Category: Modern Era (1945-Present)

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New Book Offers Comprehensive History of BAC Lightning With Many Previously Unpublished Photos

Coming soon from Fonthill Media and author Philip Birtles is English Electric Lightning: The RAF’s First Mach 2 Fighter, a comprehensive history and analysis covering the Lightning’s design, development and service with extensive illustrations, (many previously unpublished) as well as appendices detailing production, service, performance data, and information on preserved aircraft.

The English Electric Lightning was the first Mach 2 fighter to enter service with the RAF. It began life as a purely experimental design, and despite inadequate funding from the government, was developed by the manufacturer into a highly effective combat aircraft. It was also an export success, particularly with the Royal Saudi Air Force, paving the way for major export contracts of future aircraft with Saudi Arabia and other nations.

Lightnings were challenging to fly and maintain—one pilot famously likened it to ‘being saddled to a skyrocket’—but the aircraft was nonetheless revered by pilots and ground crew alike, who valued its astonishing rate of climb among other performance advantages. Among enthusiasts, it quickly became iconic.

The 240 page, hardcover book is currently available for pre-order with release set for October 30.

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First Look: Box Contents For Sword Models’ New Tool AF-2W / AF-2S Guardian Kits

Sword Models has provided the first glimpse of the box contents for their soon to be released AF-2W Guardian “Hunter” and AF-2S Guardian “Killer” kits in 1/72 scale.

As previously reported, the Grumman AF-2W Guardian “Hunter” and AF-2S Guardian “Killer” were a paired U.S. Navy anti-submarine warfare system in which the AF-2W carried the search radar and detection gear in a large ventral radome, while the AF-2S carried the weapons load such as torpedoes, depth charges, bombs, and rockets. Flown together as hunter-killer teams beginning in 1950, they were the Navy’s first purpose-built carrier-based ASW aircraft, but their size and poor low-speed handling made them accident-prone, and they were soon replaced by the more efficient S2F Tracker.

The kits (SW72162 and SW72163) include plastic parts, painting masks and decals with two marking options per variant. Click below to check out box contents and livery profiles.

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“Truly Exceptional” 1973 Aero Commander Offered For Sale

A 1973 Aero Commander has been spotted for sale. The listing states (in part):

Take command of a truly exceptional twin-engine aircraft with this 1973 Aero Commander 500S Shrike Commander. Equipped with the sought-after Merlyn 350 HP conversion, advanced Garmin avionics, extensive survey equipment capability, and numerous recent upgrades, this aircraft has served as a professional aerial survey platform while remaining equally capable as a high-performance personal or business aircraft. With extensive documentation and current annual inspection underway, this Shrike represents a rare opportunity for discerning buyers.

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

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Revell to Release “All New” Hawker Hunter T.7/T.7A Developed From 3D Scanning

Revell is preparing to release an “all-new” Hawker Hunter T.7/T.7A model kit in 1/32 scale.

The T.7 was the RAF’s two-seat trainer version of the classic Hunter jet, built with side-by-side seating for a student and instructor, and first flew in 1955 before entering service in 1958. It was powered by a single Avon engine, could reach about 690 mph, and later six airframes were upgraded to T.7A standard for Buccaneer conversion training with updated cockpit instrumentation.

The model (03786) was developed using state-of-the-art 3D scanning technology and includes a completely new front fuselage section with authentic two-seater configuration; highly detailed dual cockpit with precise instrument panels and realistic seats; crystal clear cockpit glazing for optimal visibility of the interior details and true-to-original surface structures. Marking options are included for three aircraft: 208 Squadron, RAF (1990); RAF Blue Diamonds Display Team (1961) and Royal Netherlands Air Force (1968).

The kit is expected to be released sometime this month. Click below to check out additional images.

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1947 Beech Bonanza Project Offered For Sale

A 1947 Beech Bonanza project has been spotted for sale. The listing states (in part):

The product is a 1947 Bonanza airplane with the serial number D-44, which has experienced exterior corrosion but retains a good tail surface. This vintage aircraft is being offered for sale and is a unique piece of aviation history that may appeal to collectors or enthusiasts looking for a project to restore or customize… The motor has compression and the gear is functional. Interior is very nice condition. The magnesium Tail surfaces in good condition. You can buy the entire airplane for less than the value of the Tail surfaces. There are no logs. Aircraft disassembled for shipping can deliver for expenses. Trailer included with sale…

The aircraft is located in Santee, California and is currently available for bidding. Click here to check out the eBay listing, which includes additional photos and details.

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Taylorcraft BC-12D, Cub Projects For Sale: “Three Engines, Other Parts”

Taylorcraft BC-12D and Cub projects have been spotted for sale. The listing states (in part):

Both aircraft have been dismantled. The Taylorcraft has accident damage but the Cub has been dismantled for rebuilding from Fuselage up. The Taylorcraft is on a trailer which is included in the sale. There is also three engines and other aircraft parts.

The projects are located in the UK and are currently available for £4,000. Click here to check out the eBay listing, which includes additional photos.

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1970 Cherokee 140 Cruiser For Sale: “Low Time, Fresh Annual Pending”

A 1970 Cherokee 140 Cruiser has been spotted for sale.

According to the listing, the aircraft (140C) is a well-equipped, upgraded example with 520 hours since major overhaul on its Lycoming O-320E2A engine (and prop). It features newer paint, modern Garmin avionics (GMA 345 audio panel, GNC 355 WAAS GPS/COM with LPV and touchscreen, GTX 330ES ADS-B Out transponder, plus TKM MX-300 nav/comm), and a refreshed interior with later-style “ram’s horn” yokes and improved seating. The Cruiser package adds rear bucket seats and extended baggage space for practical cross-country use, while the 1969+ panel redesign includes a quadrant throttle and standard six-pack layout. The aircraft has about 3,500 hours total time (logs complete since 1995), a fresh annual pending, minor cosmetic hail pings but no airworthiness issues.

The aircraft is located in Cheraw, South Carolina and is currently available for bidding. Click here to check out the eBay listing, which includes additional photos and details.

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Piper Cherokee 140 For Sale: “Dependable, Well-Maintained”

A 1966 Piper Cherokee 140 has been spotted for sale. The listing states (in part):

If you’re looking for a dependable, well-maintained trainer or personal cross-country aircraft, this 1966 Piper Cherokee 140 is an outstanding opportunity… With approximately 3,100 hours total time, an engine with approximately 1,300 hours since major overhaul, and several valuable upgrades, this aircraft is ready for its next owner. Features: Approximately 3,100 hours total time with approximately 1,300 hours since major overhaul (SMOH), this four-seat aircraft has an approximately 800-pound useful load and is VFR equipped. The annual inspection is due in September, with ELT certification valid through 2027 and transponder certification valid through 2027. It features a SkySensor ADS-B system, LED landing light, and updated seats and carpet installed in 2022, along with a zero-time engine installed during the 1990s. Previously owned by the same owner since the 1980s before current ownership, the aircraft was purchased in 2025 for private pilot training, with approximately 110 hours flown by the current owner. It has reportedly performed reliably with no operational issues and is being sold only due to upgrading to a higher-performance aircraft.

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

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Mooney M20F For Sale: “Refurb Project With Good Engine, Prop and Bones”

A 1975 Mooney M20F project has been spotted for sale.

Acxording to the listing, the aircraft is a 200 HP, fuel-injected, four-seat aircraft with 3,010 total airframe hours, 1,027 hours since major engine overhaul (with a top overhaul 200 hours ago and bottom end teardown 32 hours ago), and a freshly overhauled 3-blade Hartzell propeller with just 2 hours since overhaul. It features electric gear and flaps, a quadrant throttle, 201-style upgraded dash, one-piece windshield, extended fuselage for improved comfort, and 64-gallon fuel capacity for 5+ hour range.

The aircraft has been sitting unused in a hangar and will require a full interior refurbishment and general inspection, but shows no major structural, corrosion, or systems issues, making it a solid, fast (~150-knot cruise) refurbishment candidate with good engine, prop, and airframe fundamentals.

The aircraft is located in Pipestone, Canada and is currently avauilable for bidding. Click here to check out the eBay listing, which includes additional photos and details.

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F-14 Tomcat’s Engineering and History Revealed in New “Visual Feast”

Coming soon from Pen & Sword and author Salvador Mafé Huertas is Grumman F-14 Tomcat: A Navy Jet in Service, a study of the aircraft that defined US naval air power through decades of combat, versatility, and enduring cultural iconography.

The Grumman F-14 Tomcat was a cornerstone of US Navy air power from the 1970s through to its retirement in 2006. Designed as a twin-engine, two-seat, supersonic interceptor, the F-14 was engineered to dominate the skies, primarily to counter Soviet aircraft during the Cold War.

The Tomcat’s sleek, angular design and distinctive variable-sweep wings gave it a menacing yet elegant silhouette, embodying both agility and raw power. Capable of adjusting its wing angle mid-flight – sweeping back for high-speed dashes or forward for enhanced manoeuvrability – the Tomcat adapted seamlessly to diverse combat scenarios, achieving speeds exceeding Mach 2.3 and a range of approximately 1,600 nautical miles.

As would be expected with an aircraft that remained in service for a number of decades, the F-14 had an impressive operational career. The type saw combat during the end of the Vietnam War, and was involved in the Lebanon Crisis in the early 1980s, Operation Desert Storm in the Gulf War, the Balkans Conflicts of the 1990s, flew strike missions during Operation Desert Fox (1998) and Operation Iraqi Freedom (2003). and even flew over Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom in the early 2000s. It was in these conflicts that the Tomcat proved its mettle in reconnaissance, air superiority, and later, precision strike roles with the addition of the LANTIRN targeting system.

Beyond its technical prowess, the F-14 gained cultural fame through its starring role in the 1986 movie blockbuster Top Gun, and its subsequent sequel, cementing its image as a symbol of American military might and pilot bravado.

Though retired by the US Navy in favour of the F/A-18 Hornet, the F-14 remains operational in limited numbers with Iran’s air force – a fact which is given due attention in this study. The Tomcat’s legacy endures as a marvel of engineering and a cultural touchstone of aviation history all of which is revealed in this visual feast.

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

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