Coming soon from Fonthill Media and author Vic Flintham is Royal Air Force Operations 1919 to 1929: How the RAF Secured Its Independence.

The Royal Air Force was just eight months old when the First World War ended. It then had to fight for survival against huge pressure from the Admiralty and War Office. The number of squadrons was swiftly reduced to a handful, but salvation came with the application of air control in India and mandated Iraq. In addition, Chief of the Air Staff Lord Trenchard laid strong foundations with the establishment of the Cadet College, Staff College and apprentice scheme, institutions not easily dismantled.

Throughout the first decade of its existence, the RAF, which then also controlled the Fleet Air Arm, performed operations in Somalia, Germany, Iraq, Palestine, Ireland, Russia, India, Turkey and China, while bringing into service new types of aircraft, albeit in small numbers. In the Middle East and Africa, it conducted and supported trailblazing flights, continually pushing the boundaries of what was achievable.

Royal Air Force Operations 1919 to 1920: How the RAF Secured Its Independence is the comprehensive story of the RAF in the 1920s, covering the service’s development at both home and abroad, including all its operations across the globe. Controversies, such as the RAF’s alleged use of chemical weapons in Iraq, are examined in detail, and some 350 photographs, many previously unpublished, bring the story to life like never before.

The 432 page, hardcover book is currently available for pre-order with release set for September 30.

Product Page

MiniArt has announced the upcoming release of a new Focke-Wulf Fw 190D-11 “Basic” model kit in 1/48 scale.

The Fw 190D-11 was a late-war variant, part of the “Dora” series and powered by the Junkers Jumo 213F engine with MW 50 boost. It was a heavily armed variant with two 20 mm MG 151 cannon in the wing roots and two 30 mm MK 108 cannon in the outer wings, but it was produced only in very small numbers.

The upcoming release (48072) is described as highly detailed with realistic metal surfaces and panel details and three marking options. Click below to check out additional renderings as well as box art.

[continue reading…]

A 1990 Pitts S-1X Sunbird has been spotted for sale. The listing states (in part):

If you’re searching for a competition-caliber aerobatic aircraft with exceptional performance and an impressive pedigree, this 1990 Pitts S-1X Sunbird is an outstanding opportunity. Designed by renowned aircraft designer Dan Rihn to compete in the Unlimited aerobatic category, this highly modified aircraft combines incredible power, precision handling, and meticulous craftsmanship. With only 375 hours total time airframe and engine, outstanding compression, and a fresh July 2026 Condition Inspection, this Pitts is truly ready to fly.

The aircraft is located in Cincinnati, OH with offers currently being accepted. Click here to check out the eBay listing, which includes additional photos and details.

Coming soon from Grub Street Publishing and author Air Marshal G.A. ‘Black’ Robertson is The Spitfire with Nine Lives: The Enthralling Tale of TE566, Wrecked, Rescued and Rebuilt to Fly Again

Shortly after TE566 was delivered to the RAF, it was one of several Spitfires gifted to Czechoslovakia at the end of the Second World War. Sold to Israel in 1948 and later left to rot in a kibbutz as a children’s plaything, it was rescued, recovered to England and lovingly restored. A new life on the display circuit and on film began in 1992, first in the UK and later in South Africa, where it was all but destroyed in 2002 in a fatal accident. The wreckage was bought, returned to England, then sold to an Australian aviation training institute which eventually sold it back to the previous owner. After passing through several pairs of hands, the aircraft was rebuilt once again by Colin Wills and Tom Gilbert and converted to a two-seater to fly once more. [continue reading…]

Eduard has released a new, limited edition PBY-5A Catalina in 1/48 scale.

The PBY-5A Catalina was the amphibious version of Consolidated’s famous WWII patrol bomber, designed to operate from both water and land with exceptional range and endurance. It became a workhorse for anti-submarine patrols, convoy escort, search and rescue, and night attack missions, and its versatility made it one of the most important Allied aircraft of the war. The Catalinas in service with the USAAF were designated OA-10A.

The new release (11198) features Revell plastic parts, pre-painted PE parts, painting masks, resin parts (wheels, exhausts and antennas) and Eduard decals with marking options for five aircraft.

Buy on eBay

A 1967 Bellanca 260C Viking has been spotted for sale.

According to the listing, the aircraft (one of only 26 built) is a 260 hp Continental IO-470F–powered aircraft with 2,768 total time, 276 hours since major overhaul, and just 19 hours since a full top overhaul. It features upgraded Garmin avionics (430 WAAS, GTX345 ADS-B, audio panel), Century II autopilot, 60-gallon fuel capacity, Cleveland brakes, modern alternator, and a comfortable updated interior, with over $45K in recent maintenance and a current annual through 12/2026.

The aircraft is located in Minneapolis, Minnesota and is currently available for US $45,950, although bids are also being accepted. Click here to check out the eBay listing, which includes additional photos and details.

LukGraph has announced that they will be reintroducing their 1/32 de Havilland DH.89 Dragon Rapide model kit in a completely redesigned form.

This isn’t just a reissue. It’s a brand-new project: refined, corrected, and heavily detailed to push the level of realism and build experience even further. Every surface, every line, every detail has been rethought to do justice to this iconic aircraft.

The kit will be fully printed (no casting) and will be offered in a variety of boxings with British military, Foreign military and civilian markings. As of this writing, a final release date has not yet been announced.

(via LukGraph)

A 1946 Cessna 120 has been spotted for sale. The listing states (in part):

1946 Cessna 120, S/N 9174, N90113, with 130-hp O-290-D and Sensenich M76AM-2 54″ prop. 2x 12.5 gallon tanks for up to 4 hours of flight time. Garmin avionics GTR-200B, GTX-327, GDL-82 ADS-B Out, and GDL-50R ADS-B In. Annual completed Nov 25. Cruise 110mph, climbs 700+fpm, 5-6 gph. Blue/white paint, clean interior. Ready for your next adventure. Currently stored at KBAZ and will be flying, hours will change. TTAF: 5552hrs; SPOH: 283hrs ( Last OH Apr 2017); SMOH: 305hrs (Last OH May 2017) (TBO – 1500hrs); Useful Load – 448lbs

The aircraft is located in Seguin, Texas and is currently available for US $45,000 although offers are also being accepted. Click here to check out the eBay listing, which includes additional photos and details.

Special Hobby has revealed new renderings and marking options for their upcoming TP-40N model kit in 1/72 scale.

The TP-40N is a two-seat trainer conversion of the Curtiss P-40 Warhawk. It keeps the P-40’s characteristic long nose and Allison V-1710 engine.

The company states that the decals for the upcoming release (72543) will feature three aircraft: olive/gray, natural metal, and olive with green spots/gray. The kit itself will combine plastic and 3D printed parts. Click below to check out additional images.

[continue reading…]

A 1973 Pitts Special S-1 has been spotted for sale. Details are limited, but the listing states that it is part of a restoration project.

The S-1 is a compact, single-seat aerobatic biplane designed by Curtis Pitts for high-performance stunt flying, and it became one of the most influential aircraft in airshow and competition aerobatics. It has been a favorite among aerobatic pilots since the 1940s.

The aircraft is located in Mesa, Arizona and is currently available for US $25,000, although offers are also being accepted. Click here to check out the eBay listing, which includes additional photos.