Scanning the Skies: Radar Research and Development Flying 1935-1977
Coming soon from Crecy Publishing and author Dennis Williams is Scanning the Skies: Radar Research and Development Flying 1935-1977
This book offers a detailed overview of a complex yet fascinating aspect of British aviation history, about which comparatively little has been published. The early development of radar in Britain culminated in the successful introduction of ground-based radar, which played a crucial role during the Battle of Britain. This was followed by the considerable challenges of designing airborne systems that had to be compact, lightweight, and energy-efficient. The widespread use of radar and other electronic systems (including countermeasures) made a significant contribution to the major operations of RAF Coastal Command in the North Atlantic and Bomber Command over Europe; these aspects are covered in detail. During the Cold War, development priorities included navigation and guidance systems for the V-bombers and guided missile projects. Equally important as the scientific advances were the aircraft on which these technologies were tested. A large part of the book is devoted to the aircraft types used in British radar research and development over five decades, from the modifications required for this specialized task and the airfields used to operate them to the operational procedures. The development of aircraft, on the one hand, and the radar and other electronic systems tested on them, on the other, combine to form a coherent history of aviation in the service of scientific research. The account essentially follows a chronological sequence and illustrates how the rapid development of airframes and engines, as well as the advances in electronics and later in computer technology, went hand in hand throughout the entire period under consideration.
The hardcover book is currently available for pre-order with release set for October 31.
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Eduard Releases Royal Hybrid P-51B Kit With PE, Resin, 8 Liveries and Book
Eduard has released a new P-51B “Royal Hybrid” Mustang model kit in 1/32 scale.
The P-51B was the Merlin-powered, long-range version of the North American Mustang that transformed the aircraft into one of WWII’s best escort fighters. Entering combat in late 1943, it could protect bombers deep into Germany thanks to its excellent range and high-altitude performance, and it typically carried four .50-caliber machine guns in the wings.
The new release (932011) features Eduard plastic parts, PE parts, painting masks and resin parts (cockpit, undercarriage bays, wheels, guns, exhausts). Eduard decals are also included with marking options for eight aircraft of the of 8th and 9th Air Forces. An added extra is a pictorial book about service of the P-51B/C Mustangs written by Jan Zdiarský.
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1950 Beechcraft Bonanza BE35 For Sale: “Airworthy, Ready to Fly”
A 1950 Beechcraft Bonanza BE35 has been spotted for sale. The listing states (in part):
Airworthy & ready to fly. A well-maintained early V-tail Bonanza that presents very well and is currently hangared. Powered by a Continental E-225-8 with approximately 110 hours since major overhaul, it combines classic Bonanza character with practical modern upgrades, including ADS-B Out, an STC’d electric auxiliary fuel pump, a spin-on oil filter, dual control yokes, a large rear-window conversion, LED anti-collision/strobe light and a 20-gallon auxiliary fuel tank. A strong choice for the buyer seeking a sharp, straightforward early Bonanza with a low-time engine, useful improvements, and an honest basic-VFR panel.
The aircraft is located in Keystone Heights, Florida and is currently available for US $67,900. Click here to check out the eBay listing, which includes additional photos and details.
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Wrecks & Relics 30th Edition: The Indispensable Guide to Britain’s Aviation Heritage
Coming soon from Crecy Publishing and author David Willis is Wrecks & Relics 30th Edition: The indispensable guide to Britain’s aviation heritage, A comprehensive, illustrated guide that chronicles more than 700 locations and 4,000 aircraft across the British Isles, detailing histories, current statuses, and where to explore preserving aviation heritage.
Wrecks & Relics remains the only publication required to discover the incredible aeronautical treasures found across the UK and Ireland. It provides a trusted, comprehensive rundown of museums and collections and their exhibits – static or flying – together with workshops, military ‘gate guardians’, stored and instructional airframes etc. It also reveals redundant and even derelict airframes being used for the most unlikely of purposes, including ‘glamping’ and at paint-ball sites.
Each edition of Wrecks & Relics is profusely illustrated with both colour and black and white photographs and is fully indexed making easy the task of where to go over the weekend, or where to find an extant example of a favourite aircraft type. Whether it travels in the car or sits on the bookshelf, this new and fully revised edition of this classic publication will continue to be the most useful and accurate companion to the aviation heritage of the British Isles, which will be referred to again and again.
The 392 page, hardcover book is currently available for pre-order with release set for August 26.
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First Look: Sword Models’ AF-2W Guardian “Hunter” Test Build
Sword Models has released the first test build photos for their new tool AF-2W Guardian “Hunter” model kit in 1/72 scale. The company is also developing an accompanying AF-2S Guardian “Killer” kit.
As previously reported, the Grumman AF-2W Guardian “Hunter” and AF-2S Guardian “Killer” were a paired U.S. Navy anti-submarine warfare system in which the AF-2W carried the search radar and detection gear in a large ventral radome, while the AF-2S carried the weapons load such as torpedoes, depth charges, bombs, and rockets. Flown together as hunter-killer teams beginning in 1950, they were the Navy’s first purpose-built carrier-based ASW aircraft, but their size and poor low-speed handling made them accident-prone, and they were soon replaced by the more efficient S2F Tracker.
The kits (SW72162 and SW72163) include plastic parts, painting masks and decals with two marking options per variant. Regarding the new test build images, Sword states:
I am also attaching 2 pictures with warnings during construction. It’s different in the instructions.I recommend for the SF-2W version first assembling half of the fuselage and radar and then gluing the entire fuselage together.
Check out additional images below.
Continue reading First Look: Sword Models’ AF-2W Guardian “Hunter” Test Build
1995 Mooney M20M TLS Bravo For Sale: “New Paint, Needs Nothing”
A 1995 Mooney M20M TLS Bravo has been spotted for sale. The listing states (in part):
For sale 1995 Mooney M20M TLS Bravo. BRAND new 2025 Paint job with ceramic coating. Garmin/Avidyne Panel with Coupled Bendix King Autopilot. Low time and engine and prop, this airplane needs nothing except a new owner to bring her home. Times subject to change as owner flies regularly!
The aircraft is located in Louisville, KY and is currently available for bidding. Click here to check out the eBay listing, which includes additional photos and details.
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Operation Amherst: The Last Airborne Operation of WWII
Coming soon from Pen and Sword Military and authors Joël Stoppels and Harold de Jong is Operation Amherst: The Last Airborne Operation of WWII, which covers the final airborne operation of WWII, detailing French paratroopers’ landings, rapid combat in Drenthe and Friesland, and subsequent liberation efforts in Groningen and beyond.
In preparation for the liberation of the northern part of the Netherlands, Operation Amherst was launched on the night of 7 to 8 April 1945. This last airborne operation of the Second World War was carried out by 702 French (SAS) paratroopers. The fighting developed quickly after the landings in the province of Drenthe and a part of southeast Friesland. Canadian and British forces would then engage in the liberation of Groningen and the Westerbork concentration camp, and the elimination of the Delfzijl Pocket.
The 224 page hardcover book is currently available for pre-order with release set for October 30.
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Hobby Boss to Release New F4U-5N Corsair [Late] Night Fighter Model Kit
Hobby Boss is reportedly preparing to release a new F4U-5N Corsair [Late] Night Fighter model kit in 1/48 scale.
The F4U-5N Corsair [Late] is a radar-equipped night-fighter version of the ultimate piston-engine Corsair, the F4U-5, featuring a longer nose, all-metal wings, a raised cockpit, and a 2,450 hp Pratt & Whitney R-2800-32W engine that made it the fastest carrier-based piston fighter (about 462 mph). Carrying an AN/APS-19 radar pod on the right wing, flame-dampened exhausts, and four 20 mm cannons, it traded a bit of performance for night operations but retained a heavy bomb and rocket load for night intruder and close-support missions. In the Korean War, F4U-5Ns with VMF(N)-513 and Navy detachments hunted “Bedcheck Charlie” Po-2s, attacked supply convoys and trains, and even produced the conflict’s only Navy ace, Guy Bordelon, who scored all five of his kills at night in an F4U-5N.
As of this writing, details on the new kit (80391) are nonexistent, although release is planned for some time in September.
(via AeroScale and Scalemates)
1946 Aeronca Chief 11AC For Sale: “2023 Best in Class Winner”
A 1946 Aeronca Chief 11AC has been spotted for sale. The listing states (in part):
Airframe logs start Jan. 1970 at an estimated Airframe TT: 376 Hrs. Current AFTT: 980. Total restoration in 1998. EAA Oshkosh Best in Class 1999. Sensenich prop TT: 224.7. Continental A-65-8, 65HP. Total Time: 932.9, Since Major Overhaul: 93.9 By Lycon with Millenium Cylinder/Piston kits. At April Annual Inspection compressions were #1 79/80 #2 80/80 #3 80/80 #4 79/80. No electrical system, so you are the engine starter by hand propping. Includes Icom handheld radio with mount and external antenna, ELT and Dynon GPS attitude, heading, altitude and airspeed indicator, all battery powered. Continuously hangered since restoration. Fabric, wood, metal and paint in very good condition. New Maule 8″ certified tailwheel installed at last Annual in April. Won Best In Class at 2023 WAAM Hood River Fly-In, Hood River OR. Nearby regional delivery possible.
The aircraft is located in Richland, WA and is currently available for bidding. Click here to check out the eBay listing, which includes additional photos and details.
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Bird Men: The B-29 Superfortress and WW2 American Airpower
Coming soon from Mariner Books and bestselling author A.J. Baime is Bird Men: The Rise of American Airpower and the Machine That Ended World War II – A WWII History of American Airpower and the Superfortress That Changed the Course of the War.
Of all the feats of American ingenuity in World War II, perhaps none was as impressive in scale or vital to the Allied victory as the creation of American airpower. Just a few years before the start of World War II, the American military was stuck in the dark ages of aviation, with the U.S. Army’s Air Corps mainly focused, not on combat, but on mail delivery. Fast forward to end of the war, and America had launched the most impressive flying machine the world had ever seen: the B-29 Superfortress, a weapon so essential to ending the war that its research and development process cost more than the Manhattan Project. Continue reading Bird Men: The B-29 Superfortress and WW2 American Airpower
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