Air Fronts: Recognition Training and Manuals: US AAF Observer Corps - Identification of Aircrafting

Recognition: Army Air Forces Ground Observer Corps - Identification of Aircraft - Table of Contents

Identification of Aircraft for Army Air Forces Ground Observer Corps; Prepared in the Headquarters, Army Air Forces, expressly for the use by the A.A.F. Ground Observer Corps; Washingotn D.C.: 1942

Please consult "Army Air Forces Field Manual FM 1-25, Air Defense, War Department, Washington 15 June 1943" for further information on the significance of the Observer Corps in US Air Doctrine. The role of the "WEFT" system of recognition will be published in a separate document.

Table of Contents:

	Paragraphs
CHAPTER I. The A. A. F. Ground Observer Corps:
The Ground Observer Corps and Air Defense	1
The Ground Observer Corps in Operation	7
Importance of Ground Observer Corps	14
Reporting identification of Planes	21
CHAPTER II. Aircraft Identification:
Approach to Problem	27
Nomenclature	29
The General Types of Aircraft	30
Plane Identification Markings	41
The WEFT System	45
CHAPTER III. Wings:
Position on Fuselage	54
Shape Front View	55
Shape Underneath View	57
Shape Wing Tips	58
Shape Summary	59
CHAPTER IV. Engines:
The Number of Engines	60
The Position of Engines	62
The Shape of Engines	64
CHAPTER V. Fuselage:
Shape and Size of Fuselage	66
The Nose	68
Cockpits, Gun Turrets, and Air-Scoops	69
Under-carriage	72
CHAPTER VI. Tail:
Tailplane	74
Fin and Rudder	78
CHAPTER VII. Use of the Manual
Silhouettes and Photographs - Ommited due to redundancy with other manuals published on this web-site	81
Appendix

[Home][About][Pilot Training][Air Crew][Ground Crew][Aircraft][Air Services][Air Defense][Theaters][Home Front][Doctrine][Intelligence][The Library][Guestbook][Contact]