Category: Books / Calendars / Publications

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New Book Offers Comprehensive History of Royal Navy Carrier Aviation

Among the newest releases from Casemate / Hikoki is James Jackson’s Wings Over the Fleet: British Naval Aircraft since 1945, which is described as “a comprehensive history of Royal Navy carrier aviation from the 1940s to today, covering aircraft, helicopters, technology, and operations from Sea Hawks to F-35Bs.”

Wings Over the Fleet describes the evolution and development of the Royal Navy’s frontline aircraft from the late 1940s to the present day. All the major types are covered, from all-weather fighters, interceptors, strike aircraft, anti-submarine helicopters and airborne early warning aircraft. The planning and requirements behind the aircraft such as the Sea Hawk, Sea Vixen, Buccaneer, Gannet, Wasp, Sea King and Sea Harrier are examined, as are many design studies and proposals that remained on the drawing board. Guided missiles during the post-war period and the evolution of the Royal Navy’s aircraft carriers and the new technologies required to operate jet aircraft from ships are also analysed.

The hardcover book measures 8.74 x 1.3 x 11.97 inches and has 400 pages.

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Upcoming Book Details 617 Squadron’s Tragic Raid

In their upcoming book The Lost Dambuster Lancaster: The Story of 617 Squadron’s Attack on Hitler’s V2 Rocket Site authors Trevor Kerry and Gaëtan Sagot tell the story of 617 Squadron’s 1944 Tallboy raid on the V2 site at Wizernes and the tragic loss of Lancaster DV403.

On 24 June 1944, eighteen aircraft from 617 Squadron took off to attack the V2 rocket site at Wizernes, now known as La Coupole. During the raid, Lancaster DV403 was hit by flak, killing several crew members and forcing the others to bail out as the damaged plane crashed in nearby fields. Amid the wreckage, Resistance member André Schamp courageously aided a wounded airman and searched for survivors.

The story of DV403 has been recently honoured in France on the 80th anniversary, with an exhibition, lectures and a wayside interpretation board compiled by the authors, who have encouraged strong involvement of crewmen’s families in the evolving narrative. This is the story of their fate that night, as well as of 617 Squadron’s attack on the V2 site as a whole.

The 248 page title is currently available for pre-order with an expected release date of January 10.

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Aeronaut Releases Second Volume on German WW1 Aircraft in Polish Service

Aeronaut Books recently released Mateusz Kabatek’s second volume on German aircraft in Polish service during WW1.

German Aircraft in Polish Service Volume 2 continues the series with a detailed look at the Albatros C.XII, C.XV, and J.I reconnaissance and infantry aircraft, as well as the Friedrichshafen G.III and Gotha G.IV bombers used by the Polish air service after WWI. Based on previously unpublished archival sources, this volume reconstructs the operational history of these aircraft in the turbulent early years of Polish independence… it reveals how German designs were adapted to local needs and used in conflicts against Ukraine and Soviet Russia.

The new title is illustrated with over 110 rare photos and 15 color profiles across its 97 pages. It follows Volume 1 which focuses on the Halberstadt CL.II, CL.IV, & C.V; LVG C.VI and Hannover CL.V.

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Aeronaut Releases 25th Volume in “Lavish” Account of Blue Max Airmen

Aeronaut Books recently released volume 25 of the Blue Max Airmen series by Lance Bronnenkant, which tells “the real story” of the German airmen awarded the Pour le Mérite during the Great War. The series is described as…

…the most detailed and graphically lavish account of these heroes ever produced, covering the men in context with the war’s chronology of events. For each recipient a comprehensive, well-illustrated biography of the man is given, together with photos of the aircraft he flew, followed by details of his service, including other awards won. Color profiles of the aircraft are also provided for interest to enthusiasts and as references for modelers.

The newly released 25th volume covers fighter aces Thom, Bäumer, Neckel, and Degelow and includes 150 photographs and 19 color profiles of aircraft flown by these men in its 145 pages.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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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