Category: Books / Calendars / Publications

Posted on by

New Book Traces Spitfire History With Rare Archive Images

Soon to be released by Air World is Spitfire: The Iconic Fighter in Unique Photographs, described as “a photographic history of the Supermarine Spitfire, tracing its design, global service, and lasting wartime legacy.”

Countless photographs have been taken of the Spitfire, including innumerable high-quality press photographs. During the Second World War, however, private photography on service installations was prohibited – but, nevertheless, some personnel, aircrew and groundcrew alike, took furtive snapshots. Forming the basis of this book, these amateur images providing us with an authentic and candid window on the past. Drawing on a unique collection of rare archive images, the renowned aviation historian Dilip Sarkar MBE, RHistS, FRAeS, explores the history of the Spitfire from its inception and first flight in 1936, through its introduction to service and then its service to the Allied nations throughout the Second World War.

The 224 page book is currently available for pre-order with release slated for January 6, 2026.

Product Page

Please Note: This post contains an Amazon affiliate link. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Posted on by

New Publication Details Bf 109E With Scale Drawings, Color Profiles

MMPBooks will soon release a new publication profiling the Messerschmitt Bf 109 E. The 16 page publication includes detailed scale plans in 1/72 scale as well as 14 color profiles, providing a visual guide to various markings. It will no doubt be a valuable resource for modelers, artists, flight sim creators, and anyone else interested in the type and its colors / markings.

The new profile is slated for release in December.

Product Page

Please Note: This post contains an Amazon affiliate link. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Posted on by

New Plan Collection Profiles Fiat G.55 in Multiple Scales

The FIAT G.55 Centauro will be the focus of Scale Planes No. 80 from MMPBooks and Dariusz Karnas.

The Fiat G.55 Centauro was designed by Giuseppe Gabrielli and featured an aerodynamic, all-metal structure powered by a German Daimler-Benz DB 605 inline engine, which marked a significant shift from earlier Italian fighters that favored radial engines. Its streamlined fuselage and robust build allowed for high-altitude performance and exceptional durability in combat. First flown in April 1942, the G.55 entered service in 1943 and became one of Italy’s most effective fighters during World War II, especially valued for its reliability and advanced design features.

The upcoming release provides 12 A3 size plans for G.55 in 1/32, 1/48 and 1/72 scale. The title is currently available for pre-order and is slated for release on December 30.

Product Page

Please Note: This post contains an Amazon affiliate link. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Posted on by

New Book Series to Provide “Ultimate Look” at B-24 Liberator

Fonthill Media will soon release The Consolidated B-24 Liberator: Reuben Fleet, the Factories, and the Product – the first of a “massive two volume B-24 Liberator set” by Dr. William Wolf, which is described as “a meticulously researched, truly ultimate look at the B-17’s stablemate from the drawing board to its emergence as America’s preeminent blue-collar bomber.”

In addition to his personal 25,000-book library and microfilm collection, the author made extensive use of the massive document and photo collections at the NMUSAF, the Pima Aerospace Museum; and Consolidated and Ford Company design and production information. Described is the role of aviation icon, Reuben Fleet, for his and Consolidated’s contribution to the development of Liberator in context of American military and commercial aviation industry. The design evolution of the Liberator and the Davis Wing are highlighted. Since the B-24 was ultimately manufactured by five different factories, primarily Consolidated and Ford, using different manufacturing technics, these are described, contrasted, and pictured in detail. The Ford Knock Down Kits, their manufacture and transport are detailed for the first time. The final section of the book describes the various B-24 models and variants along with detailing today’s surviving B-24s. This book and Volume 2 intends to be the definitive look at the Liberator detailing every facet for the air enthusiast, historian, and modeler.

The 624 page first volume is currently available for pre-order with release set for December 23.

Product Page

Please Note: This post contains an Amazon affiliate link. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Posted on by

All The Best Historic Aircraft Calendars for 2026 [Feature]

With 2026 just around the corner, we’re compiling our picks for the best 2026 historic aircraft wall calendars for you to choose from. The eras range from WW1 to the early years of the jet age and include both aviation art and photography. Click the link below to check them out.

Continue reading All The Best Historic Aircraft Calendars for 2026 [Feature]

Posted on by

Bf 109 Origins and Development Detailed in New Book

In the upcoming book Messerschmitt Bf 109 – Origins and Evolution author Lynn Ritger will cover the history of the most produced fighter aircraft in history, and arguably the single most important German aircraft of the Second World War.

In Messerschmitt Bf 109 – Origins and Evolution, historian Lynn Ritger examines in detail the development of the Bf 109 family across its entire lifespan, from the first flight of the Bf 109 V1 to the last operational flight of a Spanish Hispano Ha 1112 M in 1965. Drawing upon original documentation from archival sources, including RLM meeting minutes and planning documents, intelligence reports, production records, factory handbooks, and front-l ine unit reports, Ritger traces the technical history of the Bf 109, illustrating prototype and service variant development, production batch differences, internal and external equipment and ordnance fitment, factory specific equipment and finish details, postwar variants developed in Czechoslovakia and Spain, and unrealised design proposals

The 400 page, hardcover book is currently available for pre-order and is slated for release on January 7.

Product Page

Please Note: This post contains an Amazon affiliate link. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Posted on by

Nieuport Two Seaters Take Center Stage in New Encyclopedia Installment

Aeronaut Books has just released part two of The Nieuport Aircraft Encyclopedia by authors David Méchin and Michel Bénichou.

The Nieuport Airplanes Encyclopedia (Part 2 WWI Two-Seaters) begins with the story of the Nieuport 10 , an aircraft designed by Gustav Delage, who took over management of the Nieuport company after its founder’s death. Available in two-seater and single-seater versions, this aircraft had a long line of two-seater successors that soared the skies on all fronts of the Great War.

The 223 page book includes 350 photographs (including 3 autochromes), 54 color profiles, and five scale drawings. It follows part 1, released earlier this year, which focuses on Nieuport machines from 1910-1914.

Product Page (Part 1)
Product Page (Part 2)

Please Note: This post contains an Amazon affiliate link. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Posted on by

New Book Chronicles F4U Corsair’s Rise as Legendary Fighter

Casemate is about to release author Tim Hillier-Graves’s new book The Vought F4U Corsair in The War Against Japan: A Photographic Record of the 15th Naval Fighter Wing at War 1944-5 .

By mid-1944, the Allies, especially the United States, began preparing for a potential invasion of Japan. Churchill expected the Royal Navy to support the U.S. Navy in achieving aerial dominance. The Admiralty focused on strengthening its carrier forces, forming the 15th Naval Fighter Wing. However, a key question arose: which aircraft would the Wing use?

The Supermarine Seafire lacked the necessary range and endurance for Pacific operations, while Hellcats were in short supply and prioritized for U.S. use. This left the Vought F4U Corsair as the best option. Although initially dismissed due to its poor safety record on carriers, the Corsairs were eagerly acquired by the Royal Navy’s Fleet Air Arm, so relieving the US Navy of this controversial aircraft until its problems could be sorted out.

The 15th Naval Fighter Wing, initially comprising Nos. 1830, 1831, and 1833 squadrons, became the first carrier based unit to successfully deploy the Corsair at sea. Despite early losses, British and Commonwealth pilots demonstrated its effectiveness, eventually convincing even the skeptical U.S. Navy of its capabilities. The Corsair proved to be one of the war’s most effective fighters.

Led by Battle of Britain ace Dickie Cork until his death in 1944, the Wing achieved notable successes against Japanese forces aboard HMS Illustrious.

This 152 page book draws on accounts from 20 veterans and extensive archives to highlight the Corsair’s transformation into a legendary naval fighter and the pilots’ indomitable spirit. It is currently available for pre-order with release set for November 25.

Product Page

Please Note: This post contains an Amazon affiliate link. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Posted on by

New Collections Focus on Sopwith Camel, Fokker Dr.1, Curtiss Jenny

Aerodynamic Media, LLC is proud to introduce a new series of Aircraft Collections, the first three of which are now available in the Special Releases section of our online store. These first three collections focus on the Sopwith Camel, Fokker Dr.1 and Curtiss Jenny. They compile nearly all related content that appeared in the in original run of The Flying Machine journal from 2016-2023, as well as bonus content. Click here to check them out.

Posted on by

Great War Aviation Society Releases 2024 Calendar

Our friends at The Great War Aviation Society (Cross & Cockade International) have released their new, 25th edition calendar for 2024.

The full-color, 298 mm x 210 mm (A4) 2024 installment includes 12 stunning, full-color works created by luminaries within the field of WW1 aviation art, such as Graham Turner. Graham was awarded first prize for Best First World War Aviation Picture at the Guild of Aviation Artists’ Annual Summer Exhibition in June 2023 for his painting Letord Let.5, which is the featured painting for March.

The calendar has been compiled and produced by Roger Tisdale since 1999 and continues to sell out yearly. Roger comments, “It’s a labour of love compiling the annual calendar, making sure that there is an eclectic mix of aircraft and styles to suit all tastes.”

As with previous years, proceeds will assist in the upkeep of the British Air Services Memorial at St Omer, which was erected by the society in 2004 to commemorate the 8,000 airmen who gave their lives in France and Flanders during WW1. Peter Dye, President of the Great War Aviation Society, said, “Our mission is to explore, preserve and share information on this fascinating period, ensuring that the aircraft, aviators, ground crew, and their sacrifices are never forgotten. The British Air Services Memorial is a permanent tribute to these early aviation pioneers. We are honoured to be able to help financially maintain the Memorial, so that it remains ‘fit for heroes’.”

Click below to check out the product page and the list of featured aircraft / artists.

Continue reading Great War Aviation Society Releases 2024 Calendar