Coming soon from Air World and author Peter Sikora is Polish Military Aircraft 1918-1939: From Regaining Independence to Hitler’s Blitzkrieg, an illustrated history of Polish military aviation from 1917 to 1939, highlighting innovation, development, and wartime resilience.

The Polish Military Aviation can trace its origins to the second half of 1917, and was officially established when Poland regained her independence on 11 November 1918. The country was then able to build its own air force with men being proud to call themselves Poles again. Despite its difficult rebirth, in the 1930s Poland developed a wide range of its own aircraft. These included the PZL P.6 fighter which gained fame for being the most advanced of its day and the first fighter aircraft made of metal in the world, or PZL P.24 fighter considered by the RAF as a purchase option. Towards the end of the decade, however, foreign aircraft design had overtaken them…

As well as telling the story of the valiant Polish flyers, Polish Military Aircraft 1918-1939 includes a wonderful collection of photographs, the majority of which have never been seen in the West. Together, these take the reader on a journey throughout the early years of Polish military aviation, showing amazing pictures of German, Austro-Hungarian or Russian aeroplanes, in many cases scavenged by the Poles. Also included is selection of British aircraft which were used in Poland, as well as a host of photographs of Polish-designed and built machines, including these that had to face Luftwaffe in September of 1939.

The 272 page hardcover book is currently available for pre-order with release set for May 30.

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Italeri has released a new boxing of their 1/72 Fw 190 A-7/A8 model kit focusing on Luftwaffe aces.

The Focke-Wulf Fw 190 was one of the best aircraft designed during the Second World War. Produced in more than 20,000 units starting in 1941, it was, together with the Messerschmitt Bf 109, the most famous fighter of the Luftwaffe. The Focke-Wulf Fw 190 A-8 was equipped with a BMW 801 D-2 twin-row, 14-cylinder radial engine delivering 1,700 hp, allowing it to reach a maximum speed of 653 km/h. It was heavily armed with two MG 131 machine guns and four 20 mm MG 151 cannons. In the first months of 1944, the A-8 version entered production, featuring an injection system capable of increasing engine power to over 1,900 hp for short periods. The Luftwaffe’s best pilots flew the famous fighter during the Second World War.

The kit (1490) includes markings for aircraft flown by Major. Maj. Heinz “Pritzl” Bär, Obstlt. Otto Kittel, Major Josef “Pips” Priller, Leutnant Anton Rudolf Piffer and Leutnant Gerhard Vogt. Click below to check out the product page and box contents.

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An Aero L-29 has been spotted for sale. The listing states (in part):

The Aero L-29 Soviet Block Trainer is a single engine airplane manufactured by Aero Vodochody in the Czech Republic. This aircraft is known for its simple design and reliability, making it ideal for training purposes. This aircraft was one of 25 L-29s imported from Romania in the 90’s. FAA registered. Complete logs since new. Pristine cockpits with all fire control equipment (panels, sights, etc).

The aircraft is located in Kempner, Texas and is currently available for bidding. Click here to check out the eBay listing, which includes additional photos and details.

Coming soon from Air World and author Ken Neubeck is The Lockheed U-2: A Photographic History of the Famous Cold War Spy Plane, which examines the unique history of the aircraft as well as the extensive pilot training and requirements to fly it, which is unparalleled with any other military aircraft training.

The Lockheed U-2 ‘Dragon Lady’ has long been associated as a symbol of the Cold War due to several news events of that era. Much of this was the result of the news surrounding well-known incident when Gary Powers’ U-2 was brought down by Soviet missiles over Russia in 1960 and his subsequent capture. There was also the events in 1962, when Major Rudolf Anderson Jr. was also shot down, this time over Cuba during the Cuban Missile Crisis.

Though it is commonly characterized as a spy plane, as the author reveals here there is so much more to the U-2 than that. Since the Cold War, and even with the advent of satellite and drone technology, many may not be aware that the U-2 is still flying today, and still performing vital surveillance missions in many of the world’s hot spots of military or political turmoil. These can often be demanding missions, flights which take place at high altitude and lasting for many hours, taxing the endurance of even the very best pilots. There is a demanding and robust selection process for potential U-2 pilots, all of which is detailed in Ken Neubeck’s absorbing commentary.

The 256 page hardcover book is currently available for pre-order with release scheduled for May 31.

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FineMolds has released their new Mitsubishi A6M Zero prototype model kit in 1/72 scale.

The Zero prototype, designated A6M1, was the first version of the Japanese Navy’s famous carrier‑based fighter, built in 1939 as a lightweight, single‑seat monoplane with retractable gear and an enclosed cockpit to meet strict demands for speed, range, and extreme maneuverability. It used a 780 hp Mitsubishi Zuisei 13 radial engine and a very light airframe of aluminum alloy with fabric‑covered control surfaces, giving it low wing loading and excellent low‑speed handling even in its underpowered prototype form; after Navy trials, the design was refined into the A6M2 by switching to the more powerful Nakajima Sakae engine, launching the Zero’s long‑production run.

The new kit (FR03) “meticulously reproduces the details of the Type 12 Carrier Fighter ‘Unit 2.'” It offers molding in different colors (fuselage, wings, engine, and propeller are in gray, landing gear in black, and interior of the aircraft in yellow-green). PE parts also appear to be included.

Click below to check out the product link and additional images.

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A 1939 Fleet 16B airframe project has been spotted for sale. The listing states (in part):

I purchased this airplane from Brian Coughlin, who is no longer with us. I have paperwork, a data plate plus a spare from another ship. It’s registration is current. I have no logbooks or history. It needs all 6 wing spars, though it does have John Barker ribs and enough good originals to complete the wings. It’s missing the engine (Kinner R56), brakes, flying wires, and the adjustable cabane strut. I’m into the project for well over $16k, that being said, I’ve been at this long enough to know the reality, make me an offer! Will also consider trade for small bore Continental inventory.

The aircraft is located in Madison, Indiana and is currently available for US $12,500 although offers are also being accepted. Click here to check out the eBay listing, which includes additional photos and details.

Coming soon from Air World and author Robbie Shaw is a unique photographic exploration of the legendary F-4 Phantom captured by author Robbie Shaw during his time as an Air Traffic Controller in the RAF.

The F-4 Phantom, first flown in 1958, became a versatile warplane, excelling as both an air superiority interceptor and a ground-attack bomber. It served with distinction in the US Navy, Marines, and Air Force, with various models like the F-4C, F-4G, and F-4E, and was used globally by NATO allies, Israel, Egypt, and many others. The Phantom, famously used in the Vietnam and Gulf Wars, continued in service for over six decades. It was also used as a target drone after retiring from front-line duties. As of 2024, the Phantom remains in service with countries like Greece, Turkey, and Iran, making it one of the longest-serving military aircraft in history.

McDonnell-Douglas F-4 Phantom in the Air: Aerial Photographs of the Famous Cold War Interceptor and Fighter-Bomber is described as a “breathtaking collection of air-to-air photographs, taken during seven flights, showcasing the Phantom in a variety of roles and settings. These images include variants like the RF-4C, F-4C/D/E/F/G/J/K, captured while flying with the RAF, USAF, Luftwaffe, and others. Additional photos from Shaw’s friends in the Falklands, Europe, and South Korea further enrich the book.”

The hardcover title spans 224 pages and is currently available for pre-order with release set for June 30.

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MiniArt has released their new Fw 190D-9 (Mimetall) Advanced Kit in 1/48 scale.

The offering (48048) is described as highly detailed with accurate Mimetall production configuration, PE parts, detailed cockpit and surface features and decals with multiple marking options.

The company also recently released a basic version (48040) that includes an accurate exterior with finely reproduced panel lines and rivets, detailed cockpit with instrument panel and seat, optional open or closed canopy and marking options for two aircraft of Jagdgeschwader 301.

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A 1967 Cessna 150G project has been spotted for sale. The listing states (in part):

1967 Cessna 150G Project Aircraft with Continental 0-200-A and McCauley 1A100/MCM 6950. The aircraft was involved in a runway departure and rested between two trees. The propellor was not struck during the incident. The wings, cowling, and fuselage received significant damage during the incident. The rear spar carry through will need replacement. The total time on the airframe is estimated to be 3,985.89 hrs. The engine hours are estimated to be 1,541.00 SMOH. Recent engine work includes new Millennium cylinders (#2 & #4), overhauled alternator, installation of serviceable alternator drive, and new hoses. The engine is complete less the magnetos.

The aircraft is located in McKinney, Texas and is currently available for US $30,000 although offers are also being accepted. Click here to check out the eBay listing, which includes additional photos and details.

Coming soon from Tempest and author Stephen Liddle is Shaping the Vulcan, a full history of the Avro Vulcan’s development and assessment of the technological and engineering breakthroughs which underpinned the construction of this unparalleled aircraft.

The Avro Vulcan is one of the most striking aircraft ever made – its enormous wing stretching back from an improbably thick leading edge marked by cavernous wing root engine intakes. Perhaps even more incredible, its first flight was made just over ten years after the introduction of the piston-engined Lancaster during the Second World War. Within a decade, technology had taken a giant leap from straight-winged slow-moving conventional bombers to this vast delta designed to carry a nuclear payload. But what led to such a radical configuration and what was the technology that enabled such an ambitious design? What possessed Avro to offer the Air Ministry such a futuristic aircraft and what prompted the Ministry to approve its development and entry into service?

The 350 page hardcover book is currently available for pre-order with release set for May 14.

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