Convair C-131 Samaritan / R4Y-1 / T-29 Flying Classroom — Military Flight Documentation Collection
C-131A · C-131B · C-131D/E · YC-131C · R4Y-1 / R4Y-1Z · T-29C · Pratt & Whitney R-2800 Double Wasp
Online Aviation Library presents a structured archival collection of surviving original flight and technical documentation for the Convair C-131 Samaritan, R4Y-1, and T-29 Flying Classroom — the military derivatives of the commercial Convair CV-240, CV-340, and CV-440 twin-engine airliner family. These are primary-source documents: the actual Technical Orders, Navy Flight Handbooks, and manufacturer publications issued to USAF and USN flight crews, ground engineers, and maintenance departments during active military service.
From the short-fuselage CV-240-derived T-29A navigator trainer to the stretched CV-340/440-airframe C-131B/D/F Samaritan medevac transport, this family served across every branch of the United States armed forces — and in the navies and air forces of allied nations — for over three decades of continuous operational service.
📋 Document Manifest
T.O. 1C-131A-1 — USAF Series C-131A Aircraft Flight Manual — Published under authority of the Secretary of the Air Force; dated 31 March 1961; Changed 25 September 1962; Contracts AF33(600)-5928 and AF41(608)-16161; includes Safety of Flight Supplements T.O. -10 and -11; Change Notice edition — latest changed pages supersede same pages of previous date
T.O. 1C-131B-1 — USAF Series C-131B Utility Aircraft Flight Handbook — Published under authority of the Secretary of the Air Force and the Chief of the Bureau of Aeronautics; dated 30 November 1954; Revised 1 April 1955; Revision Notice edition — latest revised pages supersede same pages of previous date; printed by Los Angeles Lithograph Company, Inc.
T.O. 1C-131D-1 — USAF Series C-131D&E Aircraft Flight Manual — Published under authority of the Secretary of the Air Force; dated 16 December 1968; Change 5 dated 15 December 1981; Air Force 1983 August 8 — 200 Reprint; Contracts AF33(600)-27648 and F41608-79-D-A007; basic and all changes merged into complete publication; distribution limited to US Government agencies
T.O. 1C-131(Y)C-1 — USAF Series YC-131C Utility Flight Handbook — Published under authority of the Secretary of the Air Force; dated 10 August 1955; covers the turboprop-converted YC-131C prototype fitted with Allison T56-A-9 turboprop engines; unique variant bridging piston and turboprop powerplant configurations on the CV-340 airframe
NAVAER 01-5MRB-501 — Flight Handbook Navy Models R4Y-1 and R4Y-1Z Airplanes — Published under authority of the Chief of the Bureau of Aeronautics; replaces Flight Handbook NAVAER 01-5MRB-501 Part 1 dated 15 June 1955 and Pilot's Handbook NAVAER 01-5MRB-501 Part 2 dated 15 June 1955; covers the USN fleet transport R4Y-1 and VIP-configured R4Y-1Z (later redesignated C-131F)
T.O. 1T-29C-1 — USAF Series T-29C Aircraft Flight Handbook — Published under authority of the Secretary of the Air Force; dated 30 August 1955; replaces T.O. 1T-29C-1 dated 1 July 1952 and Supplements C, D, and E thereto; covers the navigator and bombardier training variant based on the CV-240 airframe
⚙️ Aerodynamic & Handling Notes
Airframe Lineage: The aerodynamic properties of this series evolved from the short-fuselage CV-240 (T-29A/B/C) to the stretched, higher-aspect-ratio wing design of the CV-340/440 airframes (C-131B/D/E/F). USAF Section VI Flight Characteristics in T.O. 1C-131D-1 covers flight dynamics, structural trim adjustments, stall characteristics (85 mph baseline), and asymmetric engine handling procedures.
Stability Augmentation — NC-131H: Specialized test variant utilizing unique nose surfaces and computer-controlled fly-by-wire mechanics to simulate other aircraft profiles in flight — one of the most technically advanced experimental derivatives of the family.
Turboprop Conversion — YC-131C / VC-131H: Technical files covering the transition from Pratt & Whitney R-2800 piston radials to Allison T56-A-9 turboprop units, with modifications to engine nacelles, exhaust exit profiles, and structural vibration management.
💡 Engine Technical Notes — Pratt & Whitney R-2800 Double Wasp
The platform relied on variations of the Pratt & Whitney R-2800 Double Wasp 18-cylinder, two-row, air-cooled radial engine. Military configurations included the R-2800-99W and -103W, rated at up to 2,500 hp per engine under water-alcohol injection (wet) takeoff conditions. Power Plant System Manuals are handled under military classification T.O. No. 1T-29A-2-5. Water-Alcohol Injection Bulletins document procedures for maximizing takeoff thrust and anti-detonation management.
📊 Performance Reference Data
| Parameter | CV-240 Variants (T-29A/B/C) | CV-340/440 Variants (C-131B/D/F) |
|---|---|---|
| Max Takeoff Weight | 41,500 lb | up to 49,100 lb |
| Cruising Speed | ~227 mph | ~260–284 mph |
| Maximum Speed | ~300 mph | 314 mph |
| Service Ceiling | ~28,000 ft | up to 32,000 ft |
| Stall Speed (dirty) | ~85 mph | ~85 mph |
⚠️ Regulatory Notice: Under FAA 14 CFR § 43.13 and EASA Part-M, any mechanic performing maintenance on an active aircraft must use current, manufacturer-approved revision-controlled data. This archival document does not satisfy that requirement.
This is an archival, static-copy edition fixed at its original publication date. Intended for historical reference, flight simulation, museum restoration, and educational use only. Not approved for active airworthiness maintenance under FAA 14 CFR § 43.13, EASA Part-M, or equivalent international regulations. Operators of active aircraft must use current, revision-controlled publications from the Type Certificate holder or an authorized distributor.
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