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This is Volume One of The Army Air Forces in World War II, titled Plans and Early Operations, January 1939 to August 1942, edited by Wesley Frank Craven and James Lea Cate. The University of Chicago Press first published it in 1948, and the Office of Air Force History reprinted it in 1983. The front matter explains how the AAF historical program was set up during the war. The index covers Pacific, Atlantic and European operations, and nothing in the text concerns unidentified aerial phenomena.
“The Wash”17 pages
EXPLANATORY NOTES SERIES: As the performance data for each aircraft model vary greatly with the series, it has been necessary to specify a series designation for each aircraft model listed. An attempt has been made to select that series in widest use in all theaters during the period December 1941-August 1942. NORMAL CREW: Except for those aircraft whose design definitely limits the number of crew members that may be carried, the above figures indicate the size of the crew generally used. RANGE: The specific range listed on the left side of the column is an idealistic range in statute miles based on an arbitrary load within practical limits of the aircraft. No allowance is made for warm-up, take-off, climb to altitude, reserve, wind, etc. Optimum altitudes and cruising speeds are used and bombs are assumed dropped at halfway point. The load carried a t this range is listed at the right side of the column. SERVICE CEILING: That altitude at which the rate of climb decreases to 100' per minute. These figures are based on design gross weight. ARMAMENT: Typical gun installation showing number of guns and caliber. Where two installations are given, both were in general use within the series. BOMB LOAD: Maximum practical load (all bombs of one size). When combination is listed, figures indicate the number and size of both internal and external bombs that can be carried simultaneously. For cargo types, figures given apply to pay load: the number of troops or passengers plus crew or, in lieu thereof, pounds of cargo.
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