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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.

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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]

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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“The Flying Machine” Spring 2023 Edition Now Available!

Aerodynamic Media, LLC is proud to announce the release of the 27th issue of The Flying Machine: Early Aero Quarterly.

Issue #27 Contents:

40 pages – Leo Opdycke 1929-2023; Bristol Fighter at Old Rhinebeck; Spotlight: Military Aviation Museum’s Original Curtiss Jenny; News Briefs: DX Modelworks’ Scratch-Built Sopwith Camel (1/16 Scale), A New Rotary Engine Launched in New Zealand, Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome Sopwith Dolphin Update, Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome Blériot XI Update; Products

The Flying Machine focuses exclusively on “aeroplanes” manufactured prior to 1920, as well as the current work of historians, builders, restorers, museums and collectors to preserve and promote interest in the early years of flight. Published in print and digital formats, The Flying Machine is offered on a pay-per-issue basis – no subscription required. Click here to purchase!

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“The Flying Machine” Winter 2023 Edition Now Available!

Aerodynamic Media, LLC is proud to announce the release of the 26th issue of The Flying Machine: Early Aero Quarterly.

Issue #26 Contents:

36 Pages – Certifying the Jenny; Ballooning Experiences in WW1; Spotlight: Military Aviation Museum’s Ely Curtiss Pusher Reproduction; News Briefs: Research Help Wanted: Postwar FE.2bs in the United States, 1911 Waterbird Reproduction Takes Flight, USAF Museum Curtiss Jenny Restoration Update; Products

The Flying Machine focuses exclusively on “aeroplanes” manufactured prior to 1920, as well as the current work of historians, builders, restorers, museums and collectors to preserve and promote interest in the early years of flight. Published in print and digital formats, The Flying Machine is offered on a pay-per-issue basis – no subscription required!

Join us as we pay tribute to early aircraft and the visionaries, geniuses and daredevils who conquered the air while producing some of the most fascinating, ingenious and beautiful machines in aviation’s short history. Click here to purchase!

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“The Flying Machine” Fall 2022 Edition Now Available!

Aerodynamic Media, LLC is proud to announce the release of the 25th issue of The Flying Machine: Early Aero Quarterly.

Issue #25 Contents:

36 Pages – Sopwith F.1 Camel C-FGHT / Hump Day in the Sopwith Camel ; Fokker Scourge Recap; Spotlight: MAM’s Sopwith 1 ½ Strutter N1914S; News Briefs: Sopwith Camel Airframe Project For Sale, American Heritage Museum’s Original Nieuport 28 (Update), 1/6 Scale Sikorsky Ilya Muromets Flying Model For Sale; Products

We have also released The Flying Machine 2022 collection featuring all four issues published this year!

The Flying Machine focuses exclusively on “aeroplanes” manufactured prior to 1920, as well as the current work of historians, builders, restorers, museums and collectors to preserve and promote interest in the early years of flight. Published in print and digital formats, The Flying Machine is offered on a pay-per-issue basis – no subscription required!

Join us as we pay tribute to early aircraft and the visionaries, geniuses and daredevils who conquered the air while producing some of the most fascinating, ingenious and beautiful machines in aviation’s short history. Click here to purchase!