Merriam Press Military Reprint MR33 (First Edition, 2015). U.S. Army Air Forces World War II manual on how to identify aircraft. Aircraft identification of type and model is important for service personnel to assess threat posed by aircraft and to recognize "friendly" aircraft. Contents: The AAF Ground Observer Corps; Aircraft Identification (Wings; Engines; Fuselage; Tail); Use of the Manual; Silhouettes and Photographs (Bombers; Fighters; Observation and Liaison; Trainers; Transports; Seaplanes). Originally published in 1942 by the USGPO.

"Purpose and Scope - This manual is published for the information and guidance of the civilian Ground Observers in the Air Defense System. It provides a complete description of their duties and responsibilities. Contents - The first part of this manual explains the operation of the Air Defense System and specifies the reporting procedures to be followed by Ground Observers. The second part of this manual includes the illustrations and other data required for aircraft identification."--Page i.

This manual is primarily a ready reference to assist the ground observer in aircraft recognition and identification. It provides information on current operational aircraft of the United States and foreign countries, which may be observed worldwide in the combat area. It can be used as source material for personnel conducting unit training in visual aircraft recognition. The procedures in this publication apply throughout the US Army. The data is based on the best information available at the time of publication; however, it is not all-inclusive because of some classification guidelines. This publication, by nature, has a built-in time lag, and some aircraft may still be under development or classified at the time of writing, but may be fielded or unclassified at, or after, publication.

This manual is primarily a ready reference to assist the ground observer in aircraft recognition and identification. It provides information on current operational aircraft of the United States and foreign countries, which may be observed worldwide in the combat area. It can be used as source material for personnel conducting unit training in visual aircraft recognition.