The study of aviation material comprised a great portion of the Navy Training Course published for Aviation Supply personnel-Aviation Storekeeper, Volume I, NavPers 10396.

In order to keep abreast of developments in aviation, many improvements have been introduced into Aviation Supply administrative and control procedures. Accounting itself has been mechanized through installation of International Business Machine (IBM) systems. Streamlined systems for stock reporting and inventory control have been implemented in the Quarterly Stock Status Report (QSSR) program and the Section Allowance List Report Forms (AR, BR, etc.).

Such highly efficient systems and programs have been developed through necessity in keeping up with the increasingly more complex job of supplying material to the dynamic organization of naval aviation.

QUIZ

1. Name the five basic functions which must be performed by the Naval Aeronautic Organization?

2. For what reason are changes introduced into Aviation Supply administrative and control procedures?

3. Through what means has accounting been mechanized in Aviation Supply?

4. The characteristics of aviation material present what significant problems in training of personnel in relation to operating personnel.

5. Why is the job of Aviation Supply personnel even more complicated than that of other supply personnel?

CHAPTER 2

NAVAL AIRCRAFT

Aviation Supply personnel are directly concerned with classes and models of naval aircraft, for these determine the various types of operating and maintenance organizations to be supported. The logistic problems of carrier fighting squadrons are completely different from those of a Fleet Air Wing bombing squadron.

If word is received at an advanced base that a Marine Air Group is arriving and will have to be supplied and maintained, the BASO (Base Aviation Supply Officer) should know immediately that he will have to supply parts for the F6F-5 and not for the AD-1. If word is received that a squadron of TBM-IC's is arriving to replace a squadron of TBF-IC's, Supply should know immediately what effect the change will have on the spare parts situation.

The latest copy of the Naval Aeronautics Publications Index lists more than 200 different aircraft models for which publications are procured and distributed. It is not necessary to know all of these models, for some of

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them have rather limited use. Furthermore, when they are grouped according to class, model, and manufacturer, they do not present such a formidable list.

In the Navy Training Course Aviation Storekeeper, Volume I, Nav Pers 10396, a complete listing of aircraft designations is given. In this book, we shall consider a series of thumbnail descriptions of naval aircraft in current use.

CURRENT NAVAL AIRCRAFT

To familiarize you with specific models of aircraft which you may be called upon to support, several aircraft in current use have been selected for illustration and brief comment. Figures 3 through 13 represent a cross section of the types, classes, and models of naval aircraft that will be encountered. A detailed engineering analysis of each plane may be found in the applicable Erection and Maintenance Manual. Section 8001 of the ASO Catalog also furnishes general dimensional data, model of engine used, etc., for current Navy planes.

Fighter Aircraft (VF Class)

The Vought Corsair, F4U-1, illustrated in figure 2, is a plane with a brilliant war record. The fourth and fifth models of the Corsair series-the FRU-4 and F4U-5— are in current fleet operation. This craft is a single place, single engine fighter manufactured by Chance-Vought. It is characterized by an inverted gull wing, long nose and cowling, and a vertical fin set well forward. The FG and F2G series by Goodyear are also Corsairs, the spare parts for which, however, have relatively low interchangeability rates with the respective ChanceVought parts.

The Navy's only twin (reciprocating) engine fighter is exemplified by the F7F-2 Tigercat. Characteristic of most Grumman aircraft, the Tigercat has square wing tips. The F7F-IN, -3 and 3P carry only a pilot, while

the F7F-2N, -3N and -4N carry a crew of two men. It is an extremely versatile fighter and well adapted for night fighting. Being multi-engined, it is in the VF (M) class of aircraft.

The F8F-1 Bearcat is a single-place, carrier-based, single reciprocating engine fighter by Grumman. In appearance it resembles the earlier series of the Wildcat (F4F) and the Hellcat (F6F) in that it has a short, thick fuselage and square wing tips. It is smaller than the F6F.

The most recent Grumman fighter is the sleek, jetpropelled F9F-2 Panther, shown in figure 3. Although not included in the "cat" series, this craft also has the familiar Grumman design characteristics of square wing tips. The wings on the Panther fold for shipboard accommodation. With a dual source of engine parts available, production costs and scheduling would be much lower in event of an emergency.

The F2H-1 Banshee is a twin-jet fighter and is slightly larger than its proud predecessor, the FH-1 Phantom. Its bubble canopy set well forward of the wings gives the pilot 360 degrees vision. The Banshee and the Phantom are both illustrated in figure 4.

Attack Aircraft (VA Class)

Effects of the jet powerplant are least apparent in the attack planes of the Navy. No jet attack planes as yet have been announced, and the current operational AD-1 Skyraider, now replacing the TBF and SB2C, along with the AM-1 Mauler, will probably be the attack craft for