Category: Modern Era (1945-Present)

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B-47 Stratojet: An Illustrated History of Its Development and Operations

Coming later this year from Osprey Publishing and author C. Mike Habermehl is B-47 Stratojet Units of the Cold War, an illustrated account of the development and operations of one of the most influential aircraft of the Cold War.

The B-47 Stratojet was the most numerous jet bomber to ever serve with the USAAF’s Strategic Air Command (SAC), and arguably Boeing’s most significant aircraft. Initially plagued by design and production problems, it eventually proved to be a capable medium-range bomber, an influential testbed, and an effective reconnaissance platform, paving the way for the successes of the B-52 and the KC-135. The Stratojet also provided SAC with crucial lessons – sometimes at the cost of lives – that moved operations such as aerial refuelling, combat tactics, global reconnaissance and strategic deterrence from the glacial pace of World War 2 into the jet age of the Cold War.

This detailed new study sees Stratojet expert Mike Habermehl draw upon more than 50 years’ research to assemble a complete operational history of the B-47 in all its roles. First-hand accounts and archive photographs are combined with SAC correspondence, documents, and manuals, helping to bring to life the fascinating story of this profoundly influential aircraft.

The 96 page book is currently available for pre-order in paperback and Kindle editions with release set for December 15.

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Piper Comanche Project For Sale: “Includes Airframe, Engine Logbooks Since Day 1”

A 1965 Piper Comanche 260 has been spotted for sale.

According to the listing, the aircraft has 4431 total time and features a low-time IO-540 engine with just 197 hours since a high-quality 2018 overhaul (new nitrided cylinders, mags, bearings, and overhauled fuel injection). It also includes desirable speed mods and updated avionics including a Century II B autopilot and Stormscope. It includes airframe and engine logs since new as well as “lots of supporting paperwork.”

It has a clean airframe overall with good paint and excellent interior, but experienced a partial gear-down landing that resulted in minor belly and antenna scraping and bent gear conduits (now cut, with gear locked down), while leaving the wings, tail, engine, and primary structures undamaged.

The aircraft is located in Hyannis, Massachusetts and is currently available for US $27,950 although bids are also being accepted. Click here to check out the eBay listing, which includes additional photos and details.

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New Book Explores Unorthodox Cold War Fighter Escort Experiments

Coming later this year from Air World and author William Wolf is Cold War Long-Range Jet Fighter Program: USAF Experiments for Bombers to Take Fighters into Battle.

After the Second World War, the introduction of the six-engine Consolidated-Vultee B-36 Peacemaker bomber, capable of intercontinental ranges of 5,000 miles or more, reignited the long-standing problem of fighter escort. Early-generation US jet fighters consumed enormous amounts of fuel and lacked the endurance to accompany the B-36 over extended distances. Designing a jet fighter with enough fuel capacity for such missions would result in an aircraft far too large and unwieldy to engage smaller, more agile enemy interceptors effectively.

In response, during the early Cold War, the United States Air Force explored two experimental methods to extend fighter range. The first was wingtip-to-wingtip towing, in which a fighter would attach itself to the bomber’s wing for fuel support. The second involved carrying a fighter inside the bomber’s bomb bay on a trapeze mechanism, allowing it to be launched and later recovered in flight. Continue reading New Book Explores Unorthodox Cold War Fighter Escort Experiments

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1948 Cessna 195 Parts Airframe For Sale: “Hundreds of Good Parts”

A 1948 Cessna 195 parts airframe has been spotted for sale.

According to the listing, the airframe (4,296 hours TTSN) is a well-documented project or parts source, retaining complete logbooks since 1948 along with full paperwork (337s, 8130-3s, W&B, original manuals, data plate, and airworthiness certificate). The aircraft suffered a nose-first impact after striking a tree during a go-around, resulting in major forward fuselage damage (firewall, cabin, instrument panel, and boot cowl pushed aft). The wings are removed and in poor condition; however, many components remain intact or serviceable, including undamaged main gear legs and gearboxes (recently inspected/repainted), excellent wheels, brakes, and low-time tires, intact seats and restraints, functional door and step, and largely undamaged tail surfaces aside from minor wrinkling—making it especially valuable for salvage or restoration support.

The airframe is located in Minneapolis, Minnesota and is currently available for US $4,995, although bids are also being accepted. Click here to check out the eBay listing, which includes additional photos and details.

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Cold War Air Thieves: Inside the Race to Steal Enemy Aircraft Secrets

Coming soon from Pen & Sword and author Steven Taylor is Cold War Air Thieves: Stealing Military Aviation Technology and the East-West Battle for Aviation Secrets. The book provides the first in-depth exploration of the hidden Cold War battle fought by the intelligence services of both sides to obtain, by any means necessary, the secrets of some of the most potent warplanes ever to take to the skies.

The Cold War was a conflict defined by the battle for intelligence. And nowhere was this intelligence war more keenly fought than in the sphere of military aviation. Gaining information on the enemy’s latest warplanes and aviation-related hardware was a prime intelligence objective for both sides throughout the titanic ideological struggle that dominated the second half of the 20th century. Had the Cold War turned hot, the side possessing the greatest knowledge of its opponents’ combat aircraft would enjoy a crucial tactical advantage. Lagging behind the US and its NATO allies in many areas of aviation technology, the USSR also relied heavily on industrial espionage as a means of bridging the technological gap between East and West, shaving years and many millions of roubles off the development process in such key areas as the gas-turbine engine, long-range strategic bombers, air-to-air guided missiles, electronic countermeasures and stealth technology. Recruiting senior engineers and designers working in the opposing side’s aviation industries to spy for them, orchestrating the defection of pilots in their state-of-the-art aircraft, recovering shot-down aircraft wreckage from warzones like Korea, Vietnam and Afghanistan, even stealing components from under the noses of their enemies – nothing was off limits for the CIA, KGB, MI6 and Mossad in their relentless pursuit of aviation technology.

The 256 page hardcover book is currently available for pre-order with release set for August 30.

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1974 Cessna 310Q For Sale: “Highly Upgraded, Well-Equipped”

A 1974 Cessna 310Q has been spotted for sale. The listing states (in part):

This 1974 Cessna 310Q is a highly upgraded and well-equipped twin-engine aircraft offering exceptional performance and value for pilots seeking capability and reliability. Featuring a Colemill Executive 600 conversion with 300 HP Teledyne Continental IO-520-E engines, both engines have approximately 2,168 hours since major overhaul, delivering strong and dependable operation. The aircraft has a total time of 8,844 hours and is equipped with a comprehensive avionics suite including dual Garmin GNS-430W systems with WAAS capability, an Aspen EFD1000 PFD, S-Tec 55X autopilot with altitude pre-select, Avidyne EX500 MFD, Garmin GTX-330 transponder with traffic system, and XM weather and radio. Additional highlights include air-cooled electric Freon air conditioning, de-ice system with boots and windshield alcohol, vortex generators, dual JPI digital engine monitors, a six-place oxygen system, and active yaw damper. With McCauley three-blade propellers and extensive upgrades throughout, this aircraft represents a strong opportunity for serious buyers looking for performance, safety, and advanced avionics.

The aircraft is located in Cincinnati, OH with offers currently being accepted. Click here to check out the eBay listing, which includes additional photos and details.

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2013 KR 2 For Sale: “Well-Progressed Project, Includes Trailer”

A 2013 KR 2 experimental aircraft has been spotted for sale. The listing states (in part):

…currently in Phase 1 and presents a great opportunity for an aviation enthusiast looking to finish and personalize a well-progressed project. Powered by an 1835 VW engine featuring a dynamically balanced crank, flywheel, hub, and alternator stator assembly, this aircraft has been carefully assembled with performance in mind. It includes a forward tilt canopy sourced from an RV12 donor, modified Cheetah gear legs, and an increased rudder area by 26% for improved handling. During flight testing, all gauges remain in the green, and it exhibits the typical pitch sensitivity associated with KR aircraft along with expected Phase 1 adjustments. The seller notes a change in interests toward slower backcountry flying, making this a great opportunity for someone seeking a responsive and engaging “pilot’s aircraft.” The sale includes numerous extras as well as the trailer it is currently sitting on, making transport and storage convenient.

The aircraft is located in Woodburn, OR with offers currently being accepted. Click here to check out the eBay listing, which includes additional photos.

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Evektor SportStar Project For Sale: “Minimal Damage, Cheap”

A 2005 Evektor SportStar has been spotted for sale.

According to the listing, the aircraft has 3,432 total airframe hours. It is powered by a Rotax 912ULS engine (28 hours since overhaul about one year ago) paired with a 3-blade ground-adjustable Warp Drive prop. The aircraft is well-equipped with basic flight instruments, King digital com, Mode C transponder, intercom, and an all-metal, pop-riveted airframe with a bubble canopy.

The aircraft sustained limited damage to the outboard section of the left wing during an off-field landing, with no damage to the engine, prop, fuselage, landing gear, tail, or right wing. It was in annual at the time (now expired May 2026) and comes with complete logs and documentation, making it a repairable, low-cost time-builder project.

The project is located in Ottawa, Canada and is currently available for although bids are also being accepted. Click here to check out the eBay listing, which includes additional photos and details.

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Kinetic Model Developing Model of Experimental F-104G CCV Testbed

Kinetic Models has announced the development of a F-104G Starfighter Control Configured Vehicle (CCV) in 1/48 scale.

This interesting looking aircraft was an experimental F-104G modified to test advanced flight-control ideas, including an early digital fly-by-wire system used to artificially stabilize an intentionally unstable aircraft. It flew without relying on natural stability, and the program became an important stepping stone toward later control-system designs, including technology that influenced the Eurofighter.

The upcoming release (48182) is touted as a new member on the Kinetic Gold F-104 Family (eBay product link) and will include 3D parts. As of this writing, it appears that no release date has been announced. Click below to check out additional renders.

Continue reading Kinetic Model Developing Model of Experimental F-104G CCV Testbed

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Cessna 172P For Sale: “Full Glass Panel, Recent Annual”

A 1983 Cessna 172P has been spotted for sale. The listing states (in part):

1983 Cessna 172P (TAA)(Full Glass Panel)(Autopilot) Full Glass Panel (Installed April 2023) -DYNON SKYVIEW HDX PFD and MFD -DYNON SKYVIEW FULL AXIS AUTOPILOT -GTN 750XI -GSB 15 Charging Ports Extended Range Tanks 784.2 Useful Load Plush Leather Inteiror Recent FULL IFR Pitot Static Inspection (Due March 2028) Recent Annual (Due April 1rst 2027) Long History of Oil Anaysis Beuatiful Polished Prop Engine (O-320-D2J) -TSMOH 1,755.1 -TT 9,739.1 -Sep 2012 Engine MOH Long History of 100 Hour Inspections and 50 Hour Oil Changes

The aircraft is located in Jacksonville, Florida and is currently available for US $195,000. Click here to check out the eBay listing, which includes additional photos and details.

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