Vultee Vengeance Aircraft Manuals Collection

Access the comprehensive technical documentation for the Vultee A-31/A-35 Vengeance dive bomber - the American-designed aircraft that found its true calling with the RAF and Commonwealth forces in the Burma campaign. This extensive collection covers flight operations, dive bombing procedures, airframe engineering, powerplant systems, armament integration, and the operational history of this underappreciated but highly effective tactical bomber with over 1,500 aircraft produced.

Definitive Collection with Free Lifetime Updates: This is a living collection that we continuously expand and refine. As we acquire additional Vultee Vengeance documentation, technical bulletins, variant-specific materials, or supplementary engineering references, we update this collection and provide free lifetime updates to all purchasers. Your one-time purchase guarantees access to all future additions and improvements to this collection.

Historical Note - The Dive Bomber That Found Glory Far From Home

The Vultee Vengeance holds a unique and somewhat ironic position in World War II aviation history as an American-designed dive bomber that saw its most extensive and successful combat service with the Royal Air Force and Commonwealth air forces rather than with U.S. forces. Developed by Vultee Aircraft in response to a 1940 British and French requirement for a dedicated dive bomber, the Vengeance was designed to fill the same tactical role as the German Junkers Ju 87 Stuka - a purpose-built aircraft optimized for precision dive bombing attacks against tactical targets.

First flown in July 1941, the Vengeance was designed around lessons learned from early WWII combat, particularly the effectiveness of German dive bombers in the Blitzkrieg campaigns. The aircraft featured a robust airframe capable of withstanding the extreme structural loads of near-vertical diving attacks (up to 70-degree dive angles), dive brakes to control descent speed and improve bombing accuracy, and provisions for substantial bomb loads (up to 2,000 lbs internally plus external racks). The design emphasized structural strength, dive stability, and bombing accuracy over speed and maneuverability.

The Vengeance entered production as the A-31 variant (powered by the Wright R-2600-19 radial engine producing 1,600 hp) and the improved A-35 variant (with the more powerful Wright R-2600-13 producing 1,700 hp and improved equipment). Over 1,500 Vengeances were manufactured between 1942 and 1944 at Vultee's Nashville, Tennessee factory and Northrop's facility in California (which produced the A-35 under license). However, by the time production ramped up, American tactical doctrine had shifted dramatically away from dedicated dive bombers in favor of more versatile fighter-bombers like the P-47 Thunderbolt and P-51 Mustang that could perform dive bombing, level bombing, strafing, and air-to-air combat.

Consequently, most Vengeances were transferred to Britain under Lend-Lease, where they were designated as the Vengeance Mk I (A-31), Mk II (A-35A), Mk III (A-35B), and Mk IV (modified A-35B). The RAF and Commonwealth forces, facing desperate shortages of tactical aircraft in the Far East, eagerly accepted the Vengeance and put it to work in the Burma campaign from 1943 to 1945, where it proved highly effective in close air support and precision strike missions against Japanese positions.

Operating from primitive jungle airstrips under brutal conditions, Vengeance squadrons of the RAF, Royal Australian Air Force, and Royal Indian Air Force conducted thousands of sorties in support of the 14th Army's campaign to liberate Burma. The aircraft's accuracy in dive bombing (experienced crews could place bombs within 50 feet of the target from 8,000-10,000 feet altitude), heavy bomb load capacity, and ability to operate from austere forward bases made it particularly valuable in the challenging Burma theater where precision strikes against Japanese bunkers, supply dumps, bridges, and troop concentrations were essential.

The Vengeance's operational profile in Burma typically involved flights of 4-6 aircraft attacking from 8,000-12,000 feet altitude, rolling into 60-70 degree dives, releasing bombs at 3,000-4,000 feet, and pulling out at 1,500-2,000 feet - a demanding profile that required precise flying and exposed crews to intense anti-aircraft fire during the vulnerable pull-out phase. Despite these dangers, Vengeance squadrons maintained impressive operational rates and achieved excellent bombing accuracy, earning respect from ground forces who relied on their close support.

The aircraft also saw limited service with the Brazilian Air Force (Força Aérea Brasileira) in anti-submarine patrols over the South Atlantic, where its long range and heavy payload proved useful for maritime patrol missions. A small number served with the U.S. Army Air Forces in training and target-towing roles, though none saw combat with American forces.

Despite its effectiveness in combat and the thousands of successful sorties flown in Burma, the Vengeance was rapidly retired after the war ended in 1945. The aircraft's specialized dive bomber role was obsolete in the jet age, and most Vengeances were scrapped by 1946. Today, only a handful of Vengeance components survive in museums, making this aircraft one of the lesser-known but operationally significant Allied combat aircraft of World War II - a victim of changing tactical doctrine despite proven combat effectiveness.

These original technical manuals represent authentic documentation used by USAAF, RAF, and Commonwealth air forces throughout the Vengeance's operational service, providing invaluable insights into the engineering, operational procedures, and maintenance practices that kept this effective dive bomber flying in some of WWII's most challenging combat conditions.

Manuals Included in This Collection:

Flight Manuals and Operating Instructions:

• Vultee A-35A-VU Pilot's Handbook of Flight Operating Instructions Manual (1942)
• Vultee A-31C-VU Pilot's Handbook of Flight Operating Instructions Manual (1942)
• Vultee A-31, V-72 Operating and Flight Instruction Manual - T.O. 01-50AB-1 (1942)
• Vultee RA-35B-1-VN Aircraft Pilot's Flight Operating Instruction Manual - AM 01-50AE-1 (1943)
• Vultee A-35B-1-VN Aircraft Pilot's Flight Operating Instruction Manual - AM 01-50E-1 (1943)
• Vultee Vengeance IV Aircraft Pilot Manual - AP 2024D PN

Maintenance and Service Manuals:

• Vultee Vengeance I Aircraft Service Manual - AP 2024A Vol. I

Structural Repair and Parts Documentation:

• Vultee A-31, A-34A, B Vengeance III and IV Structural Repair Manual - AM 01-50A-3 A.P. 2024 C-D (1944)
• Vultee RA-35A Aircraft Illustrated Parts Manual - 01-50D-4 (1944)

Why the Vengeance Was an Effective Dive Bomber - Engineering for Precision Attack:

Airframe Design for Dive Bombing - Structural Strength and Stability:

The Vengeance's airframe was specifically engineered to withstand the extreme structural loads imposed by dive bombing operations. The semi-monocoque aluminum alloy construction featured heavy-gauge frames, longerons, and skin panels designed for load factors far exceeding normal flight operations - the aircraft was stressed for 9G positive and 4.5G negative loads, providing substantial safety margins during violent dive bombing maneuvers and emergency pull-outs.

The wing structure employed multi-spar construction with exceptionally robust main spars and heavy ribs, designed to handle the aerodynamic loads of high-speed dives (terminal velocity approaching 350 mph) and the violent pull-out forces at the bottom of the dive. The wing's relatively thick airfoil section and moderate aspect ratio provided excellent structural efficiency while maintaining adequate lift characteristics for the aircraft's weight (approximately 17,000 lbs loaded).

Dive brakes were the Vengeance's most distinctive feature - large perforated panels that extended from the upper and lower wing surfaces to increase drag and control descent speed during dives. These brakes allowed pilots to maintain steep dive angles (60-70 degrees) while keeping airspeed within safe limits, improving bombing accuracy by providing a stable, predictable descent rate. The dive brakes' effectiveness was critical - without them, the aircraft would accelerate to dangerous speeds in steep dives, making accurate bomb release and safe pull-out nearly impossible.

Dive Bombing Procedures and Accuracy:

The Vengeance's dive bombing procedures were carefully developed to maximize accuracy while maintaining crew safety. The standard attack profile began at 8,000-12,000 feet altitude, with the pilot rolling into a 60-70 degree dive aimed at the target. The dive brakes were deployed immediately upon entering the dive, stabilizing descent speed at approximately 250-280 mph and providing a steady platform for bomb aiming.

The bombsight was a simple reflector sight calibrated for dive bombing, with the pilot adjusting the dive angle and flight path to place the sight reticle on the target. Bomb release occurred at 3,000-4,000 feet altitude, with the pilot immediately initiating a 4-5G pull-out to recover at 1,500-2,000 feet - low enough to avoid most anti-aircraft fire during the vulnerable pull-out phase but high enough to provide safety margin for recovery.

Experienced Vengeance crews could achieve remarkable accuracy - circular error probable (CEP) of 50 feet or less under ideal conditions, far superior to level bombing accuracy. This precision made the Vengeance invaluable for attacking point targets like bunkers, bridges, and supply dumps where collateral damage had to be minimized or where precision was essential for mission success.

Powerplant - Wright R-2600 Cyclone Radial Engine:

The Vengeance was powered by the Wright R-2600 Cyclone 14-cylinder two-row radial engine, one of the most powerful and reliable radial engines of WWII. The A-31 variant used the R-2600-19 producing 1,600 hp, while the A-35 employed the R-2600-13 producing 1,700 hp. This substantial power was necessary to accelerate the heavily-loaded aircraft to operational altitude, maintain formation flight, and provide adequate performance for escape after bomb release.

The engine installation featured a large-diameter cowling with controllable cooling flaps, essential for managing engine temperatures during the extreme variations of dive bombing operations - high power climbs to altitude, reduced power during dives, and maximum power during pull-outs and escape. The three-blade constant-speed propeller provided excellent thrust across the flight envelope, though the Vengeance's relatively high wing loading and weight meant performance was adequate rather than exceptional.

Armament and Defensive Systems:

The Vengeance carried its primary offensive armament internally - up to 2,000 lbs of bombs in an internal bomb bay, typically configured as one 1,000-lb bomb or multiple smaller bombs. External wing racks could carry additional bombs or fuel tanks, though external stores degraded performance and were rarely used in combat operations. The internal bomb bay kept bombs in a clean aerodynamic environment, improving dive stability and bombing accuracy.

Defensive armament consisted of forward-firing .50 caliber machine guns (typically four guns in the wings) for strafing and self-defense, plus flexible .30 caliber machine guns in the rear cockpit operated by the gunner/radio operator. The rear defensive armament provided limited protection against fighter attacks, though the Vengeance's relatively slow speed and poor maneuverability made it vulnerable to Japanese fighters - operations typically required fighter escort or were conducted when air superiority was assured.

Operational Challenges in Burma - Austere Conditions:

Operating Vengeances from primitive jungle airstrips in Burma presented extraordinary challenges. The aircraft's relatively high wing loading required longer takeoff and landing distances than lighter aircraft, limiting operations to larger airstrips. The tropical climate caused rapid deterioration of rubber components, fabric, and electrical systems, requiring intensive maintenance. Spare parts shortages forced improvisation and cannibalization of damaged aircraft to keep operational aircraft flying.

Despite these challenges, Vengeance squadrons maintained impressive operational rates through the dedication of ground crews who worked in brutal heat and humidity to keep aircraft serviceable. The aircraft's robust construction and reliable R-2600 engine proved well-suited to the demanding environment, and the Vengeance's combat effectiveness justified the maintenance burden.

Why the Vengeance Was Retired - Obsolete Doctrine:

The Vengeance's rapid retirement after WWII reflected the obsolescence of dedicated dive bombers in modern warfare. Fighter-bombers like the P-47 and P-51 could perform dive bombing missions while also providing air superiority and escort capabilities - versatility that specialized dive bombers couldn't match. The advent of jet aircraft made piston-engine dive bombers hopelessly outclassed. Most critically, precision-guided munitions and improved bombing techniques made the dangerous dive bombing profile unnecessary for achieving accuracy.

Yet the Vengeance's combat record in Burma stands as testament to its effectiveness in the role for which it was designed. Thousands of successful sorties, excellent bombing accuracy, and the gratitude of ground forces who relied on Vengeance close support validate the aircraft's design and the skill of the crews who flew it in combat.

Engineering Norms and Standards:

The Vultee Vengeance was designed and built to U.S. Army Air Forces specifications for dive bomber aircraft, with additional requirements for RAF service. This collection reflects the engineering practices, quality standards, and certification requirements of early 1940s military aviation.

Documentation follows both U.S. Army Air Forces Technical Order (T.O.) formatting standards and RAF Air Publication (AP) standards for British variants. The manuals incorporate military specifications for materials, manufacturing processes, inspection procedures, and maintenance practices. Structural design followed military airworthiness requirements with emphasis on dive bombing loads, structural strength, and combat survivability.

Maintenance procedures documented in these manuals follow both USAAF and RAF organizational and intermediate maintenance concepts, with detailed inspection intervals, technical order compliance requirements, and approved repair techniques that kept these aircraft flying in combat operations under austere conditions.

Format and Delivery:

Instant Digital Download - Access your comprehensive Vultee Vengeance manual collection immediately after purchase via secure download link. High-resolution PDF format preserves all technical diagrams, dive bombing procedures, structural repair instructions, and engineering specifications from original 1940s-era documentation. Compatible with all modern devices and PDF readers. No shipping costs, no waiting.

Disclaimer:

This item is sold for historical and reference only. These are either original or copies of manuals and blueprints used when these aircraft were in active duty, now transferred into electronic format. These manuals and blueprints are not meant to be used for current update material for certification/repair, but make an excellent reference for the scholar, collector, modeler, or aircraft buffs. For proprietary reasons, we generally only provide civil manuals and blueprints on obsolete aircraft/engines/helicopters. The information is for reference only, and we do not guarantee the completeness, accuracy or currency of any manuals.

Reference herein to any specific commercial products by trade name, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise, is not meant to imply or suggest any endorsement by, or affiliation with that manufacturer or supplier. All trade names, trademarks and manufacturer names are the property of their respective owners.