Bücher veröffentlicht von Periscope Film LLC

Designed by Allis Chalmers on the chassis and drive train of the M2 Light Tank, the 18-ton M4 High Speed Tractor was a prime mover for the U.S. Army duringWorld War II. It was tasked with moving artillery, in particular 3-inch and90mm anti-aircraft guns, 155mm guns, and 8-inch and 240mm howitzers. Builtas a "crawler" and equipped with a 6-cylinder, water-cooled engine, the M4could travel cross-country through swamps and sand, or on the highway at speeds up to 33 mph. Over 5,500 M4s were built between 1942 and 1945, with many remaining in service into the 1960s.Created in 1943, this official TM 9-785 Technical Manual reveals a great deal about the M4's design and capabilities. Intended as a manual for those charged with operation and maintenance, this manual shows many aspects of its engine, cooling, power, drive train and other systems. Originally labeled restricted, this manual was declassified long ago and is here reprinted in book form. Care has been taken to preserve the integrity of the text.

Designed by Wernher von Braun and Arthur Rudolph at NASA¿s Marshall Space Flight Center, the Saturn V rocket represents the pinnacle of 20th Century technological achievement. The only launch vehicle in history to transport astronauts beyond Low Earth Orbit, the Saturn V delivered 24 men to the moon. To this day it holds records as the tallest (363 feet), heaviest (nearly 7 million lbs.) and most powerful (over 7.6 million pounds-force of thrust) launch vehicle ever produced. It also remains one of the most reliable, achieving 12 successful launches with one partial failure ¿ the unmanned Apollo 6 which suffered vibration damage on lift-off, resulting in a sub-standard orbit.The Saturn series of rockets resulted from Von Braun¿s work on the German V-2 and Jupiter series rockets. The Saturn I, a 2-stage liquid-fueled rocket, flew ten times between 1961 and 1965. A uprated version the 1B carried the first crewed Apollo flight into orbit in 1968. The Saturn V, which first flew in 1967, was a three-stage rocket. The first stage, which burned RP-1 and LOX, consisted of five F-1 engines. The second stage used five J-2 engines which burned LOX and liquid hydrogen (LH2). The third stage, based on the second stage of the Saturn 1B, carried a single J-2. The Saturn V could carry up to 262,000 pounds to Low Earth Orbit and more critically, 100,000 pounds to the Moon.Created by NASA as a single-source reference as to the characteristics and functions of the Saturn V, this manual was standard issue to the astronauts of the Apollo and Skylab eras. It contains information about the Saturn Vsystem, range safety and instrumentation, monitoring and control, prelaunch events, and pogo oscillations. It provides a fascinating overview of the rocket that made ¿one giant leap for mankind¿ possible.

Developed and deployed in a short time due to the pressure of the Vietnam War, Bell's AH-1 Cobra performed well; but Army planners believed a better attack helicopter would be needed in the next war. In 1976, Hughes Helicopter's YAH-64A prototype bested the Cobra in firepower, performance and range, and won the competition to replace it. It would be 1982 before production commenced, but eventually over 1100 would be produced including the advanced AH-64D Apache Longbow. Dubbed the Apache, the AH-64 is a four- blade, twin-engine, tandem-cockpit design with tailwheel landing gear. The AH-64 features double and triple-rendundant systems that ensure maximum survivability in combat, and an awesome array of weapons that can include Hellfire missiles and a 30mm M230 Chain Gun that can be slaved to the pilot's head movements via a helmet mounted display (IHADSS). The Apache first saw combat during the invasion of Panama in 1989, and conducted the first attack of Operation Desert Storm in 1991, flying into Iraq to destroy enemy radar systems. AH-64s are credited with destroying over 500 tanks during that conflict. They continued their service in Bosnia and Kosovo, in Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. The AH-64 is now also deployed by the United Kingdom, Israel, the Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, Japan and other air forces worldwide. Created by the Army for the AH-64A version of the Apache, this unclassified pilot's flight manual runs over 600 pages, and contains chapters about aircraft systems and procedures. It is reprinted here in its entirety.

During the Vietnam War fleets of transport helicopters provided U.S. forces with an unprecented level of mobility and proved the concept of ¿air cavalry¿. But without adequate support, helicopters such as the Bell UH-1 proved vulnerable to enemy ground fire. The solution was to develop a helicopter gunship. Bell¿s first foray into the category was rejected by the Army, but after Lockheed¿s AH-56 failed to meet critical goals, Bell answered the call with a new design. Equipped with a tandem cockpit, stub wings for weapons and a chin-mounted gun turret, Bell¿s Model 209 protoype was smaller and lighter than the AH-56,and used proven components from the UH-1. Developed in less than nine months, the 209 performed well and easily won the Army competition. In April 1966 the Army placed its first order for 110 aircraft, now designated the AH-1 Cobra or HueyCobra (but also widely known by the nickname ¿Snake¿). Over 1100 would eventually be built, including twin-engine SeaCobra and SuperCobra versions for the Marine Corps.After entering service in June of 1967, Cobras provided extensive support in Vietnam as fire support platforms, and achieved over a million operational hours. Cobras also flew in Operation Desert Shield, Desert Storm and in Somalia before being retired in the late 1990s. They continue to fly for the Marine Corps, NATO allies and elsewhere. They also serve in a civil role as fire fighting helicopters. Created by Bell and the U.S. Army, this pilot¿s flight operating manual profiles the AH-1F Cobra. Over 300 pages long, this unclassified document is reprinted here in its entirety.

Developed to replace the UH-1 Iroquis,Sikorsky¿s UH-60 Black Hawk first entered service in 1979. A four-blade, twin-engine, medium-lift utility helicopter, the UH-60 serves as the U.S. Army¿s primary tactical transport helicopter. Modified versions include models for the U.S. Navy and Air Force, and specialized versions including the UH-60C (modified for Command and Control missions), EH-60A (electronic systems operations and electronic warfare), and the UH-60Q (medical transport). Two major variants of the Black Hawk currently exist: the UH-60L and UH-60M. The UH-60L incorporates improvements to the basic design that provide more power and lifting capability, as well as automatic flight control. The newer UH-60M features upgraded engines, improved rotor blades, and state-of-the-art flight controls that will allow the helicopter¿s service life to extend to 2020 and beyond. Over 2500 Black Hawks have been built, and nearly 1000 more are currently on order. Black Hawks have seen combat service for the U.S. Military in Grenada, Panama, Somalia, Afghanistan and Iraq. Other nations also employ the UH-60 including Brazil, Colombia, Israel, Mexico,Taiwan, Australia, Japan, and Turkey. Created by Sikorsky and the U.S. Army, this pilot¿s flight operating manual profiles the UH-60Q Black Hawk. Over 500 pages long, this unclassified document is reprinted here in its entirety.

"It has been said, with truth, that an inherent love of things mechanical finds a more or less definitive place in the character of every Englishman..." So begins The MotorCyclist's Handbook, a wonderful text from 1911 that describes in detail the operation of early motorcycles. Created by Charles S. Lake columnist for The Model Engineer magazine, the book was an instant classic. Today it is just as readable and in some fashion in even more enjoyable. Lavishly illustrated, the book includes chapters on engines, including two-stroke and four cylinder, compression, carburetor, ignition, transmission, lubrication, accessories, and so on. Some of the bikes featured include the Rudge, Triumph, Hudson, Indian, Scott, and others, as well as early automobiles. It's a delightful trip back in time for any biker - from the collector to the weekend rider. This easy-to-read reprint of this exceptionally rare book is presented in 8x10 format, sightly larger than the original. Care has been taken to preserve the integrity of the text.

Developed in the late 1850s, the traction engine revolutionized the agriculture industry. James H. Maggard, an authority on steam power, wrote The Traction Engine for the "rough and tumble engineers" tasked with operating these machines in the field. That was not an altogether easy task even for a seasoned professional. Breakdowns, boiler explosions, and injury could result if an operator was inattentive. This reprint of the 1900 edition of the book features expanded chapters on the subject of threshing machines and the new internal combustion engine models. Illustrated throughout, and featuring a highly readable text, this is a wonderful book for anyone who is a fan of steam technology, the museum docent, or anyone who ever wondered "how the heck does that work?"

Henry Ford introduced his Model T in 1908, and changed the face of America. The arrival of the "Tin Lizzie" on city streets also signaled the beginning of the end for a debate that had raged since the beginning of the motor car era. Namely, "What is the best propulsion system for autos: steam, electric, or gasoline?" Originally published in 1915 as an engineering text, The Gasoline Automobile is a classic book that provides rare insights into the early days of the automobile revolution. Within its pages you will find descriptive text supported by numerous rare photos and illustrations. Chapters include: general construction, engines, power plant groups and transmission systems, fuels and carburetor systems, lubrication and cooling, batteries and ignition, magnetos, starting and lighting systems, troubles and remedies, and operation and care. This softcover reprint of the first edition has been slightly reformatted for readability, but care has been taken to preserve the integrity of the text.

A redesign of the U.S. Navy's successful Mark 14 torpedo, the Mark 16 was developed during WWII but not available until early 1945 and never saw combat. The Mark 16's design incorporated the best aspects of the Mark 14, and some features of German torpedoes. During twenty years of the Cold War, the Mark 16 served as the Silent Service's standard anti-ship weapon. The Mark 16 was powered by a Navol hydrogen-peroxide and alcohol engine. The warhead carried 732 pounds of HBX-3 Torpex explosive, making it the most powerful non-nuclear torpedo in the U.S. arsenal. Launched from a depth between 10 and 200 feet, the torpedo had a running depth between 10 and 50 feet. It weighed 3782 poundsin war-shot configuration, and was 246 inches in length and 21 inches in diameter. This handbook was created to train torpedomen about the use, maintenance, and handling of the Mark 16. It provides anunprecedented look at the most deadly conventional weapon in the submarine's arsenal. Originally confidential, this handbook is now consideredobsolete, and no longer classified.

In 1869 Horatio Brooks, a former superintendent of the New York and Erie Railroad, leased the shops at Dunkirk, New York and opened the Brooks Locomotive Works. It quickly became the largest manufacturer in New York State, and in its second year Brooks built 43 new locomotives for customers domestic and foreign. The 1000th engine rolled off the line in 1884.By the time Horatio Brooks died in 1887, his company was nearly at its zenith. Production reached a high of 225 locomotives in 1891, but declined in 1894 to only 90 due to a financial crisis. Brooks was eventually forced to merge with the Schenectady Locomotive Works and several other companies, which emerged under the American Locomotive Company name. The Dunkirk plant produced its last steam locomotive in 1928.

One of the few aircraft to fly in three wars - WWII, Korea and Vietnam - the Douglas A-26 / B-26 Invader gained fame as a light bomber. Designed by engineer Ed Heinemann, the XA-26 prototype first flew in 1942 and flew combat missions beginning in June of 1944. Two versions were produced: a heavily-armed solid nose "B" model and a glass nose "C" model for precision highaltitude bombing. More than 2400 were built, serving with distinction in both the Pacific and European Theaters. Redesignated the B-26 (not to be confused with the B-26 Marauder), Invaders saw combat in Korea and are credited with destroying over 38,000 vehicles and over 4000 locomotives and railway cars. The French flew the aircraft in Indochina, and the USAF and CIA used it during the Vietnam conflict. B-26's also flew in the ill-fated Bay of Pigs Invasion in 1961. Originally printed by the USAAF, this A-26 pilot's manual is chock full of information about one of history's great planes. This affordable facsimile has been reformatted. Care has been taken to preserve the integrity of the text.

Designed during WWII as a long-range fighter, the Hornet represented an evolution of the de Havilland Mosquito and was the fastest piston-powered fighter in Royal Air Force service. Like the Mosquito, the Hornet had a fuselage built largely of balsa and plywood, but boasted laminar flow wings and massive Rolls-Royce V12 engines with 12-foot diameter, four-bladed props. It could achieve a speed of 472 mph at 22,000 feet, had a range of 3,000 miles, and was intended to operate from bases on land and aircraft carriers. It was normally equipped to carry two 1,000 lb. bombs, eight rockets, and fitted with four 20mm nose-mounted cannon. Although it first flew in 1944, the Hornet did not achieve operational status until WWII was over. The plane's real worth was revealed during the Malayan Emergency, when Hornet squadrons flew in the ground attack role against Communist insurgents. During five years in combat, Hornets achieved 4,500 operational sorties. The aircraft was withdrawn from RAF service by mid-1956. The Sea Hornet version served with the fleet from 1947 to 1954, and planes continued to fly with secondary units until 1957. These pilot's notes were standard issue for R.A.F. pilots circa 1947. They contain information about aircraft operation, controls, handling, and emergencies. This reproduction features all of the original text and photos in black and white, and full color covers.