Antietam (CV 36) - Naval Cruise Book

Page 26 text:

MAP BUNDLE IS HANDED TO A CORSAIR PILOT BY PLANE CAPTAIN. ' SPREADING THE GULL WINGS While parked aft, F4U pilot makes pre-flight checks. FIGHTERS TAKE UFF Most dependable all purpose aircraft the Navy has ever had is the FLLU Corsair. ln ten years of Hying for the Navy the F411 has been changed only slightlyg fundamentally it is the same plane that first saw service over Guadalcanal in 1942. Like the AD it is an all purpose plane, flying as a lighter or an attack bomber. The Corsair carries nearly 3,000 pounds of bombs, rockets and napalm, and is armed with fifty caliber machine guns. VF 713 flew over 10095 of their assigned missions in FLLUS for a total of 4,165 combat hours. Four F4Us, fitted with special equipment, were operated by Composite Squadron 3 on night heckler missions. MOVING UP to takeoff position, pilot spreads his f1ghter's wings. Plane director, near wing, directs pilot on to the next plane director.

Page 25 text:

Because Skyraiders can gain flying speed in their 500 foot run, only in an emergency are catapults used to launch them. Less personnel are involved in their takeoff than in a jet launch. Plane captains handle the wheel chocks, check wing locks. Plane directors bring them into takeoff position, the Flight Deck Officer gives them the go signal. The engine is revved to a deafening 2,500 horsepower, brakes released, and the plane is gone. G-ATHERING SPEED Qleftj , plane races past deck edge elevator. Cock- pit is left open on takeoff for quick escape in case accident occurs. PAST THE ISLAND Qbelowj , past the forward gun mounts, this AD has attained full speed half Way through its run. LIKE AN AWKWARD BUT POWERFUL BIRD. A SKYRAIDER SPRINGS OFF THE CARRIER.

Page 27 text:

. CORSAIRS LINE UP awaiting turn to take off. Fast handling of planes keeps launch moving without delay. PLANE CONTINUES takeoff run. By this time, next plane has moved into position, will start run in few seconds. TURNING OFF starboard bow, pi- lot clears flight deck of prop wash 21S soon as possible. FLIGHT DECK OFFICER ducks and braces himself against prop wash as he looks for next plane to launch. Man on right is directing next plane forward.