiles of individual "warbirds" and the daredevil pilots whose heroic efforts captured the attention and admiration of people around the world 14 A Flight Toward The North Pole by Peter J. Anderson A fascinating account of the hazardous Amundsen-Ellsworth polar expedition in 1925. The unprecedented aerial mission imperiled the crew, but also enabled them to return with invaluable scientific information concerning 120,000 square miles of a previously uncharted region. 30 BMW: It All Began With Aero Engines by Jerry Sloniger The BMW emblem is today recognized a representing one of the world's leading automobile manufacturers. Few people realize, however, the important contributions to aviation history and the development of "aero engines" by this company whose logo originally signified a stylized propeller. 40 The Rose Parrakeet by Dorr B. Carpenter Because only a small number have been built, Rose Parrakeets are always popular attractions at air shows. Its handsome design, controversial history, and restricted production have helped to promote the Parrakeet's special image. 56 Beauty and the Bleriot by Weston George In his biographical account, the author presents the sensational, tragic, and little known career of Harriet Quimby. As America's first licensed aviatrix, this editor of Leslie's Weekly was the first woman to solo in a monoplane and to fly the English Channel before her death in a Boston air show accident on July 1, 1912. 74 In Remembrance by Claude Webster AVIATION QUARTERLY's first published poem. The subject, of course, is the history of manned flight, and it celebrates the bold imagination, undeniable courage, and peerless skill of aviation's pioneers. 76 Dogfights! by Bruce Chadwick "In a galaxy far away..." is more popular today than ever before and can easily be explored in your neighborhood theater The author of "Dogfights!" contends that one reason why so many science fiction enthusiasts are enjoying film epics such as Star Wars" is because of the industry's adaptation of WW I & II aerial combat scenes to the interstellar struggles in space. V6#2 1980 #2347 100 Ford Tri-Motor: The Golden Goose by Stephen Kidd Few aircraft have played a more historic role in the advancement of aviation than the plane affectionately referred to as "The Tin Goose." The result of Henry Ford's business instinct and a product of his innovative and prolific assembly line, the Tri-Motor ushered in the era of commercial airline passenger service and provided the first opportunity for thousands of Americans to experience the magical world of flight. 130 Yankee on the Yangtze by Nancy Allison Wright Following his early career as an Army flight instructor and record-setting pilot, Ernest M. "Allie" Allison became a guiding force in promoting commercial aviation in China during the 1930's. As a chief pilot and later as executive officer of China National Aviation Corporation, Allie was instrumental in introducing air mail and passenger service in that vast, rugged, and, at that time, warlord-controlled country. 152 The Great Warbirds, 1914-1918 by Dale L. Walker In Part II of this four part series, the author discusses Great Britain and her role during World War I. Presented are profiles of the British aircraft and "aces" who helped to revolutionize warfare and who earned immortal fame for their contributions in The Great War. 168 First Flight Over Everest by Brenda Ralph Lewis Two modified Westland PV.3 biplanes, the supercharged Bristol Pegasus engine, the sponsorship of Lady Houston, the support of the British Air Ministry and the India Office, and several courageous aviators were required in order for the Houston-Mount Everest Expedition to succeed in scaling the "roof of the world" in April, 1933. 180 Lucky Lady's Secret Flight by Harold Bourgeois After 94 continuous airborne hours, a crew of fourteen men and a Boeing B-50 Superfortress accomplished in 1949 what many believed to be impossible: the first non-stop around-the-world flight. Lucky Lady II logged 23,452 statute miles on a mission shrouded in secrecy and which proved that "the range of the modern military aircraft is unlimited." 192 All American Aviation: "The Airway to Everywhere" by Glenn Kerfoot Dr. Lytle S. Adams invented the system and a fledgling airline introduced it, offering air mail service for the first time and on a regular basis to any rural community with an open field, regardless of its size or the volume of its mail. The impressive record of these "flying post offices" and the colorful pilots who flew them won the admiration of those whom they served and attracted international acclaim. 204 Photo Contest The six photographs of antique and vintage aircraft featured in this issue capture the spirit of aviation as we perceive it and the "classic" qualities with which AVIATION QUARTERLY identifies. V6#3 1980 212 Yellow Peril by Brian Andersen The N3N-3 was christened "Yellow Peril" by Navy flight instructors and students in 1941 because of its bright color, biplane configuration, and wartime usage. For two decades the plane served as a primary trainer before being reassigned by civilian owners to agricultural duties. During its career, Yellow Peril 2951 has proven its effectiveness as a Navy trainer, its durability as a crop duster, and its undying appeal as a vintage air show attraction. The "classic" Yellow Peril has the distinction also of being the last biplane to be retired (1961) from active military service. 224 Gustav Hamel: Airmail Pioneer by Michael E. Hamel-Green Gustav Hamel's accomplishments in the fledgling world of aviation were historic and of a lasting significance. Described by Louis Bleriot as his "most apt pupil," Hamel first distinguished himself as a successful air race contestant. In 1911 he attracted national attention by flying the "First United Kingdom Aerial Post" as part of the coronation program of King George V. Following his celebrated flight from Hendon Aerodrome to Windsor Castle, Hamel became a favorite among London society. He also resumed his career as an exhibition flier and introduced innovative and daring concepts regarding the military applications of aviation. An acquaintance of the Royal Family, a friend and advisor to Sir Winston Churchill, and a genuine national hero, Gustav Hamel disappeared in a tragic flight over the English Channel just prior to the outbreak of World War 1. 260 The Great Warbirds, 1914-1918 by Dale L. Walker Part III of this four part series features Germany as its subject, and describes the origin and development of her early twentieth century air force. In addition to a gallery of historic aircraft, the infamous "Fokker Scourge" and such notorious figures as Manfred von Richthofen in his scarlet triplane are included in the author's account of Germany's memorable contributions in The Great War. 276 The Blue Angels by Alvin S. Fick The world's most famous flight demonstration team, the Blue Angels have earned a reputation for high speed maneuvers and precision flying. Conceived as a recruiting program by the U.S. Navy immediately after World War II, the Blue Angels of today log more than 125,000 miles during the course of a complete show season. Performing around the globe, they dazzle audiences with their incomparable aerial skills, the awesome power of their aircraft, and the poetic grace of their flight program. "Diamonds and Deltas in the Sky" chronicles the history of the Blue Angels, and describes in detail their current program and the rigorous training the select corps of pilots undergo in preparation for their flight "along the edge." Alvin S. Fick's article is being presented in two parts in AVIATION QUARTERLY. V6#4 1980 #2347 308 A "Honey" of a Taylorcraft by David Walker In 1931 C.G. Taylor designed and built the Taylor CUB. When the president and chief engineer sold Taylor Aircraft several years later to financier, William T. Piper, both the plane and the company were renamed after the new owner. Inspired by a fresh concept, the designer founded yet another company in 1935, relocated in Alliance, Ohio, and in only three months produced a remarkable plane that featured side-by-side seating. The result of Taylor's creative vision is dramatically apparent in Victor Honey's "classic" Taylorcraft BL-65. 318 Cal Rodgers "from the Atlantic to the Pacific" by Vera Saban During aviation's infancy, William Randolph Hearst offered a staggering prize of $50,000 to the first person to fly across the North American continent in less than thirty days. Sponsored by J. Ogden Armour, Cal Rodgers competed in the much publicized contest, piloting a 1911 Wright biplane christened Vin Fiz to promote a new soft drink. Cal Rodgers failed to win the Hearst Prize, but the plucky aviator and his battered Vin Fiz were the first to fly "from the Atlantic to the Pacific," completing the historic, transcontinental flight in 49 days. 332 The Great Warbirds, 1914-1918 by Dale L. Walker In the fourth and final installment of his series on WW I aircraft, the author discusses the planes and some of the "aces" who participated in The Great War on behalf of "The Other Nations: Austria-Hungary, Italy, Russia, and the United States." The last contributed only pilots flying foreign-made aircraft until February 1918, when the 94th Pursuit Squadron arrived in France and became the first American unit to experience combat action. 342 Walt Addems: A Plane and Propper Man by Julie Perlitch Over 80 years of age, Walt Addems may be the oldest, continuously flying pilot in the world. His career began in 1916 when he built a glider, and is still soaring today. In her biographical account, the author credits her subject with having designed the most commonly used system of instrument training and for his service as one of United Airlines' first test pilots. Piloting a homebuilt Nieuport 11, Walt Addems, the octogenarian aviator, remains a familiar sight to West Coast air show enthusiasts. 356 13 Black Cats by Robert Loeffelbein Like the reckless era in which they were born, the 13 Black Cats were innovative, fearless, and famous. The most celebrated stunt team of the Roaring Twenties, they began in 1924 by advertising they would do "ANYTHING, For A Price." And for five years, they proved it by staging aerial performances unrivaled by other barnstorming troupes. Their daily death-defying routines earned the daredevil Cats a colorful niche in an unforgettable chapter of aviation history. 366 The Blue Angels -- by Alvin S. Fick In Part II of "Diamonds and Deltas in the Sky," the author describes the intense preparation and intricate maneuvers that characterize an exhibition by the internationally renowned Blue Angels Flight Demonstration Team. Photos are used to illustrate the dazzling spectacle the Angels present, and reveal the meaning of such terms as "knife edge," "dirty roll, " and "fleur de lis." Meet the mechanics who keep the A-4 Skyhawks "up," and the pilots who fly them with peerless skill and courage. V7#1 1981 #2347 4 Spoor of A Junkers by Scott 0. Johnson From the power plants to the landing gear, Iron Annie remains essentially pure, her authenticity unsacrificed. Wherever she alights, the last of the real Annies turns heads and makes men come running, jogging their memories as the most amazing aeronautical curiosity to ever rattle their ears! Scott Johnson traces the history of this award winning restoration and shares many colorful tales that make this plane a living legend. 22 A Portfolio: The Lovable Cub by Bill Johnson Somewhere between Kitty Hawk and the evolution of Supersonic jets lies the era of the Cub. In its own way, the Cub has contributed an important and necessary segment to aviation history. Aviation Quarterly presents a colorful look at the Cub. 32 The Schneider Trophy Contests by Brenda Ralph Lewis Jacques Schneider, a French balloonist and aviator, offered the Schneider Trophy as a spur to the development of seaplanes. He envisaged the peoples of the world drawn together in mutual understanding and tolerance by "hydro aeroplanes" speeding across the continents and spanning the oceans. However, speed and more speed became the preoccupation of air racing in general and the Schneider contest in particular when activities resumed after the First World War. This British author credits the Schneider contests with aiding the British in the development of their fighter aircraft for the Second World War. 40 The Story of Aviation Pioneer Benjamin Kelsey by Jeff Ethell Benjamin Kelsey stands among the pioneers of military aviation responsible for the superiority of American fighters during World War II. From barnstorming at the age of 16 to his retirement from the USAF in 1955 as a Brigadier General and Director of Research & Development, USAF, Kelsey's aviation career as chronicled by Jeff Ethell parallels the development of aviation from the Jenny to the X15. 86 Fertile Myrtle by David A. Walker Built in 1945 at Boeing's Wichita, Kansas, plant as Army Air Force B-29, serial number 45/21787, the Superfortress which eventually became known as "Fertile Myrtle" was destined for a pioneer role as the launch platform during this nation's early research in high speed, high altitude flight. Today it is recognized as one of the truly historic aircraft of an era not long removed, but yet so quickly forgotten. 45/21787 was never to drop a bomb in anger nor was it to fire a shot in war. Nonetheless, this aircraft ranks in the forefront as one of the significant members of her breed. V7#2 1981 (not numbered) 100 Last of the Eagles by Glenn Kerfoot He can spin yarns by the hour -- of France, Germany, Von Richthofen, Lufberry, Eddie Rickenbacker, and more. Colonel William Lambert, leading WWI ace pilot for Canada's Royal Flying Corps, gives a low-key remembrance of the first flying war. From his pipes to his paintings, he is an original. 116 The Martin B-10 Bomber by Bernard Nalty The United States' first truly modern medium bombers, the Martin B-10 is illustrated through its inception and development by the men who built and flew them. Known as the 'Flying Whale' and the 'Tissue-paper Bomber', this is the story of the aircraft that captured the imagination and attention of the American public. 134 The Culver CADET by David Walker Designed by Al Mooney, built variously by K. K. Culver and Walter Beech, the Culver CADET was loved by most pilots. There had never been an airplane like this; there are few today that can even be compared to the CADET. One current owner of a CADET tells what it was -- and is -- like to fly "America's little sweetheart". 148 Forgotten Eagles by Berkley McCollum During WWII, 450 black airmen wrote a unique chapter in American aviation history when they helped defeat the German Luftwaffe. Flying in separate squadrons (99th Fighter Squadron and 332nd Fighter Group) black pilots destroyed or damaged over 400 enemy aircraft. Their story is a remarkable achievement of courage and daring. 172 Baltimore's Municipal Airport by William G. LeFurgy Baltimore could have become the hub of aviation activity on the East coast. Examination of the Baltimore airport experience up to the end of WWII shows how one community responded to the aviation challenge, and the tremendous problems faced by all municipalities during the advent of the air age, when airport-development knowledge was embryonic, and the obstacles immense. V7#3 1981 #10069 192 Panama Pacific International Exposition: Great Men in the Western Sky by Linda Liscom The Panama Pacific International Exposition (PPIE) motivated disaster-stricken San Franciscans to daring endeavors and historic achievements. Shortly after that bustling city was destroyed by the famous earthquake in 1906, and subsequent fire, the city successfully erected great monuments, palatial buildings, and dazzling attractions that awed nearly 20,000,000 visitors. Most of those visitors also witnessed first-hand the most daring exploits of a new generation of showmen--aeroplane fliers. They saw Lincoln Beachey and Bob Fowler; Art Smith and Sylvio Pettirossi, and more. They paid $10 a piece to ride with the then unknown Loughead (Lockheed) brothers. And, sadly, they watched as Lincoln Beachey fell to his death during a spectacular performance. The PPIE was a great success and it introduced to a startled world the greatest accomplishment of modern man. 228 Fleet 16B by Ken Smith The Fleet 16B is a beautiful biplane, as the photographs will attest. Popular since the earlier models 1 and 2 (and before that as the 'Husky Jr.'), the 16B was to the Canadians what the Yellow Peril N3N-3 was to American pilots. Rugged, stable, fun, and inexpensive, the 16B drifted south from Canada and found hundreds of homes in the States. One such 16B uniquely outfitted with a one-time only engine certification, flies regularly,steadily, after all these years. It invariably draws spectators at 'fly-ins'; it carries on a fine old Canadian tradition. 238 Uncle Sam's Flying Nieces by B. Kimball Baker Women have long been little recognized in their roles in aviation. Nowhere was this more apparent than in history's treatment of the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASPs). Flying in everything from the hulking B-29 Superfortress to Spitfires, the brave women of the WASPs compiled a record any pilot would be proud to own. They had the same daredevil attitudes, the same carefree spirit that matched the male pilots flight for flight. They performed an invaluable service during WWII, ferrying badly-needed aircraft to the lines, transporting equipment, and showing skeptical male pilots that not only were certain airplanes airworthy, but that a woman could fly them as competently as any man could. And then, shortly before the end of the war, the government 'reneged' on its promises, and tried to ignore them. This bittersweet story tells what they did, and how they finally righted that wrong. 264 Whispering Wings by Manuel A. Conley For years war strategicians had dreamed of 'vertical envelopment' -- airborne assault as we know it today. Da Vinci dreamed of it, World War I helped prove its feasibility, and Adolph Hitler choreographed the first practical, successful use. He used the combat glider, and suddenly, the whole armed world wanted their versions. The development proceeded fitfully, exaggerated by wartime enthusiasm. Troubles plagued the start, and deaths accompanied the development of implementation. Glider troops rivaled regular paratroopers in unyielding individualism and stubbornness. Glider pilots often chose the romantic cities in Europe as unauthorized vacation spots. The story is sad, dramatic, and between the lines laced with humor of a spirit that existed for only a decade during the 'war to end all wars'. V7#4 1984 3rd 284 Raoul Lufbery: The Enigmatic Ace by Dale L. Walker While flying with the Lafayette Escadrille, the squadron of American volunteers who flew in French uniforms and in French planes long before America entered WWI in Europe, Raoul Lufbery scored 17 victories in his two years flying at the front (and another forty unconfirmed ones). He wore the French Legion of Honor, Medaille Militaire, Croix de Guerre with ten palms and the British Military Medal and he was the best-known American ace in the pre-Rickenbacker months, a national hero of two nations. Raoul Lufbery was a name of legend and if memory of his exploits and character have dimmed, it is unfortunate for he deserves remembering. 294 Mustang by Jeffrey L. Ethell The Mustang has reflected the American will to excel when against tough odds. "Sired by the English out of an American mother," as Major Thomas Hitchcock, recalled, the Mustang went from stepchild to king of the hill in just four years time and was acknowledged at the end of World War II as the finest piston engined fighter of any combatant. From the first prototype to the last version of the aircraft, the Mustang was forced to take many turns, some almost killing her in the rush of wartime expedience. The aircraft continued to emerge from the design offices to make yet another contribution to military aviation. That the Mustang continued in first line service with the U.S. Air Force through the Korean War and into the mid-1950's speaks for itself. 324 Miracles From Mojave: The Story of Burt Rutan by Don Downie Burt Rutan has become the most successful designer of homebuilt aircraft in the world. Just about the only thing that Rutan has maintained over his meteoric rise in aircraft design has been the canard configuration. In 1969, Burt Rutan formed the Rutan Aircraft Factory (RAF) for the development of a non-conventional research aircraft, the VariViggen. In the following years he developed the VariEze, Quickie, Defiant and Long-Ez, Grizzly, 62% NGT jet trainer as well as feasibility studies and design of the AD-1 for NASA. "Father" of these ubiquitous canards is Rutan, yet only 41 years old. He is truly a pioneer producing from computer technology, space-age materials and miniaturization, composite structures for machines so fuel efficient that he is extending the dream of flying for many. His new project, the Voyager, and his work on the Beech Starship are examples of Burt Rutan's versatility. The history books are still open for hopefully years of more of his designs and of his contributions to aviation. V8#1 1985 1st 4 Flying in the Funnies by Al Flick Just after the years of World War I, America was enchanted with aviation and the aviators in the news such as Post, Doolittle and Lindbergh. In response to the Public's hunger for adventure and it's enthrallment of flying, the aviation comics were born. These comics were seen in movie houses, books, pulp magazines, advertisements and the funny pages of newspapers. A few, well written and illustrated, have endured the test of time. 48 Fay Gillis Wells, Air Pioneer by Lt. Col. Yvonne Pateman, USAF Ret. Few women of the 1920s and 1930s transgressed the traditional role allowed them. Those who did, did so in such a daring way that they often made the headlines. One such woman, Fay Gillis Wells, shared the spotlite of the times with other independent women who refused to conform to the restrictions society wished to place upon them. Fay Gillis Wells, along with her peers Amelia Earhart, Opal Kunz, Neva Paris, Louise Thaden, Blanche Noyes and others united to further the advancement of women in aviation, thus laying the cornerstone for the historic space flight of Sally Ride. 66 The Navy Night Fliers of World War II by Tom Ladwig Japan's tactic of night time attacks on our ships in the Solomon Islands made it clear that the United States would have to fly at night in order to stop the Japanese. Britain had developed night fighting during the Battle of Britain and offered valuable assistance in the development of our program. Overcoming the handicaps of flying from a carrier on an open sea, improper lighting on deck, inadequate radar and no training guidelines took its toll in operational mishaps. The advances made during the development of night fighting operations made it possible for all carriers to operate on an around-the-clock basis if needed. V8#2 SPRING 1985 82 PUBLISHER'S PAGE/EDITOR'S PAGE by STANLEY/THORNBURG 84 JUST TRANSIENTS by EDITORIAL STAFF 92 S-58E: SIKORSKY "WEIGHTLIFTER" by W. HENRY ELCANAH 97 WASPs AND WAFS IN A FORTRESS by YVONNE C. PATEMAN 132 AN AEROBATIC DELIGHT by GEORGE E. STANLEY Bede BD-5J 150 ENLISTED PILOTS... INTRODUCTION by EDITOR 151 HISTORY OF ENLISTED PILOTS: THE FIRST YEARS by LEE ARBON 159 ENLISTED PILOTS: A FORGOTTEN LEGACY by J. H. MacWILLIAM 170 WHO WERE THOSE ENLISTED PILOTS? by LEE ARBON 174 JUST PICTURES by EDITORIAL STAFF 176 CREDITS & ERRATA by EDITORS V8#3 SUMMER 1988 180 COMMENTARY by Frank B. Thornburg, Jr. 182 JUST TRANSIENTS 186 "C'EST LA PLUS GRANDE ERREUR DU SIECLE" by George E. Haddaway 192 MARCEL DASSAULT THE LAST OF THE TITANS by George E. Haddaway 210 THE DAVIS 'PARASOL' MONOPLANE by David Walker 236 A RENDEZVOUS WITH PEGASUS by Richard Sanders Allen Adolfo De Bosis 251 MAKERS OF THE UNITED STATES AIR FORCE Introduction: Men With A Mission by John L. Frisbee 257 MAKERS OF THE UNITED STATES AIR FORCE Benjamin D. Foulois: In The Beginning by John F. Shiner 282 WACO EGC-8: A COLOR PICTORIAL by W. Henry Elcanah V8#4 FALL 1988 292 LAST OF THE TITANS (PART II): by George E. Haddaway The Life and Times of Marcel Dassault. 318 A CHARTER TO CHICAGO: by Richard S. Allen Governor Franklin D. Roosevelt's 1932 flight. 329 PRESIDENTS AND PRECEDENTS: by Richard S. Allen The first United States presidents to fly. 330 FORD TRI-MOTOR 'NC415H': by Richard S. Allen 'Que Sera, Sera'. 332 FRANK M. ANDREWS: MARSHALL'S AIRMAN: by Dewitt Copp USAF Continuing Series 358 GUN PLATFORMS TO REMEMBER: by Editors Courtesy of The Champlin Fighter Museum 369 HAROLD L. GEORGE: APOSTLE OF AIRPOWER by Haywood S. Hansell Jr. USAF Continuing Series 387 THE LADY IS A 'VAMP': by Edward C. Stead A color pictorial on De Havilland Vampire. 393 THE STANDARD J-1: by Dan B. McCarthy Today's Pictorial on Yesterday's Airplane. 400 THE BOEING F4B-4: by Dr. Stanley Morel Eighty Percent Replica of USN Early 1930s Carrier Fighter. V9#1 Winter 1989 1 HUTHY BHUTHY: HELPING US TO HELP YOU. by AQ Charter Members By helping us to help you. 6 STRIPPED, BRUSHED AND FROCKED IN BLUE by Howard Webb A new coat of blue for a WWII era TBM. 16 FLYING THE TBM: THE HOWARD WEBB WAY by Howard Webb A ride in an old WWII torpedo bomber. 17 UNITED STATES NAVY PICTORIAL DURING THE GOLDEN YEARS by AQ Editors Chance Vought aircraft with and without floats. 28 NEW STANDARD D-29A/NT-1 by David Walker A basket case which had belonged to the USMC. 53 WAFS: A LOOK BY "LOOK" DURING WORLD WAR II by Look Magazine Women going through the paces in 1943. 59 GLENN L. MARTIN By Look Magazine One of the first to build his own plane and teach himself to fly it. 63 RUGGED AND RIGHT - THAT'S TERESA JAMES by Yvonne C. Pateman From aerobatic, to air mail, to fighter pilot. 73 THE STORY OF TEN GRAND by Yvonne C. Pateman Republic's 10,000 P-47 off assembly line. 74 HUGH J. KNERR: THE PEN AND THE SWORD by Murray Green Makers of the United States Air Force. 99 A VIKING WITH WINGS - THE FISH HASSELL STORY by Col. B. R. J. Hassell AQ Book Offering: A story you cannot put down. 100 GEORGE A. KENNEY: THE GREAT INNOVATOR by Herman S. Wolk Makers of the United States Air Force. 127 WHAT'S A HUTHY BUTHY? by George E. Stanley Camaraderie: A spirit of friendly good-fellowship with AQ. V9#2 1989 129 HUTHY BHUTHY: HELPING US TO HELP YOU. by AQ Charter Members By helping us to help you. 132 DOUGLAS H. DAVIS by Clair C. Stebbins A Georgia Cracker with few peers 150 1946 AERONCA CHAMP TAIL DRAGGER by Raymond Murray Too Few remain. 152 VINCENT J.BURNELLI by Kathryn Jones Results were many, accolades too few. 168 CURTISS FLEDGLING NC 868N: AN AQ COLOR PICTORIAL by Dick Hopkins In Oregon, one of four in the world. 178 WILLIAM E. KEPNER: ALL THE WAY TO BERLIN by Paul F. Henry Makers of the United States Air Force. 208 DICK MERRILL, FREDERICKSBURG AND THE V.A.M. by Yvonne C. Pateman A compendium relating to aviation in Virginia. 223 THE NEW-DAY BARLING NB-3 by Company Brochure Setting new standards in production. 228 ELWOOD R. QUESADA: TAC AIR COMES OF AGE by John Schlight Makers of the United States Air Force. 253 JUST PICTURES by AQ Editors What could have been to what was. 256 AQ RECOMMENDS: THE WAR IN SOUTH VIETNAM by John Schlight The Years of the Offensive 1965-1968 Aviation Classics from Aviation Quarterly 14 SVA-9 Who hasn't dreamed of swinging open a barn door and discovering an airplane which has long since been forgotten? H.W. Hagen brings us the story of how it happened in New York state, and the find was extraordinary. Not an ordinary airplane by any means, but an Italian model from World War I. Now beautifully restored, it is the only airworthy SVA 9 in existance, although over 2000 were once produced. It represents such an extraordinary find, and creates such envy for all us luckless searchers of similar treasure. 36 STAGGERWING Evolving from the early days of aviation -- days when both money and expertise were hard to find -- came the first of the truly classic birds -- The Staggerwing. Turn over its huge radial engine and the ground would tremble, feel the surge of power as she jumped from the runway, and meet the men who dared to build and fly her. This article was written by Robert T. Smith. 74 A SHORT REARWIN HISTORY Bob Taylor, President and founder of the Antique Airplane Association, wrote this brief history of Rearwin for Aviation Quarterly. Rearwin airplanes were well built and provided great comfort during a time when competitive manufacturers were offering basic airplanes and little more. 90 SPARTAN C2-60 The Spartan Aircraft Company built a number of small and efficient airplanes, including one which has almost been forgotten -- the C2-60: a two-place, low-wing monoplane built and test flown in 1930. This article was written by Jay Miller. 110 THE RYAN Photographed by David Hadeler and Brad Bierman, this is a pictorial essay of a fine classic restoration. 118 THAT WONDERFUL WACO 10 This article displays Max Krueger's beautifully restored Waco 10 GXE. Written by Jay Miller, this is an enjoyable story of one man's passionate restoration of an antique airplane. 134 THE CUBS GROW UP There were numerous airplanes that resembled the Cub and in many ways they offered equal performance and appeal at a comparable price, yet the Cub dominated all. As these aircraft grew in size, power and comforts, the competition grew increasingly fierce. In this story, Walt Boyne discusses the transitions and events that took place during these most difficult years of maturation of the lightplane. 166 A "HONEY" OF A TAYLORCRAFT In 1931 C.G. Taylor designed and built the Taylor CUB. When the president and chief engineer sold Taylor Aircraft several years later to financier, William T. Piper, both the plane and the company were renamed after the new owner. Inspired by a fresh concept, the designer founded yet another company in 1935, relocated in Alliance, Ohio, and in only three months produced a remarkable plane that featured side-by-side seating. Author David Walker describes the result of Taylor's creative vision is dramatically apparent in Victor Honey's "classic" Taylorcraft BL-65. 176 CURTISS JENNY Pete Bowers has provided us with an outstanding and detailed story on the Curtiss Jenny, one of America's most famous airplanes. With ample photo support, the author discusses the origin of the aircraft, its various series and models, its civilian and military careers, and the part it played in air shows, barnstorming and even the movies. There are so many vintage photographs plus numerous full color plates of Jim Nissen's recently restored 1918 Curtiss JN-4D. 216 TRAVEL AIR A pictorial essay of a fine classic restoration photographed by Brad Bierman and David Hadeler. 222 FLEET Beautiful descriptive photography by David Hadeler and Brad Bierman of a classic restoration of the Fleet. 224 STEARMAN! To an uneducated layman all biplanes look alike; to the buff, however, every biplane ever produced carries with it special and individual memories: visions of graceful wings, slender fuselages, humming wires and popping exhausts. But of all the great names in biplane history, one stands out as being almost synonymous with the word biplane -- Stearman. The Stearman Kaydet biplane is probably the most widely-recognized airplane in the history of aviation. Author Jay Miller has compiled a factual history of this fabulous airplane. Together with some of the greatest Stearman photographs ever taken, his article is perhaps the most comprehensive look ever at this versatile and beautiful classic. 252 Ford Tri-Motor: The Golden Goose Few aircraft have played a more historic role in the advancement of aviation than the plane affectionately referred to as "The Tin Goose." The result of Henry Ford's business instinct and a product of his innovative and prolific assembly line, the Tri-Motor ushered in the era of commercial airline passenger service and provided the first opportunity for thousands of Americans to experience the magical world of flight. This article was written by Stephen Kidd 264 Yellow Peril The N3N-3 was christened "Yellow Peril" by Navy flight instructors and students in 1941 because of its bright color, biplane configuration, and wartime usage. For two decades the plane served as a primary trainer before being reassigned by civilian owners to agricultural duties. In this story, Brian Andersen describes the career of the Yellow Peril 2951; how it has proven its effectiveness as a Navy trainer, its durability as a crop duster, and its undying appeal as a vintage air show attraction. The "classic" Yellow Peril has the distinction also of being the last biplane to be retired (1961) from active military service. 296 Index