Flightpath UK FHP32013

GRUMMAN INTRUDERS FROM THE BEACH USMC A-6A Intruders in the Vietnam War This extensive and comprehensive decal sheet covers the three land based USMC A-6 Intruder squadrons during the Vietnam War (VMA(AW)-225, -242, and -533); allowing the option to represent an Intruder from any timeframe during the war for each squadron. 23 Marking Options (14 Aircraft) Included: 3 options (2 aircraft) for VMA(AW)-225 Vikings at Da Nang Air Base, South Vietnam, from 1969-71 7 options (5 aircraft) for VMA(AW)-242 Batmen at Da Nang Air Base, South Vietnam, from 1966-70 5 options (3 aircraft) for VMA(AW)-533 Hawks at Chu Lai Air Base, South Vietnam, from 1967-69; 8 options (4 aircraft) at Royal Thai Air Base Nam Phong (aka "The Rose Garden"), Thailand, from 1972-73 Accurate stencils provided for one aircraft; however, the stencils provided are complete airframe stencils. The stencil sheet is also available to purchase separately, see 32-002 (which is also applicable to additional A-6 variants). Decals also included for MER/TER numbers (various types), crew helmets, and fuel tanks. 45+ Page Instructions (on mini-CD) Containing: Introduction Trumpeter kit modification information Possible A-6A configuration information Marking notes Typical ordnance loadout charts for the three squadrons Stencil placement Single page for each marking option (3 view) IMPORTANT NOTE Instructions are only provided on mini-CD! (Adobe pdf file)

More

VMFA-323 Death Rattlers - USMC McDonnell F-4B Phantoms in the Vietnam War. This limited 1/32 decal sheet is for F-4B Phantom conversions to the Tamiya F-4 Phantom series of kits. Note that this release is for decals only - F-4B conversion parts are NOT included! Various aftermarket F-4B conversion sets are available; including GT Resin, Cutting Edge, CAM, and RealModel. This sheet covers one Marine fighter attack squadron - VMFA-323 Death Rattlers - when they operated the F-4B Phantom in the Vietnam War at Chu Lai Air Base. Three options are provided covering 1967 and 1968 period, with an additional set of crew names provided to also depict one at a slightly earlier time. Also provided are decals for the crew helmets. Full airframe data for one aircraft, including panel numbers/labels, is also included with this release. The same data sheet is also sold separately, see 32-031. All three aircraft covered on this sheet had this type of airframe data.

More

VMFA-212 Lancers - USMC McDonnell F-4J Phantom in the Vietnam War. This limited 1/32 decal sheet covers one F-4J Phantom as she appeared in 1972 in Da Nang, South Vietnam, and MCAS Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii. Also included are the squadron identifier markings applied on their TERs and MERs. Full airframe data, including panel numbers/labels, is also included with this release. The same data sheet is also sold separately, see 32-031. This specific aircraft covered on this sheet had this type of airframe data.

More

USSR Air Force insignia, type 1955. Decal set with seven different sizes of USSR Air Force insignia (type 1955), for all main types of RuAF aircrafts and helicopters. This type of USSR insignia were actual form 1955 to 1974. Including three big size decals and 2-pages A3-size instruction. http://www.begemotdecals.ru/doc/32-015%20USSR%20inst%201955.pdf

More

Additional Russian Air Force insignia (type 2010) Decal set with six different sizes of additional Russian Air Force insignia (type 2010) - VVS ROSSII, MA VMF ROSSII and VKS ROSSII and registration codes writing, for all main types of RuAF aircrafts and helicopters. Including five big size decals, one standard size sheet and 2-pages A4-size instruction. http://www.begemotdecals.ru/doc/32-018%20Dop%20OZ%20VVS%20Rossii%20ins.pdf

More

Lockheed F-104 Starfighter In 180 pages, a complete portrait of the legendary F-104 Starfighter is brought in over 450 photos, picturing the aircraft both in action and in detail. Versions include the early subtypes but mainly the D/F/G/J/S and S ASA-M as well as the two-seat trainer CF-104D and TF-104G. Every detail of the aircraft is included and differences between the types are pointed out. For this book, currently flying aircraft of Starfighter Aerospace in Florida have been photographed as well. Aircraft from these countries are included: USA, Belgium, Germany, The Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Japan, Italy, Denmark, Turkey, Greece, ... This book also contains an impressive maintenance chapter, ideal for the scale modeller. Many interesting details, often overlooked, are included. With some of the benefits of this book, HMH Publications will financially support the further restoration of an F-104G at Volkel Air Base in The Netherlands.

More

Boeing B-17F Flying Fortress Comprehensive General stencilling including Cockpit instrumentation, Fuel tank hatch info, propeller manufacturer logo's, Black walkway lines, Life raft & data panels - Type 1 tail and fuselage insignia 'and more!

More

Messerschmitt Bf-109F-4 Tropical. H.J.Marseille special. Includes decals for his Kubelwagen 'Otto' and 4 'Yellow 14' aircraft. W Nr 8673 with G Type propeller; W Nr 10137; W Nr 10059; W Nr 8693

More

Model Aircraft Extra 4. Building the North-American P-51D Mustang. WAS £14.99. TEMPORARILY SAVE 1/3RD!!! Marrying an American dive-bomber design and a British engine, the North-American P-51 Mustang became one of the greatest fighters of World War II. The iconic P-51 was a World War II single-seat fighter and fighter-bomber that also saw service in the Korean War and other conflicts. The Mustang was designed in 1940 by North-American Aviation (NAA) in response to a requirement of the British Purchasing Commission. The Purchasing Commission approached North-American Aviation to build Curtiss P-40 fighters under license for the Royal Air Force (RAF). Rather than build an old design from another company, North-American Aviation proposed the design and production of a more modern fighter. The prototype NA-73X airframe was rolled out on 9 September 1940, 102 days after the contract was signed, and first flew on 26 October. The Mustang was designed to use the Allison V-1710 engine, which had limited high-altitude performance in its earlier variants. The aircraft was first flown operationally by the RAF as a tactical-reconnaissance aircraft and fighter-bomber (Mustang Mk I). Replacing the Allison with a Rolls-Royce Merlin resulted in the P-51B/P-51C (Mustang Mk III) model and transformed the aircraft's performance at altitudes above 15,000ft, without sacrificing range, allowing it to compete with the Luftwaffe's fighters. The definitive version, the P-51D, was powered by the Packard V-1650-7, a license-built version of the two-speed two-stage-supercharged Merlin 66 and was armed with six .50 calibre M2/AN Browning machine guns. From late 1943, P-51Bs and P-51Cs (supplemented by P-51Ds from mid-1944) were used by the USAAF's Eighth Air Force to escort bombers in raids over Germany, while the RAF's Second Tactical Air Force and the USAAF's Ninth Air Force used the Merlin-powered Mustangs as fighter-bombers, roles in which the Mustang helped ensure Allied air superiority in 1944. The P-51 was also used by Allied air forces in the North African, Mediterranean, Italian and Pacific theatres, and during World War II, Mustang pilots claimed to have destroyed some 4,950-enemy aircraft. At the start of the Korean War, the Mustang, by then redesignated F-51, was the main fighter of the United Nations until jet fighters, including North-American's F-86, took over this role, the Mustang then became a specialised fighter-bomber. Despite the advent of jet fighters, the Mustang remained in service with some air forces until the early 1980s. In Model Aircraft Extra #4, some 15 P-51 Mustang build projects will be included, in a 'how-to' format, and continue this fantastic series modelling guides from MA Publications, the new name in scale modelling.

More

Building the Republic P-47D Thunderbolt. The Republic P-47 Thunderbolt Big, powerful, and truly a juggernaut of an aircraft, resulting in its appropriate nickname 'Jug', the Republic P-47 Thunderbolt was one of the really great warplanes of its generation. Alongside the superlative North-American P-51 Mustang and the twin-engined Lockheed P-38 Lightning, it was one of the three principal fighter types which the US Army Air Forces (USAAF) successfully operated in the later stages of World War Two. The initial production version was the P-47B, and examples of this type started to reach the USAAF's 56th Fighter Group in June 1942. The first really combat-ready model was the refined and slightly longer P-47C, which entered service later in 1942. Like all front-line P-47 versions it packed a formidable punch of four 0.5in M2 Browning machine guns in each wing, although early models did not carry the wing pylons that became so important later in the Thunderbolt's combat career. The first P-47C examples to reach Britain for the US Eighth Army Air Force did so in December 1942, followed by what became the main combat model of the Thunderbolt, the P-47D, in April 1943. Weighing in at some 15,000lb (6,804kg) fully loaded and powered by the R-2800-59 Double Wasp of 2,000hp, the P-47D was a big, powerful beast. Water injection introduced for some versions of the R-2800 would see even greater power on demand when needed in aerial combat. All of these early Thunderbolts had the 'razorback' high line rear fuselage pioneered with the P-35 and P-43, with a rearwards-sliding heavily framed cockpit canopy. Although the USAAF at first saw the Thunderbolt as a high altitude interceptor, its main initial role very soon became that of daylight bomber escort with the England- based Eighth Air Force, which was in great need of escort fighters for its B-17 Flying Fortresses and B-24 Liberators that were increasingly facing stiff Luftwaffe fighter opposition. he Thunderbolt helped to turn the tide for the US daylight bombing offensive during 1943 and early 1944, with a number of P-47 pilots gaining impressive scores in air-to-air combat against Luftwaffe fighters. Eventually the appearance of the Merlin-engined P-51B Mustang and later versions of the superb Mustang long-range fighter resulted in the Eighth Air Force almost completely re-equipping its fighter groups with the P-51, but the Eighth's 56th Fighter Group continued to fly the Thunderbolt right up to the end of the war in Europe in May 1945. The Eighth Air Force also pioneered the P-47 for air-to-ground operations as a part of its policy of taking the fight to the Luftwaffe, and additional to this the Thunderbolt eventually equipped several fighter groups specifically for fighter-bomber operations within the tactical England-based US Ninth Air Force. The P-47 proved to be a formidable fighter-bomber due to its impressive eight-gun armament, bomb load and ability to survive enemy fire. The underwing pylons that proved so useful for long-range fuel tanks were equally at home carrying a 500lb (227kg) bomb (one under each wing), and the Ninth Air Force in particular used this capability to devastating effect against German tactical targets before and after D-Day. 'Razorback' Thunderbolts additionally equipped USAAF units in Italy, the Pacific (including exceptional use by the Fifth Air Force), and the China-Burma-India theatre (CBI). Continuing development of the P-47 design led to the adoption later in P-47D manufacture of a cut- down rear fuselage spine and all-round vision 'bubbletop' canopy. This resulted in a further series of later Thunderbolt versions with even greater range and capabilities, but many 'razorback' P-47s nevertheless continued in service right to the war's end " some pilots in fact preferring the 'razorback' to the later models particularly for their better directional stability. Other important users of the Thunderbolt in World War Two included the Soviet Union, the RAF and the Free French. This seventh book in the highly successful MA Extra Series contains fourteen showcase and step by step model builds and will be a must for any P-47 aficionado!

More

Lockheed T-33 Thunderbird colours and markings. With its roots in the successful Lockheed P-80 Shooting Star jet fighter, the Lockheed T-33, popularly known as the T-Bird, became the USAF's standard advanced trainer of the 1950s. Almost 5,700 T-33As were built for the USAF and USN, of which more than 1,000 were transferred to NATO Allies and others to a number of smaller air forces worldwide, and the aircraft were also licence-built in Canada and Japan. The type's operational service spanned well over 40 years, thus reaching an amazing record in longevity. The 'Dozen Set' line of handbooks is aimed especially at scale modellers. Each title describes twelve particular aeroplanes, documented by period photos, and also brings useful detailed shots which can be utilised in finishing the models. The publication has 28 pages, including a total of 49 overall and detailed photographs, 12 pages with colour camouflage schemes and their description. Text in English. A comprehensive decal sheet is added for modellers' convenience. Following aircraft are depicted on each decal sheet: U.S. Air Force (2x), U.S. Navy (1x), U.S. Marine Corps (1x), Royal Canadian Air Force (1x), Canadian Armed Forces (1x), Japanese Ar Self Defence Force (1x), Luftwaffe (1x), Royal Netherlands Air Force (1x), Belgian Air Force (1x), French Air Force (1x) and Spanish Air Force (1x).

More

SCHWERER GEL�"NDEG�"RGIGER PERSONENKRAFTWAGEN AND SUCCESSORS Camera On series #27 Alan Ranger This latest photo-album in the "Camera On" series contains 140 photographs of a broad selection of Germany's heavy off-road passenger vehicles in operation with the Wehrmacht during World War II. It includes both the Schwerer Gelandegangiger Personenkraftwagen and its successors, the Horch 108 type 1 and its licensed-built Ford type EG equivalents as well as the heavy cars built on light truck chassis such as the Styer 1500 and Mercedes 1500A & S types. This book contains over 140 images of German heavy passenger cars photographed in operation in the conditions they had to work in. This volume illustrates these vehicles as the soldiers themselves viewed them in both their working environment and indeed in many cases the homes they had to live in, not the highly polished and sanitized views of the official photographers. The result is an invaluable reference for military historians and modellers * Camera On: a new series of books on the equipment and operations of the German Wehrmacht in WW2.

More

"Able Mable" Martin AM-1/1Q Mauler By Bob Kowalski 152-pages, 326 b&w photos, 4-color photos, 48-drawings, and 15-squadron insignias. "Able Mable", the Martin AM-1/1Q Mauler, was the product of a 1943 Navy contract for two prototype bomber torpedo (BT) planes. Two other contractors, Curtiss and Fleetwings also received prototype contracts. In 1944 after the testing of these prototypes and a new entry the Douglas Skyraider, the Navy placed production orders for the Martin Mauler and the Douglas Skyraider. Even though the Skyraider proved more suitable for carrier operations, 139 AM-1s and 18 AM-1Qs were produced and served with five attack squadrons and one composite squadron before being relegated to the reserves. With its huge R-4360-4W 28-cylinder 3,000 BHP engine, the Mauler performed like a fighter and had the power to out lift any other single engine aircraft in the world at the time. In addition to its heavy-lift capabilities (10,648 lbs of fuel, 4-20mm guns with ammo, 3-torpedos and 12 250 lb bombs) the unique finger-type dive brakes on the AM-1 gave it extremely accurate and rock-steady dive bombing performance deemed best in the world by navy test pilots. Its Awesome performance made it a challenge at times particularly around the boat and earned it the enduring nickname of "Awful Monster".

More

FROM BATS TO RANGERS A Pictorial History of Electronic Countermeasures Squadron Two (ECMRON-2) Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron Two (VQ-2) by Angelo Romano and AMHC (AW) John D. Herndon, USN, Ret. This Pictorial History of US Navy's Electronic Countermeasures Squadron Two (ECMRON-2 or VQ-2), later designated Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron Two (FAIRECONRON TWO or VQ-2) by Angelo Romano and AMHC (AW) John D. Herndon, USN, Ret. is the second title of the new U.S. Navy SQUADRON HISTORIES by GINTER BOOKS. The photo coverage of the history of the Electric Bats, also known as the Rangers, is comprehensive, both in terms of photography and in terms of historical content. Much of the squadron's mission was top secret, as were many of its cold war missions, but the authors were able to utilize official (declassified) documents and first-hand accounts to write this book. For completeness, it is also a history of the U.S. Navy Electronic Intelligence gathering activities going back to WWII, beginning with the creation of the Cast Mike (Counter Measures) Project in 1942 and the deployment of early XARD receivers aboard aircraft like the Consolidated PBY Catalina and PB4Y Liberator. After WWII, the Navy started to use the Privateers as dedicated ELINT platforms and assigned them to two special units operating jointly with the National Security Group. One of these units, designated Port Lyautey Patrol Unit (NPU), was based at Naval Air Activities Port Lyautey, in French Morocco. It was first assigned modified PB4Y-1s and later, the Martin P4M-1Q Mercator. The NPU teamed with the Naval Security Group's Naval Communications Unit 32 George (NCU32G), which provided the ELINT equipment installed on board and the crew to operate them, mostly for covert operations around Europe and the Mediterranean. When the NPU reached its full complement of four P4M-1Qs, the unit and NCU32G, needed to have an administrative identity for budgetary and logistics purposes. Airborne Early Warning Squadron TWO (VW-2), based at NAS Patuxent River, was therefore selected to be its "mother" squadron. On 1 May 1953, NPU Port Lyautey became VW-2 Detachment A (or DET ABLE). In 1955, the Navy decided to establish a dedicated squadron for the unique mission rather than continue with a detachment: Electronic Countermeasures Squadron TWO (ECMRON TWO) was established on 1 Sep 1955. ECMRON TWO was assigned the alphanumeric designation "VQ-2". Its mission was to conduct electronic-search in support of fleet operations to obtain adequate and timely information on enemy radar, communications, and other emissions in support of fleet operations. The Squadron inherited the P4M-1Qs from VW-2 DET A and acquired a Lockheed P2V Neptune for utility purposes. On 1 Jan 1960, EMCRON TWO was redesignated Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron TWO (FAIRECONRON TWO) but still retained the alphanumeric designation "VQ-2". In 1956, VQ-2 received its first Douglas A3D-1Q Skywarrior, followed in 1957 by one A3D-1. In 1958, the Squadron received the Lockheed P2V-5F Neptune to augment the P4M-1Qs. The more capable A3D-2Q/EA-3B arrived in 1959 followed by the big Lockheed WV-2Q/EC-121M Constellation in 1960. The first Lockheed EP-3E ARIES arrived in 1971 and the squadron continued to fly this aircraft until disestablishment in 2012. The VQ-2 history and all worldwide events surrounding it are very well described and documented. This 242-page book contains 180 B&W and 444 color photos, most never published before. Thirty-seven superbly detailed aircraft color profiles show the evolution of the color schemes and markings and the different aircraft types and sub-types, providing very useful information for the benefit of both modelers and aviation historians. The inclusion of many squadron patches completes this masterpiece. THE AUTHORS Angelo Romano Angelo has authored six books: Wings from Coral Sea (Golden Wing Publications, 1986), Naval Fighters (Osprey, 1990), Naval Air Weapons Meet 1956-1959 (Model Publishing, 2006), First and Foremost - An illustrated History of Carrier Air Wing One - CVW-1 Part One 1934-1957 (Model Publishing, 2006), CVW-1 Part Two 1957-1973 (Model Publishing, 2008), and Black Knights Rule! (BKR) - A Pictorial History of VBF-718 / VF-68A / VF-837 / VF-154 / VFA-154 - 1946-2013 (Ginter Books, 2014). John D. Herndon AMHC (AW) Retired U.S. Navy John joined the U.S. Navy in 1978, Assigned to VQ-2 a total of 13 years E-1 to E-7, deployed to six Aircraft carriers in support of the EA-3B aircraft. Additionally deployed to locations all around the world in support of the EP-3E aircraft, Maintenance Control, Aircraft Division and Detachment Leading Chief Petty Officer. Retired out of VQ-2 his last tour which ended in 2000, went on to civilian life, employers ATA and American Airlines and finally the FAA as an Aviation Safety Inspector, currently the Boeing 787 Fleet Program Manager overseeing United Airlines safety compliance. Very involved over the years in collecting VQ-2 information/ history, assisted in raising funds and restoring a VQ-2 EA-3B Aircraft in Fort Worth Texas Ranger 15 BuNo 146453.

More

Douglas C-74 Globemaster By Nicholas M. Williams, 104 pages (88 in b&w, 16 in color), 141 b&w photos, 35 color photos, 22 illustrations. The Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in December 1941 brought U.S. Army Air Corps strategists to the realization that a new global transport was needed to carry large loads over great distances. The Douglas Aircraft Company in Santa Monica, California, also quickly saw this need and design studies were begun immediately on an expanded version of the company's DC-4. The "C-74 Project Group" adopted a design philosophy to produce a "no frills" transport able to accommodate at least two of the Army's T-9 tanks, two 105mm Howitzers, or two angle dozers. Douglas contacted the Air Corps early in 1942 to determine their interest and a letter of intent was issued in March 1942 for procurement of the Model 415A, now designated the C-74. A contract of over $50 million was signed in June 1942 for fifty airplanes. To speed its delivery to operational units, the C-74 was designed to be released without the benefits of an experimental or prototype model, all aircraft being designated as C-74s with design features following conventional "state-of-the-art" practice. Originally, powered by Wright R-3350 engines, a decision was made in March 1943 to switch to the new, mammoth Pratt & Whitney R-4360 Wasp Major. The first C-74 was rolled out in July 1945 from the Douglas Long Beach factory. At rollout, the C-74 was the largest land-based transport in the world with a wingspan of 173 feet, length of 124 feet, and gross weight of 145,000 pounds. Able to carry 125 passengers, the C-74 was called the Globemaster as its 11,100-gallons of internal fuel gave it a maximum range of over 7,000 miles, enabling it to circumnavigate the world with only two refueling stops. In its final form, the C-74 was a remarkably efficient airplane, using a semi-laminar flow airfoil for its wings with a full-span flap arrangement. The pilots were enclosed by two teardrop-shaped, double-bubble canopies that provided them with a 360-degree view. Douglas had every intention of adapting the C-74 into a civil airliner once hostilities had ended. In 1944 Pan American World Airways ordered 26 examples of the civil version, the DC-7, for a route expansion program into Latin America. However, further development of this DC-7 design increased its gross weight to 162,000 pounds and the unit cost to $1.4 million and Pan American cancelled its order in October 1945, opting for smaller transports. The first C-74, 42-65402, made its maiden flight from Long Beach in September 1945, but with the end of World War II, most of the C-74 production order was cancelled and only 14 Globemasters were built. Unfortunately, during contractor demonstration flights the second Globemaster crashed. The fourth C-74 was subsequently diverted for static tests and its components tested to destruction at Wright Field, Ohio. Beginning in September 1946, the remaining twelve C-74s were flown for the next nine years by the Army Air Forces' Air Transport Command and the U.S. Air Force's Military Air Transport Service. Once in service, the C-74 Globemaster, based first in Memphis, Tennessee, then Morrison Field, West Palm Beach, Florida, finally at Brookley AFB, Mobile, Alabama, set many records for tonnage carried. In November 1949, a C-74 flew the Atlantic to England with a record 103 passengers aboard. One Globemaster set several records during the Berlin Airlift, averaging over 38,000 pounds of cargo and setting a new Airlift Task Force utilization record by flying 20 hours in a 24-hour period. Until one C-74 was converted to the prototype C-124A and the Globemaster II became available, the C-74 was the only Air Force transport capable of carrying outsized cargo. After the C-74's retirement from service in 1955, several were purchased surplus and began flying for a contract air carrier, Aeronaves de Panama, hauling prize cattle from Denmark to the Middle East, horses to Singapore, and ships' parts and vegetables throughout Europe. Unfortunately, after the tragic crash in 1963 of one C-74 in Marseilles, France, the airline suspended operations and its C-74s eventually were scrapped. Today, no examples of this record-setting transport exist. This monograph of the C-74 Globemaster is written by Nick Williams, an award-winning author of over two dozen articles published in the Journal of the American Aviation Historical Society and publications in the U.K. Nick has written two previous books in Steve Ginter's Naval Fighters series as well as his 1999 book published in the U.K., "Aircraft of The Military Air Transport Service 1948-1966". His new book on the C-74 is the result of nearly fifty years of research, containing comments from several of the C-74's engineers as well as former Douglas and Air Force pilots.

More

North-American YF-93A Penetration Fighter Air Force Legends 227 By William Simone 52-pages, 4-color and 87-b&w photos, with 39 draqwings. North-American's oft-forgotten YF-93A (NA-157) was an advanced version of the F-86A Sabre day fighter designed for the penetration fighter reqirement. It was originally designated the F-86C and was designed around NACA flush inlets and a 8,000 lb thrust J48 afterburning engine with three times the fuel of the F-86A, which gave it extremely long range. The two other penetration fighter candidates (the XF-88 and XF-90) had flown much earlier than the YF-93. All three types were not developed beyond the prototypes as the penetration fighter requirement was dropped by the Air Force. The aircraft sported F-86-style wings and tail mated to a new beffy fuselage with added electronics and 6-20mm cannon. The increased weight of the design led to a redesigned and strengthened dual-wheel main undercarrige. Only two-aircraft were built and the NACA flush intakes were replaced on ship one with conventional ram intakes resulting in increased overall performance. After retirement the two YF-93As were utilized at Moffett Field, CA, for further NACA testing before being scrapped.

More

F-16 Fighting Falcon US Part 1 US Versions by Andy Evans Real To Replicas Red series Number 1 The Real to Replica book series presents, as the title suggests, a publication that has both historic references, aircraft details, colour artwork and modelling projects on a particular aviation subject. Titles will include subjects from World War I through to present day and written by renown authors. F-16 Fighting Falcon Part 1: US VERSIONS by Andy Evans The F-16 Fighting Falcon is a single-engine multirole fighter aircraft originally developed by General Dynamics for the United States Air Force. Designed as an air superiority day fighter, it has evolved into a highly successful all-weather multirole aircraft, and over 4,600 aircraft have been built since production was approved in 1976. Although no longer being purchased by the USAF, improved variants continue to be built for export customers, up to and including the latest F-16V 'Viper' version. The Fighting Falcon's key features include a frameless bubble canopy for better visibility, side-mounted control stick to ease control while manouvering, an ejection seat reclined thirty-degrees from vertical to reduce the effect of g-forces on the pilot, and the first use of the relaxed static stability/fly-by-wire flight control system, that helps to make it an agile aircraft. The F-16 has an internal M61 Vulcan cannon and eleven locations for mounting weapons and other mission equipment and can carry fuselage mounted conformal fuel tanks and a variety of targeting pods and ECM equipment. The F-16's official name is 'Fighting Falcon', but 'Viper' is most commonly used by its pilots and crews, due to a perceived resemblance to a viper snake as well as the 'Colonial Viper' starfighter on the TV show Battlestar Galactica which aired at the time the F-16 entered service. In addition to active duty in the US Air Force, Air Force Reserve Command, and Air National Guard units, the aircraft is also used by the 'Thunderbirds' aerial demonstration team, and as an adversary/aggressor aircraft by the United States Navy. The F-16 has also been procured to serve in the air forces of over twenty-five other nations. The initial production-standard F-16A flew for the first time on 7 August 1978 and its delivery was accepted by the USAF on 6 January 1979, entering USAF operational service with the 34th Tactical Fighter Squadron, 388th Tactical Fighter Wing at Hill AFB in Utah on 1 October 1980. The US Air Force, including the Air Force Reserve and the Air National Guard, flew the F-16 in combat during Operation 'Desert Storm' in 1991 and in the Balkans later in the 1990s. F-16s also patrolled the no-fly zones in Iraq during Operations 'Northern Watch' and 'Southern Watch' and served during the wars in Afghanistan (Operation 'Enduring Freedom') and Iraq (Operation 'Iraqi Freedom') from 2001 and 2003 respectively and Air Force F-16s took part in the intervention in Libya. In this book, Part 1 of the F-16 story, we will look at the origins of the F-16 and its service with the US Air Force and US Navy, as well as the different variants, proposed versions, test platforms and sub-types of the aircraft. Part 2 of the F-16 story will look at the International Versions and their operators and both will include colour artwork and how to model the F-16 in popular scales. [General-Dynamics Lockheed-Martin]

More

Aircraft in Profile US Navy and Air Force Vol 1 issue 2 Aircraft in Profile is a monthly section occupying the centre pages of Scale Aircraft Modelling magazine providing an initial 'first step' in researching an aircraft type, and is aimed at those readers who have had little previous interest in its subject, rather than those with expert knowledge. The section outlines the history and development of its chosen type providing a context for a modelling project, while the plans and drawings are designed to expand upon this and we hope we hope will be of use or interest to both modellers and aviation enthusiasts alike Issue two collects six US Navy and Air Force subjects following a number of requests to provide the material in book form. 72 pages

More

Lockheed C-5 Galaxy (In Action Series)The C-5 Galaxy first made its appearance in March 1968 it has been given such varied nicknames as 'Fat Albert', 'Big MAC', 'White Elephant', and 'FRED'. Almost as long as a football field and as high as a six-story building, the C-5 Galaxy is one of the world's largest aircraft and the only aircraft that can transport nearly every type of U.S. Army combat equipment, including tanks and helicopters. It's front and rear cargo doors and 'kneeling' landing gear system enables fast and easy loading of bulky equipment, it's intercontinental range enables it to carry troops and material to any area in the world. Since the 1970s the Galaxy has been projecting power around the globe, taking part in dozens of major military and humanitarian operations. This reprint includes 6 all-new pages packed with color photos and additional information about the Galaxy. Illustrated with 158 photos, 8 color profiles and b/w line drawings; 64 pages

More

Re-printed! Supermarine Spitfire Prototype K5054 numbered 2 at RAF Pageant, Hendon 1936 overall pale blue. Sheet includes a temporary airshow number with photo from the collection of Brendon Deere

More

AA-01 Second Edition! The Heinkel He-219 'Uhu'. A Detailed Guide to the Luftwaffe's Ultimate Nightfighter by Richard A. Franks Valiant Wings Publishing's returns to where the Airframe Album range started back in 2012 with a second, much expanded edition of the very first title in the series, The Heinkel He-219A Detailed Guide to The Luftwaffe's Ultimate Nightfighter by Richard A. Franks The He 219 is a very popular aircraft modelling subject, confirmed by the fact that we had to reprint our first edition twice after our first run sold out in under two months. Much has changed regarding available knowledge and references concerning the type so it seems right to re-introduce this title in expanded and revised format. The modelling map of the He 219 has also changed considerably over the past nine years so this title will be a new book partly-rewritten, and expanded from the first edition to contain at least 128 pages packed with vital information that no active modeller and Luftwaffe enthusiast should be without. It will contain: 40+ pages of technical information 20+ pages of walk-around images and technical diagrams 10+ pages of camouflage and markings 25+ pages of model builds and updated modelling information 150+ photographs including wartime images Colour side views and four-views by Richard J. Caruana 3D isometric views of all variants by Jacek Jackiewicz & Juraj Jankovic Specially commissioned extensive full kit builds by Libor Jekl & Steve A. Evans New specially commissioned front cover artwork by Jerry Boucher ISBN: 978-1-912932-18-4 Increased to 144 page!. Contents will include extra walkaround pictures, new and redrawn 3D isometric images as well as two kit builds, plus other information that has come to light-essentially a new book.

More

AM-01R Messerschmitt Me-262. A Complete Guide To The Luftwaffe's First Jet Fighter. (Owing to the volume of extra material we have increased the book size from 176 to 208 pages plus covers and plans) Valiant Wings Publishing's next title returns to where it all started ten years ago with a second, much expanded edition of our very first title The Messerschmitt Me-262 - A Complete Guide To The Luftwaffe's First Jet Fighter by Richard A. Franks. This will be the sixty-second book that we have published in our ten-year history. The Me-262 is a very popular aircraft modelling subject and our much expanded second edition will go some way towards unpicking the bewildering choices of variants and schemes that apply to the type. The modelling map of the Me-262 has changed considerably over the past ten years so this title will be a new book-rewritten, completely redesigned and expanded from the first edition to contain at least 180 pages packed with vital information that no active modeller and Luftwaffe enthusiast should be without. It will contain: 40+ pages of technical information 20+ pages of walk-around images and technical diagrams 10+ pages of camouflage and markings 25+ pages of model builds and updated modelling information 200+ photographs including wartime images Colour side views and four-views by Richard J. Caruana 3D isometric views of all variants by Jacek Jackiewicz Specially commissioned extensive full kit builds by Libor Jekl & Steve A. Evans New specially commissioned front cover artwork by Jerry Boucher Bonus set of 1/48 scale plans not available with the first edition

More

AM-17 The Messerschmitt Bf-110 - A Complete Guide To The Luftwaffe's Famous Zerstorer Valiant Wings Publishing is pleased to announce that our next title in the well-established Airframe & Miniature series will be The Messerschmitt Bf-110 - A Complete Guide To The Luftwaffe's Famous Zerstorer by Richard A Franks. The Bf-110 has become very popular aircraft modelling subject in recent years and our latest book will go some way towards unpicking the bewildering choices of variants and schemes that apply to the type. This seventeenth book in our much-acclaimed series will contain 256 pages packed with vital information that no active modeller and Luftwaffe enthusiast should be without. It will contain: 60+ pages of technical information 60+ pages of walk-around images and technical diagrams 8+ pages of camouflage and markings 25+ pages of model builds and modelling information 200+ photographs including wartime images Colour side views and four-views by Richard J. Caruana 3D isometric views of all variants by Wojciech Sankowski and Juraj Jankovic Specially commissioned extensive full kit builds by Libor Jekl & Steve A. Evans Specially commissioned front cover artwork by Jerry Boucher Bonus set of 1/48 scale plans The Messerschmitt Bf-110 - A Complete Guide To The Luftwaffe's Famous Zerstorer by Richard A Franks

More

AM-19 - The Lockheed P-38 Lightning (inc. F-4 & F-5 versions) - A Complete Guide to the 'Fork-tailed Devil' by Richard A. Franks. The P-38 Lightning is a popular aircraft type with modellers and has recently been the subject of several new toolings in all scales. Our latest book will go some way towards unpicking the different variants and colourful schemes that apply to the type. This nineteenth book in our much-acclaimed series will contain at least 240 pages packed with vital information that no active modeller and USAAF enthusiast should be without. 60+ pages of technical information 60+ pages of walk-around images and technical diagrams 8+ pages of camouflage and markings 25+ pages of model builds and modelling information 200+ photographs including wartime images Colour side views and four-views by Richard J. Caruana 3D isometric views of all variants by Wojciech Sankowski Three specially commissioned extensive full kit builds in two scales by Steve A. Evans Specially commissioned front cover artwork by Jerry Boucher Bonus set of 1/48 scale plans [P-38F/G P-38J P-38L]

More

AM-21: The Avro Lancaster (including the Lancastrian) Part 2 " Post War Service - A Complete Guide to the RAF's Legendary Heavy Bomber by Richard A. Franks The Avro Lancaster Part 2 will cover postwar variants, use by foreign air forces, civilian types, both Lancaster and Lancastrian, and trials and test-bed machines. The Lancaster has been a popular aircraft type with modellers and has recently been the subject of several new toolings in all scales, especially in 1/32nd and 1/48th. Our latest book will go some way towards unpicking the different variants and detail differences that apply to the type. It will contain at least 272 pages packed with vital information that no active modeller and Lancaster enthusiast should be without. They each contain: 60+ pages of technical information 60+ pages of walk-around images and technical diagrams 8+ pages of camouflage and markings 25+ pages of model builds and modelling information 200+ photographs including wartime images Colour side views and four-views by Richard J. Caruana 3D isometric views of all variants by Juraj Jankovic Specially commissioned extensive full kit build by John 'Tigger' Wilkes Specially commissioned front cover artwork by Jerry Boucher Bonus set of scale plans

More

AM-23 The Junkers Ju-88 Part 1: V1 to A-17 plus B-series-A Complete Guide to the Luftwaffe's Legendary Twin by Richard A. Franks. The Junkers Ju 88 has become a very popular aircraft modelling subject in recent years and our latest book will go some way towards unpicking the bewildering choice of variants and schemes that apply to the type. This twenty-third book in our much-acclaimed series contains over 264 pages packed with vital information that no active modeller and Luftwaffe enthusiast should be without. The Junkers Ju 88 Part 1 contains: - 40+ pages of technical information - 60+ pages of walk-around images and technical diagrams - 35+ pages of camouflage and markings - 25+ pages of model builds and modelling information - 200+ photographs including wartime images - Colour side views and stencil diagram by Richard J. Caruana - 3D isometric views of all Ju 88A and B-series variants by Wojciech Sankowski - Specially commissioned extensive full kit builds by Steve A. Evans and specially commissioned front cover artwork by Jerry Boucher - Set of 1/48 scale plans ISBN: 978-1-912932-30-6. Airframe & Miniature No.23

More

Warpaint Profile & Line Drawings no 1 - American Aircraft of WWII. 100 pages Perfect bound New from Guideline Licensed Publications is this innovative collection of artworks and scale drawings culled from the famous Warpaint series and collected in a single volume presenting eight iconic US military aircraft types from the Second World War Warpaint has grown into one of the most authoritative and comprehensive encyclopaedias of military aviation in print today. Compiled by artist Jan Polc this latest series gathers together the colour profiles and line drawings from selected volumes with a common theme, and presents the reader interested more in camouflage and markings than the history and development of the aircraft with a wide selection of choices upon which to base a modelling project. With a minimal text by way of introduction the book offers a collection of top quality profile art covering the Curtiss P-40, Grumman F6F Hellcat, Vought F4U Corsair, Douglas A-20 Havoc, Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress, Martin B-26 Marauder, North-American B-25 Mitchell and Consolidated B-24 Liberator. With this first volume Guideline introduce an ongoing series that promises to inspire and inform as well as offering a great introduction to those not already familiar with the original Warpaints

More

Vickers Wellington AUTHOR: Hall, A FORMAT: 30pp col/Bw/dwgs 297x210 Pb Designed with both the aircraft enthusiast and the modeller in mind, this series offers a comprehensive and accurate account of a single aircraft type within each issue. Drawings provided in both colour side and plan view with 1:72 scale plans, kit decal and accessory lists, squadrons, units and individual aircraft serials in codes, etc. The Vickers Wellington was one of those aircraft that seemed to go on for ever. In spite of the glamour and publicity gained by the Lancaster & Halifax, Wellingtons flew operationally for much longer during World War 2 and were still in side spread use for some considerable time afterwards as a trainer aircraft both for pilots and multi-engine aircraft and as crew trainers. (Mk.IC Mk.II Mk.III Mk.IV Mk.VIII Mk.X Mk.XIV]

More

de Havilland DH.82A Tiger Moth by Adrian M. Balch The de Havilland Tiger Moth must rank amongst the most well-known aircraft of all time, with 8, 868 built in the UK and abroad, serving with around 40 air arms worldwide and training thousands of pilots from the 1930s throughout WWII to the early 1970s, when the last of the Fleet Air Arm Tiger Moths was retired. Even today, in civilian hands, some 250 are still flying around the world and are still seen in numbers at air shows in the UK and abroad. Now with the recent release of good plastic kits in all the popular scales and numerous after-market decal sheets, it is timely that this comprehensive Tiger Moth book is brought to you as an invaluable reference for your shelves. Author Adrian Balch takes you through the type's history, with notes on each air arm's operations, and over 90 rare, top quality colour photos illustrate some of the many colourful schemes, both military and civil. Also there are detailed close-ups of the salient features and various modifications made to the type. Renowned artist Richard Caruana enhances the book with more of his superb authentic colourful profiles, making this a must have book for the modeller, whether your interest is civil or military. [DH.82A DH.82B]

More

General-Dynamics F-111 Aardvark and EF-111A Raven General Dynamics F-111 Aardvark & EF-111A Raven - By Charles Stafrace Controversy and competency is the best way to describe the first variable geometry combat aircraft to enter operational service anywhere in the world. This was the F-111 Aardvark, the typical Cold War 'below the radar' strike bomber. It was born in one of the most politically-motivated and incompetent procurement processes ever, and experienced a troublesome gestation period with spiralling costs in development and production, and an unimpressive first deployment to Vietnam in 1967. Yet, all this was forgotten when the F-111 matured and proved itself to become a devastating weapon and a formidable penetration strike aircraft in its second tour in Southeast Asia in 1972-73, helping to prove that its sophisticated attack and terrain-following radar systems enabled the delivery of a large number of ordnance with unerring accuracy at ultra-low level in a hostile environment. Thus equipped, the F-111's long-range all weather missions on targets in Libya in 1986 and in the Gulf War of 1991 confirmed that the Aardvark had become the spearhead of Tactical Air Command and USAFE, and for many years represented the cutting edge of NATO's deep strike forces. It is enough to say that during the Gulf War only two aircraft types were allowed to attack downtown Baghdad and avert collateral damage: the F-117 and the F-111. The longer-span FB-111 was developed with bombing avionics for undertaking the nuclear delivery role with Strategic Air Command, while later still a major re-do resulted in the EF-111A Raven in which were installed the most sophisticated and state-of-the-art electronic countermeasures and signals jamming systems available to assist in SEAD missions. The swing-wing F-111 was a familiar sight in Britain in the 1980s and early 1990s when it equipped two USAFE wings at Lakenheath and Upper Heyford, the latter base also hosting a squadron of EF-111As during part of the same period. The F-111 tactical strike fighter served with the RAAF as well, and was retired from service as recently as 2010. The F-111 was even ordered by the Royal Air Force in the late 1960s to replace the cancelled TSR.2 but was then itself cancelled at great expense amid nationwide controversy to which a whole chapter is dedicated in this publication. This new Warpaint title explains the F-111's development, service history, failures and successes, in all its versions with both USAF and RAAF, with full text, specification and squadron tables and more than 180 photos, most of which are in colour. This book is written by Charles Stafrace and is superbly illustrated by Richard J.Caruana. [EF-111A Raven F-111A F-111A/F-111B F-111C F-111C/G F-111D / F-111E F-111D/F F-111F F-111G]

More

Martin Mariner & Martin SP-5B Marlin. The Glenn L Martin company would produce the most successful range of seaplanes to enter US service. The first off the blocks was the PBM Mariner that would see extensive service with the U.S. Navy in various roles including general patrol duties, anti-submarine work, rescue duties and strangely enough for a purported patrol aircraft, as a bomber. So impressed was the USN with the Mariner that they pressed Martin to develop an improved version. The result was the Marlin that entered service in the post-war period and supplemented its older sibling during the Korean War. The P5M Marlin's last active service was during the Vietnam War although it was soon replaced by land based patrol aircraft. Both types were used by non-American operators both in Latin America and Europe. Even the Royal Air Force operated the Mariner although its sojurn in RAF colours was brief, to say the least! This book is written by Kev Darling and is superbly illustrated by Richard J.Caruana.

More

Panavia Tornado ADV by Des Brennan The Tornado F.3 spent just over twenty-three years in frontline operational service with the Royal Air Force compared to a similar period for air-defence Phantoms, and twenty-eight years for the Lightning. While every operational Tornado F.3 unit bar 25 Squadron had been operating one of those aircraft types before transitioning to the F.3 only 29 (as OCU) and 11 Squadrons along with 1435 Flight would move forward from Tornado onto the Eurofighter Typhoon. And of them only the latter transitioned directly without a break in service. Its entry-to-service was not, just like many other types before and since, particularly smooth especially with regard to its Foxhunter radar, however once the initial problems were resolved it went on to possess and deliver an outstanding BVR CAP capability. It was not and was never intended to be one of the 'dogfighters' it was often erroneously compared with, and through the design compromise with the IDS variants was undeniably more suited to a low/mid-level environment. Despite this and with the ever growing constraints on RAF budgets and concomitant growing demands on the Tornado F.3 throughout its service, the skills and dedication of its air and ground crews along with the expertise of the British aviation industry ensured that the aircraft more than excelled in all that was asked of it. Perhaps most tellingly the Tornado F.3/ADV was taken into combat by all three operators, with the United Kingdom and Saudi Arabia over Iraq and by the United Kingdom and Italy over the Balkans. In both theatres the opposing regimes had proven records of manipulating propaganda and were forever alert to exploit any imagined weakness as some armchair Air Marshals would have had the F.3/ADV to be. Yet while all three operators faced threats from ground defences, on not one occasion did any hostile force attempt get close enough to expose itself to the real and present threat posed by the Tornado F.3 ADV. This book is written by Des Brennan and is superbly illustrated by Richard J.Caruana.

More

de Havilland (Canada) DHC-1 CHIPMUNK - by Adrian M Balch The Chipmunk is probably the most famous and well-known post-war piston-engined basic training aircraft after the Tiger Moth, for which it was designed as a replacement by de Havilland in Canada. It first flew on 22 May 1946 and entered operational service that same year. During the late 1940s and 1950s, the Chipmunk was procured in large numbers for air arms around the world, primarily the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) and the, Royal Air Force (RAF), who utilised it as their standard primary trainer aircraft. The type was also produced under licence by de Havilland in the United Kingdom, who would build the vast majority of Chipmunks, as well as by OGMA (Oficinas Gerais de Material Aeronautico) in Portugal.The type served with the RAF right up until 1996 in the ab initial training role and many still fly today in civilian guise. This is another quality publication in the Warpaint series by author Adrian Balch, who relates the history of the Chipmunk together with colour scheme details for the modeller, supported by no less than 90 top quality photographs from his archives, the majority of which are in colour. Many colourful profiles are provided by Jan Polc, making this 48-page publication a 'must have' for the aviation historian and modeller alike. [DHC Chipmunk T.10 T.20 T.30 de Havilland Chipmunk T.10]

More

The Auster, In British Military & Foreign Air Arm Service. Author Adrian M Balch 64 pages, 15 pages of Colour Profiles Over 150 many never seen before images Stemming from the original American Taylorcraft design, the British Auster is arguably as well known and famous as the Tiger Moth, being built at the right time to provide a vital role during WW2 in the Air Observation Post role, spotting and reporting artillery positions, particularly during D-Day and through decades of post-war conflicts worldwide. Founded in 1938 at the Britannia Works, Thurmaston near Leicester, England, as Taylorcraft Aero-planes (England) Limited, they made 1,604 high-wing Taylorcraft Auster monoplanes which were built during World War II for the armed forces of the UK and Canada. The type has proved to be versatile and adaptable to worldwide conditions being fitted with wheels, floats or skis as per the Trans-Antarctic Expeditions, which are all recorded within. This is another comprehensive Warpaint book by Adrian Balch, which covers the design and de-velopment of the Auster, highlighting the variants that were used in military service by the RAF, Army Air Corps and air arms around the world, culminating in the variants built by BEAGLE. Nearly 150 photographs, many rare and never seen before, illustrate the type in military service, supported by 13 pages of colour profile drawings and plans by artist Sam Pearson.

More

Airspeed Oxford and Consul By William Harrison 52 pages With more than 8,750 built the Oxford was a well thought-out design that was based on their Airspeed Envoy, a similar shaped twin-engine executive aircraft that was used in the early 1930s but the more advanced design of the Oxford suited the military requirement for a three-seat training aircraft. The Oxford was a low-wing cantilever monoplane of advanced design and was produced for the training of pilots in handling modern, multi-engine bomber aircraft. Wooden construction was employed throughout making for a simpler design and easier repairs. Provision was made for instruction in pilot training, aerial photography, navigation, aerial photography, and bombing training. An Armstrong-Whitworth gun turret could be installed for training in aerial gunnery. After the War the Consul was conceived as a small airliner, chiefly converted from ex-military Oxfords with more than 160 rebuilt. These quickly sold to potential airline operators and were eventually used in many countries, some changing hands four or five times. The Oxford and the Consul were relatively safe flying machines and with thousands of bomber pilots undertaking their flying training in the type it played a major part in the RAF's war effort, and is widely regarded as a design the manufacturers could be proud of. This book is written by William Harrison with artwork by Sam Pearson.

More

North-American OV-10 Bronco written by Mike Verier The full story of the first true Multi-Role Combat Aircraft, the OV-10 Bronco, still flying operationally after nearly six decades of service, is told here for the first time in a bumper 104-page Warpaint. Detailed first-hand information gathered over many years has enabled the author to bring together the many facets of this remarkably versatile aircraft including pre-cursors, competitors and prototypes, through Vietnam and combat service with some eleven US and foreign Air Arms, and its part in the development of modern precision weapons, to its astonishing array of uses since. These include fighting drug cartels in Columbia, fires in California, mosquitos in South Carolina, and ISIS in Northern Iraq. Also, finally covered in full and accurate detail are the German 'jet' Broncos. The world's largest restoration project and current training of US and NATO JTACS bring the story up to date. De-classified information has made it possible to detail for the first time all the long-nose D model conversions and all the Broncos that served in Desert Storm, their preparation, the epic trans-continental deployment of one squadron by air, and the key role played by the Broncos during the war. The detailed and revealing narrative is copiously illustrated throughout with fully captioned photographs - many previously unseen- and backed by personal accounts, Individual aircraft histories, airframe lists, scale plans and specially commissioned art work with comprehensive colour scheme information. Warpaint 140 North-American/Rockwell OV-10A/OV-10B Author: Mike Verier Content: 104 pages

More

RAF/RN McDonnell F-4K/F-4M Phantoms (Hall Park Books Limited) Designed with both the aircraft enthusiast and the modeller in mind, this series offers a comprehensive and accurate account of a single aircraft type within each issue. Drawings provided in both colour side and plan view with 1:72 scale plans, kit decal and accessory lists, squadrons, units and individual aircraft serials in codes, etc.

More

Blackburn Firebrand and Firecrest by Tony Butler (Hall Park Books Limited) AUTHOR: Buttler, R FORMAT: 38pp col/Bw/dwgs 297x210 Pb Designed with both the aircraft enthusiast and the modeller in mind, this series offers a comprehensive and accurate account of a single aircraft type within each issue. Drawings provided in both colour side and plan view with 1:72 scale plans, kit decal and accessory lists, squadrons, units and individual aircraft serials in codes, etc.

More

Grumman F6F Hellcat. Even before Pearl Harbor the U.S. Navy realised that it would be hard for its existing fighters, the F2A Buffalo and F4F Wildcat, to deal with Japan's shipboard fighters, especially the A6M Zero. The situation was such that in June 1941 the U.S. Navy placed orders with Grumman 's 'Iron Works' for the F6F Hellcat before the first prototype had even flown. It was the right decision for Grumman 's new fighter, although much larger and heavier than the Zero, proved to be the latter's nemesis, so that the American fighter's better fire-power, sturdiness, range and speed more than matched the Zero's agility. Its entry into service was also timely, for the much- awaited F4U Corsair suffered from a flawed carrier deck capability, so that the Hellcat remained the main carrier fighter of the U.S. Navy throughout the rest of the Second World War and established air superiority in the Pacific. Indeed, in barely two years of war it destroyed no less than 5,271 enemy aircraft of the 6,477 claimed by the U.S. fighters, attaining a fantastic kill-to-loss ratio of 19.1:1, and fully deserving the nickname of 'Ace-Maker'. It certainly was the most important Allied shipboard fighter of that world conflict. The Hellcat was used also by the Royal Navy's Fleet Air Arm, during the war, while in the postwar period it saw service with the French Aeronavale, which used them in Indochina, as well as with the Uruguayan Navy, the latter flying them until 1961. [F6F-3 F6F-5 F6F-3N F6F-5N]

More

Hannover 'Hawa'! Volume 1. Ray Rimell and Harry Woodman present this fresh appraisal of the German Hannover Cl.II/Cl.III series with the first in a special double DATAFILE set. The full wartime history of the aircraft is outlined in this first volume with the aid of over 56 archive photos plus six pages of all-new 1:72/1:48 scale drawings of the Cl.II by Mick Davis. 'Hawa' wing geometry is discussed and there's the first part of the 1918 Aeronautical Engineering report on captured 13199/18 with its detailed notes and sketches. On top of all that are three pages of superb new colour profiles from Ronny Bar that grace the cover section. In the light of new information and with the benefit of new photos, these important types have never been covered in such depth before.

More

BAe Hawk T.1/T.1A (2) XX343/2 Empire Test Pilots School (ETPS), Boscombe Down July 1987. Raspberry Ripple scheme with red fin and rudder and rear fuselage with white front fuselage, Oxford blue undersurfaces, light aircraft grey inner wings top, red wing tips. XX343/2 Revised Raspberry Ripple scheme with white band full length of fuselage. XX184 70th Anniversary of equipping 19 Sqn with the Supermarine Spitfire 1938. Dark Earth/Dark Green Supermarine Spitfire type camouflage 2008. Inc. Maintainance data.

More