As the Blue Angels¿ aircraft in the late 1950s, Grumman¿s F11F-1 Tiger came to symbolize the speed and might of U.S. Navy airpower. The Tiger was originally conceived as an upgrade of the F9F Cougar. It eventually morphed into a new design, that incorporated the area rule to enable cruising speeds up to 1.1 Mach. The prototype flew in 1954, and carrier trials commenced in 1956. Eventually seven squadrons flew F11Fs. Hampered by maintenance issues affiliated with the J65 engine, and the fact that the Vought Crusader was clearly superior, the Tiger had a short service life. It was withdrawn from carrier duty after four years, in 1961. Only 199 were built. The remaining Tigers flew in a training capacity, and the Blue Angels continued to fly them for over a decade, 1957-1969. Originally printed by the U.S. Navy, this handbook provides a fascinating glimpse inside the cockpit of the Tiger. Originally classified ¿restricted¿, the manual was declassified and is here reprinted in book form.

This book traces the steps to becoming a designated naval aviator and a subsequent flying career encompassing the many adventures of a combat pilot. The author recounts what it is like to fly 437 combat missions and becoming the commander of the most famous fighter squadron in history, the Black Sheep. In this book, the author describes meeting many famous pilots along the way and tells why he thinks they are all great sky warriors.

This book puts the reader in the pilot's seat for a "day at the office" unlike any other. The Smell of Kerosene tells the dramatic story of a NASA research pilot who logged over 11,000 flight hours in more than 125 types of aircraft. Donald Mallick gives the reader fascinating first-hand description of his early naval flight training, carrier operations, and his research flying career with NASA. After transferring to the NASA Flight Research Center, Mallick became involved with projects that further pushed the boundaries of aerospace technology. These included the giant delta-winged XB-70 supersonic airplane, the wingless M2-F1 lifting body vehicle, and triple-sonic YF-12 Blackbird. Mallick also test flew the Lunar Landing Research Vehicle and helped develop techniques used in training astronauts to land on the Moon.

Two-volume collection of case studies on aspects of NACA-NASA research by noted engineers, airmen, historians, museum curators, journalists, and independent scholars. Explores various aspects of how NACA-NASA research took aeronautics from the subsonic to the hypersonic era.-publisher description.

The Smell of Kerosene: A Test Pilot's Odyssey encapsulates the daring and the danger inherent in the uncharted territories of early space and aircraft testing. The collection stands as a testimonial to the evolution of aeronautics, narrating the exhilarating experiences of test pilots and their indispensable role in shaping modern aviation and space exploration. Through a compilation of memoirs, technical reports, and firsthand accounts, the anthology presents a rich tapestry of literary styles, from the methodical precision of technical writing to the deeply personal and reflective tales of peril and perseverance. This diversity underscores the anthology's broader theme - the human spirit's unyielding quest for knowledge and conquest of the skies. The contributors, primarily from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration alongside notable figures like Donald L. Mallick and Peter W. Merlin, bring a wealth of experience and insight. Their backgrounds, ranging from engineering and test piloting to aerospace history, provide a comprehensive overview of the historical and technological context of air and space exploration. Their collective narratives not only honor the legacy of the fields pioneers but also highlight the interdisciplinary nature of aeronautics, where science meets human daring. The Smell of Kerosene is a must-read for anyone fascinated by the interface between human ambition and technological progress. It offers readers a unique opportunity to engage with the personal triumphs and challenges of those who have pushed the boundaries of what was technologically possible. This anthology serves not only as an educational resource but also as a source of inspiration, urging readers to contemplate the vastness of human achievement through the prism of aeronautics and space exploration. It invites a diverse audience, from academicians to enthusiasts, to dive into the depths of this pivotal era in aerospace history.