Coming Soon: Four-Volume History of Lend-Lease and Soviet Aviation in WW2
Coming soon from Helion and Company and author Vladimir Kotelnikov’s new series Lend-Lease and Soviet Aviation 1941–1945 which examines how Allied Lend-Lease aircraft supported Soviet aviation during the Second World War and influenced its postwar development.
Volume 1 traces the programme’s diplomatic origins, delivery routes, and early operational use in 1941–42, highlighting the challenges of introducing Hurricanes, Kittyhawks, and other Western aircraft into Soviet service. Volume 2 focuses on British and American fighters—including the Hurricane, Spitfire, P-40, Airacobra, and Kingcobra—examining their delivery, deployment, technical characteristics, and influence on Soviet tactics. Volume 3 covers bombers, transports, and maritime aircraft, including the A-20 Boston, B-25 Mitchell, C-47, and PBY Catalina, assessing their contributions to combat operations, frontline supply, and naval warfare. Volume 4 evaluates the programme’s overall impact from 1941 to 1945, weighing operational successes and shortcomings, examining maintenance and supply challenges, and exploring how Allied deliveries relieved pressure on Soviet industry and shaped postwar aircraft development and doctrine. Drawing on Soviet and Western archives, operational records, and first-hand accounts, the series combines rare photographs, colour profiles, maps, and technical and statistical tables to document Lend-Lease aviation’s contribution to Soviet victory and its lasting legacy.
The books will be available in paperback format. Vol 1 has 72 pages, while vol 2 has 104 pages. Both will be available on January 15, 2027. Vol 3 has 104 pages and will be released on November 30, 2026. Vol 4 has 104 pages and will be released on December 31. All four volumes are currently available for pre-order.
Product Page (Vol 1)
Product Page (Vol 2)
Product Page (Vol 3)
Product Page (Vol 4)
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MiniArt to Release 1/48 Junkers F13 (Mid) in Italian, Czechoslovakian, Austrian and Bolivian Service
MiniArt has announced the upcoming release of a 1/48 Junkers F13 (Mid Production) in Italian, Czechoslovakian, Austrian and Bolivian Service.
The F13 was a pioneering all-metal airliner, with the mid-production versions helping to expand aviation during the 1920s and 1930s. Its corrugated duralumin construction, cantilever wing and enclosed four-passenger cabin offered a practical design for early commercial operations. In Italy, Transadriatica used the F13 on international routes, inaugurating its Venice–Klagenfurt–Vienna service in August 1926; in Austria, Österreichische Luftverkehrs AG (ÖLAG) operated the type on its developing airline network. Czechoslovak examples served both airline and military aviation organizations, while Bolivia’s Lloyd Aéreo Boliviano employed F13s to establish vital air links across difficult terrain. Together, these operators demonstrated the design’s adaptability to European transport networks and the demanding conditions of South American aviation.
The kit (48024) is described as highly detailed with fine exterior surface detail, photo-etched parts and four marking options. The kit is labeled as “coming soon,” although a final release date has not been announced. Check out box contents and livery profiles below.
Aero Commander 500 For Sale: “Excellent Condition, Airworthy and Flown Regularly”
An Aero Commander 500 has been spotted for sale. The listing states (in part):
Excellent condition, airworthy and flown regularly… Hangared. Current CofA. N711NE takes that solid foundation and adds a current annual inspection plus a modernised cockpit featuring a Garmin 430 and dual Garmin G5 electronic flight displays. Whether you’re flying family, clients, or cargo, you’ll enjoy a spacious cabin, excellent visibility, and the reassurance that comes from a twin-engine platform with a reputation for getting the job done. If you’re looking for a classic piston twin that blends heritage charm with modern avionics – and is ready to work or play from day one – N711NE should be at the top of your list.
The aircraft is located in East Midlands, UK and is currently available for £80,000 although offers are also being accepted. Click here to check out the eBay listing, which includes additional photos.
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Allison-Powered P-51 Mustang Development, Design, Service and Tech Details Detailed in New Book
Coming soon from MMP Books and author Robert Pęczkowski is NAA P-51 Mustang with Allison engine (Yellow Series), which traces the development, wartime service, design evolution, and technical features of the Early Allison-engined P-51 Mustang through detailed illustrations.
This book presents the history, development and operational service of the early Allison-engined versions of the North American P-51 Mustang. It covers the aircraft’s design evolution, wartime use and technical features. Illustrated with wartime and detailed photographs, colour profiles, scale plans and technical drawings, it is a valuable reference for aviation historians and modellers.
The paperback book is currently available for pre-order with release set for January 15. The date will also see the release of the second edition publication on the NAA A-36A Mustang dive-bomber variant.
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First Look: Liveries for IBG’s Upcoming Fieseler Fi 156D-1 Storch Ambulance
IBG has released livery profiles for their upcoming Fieseler Fi 156D-1 Storch Ambulance in 1/72 scale.
The Fi 156D-1 was a purpose-built ambulance version of Germany’s famous short-takeoff-and-landing liaison aircraft, produced during World War II. It featured an enlarged loading hatch on the starboard side of the rear fuselage and accommodation for a single stretcher patient and a medical attendant, allowing wounded personnel to be evacuated from forward areas. Its high-lift wing, fixed leading-edge slats, large flaps, and long-legged landing gear enabled operations from small, rough landing grounds, making the D-1 particularly useful where conventional aircraft or ground ambulances could not readily reach.
As previously reported, IBG released teaser images in September and stated that all production variants would eventually be represented. To date, renderings have been released for the 156C-2 “Storch At War” which is slated for release at the end of the month. The Fi 156D-1 Storch Ambulance will reportedly be available “very soon.”
Check out full livery three-views below.
Continue reading First Look: Liveries for IBG’s Upcoming Fieseler Fi 156D-1 Storch Ambulance
1959 Cessna 172 (Straight Tail) Airframe Project For Sale: “Complete Logs Included”
A 1959 Cessna 172 airframe project has been spotted for sale. The listing states (in part):
This is a 1959 Cessna 172 (straight-tail model) airframe offered as a rebuild project or for parts. The aircraft was flipped over by a windstorm while parked on the ramp when the left-hand wing tie-down ring failed… Complete logbooks that came with the aircraft are INCLUDED in the sale… WHAT’S INCLUDED… Fuselage / cabin structure; Both wings (damaged — see photos); Complete tail section: vertical fin, rudder, horizontal stabilizers, elevators; Flight control surfaces: ailerons and flaps; Complete tricycle landing gear (nose gear + both mains, tires); Full leather interior — front seats and rear bench; Dual control yokes; Cabin doors; Engine cowling; Wheel fairings / tips; Boxes of avionics, instruments, wiring harnesses and ELT as shown
The aircraft is located in Oakland Park, FL and is currently available for US $7,000 although offers are also being accepted. Click here to check out the eBay listing, which includes additional photos and details.
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Study of Mustang Dive Bomber Variant Gets Updated Second Edition
Coming soon from MMPBooks and author Przemyslaw Skulski is NAA A-36A 2nd edition (Yellow Series), which documents the history, development, and combat service of the rare A-36 dive-bomber variant.
This second edition presents the history, development and combat service of the North American A-36, the rare dive-bomber variant of the Mustang. It covers operations in the Mediterranean and Far East, as well as the aircraft’s technical features. Illustrated with wartime and detailed photographs, colour profiles, and newly added scale plans and technical drawings, it is a valuable reference for aviation historians and modellers.
The 120 page book is currently available for pre-order with release set for January 15.
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First Look: LukGraph’s Upcoming 1/32 Hansa-Brandenburg CC Test Build
LukGraph has revealed the first test build photo for their upcoming Hansa-Brandenburg CC, which will be offered in 1/32, 1/48 and 1/24 scales.
The Hansa-Brandenburg CC was a single-seat fighter flying boat developed by the Austro-Hungarian aircraft manufacturer Hansa-Brandenburg during World War I. Designed for coastal defense and maritime patrol duties, it became one of the most successful seaplane fighters operated by the Austro-Hungarian Navy.
As previously reported, the new offerings will represent both early and late production versions: the early version equipped with a single machine gun / original engine cooling arrangement and the late variant fitted with two machine guns mounted on the fuselage.
As of this writing a final release date has yet to be announced, although pre-orders will reportedly begin “soon.” Click below to check out box art for both the early and late versions.
Continue reading First Look: LukGraph’s Upcoming 1/32 Hansa-Brandenburg CC Test Build
1964 Mooney M20C For Sale: “Complete Donor Airframe”
A 1964 Mooney M20C airframe has been spotted for sale. The listing states (in part):
1964 Mooney M20C airframe, serial number 2817… INCLUDED: Fuselage and cabin, with the manufacturer’s data plate (Mooney Aircraft, Inc., Kerrville, Texas — M-20C 2817)… One-piece wing, attached; Empennage: horizontal stabilizer, elevators, fin and rudder; All three landing gear legs, with wheels and tires; Cabin door, baggage door, windshield and side windows; Instrument panel with the instruments and radios as installed, and both control yokes; Airframe logbooks. NOT INCLUDED: Engine, propeller and engine logbooks; Seats and interior. Offered as a complete donor airframe.
The aircraft is located in Vashon Island, Washington and is currently available for US $3,500, although offers are also being accepted. Click here to check out the eBay listing, which includes additional photos and details.
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Spitfire V vs Fw 190: An Illustrated Account
Coming soon from Osprey Publishing and author Andy Saunders is Spitfire V vs Fw 190: Northwest Europe 1941–42 (Duel, 153), an illustrated account of the challenge posed to RAF Fighter Command by the Luftwaffe’s Fw 190, and the ways in which Spitfire crews adapted to the deadly new threat.
The introduction of Focke-Wulf’s Fw 190 to Luftwaffe service presented RAF Spitfire VB and VA pilots with a formidable new foe that could quite literally run rings around them. First encountered over France in September 1941, the Fw 190 – or ‘Butcher Bird’ – soon demonstrated its startling capabilities, wrong-footing RAF Fighter Command and forcing the swift development of new tactics and methods. The actions that ensued were some of the most fiercely contested of the air war in northwest Europe and would lead to the production and eventual fielding of the Spitfire IX.
In this new study, air war expert Andy Saunders details how the RAF – having perhaps become complacent about the superiority of the Spitfire – found itself left behind with an inferior fighter. Covering the introduction to service of both the Spitfire V and the Fw 190, the fighters’ first encounters and the battles that shaped subsequent tactics and design, it combines combat reports and first-hand accounts with archive photographs and newly commissioned artwork and formation diagrams to convey what it was like to be a fighter pilot in both aircraft from 1941 to 1943.
The 80 page paperback book is currently available for pre-order with release set for January 19.
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