Searching National Archives for specific aircraft

[jdeters79]

All,

I'm going to be heading to DC in a week or so, and am considering spending time at the National Archives to do some research. I came to WIX to seek out advice from those who may have already been there. Specifically, I'm hoping to research the history of a handful of specific aircraft (i.e. serial numbers). For example, Vultee BT-13A 41-11538. I'm hoping to be able to find military records of where the aircraft was located during WWII, and any subsequent service.

I appreciate any advice you might offer!

Jordan

[quemerford]

You need the AFHRA at Maxwell AFB: they hold the individual record cards. Not sure they're available in DC, but you should find some interesting Vultee files.

[SIDSIKO]

Hello Jordan,

If you have the serial number of the aircraft you wish to research, I think contacting the USAFHRA at Maxwell is the best bet.

From the USAFHRA web site

"Individual Aircraft Record Cards
We and the AFHSO maintain individual aircraft record cards for almost all aircraft once or presently in the United States Air Force inventory. The records for many aircraft of the early 1920s and for aircraft in highly sensitive reconnaissance programs are not available. Each set of aircraft records has its own unique characteristics, but for most planes one may learn the manufacturer, place of production, date of entry into the inventory, units of assignment, duty stations, and something of the final disposition.
Aircraft Accident Reports are also available through 1955."

For the USAF history of serial 41-11538 you would have to order ACR-26, which will cost you $30, but lists the histories of serials 41-9468 to 41-11631 also.

Sid

[cooper9411]

Jordan the USAFHRA is the place to go for cards/reports that are free. There are other individuals who also could provide you with what your after ( for a fee ). It usually takes the USAFHRA 4-6 weeks to process requests due to the shear # of requests they receive.

[quemerford]

Did anyone read post 2?

[cooper9411]

Did anyone read post 2?

I'm sure we all did. Nothing wrong with others adding their thoughts/opinions, is there?

[quemerford]

Did anyone read post 2?

I'm sure we all did. Nothing wrong with others adding their thoughts/opinions, is there?

Nope - if you don't mind pointless repetition.

Did anyone read Post 2?

[jdeters79]

Thanks all. I have sent a request to AFHRA, to which they replied, "We are currently working on the November requests." So it may take quite some time to get to my request. Thanks for the input!

[cooper9411]

Did anyone read post 2?

I'm sure we all did. Nothing wrong with others adding their thoughts/opinions, is there?

Nope - if you don't mind pointless repetition.

Well that's your opinion and I thought this was an open forum? What you call "pointless repetition" is on just about every post on this site and just because someone repeats something, generally in their "pointless repetition" they've added more information pertaining to the subject!

[Mike Bates]

The NASM has them. You can order up to 3 serial numbers at a time. Have got a couple and they were free. Only took a couple of weeks to get. No need to order a whole roll of film unless you want it and their rolls are only $20.

http://airandspace.si.edu/collections/a ... -cards.cfm

Mike

[turretguy]

Jordan,
If you don't want to post the serial numbers you're looking for, please PM me and I'll see which Individual Aircraft Record Cards I might have. That might save you some time/expense.
Nick

P.S. Yes, I read post #2.

[67Cougar]

I just submitted a couple of requests to the center at Maxwell - got a confirmation that they had received them, and a note stating that they were just starting on requests received last November. That's how deep the pile is ....

[cooper9411]

I just submitted a couple of requests to the center at Maxwell - got a confirmation that they had received them, and a note stating that they were just starting on requests received last November. That's how deep the pile is ....

Um, yep! Sit back, relax and wait. But they are very thorough.

[jdeters79]

So I found another resource, the Air Force Historical Support Division. I sent them an email Tuesday with the serial number, this morning they sent me the aircraft card. I was impressed. This organization appears to be based at the Pentagon.

Interpreting the card is a bit difficult due to the reproduction quality, but I can make out most of it. Some of it is a bit confusing though. Anyone have any documentation that helps a guy interpret it? From what I can tell, the card contains monthly entries recording the unit location (Greenville), and aircraft time. It also has an "Age" column that I am assuming is months. If true, it seems like there should be an additional card(s), as it goes up to 13 and then ends. Although at the end, it mentions Decatur, and then a hand written note "RFC (Reconstruction Finance Corporation) 2 July 1945 Decatur, Ala".

I look forward to the replies.

[jdeters79]

Jordan,
If you don't want to post the serial numbers you're looking for, please PM me and I'll see which Individual Aircraft Record Cards I might have. That might save you some time/expense.
Nick

P.S. Yes, I read post #2.

turretguy,

I appreciate the offer. Unfortunately, I'm not able to send private messages since I just joined the forum. It says with more activity I will gain that privelege. I guess I'll start randomly posting?