Category: Commercial Aviation

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LukGraph Shares First Test Prints For Ambitious, Entirely New DH.89 Dragon Rapide Kit

LukGraph has shared the first test print photo for their “entirely new,” fully printed de Havilland DH.89 Dragon Rapide project.

The DH.89 was a British twin-engine biplane airliner that first flew on 17 April 1934. Designed to carry six to eight passengers, it combined lightweight wooden construction with two 200 hp Gipsy Six engines, becoming one of the most successful British short-haul transports of the 1930s. During the Second World War, military versions served as the Dominie, principally in navigation training and communications roles. A total of 728 Rapides and Dominies were built, and many continued flying commercially after the war, notably on regional and island routes.

This is a complete redesign from the 1/32 Dragon Rapide LukGraph developed back in 2020, with “every curve, panel, surface and rivet carefully reconsidered.” Plans are to release the new kit in 1:72, 1:48, 1:32, and 1:24 scales. The 1/32 offering is especially ambitious, and will include four different boxings featuring around 15 different paint schemes in total. They note that the project is progressing very well with ongoing testing, printing and refining underway.

Click below to check out test print photo, as well as renderings.

Continue reading LukGraph Shares First Test Prints For Ambitious, Entirely New DH.89 Dragon Rapide Kit

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MiniArt to Release 1/48 Junkers F13 (Mid) in Italian, Czechoslovakian, Austrian and Bolivian Service

MiniArt has announced the upcoming release of a 1/48 Junkers F13 (Mid Production) in Italian, Czechoslovakian, Austrian and Bolivian Service.

The F13 was a pioneering all-metal airliner, with the mid-production versions helping to expand aviation during the 1920s and 1930s. Its corrugated duralumin construction, cantilever wing and enclosed four-passenger cabin offered a practical design for early commercial operations. In Italy, Transadriatica used the F13 on international routes, inaugurating its Venice–Klagenfurt–Vienna service in August 1926; in Austria, Österreichische Luftverkehrs AG (ÖLAG) operated the type on its developing airline network. Czechoslovak examples served both airline and military aviation organizations, while Bolivia’s Lloyd Aéreo Boliviano employed F13s to establish vital air links across difficult terrain. Together, these operators demonstrated the design’s adaptability to European transport networks and the demanding conditions of South American aviation.

The kit (48024) is described as highly detailed with fine exterior surface detail, photo-etched parts and four marking options. The kit is labeled as “coming soon,” although a final release date has not been announced. Check out box contents and livery profiles below.

Continue reading MiniArt to Release 1/48 Junkers F13 (Mid) in Italian, Czechoslovakian, Austrian and Bolivian Service

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New Renders Detail Rare Birds Models’ Upcoming LeO H.246 Flying Boat

Rare Bird Models has released a series of renderings for their upcoming Lioré et Olivier LeO H.246 flying boat in 1/72 scale.

The H.246 was a French four-engine commercial flying boat developed in the late 1930s for Air France’s Mediterranean services, particularly routes linking southern France with North Africa. A high-wing parasol monoplane with a duralumin hull, it carried a crew of four and up to 26 passengers; its prototype first flew from Étang de Berre on 30 September 1937. Only six production aircraft were completed, and the war interrupted their intended civil role: examples served with Vichy French forces and, after capture, the Luftwaffe, while the surviving aircraft briefly returned to Air France service on the Marseille–Algiers route after 1945 before retirement in 1946.

The new renderings detail a “third possible option” representing F-AREN, which was captured by the Luftwaffe and used as a transport aircraft under registration 24+63. It was later deployed by KG200 in Norway. The armament includes 4 x MG15 in side positions and a MG13 in nose turret. As an additional option there will be 2 passenger salon interior versions – either with 11 x two stored stretchers or with 26 × seats for soldiers.

Click below to check out additional renders.

Continue reading New Renders Detail Rare Birds Models’ Upcoming LeO H.246 Flying Boat

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British Commercial Aviation Development Told Through Detailed Accounts, Previously Unseen Photos

Coming soon from Key Publishing and author Roger Staker is Piston, Passengers and Payload, which follows the development of British piston-engine passenger and commercial transport aircraft between the end of the Great War and the early 1950s, when piston engines were superseded by jets and turboprops.

This period saw rapid change at a technological level, in response to an emerging market for transport of all types. It also witnessed the birth, failures and mergers of numerous air transport companies.

Flying was not without risks, Alongside the acknowledged successes that helped to make the world a smaller place, there were tragedies, Lessons learned from these contributed to the safer travel environment that we enjoy today. The pace of commercial aircraft development was given added urgency by World War Two, with many civilian aircraft pressed into military service: not all survived.

Featuring many previously unseen photos, this book is the story of a previously closed chapter in British aviation and offers detailed accounts of 17 manufacturers whose advanced designs paved the way.

The page book is currently available for pre-order with release set for September 30.

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The History of British Airways Told Through Museum Artifacts

Coming soon from Amberley Publishing and author Al Bridger is British Airways in 100 Objects, which is focused on artifacts held by the British Airways Speedbird Centre.

British Airways has an almost unique history. Spanning over a century from the first flight of Aircraft Transport and Travel Ltd from London to Paris in 1919 to the modern fuel-efficient aircraft of its current fleet, British Airways has proudly connected Britain to the World and the World to Britain. Over that journey through the rapidly evolving early years of pioneering aviation, taking days to cross continents with biplanes and seaplanes, through the post-war piston-engine luxury, the iconic jet age of the fabulous Boeing 707 and 747, the supersonic marvel of Concorde into the modern era of travel, British Airways has seen many historic events and carried literally billions of customers. Along the way that journey has generated vast amounts of treasured items, many of which are now displayed or stored at British Airways headquarters near Heathrow in its truly incredible museum, the Speedbird Centre. Much of the archive has true national importance and is kept as part of the nation’s heritage. From simple in-flight mementos to the Olympic torch, the items featured in this book represent just a flavour of that collection and bring decades of flight to life.

The 144 page, paperback publication is currently available for pre-order with release set for May 15.

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New Book Details the Service History of the Concorde in Photographs

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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Lockheed Constellation: Its Development, Service and Legacy in Detail

Set for release later this year is author Colin Higgs’ examination of the iconic Lockheed Constellation, which has become a symbol of the golden age of air travel worldwide.

Lockheed Constellation tells the story of the aircraft that was used by more than 100 airlines and air forces in thirty-eight countries; an airliner that came to epitomize the grand and romantic age of flight in the post-war years before the jet engine ruled. It tells of the wartime development which made the USAAF buy the first few aircraft off the production line; the post-war development which would see nine variants built; of the great airlines around the globe that would make the Constellation their first choice flagships; of the amazing technological advances made during development; and of the enduring legacy of this unique aircraft.

The 176 page paperback publication is currently available for pre-order with release scheduled for June 30.

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Moving a Lockheed Constellation is Not a Simple Process [Video]

Fantasy of Flight founder Kermit Weeks has posted a new video documenting the move of his Lockheed Constellation in preparation for construction of a new hangar.

This particular aircraft (N974R) is a Lockheed L-1649 Starliner, the final Constellation variant. During its long service history it flew with Lufthansa and served as a freighter with Lockheed Air Service. It was acquired by Fantasy of Flight in 2011.

The new video is the first in a two part series and can be seen after the break along with Kermit’s overview of N974R’s journey to Fantasy of Flight. As you’ll see, the move is more complicated and interesting than you might expect.

Continue reading Moving a Lockheed Constellation is Not a Simple Process [Video]

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Surprise Special Issue Release! – Time Flies: Aviation’s Golden Age

As a new year surprise for our readers, Aerodynamic Media. LLC offers TIME FLIES: a special edition journal focused on aircraft connected to the golden age of aviation (1920s and 30s). The newly released issue offers history, aircraft reproduction and restoration project reports, as well as new / upcoming product releases. TIME FLIES is the sister publication of Aerodynamic Media’s quarterly journal THE FLYING MACHINE, which focuses on pre-1920 aircraft.

Contents: Special Edition (2021): 40 Pages – The Curious History of the Chanute Sailplane; Craftlab’s Klemm 20 B Project; Saving the Potomac Pacemaker (DC-3); News Briefs: Savoia-Marchetti S.79 Tail Surfaces Undergoing Restoration for Display, Ryan ST Reborn in Kit Form, The Definitive Reproduction NYP: The Spirit of St. Louis by JNE; Products

Click here to check out our full selection!

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Douglas DC-6 Cockpit Trainer Project Offered For Sale

Please Note: This is an archived post. The information presented here may not be current and the associated listing may no longer be active.

A Douglas DC-6 cockpit trainer has been spotted for sale. The listing states (in part):

Acquired by Bill Duff from the United Air Training Center when Stapleton Airport was still around in Denver. Used to training incoming United pilots on the DC-6 operating system. The Simulator is in okay condition, missing most of its controlling unit set up for the sim. Window glass and aluminum skins are in decnt shaoe, glass has some hazing from age. No indicators, radios, or seats

The trainer is located in Greeley, Colorado and is currently being offered for US $7,000, although offers are also being accepted. Click here to check out the complete listing on eBay.

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