Set for release later this year from Osprey Publishing is F4F Wildcat vs A6M2-N “Rufe”: Solomon Islands 1942–43, author Michael John Claringbould’s illustrated study of engagements between the F4F Wildcat and 6M2-N ‘Rufe’ during the Solomon Islands campaign.

A number of unique confrontations took place between floatplanes and land-based fighters during the fierce aerial battles fought above the Solomon Islands throughout 1942–43. Whilst the most famous Battle of Guadalcanal ‘slugfests’ saw US Marine Corps/US Navy F4F Wildcats engage the Zero-sens of the Imperial Japanese Naval Air Force, the pugnacious Wildcats also came up against the A6M2-N ‘Rufe’ floatplane – termed the ‘Zero on floats’ by American pilots. Such encounters have gone under-explored and misrepresented in Western histories, with the elusive capabilities of the ‘Rufe’ and its role combatting raids against Guadalcanal receiving only scant attention.

In this revelatory study, Pacific War expert Michael John Claringbould uncovers an aspect of the Pacific air war that has, until now, remained largely unknown. Operational documents, combat reports and first-hand accounts from both Wildcat and ‘Rufe’ pilots are combined to help align adversaries, in some cases one-on-one, for the first time in print, while archive photographs, formation diagrams and newly commissioned artwork brings the action to life.

The 80 page publication is currently available for pre-order in paperback and Kindle editions with release set for August 25.

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Special Hobby is preparing to release a CAC Boomerang Mk.I/II model kit in 1/72 scale.

The type was designed and built in Australia by the Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation from 1942 to 1945, marking the nation’s first domestically produced combat plane. Hastily developed after Japan’s entry into World War II using components from the CAC Wirraway trainer, the stubby, maneuverable Boomerang achieved a top speed of about 305 mph but underperformed in altitude and speed compared to contemporaries. Armed with two 20mm cannons and four .303 machine guns, it saw limited air-to-air success, instead excelling in ground attack, reconnaissance, and army cooperation roles in the Pacific theater, including New Guinea and Bougainville, where its rugged build absorbed heavy damage.

The upcoming release (SH72539) includes resin cast wheels and exhaust and two sprues consisting of plastic and clear parts. Marking options will be included for five machines, one machine from each RAAF squadron that flew the Boomerangs in combat. Four machines are camouflaged in green and brown scheme with light blue undersurfaces, the fifth machine is green all over.

As of this writing a final release date has not been announced. Click below to check out livery profiles.

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A 1960 Beech B95 Travel Air airframe project has been spotted for sale.

According to the listing, the offering is a complete airframe (6649 hours total time) which sustained minor damage during a gear-up landing. This classic Beechcraft twin—built from Bonanza and T-34 components and known for its reliable handling and economy—is finished in white with platinum and blue accents, featuring upgraded gray cloth interior. The aircraft sustained minor damage to the belly skins, nose gear doors, and left wingtip, with both wings, fuselage, and tail largely undamaged. Both engines and props were removed after prop strikes, and avionics are not included, though engine and flight instruments remain. It comes with full airframe and propeller logbooks, long-range fuel tanks (106 gallons usable), and complete documentation. Located in Greenville, South Carolina, this cheap, low-reserve sale includes 30 days of prepaid tie-down, making it a potential rebuild project, parts donor, or display piece.

The aircraft is currently available for US $1,995, although bids are also being accepted. Click here to check out the eBay listing, which includes a number of additional photos.

Soon to be released by Osprey Publishing is Junkers Ju 88C Day and Nightfighters, author Chris Goss’ illustrated account of the action-packed combat missions carried out by the Luftwaffe’s powerfully armed Junkers Ju 88C day and nightfighters.

The Junkers Ju 88A was the Luftwaffe’s most effective medium bomber during much of World War 2, and its high speed and surprising agility made it an ideal candidate for conversion into a Zerstörer (destroyer) fighter. Initially designed to be used as a long-range bomber escort, the solid-nosed Ju 88C fighter boasted powerful cannon that made the aircraft ideally suited to the nightfighter role. Its unrivalled endurance also meant the Ju 88C could undertake sweeps of the Bay of Biscay from the French Atlantic coast in search of Allied maritime patrol aircraft hunting U-boats.

Luftwaffe historian Chris Goss charts the action-packed service history of the Ju 88C through first-hand accounts and combat reports from the crews that flew the twin-engined Zerstörer into combat. Newly commissioned profile artworks and more than 50 photographs of aircraft and crews help detail the aircraft’s conversion from a fast bomber into a deadly heavy fighter that proved to be the scourge of Allied bomber and patrol aircraft.

The 96 page publication is currently available for pre-order in paperback and Kindle editions. Release is set for May 19.

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E-Flite has released their new ultra micro Gee Bee R-2 510mm BNF Basic RC model with AS3X and SAFE Select.

The E-flite UMX Gee Bee R-2 is ready to soar through the skies in more places and smaller spaces thanks to its handling that has more in common with a friendly sport model than a short-coupled golden age racer. Awe-inspiring with an authentic scale outline and abundant details such as flying wires plus a pilot, this replica offers handling so remarkably smooth, you’ll want to fly it every day. AS3X® technology works behind the scenes to help you enjoy the outstanding stability and control you always wanted but never thought possible in such a small airplane, let alone in a model of the Gee Bee. Optional-use SAFE® Select flight envelope protection technology delivers automatic self-leveling plus pitch and bank angle limits that make it possible to successfully fly such a unique design even if you’re an intermediate RC pilot. It also features a quieter and more powerful 2S and 3S compatible motor, along with a modified fuselage and stronger wing, designed to handle the extra weight, power, and speed when using 3S 280–300mAh batteries. Best of all, it arrives 100% factory-assembled and ready to bind to your favorite Spektrum™ DSM2/DSMX®-equipped transmitter so you can be flying in almost no time! And it all adds up to deliver a model of the classic Gee Bee that’s a dream to fly while offering an exciting and incredibly unique flight experience from large yards and small parks to sports fields and beyond!

As previously reported, the new model (EFLU61500) follows E-Flite’s recent release of a larger 1.0m Gee Bee R-2.

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A bare bones 1981 Beechcraft C23 Sundowner airframe has been spotted for sale. The listing states (in part):

This Beechcraft C23 is no longer airworthy and cannot be flown. Details: Airframe is complete structurally. Located on the field at Chicago Executive Airport (PWK). Accessible for ground removal. Additional Details: No engine installed. No avionics installed. No seats installed. No propellers

The airframe is currently available for bidding. Click here to check out the eBay listing, which includes additional photos and details.

New from The History Press and author Robbie Shaw is Concorde: A Collection in Photographs which is packed with stunning color photographs of Concorde aircraft throughout the aircraft’s service history.

Compiled by Robbie Shaw, ex air traffic controller and lifetime aviation photographer and enthusiast, it covers both British and Air France Concorde aircraft and highlights the impressive collaboration between the two nations that resulted in such an important and beloved aircraft. With over 140 images covering such themes as British Airways and Air France Concordes, the Pepsi Cola ad campaign, and the emotional retirement day at Heathrow, this book showcases quality photographs of an iconic supersonic airliner, for which only 14 of the type entered airline service, and whose like will never be seen again.

The book spans 145 pages and is available in paperback format.

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Kotare has announced the development of a Boulton Paul Defiant Mk.I in 1/32 scale. The kit (K32510) will be an exclusive, limited edition release with only 5,000 being produced. Each will by hand numbered by Kotare Models owner Mark Robson.

Those who pre-order will become a member of “Project Defiant” — an exclusive group with access to a private Facebook page, online forum, and email network. Members will also have the chance to meet Kotare staff in person at major model shows across the UK, Australia, the USA, and New Zealand to share ideas and connect with others. Regular updates will cover the project’s design progress, with opportunities to engage directly with kit designer Nick Moore and the team. Project Defiant members can contribute to major design decisions, share aircraft knowledge, and help decide on color schemes. Pre-orders also include a bonus: a set of 3D‑printed resin exhausts and a print of Darryl Legg’s beautiful box art.

Be in the draw to build a second test shot! From the first 500 people who make an order, we will randomly draw 20 names. Those modellers will be offered the chance to build and critique a second test shot of the kitset, to augment the process we at Kotare do.

The company expects to begin pre-order shipping by March 2028. The retail price is US $125 plus shipping and applicable taxes and/or tariffs in your country.

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A 1961 Champ 7FC Tri-Traveler has been spotted for sale.

According to the listing, this is a rare (492 built) tricycle-gear, two-seat tandem classic with bright yellow 2006–2008 Stewart System fabric and Ceconite, new aluminum wing spars, upgraded Cleveland hydraulic brakes, refreshed interior (seats, carpet, insulation, STC’d shoulder harness), dual controls, basic instruments and panel space for an iPad/GPS. It is sold without engine or prop (ready for a C-85, C-90, or O-200 installation), with no evident structural or gear damage despite a prior insurance total. It has minor and easily patchable fabric cuts plus a broken windshield from handling, undamaged wings/struts/engine mount/firewall, complete logs from 1965 onward (plus 337s, W&B), a current annual through March 2026, and comes with airworthiness certificate, bill of sale, keys, and 30 days free storage.

The aircraft is located in Minneapolis, Minnesota and is currently available for US $7,495 although bids are also being accepted. Click here to check out the eBay listing, which includes additional photos and details.

Coming soon from Jonathan Falconer and JJN Publishing is The RAF Between The Wars 1918-39 (The Photographic Archive): Policing The Empire

The book is a visual history chronicling the Royal Air Force’s imperial policing operations from 1918 to 1939 across British territories like Iraq, Palestine, Aden, and India. Featuring hundreds of rare archival photographs of aircraft such as the Vickers Vernon and Airco DH.9A, personnel, and campaigns against tribal unrest, it highlights the RAF’s evolution into a key imperial tool through tactics like air control for low-intensity policing amid post-WWI budget constraints.

The 144 page, hardcover book is currently available for pre-order with release scheduled for March 6.

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