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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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First Look: MDesign’s 1/32 Roland D.III Test Build

Following the release of their Roland D.II kit MDesign has released the first test build images of their upcoming Roland D.III in 1/32 scale.

The Roland D.III was a German single-seat fighter of World War I, developed as an improvement over earlier Roland fighters with a revised wing-and-fuselage arrangement meant to give the pilot better forward visibility, though it still had handling and visibility limitations. It was a sturdy but only modestly successful design, built in limited numbers and overshadowed by more capable contemporary German fighters, and it typically carried two synchronized machine guns with performance around 175 km/h and an Argus As.III or Mercedes D.III engine.

The test build checked alignment, fit and overall geometry, and everything came out looking clean. Additional details, including a release date, have not yet been announced. Click below to check out additional images.

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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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Baptism of Fire: 1939 Combat Debut of Hungarian / Slovak Air Forces Explored in New Edition

Coming soon from Helion and Company and author Csaba B. Stenge is a revised and expanded edition of Baptism of Fire: The First Combat Experiences of the Royal Hungarian Air Force and Slovak Air Force, March 1939, which draws on years of research using scarce surviving archives, veteran reminiscences and rare photographs.

Baptism of Fire explores a little-known but significant episode in the history of Central Europe on the eve of the Second World War: the brief but fierce border conflict that erupted between Hungary and the newly formed Slovak state in March 1939. While the Third Reich’s annexation of Czech territories often dominates history books, Csaba B. Stenge focuses the spotlight on this parallel struggle between a newly independent Slovakia and a revisionist Hungary over the strategically vital territories of Sub-Carpathia.

The narrative provides a meticulous reconstruction of the first aerial engagements of both the nascent Royal Hungarian and Slovak Air Forces. The author explores the early reconnaissance missions, air raids, and ground support operations carried out under difficult weather conditions and with limited resources. The chaos and technical challenges of a burgeoning air war are captured in detail, including the dogfights and the retaliatory bombing raid against the Spišská Nová Ves airfield, exposing the navigational errors and tactical improvisations that defined this ‘baptism of fire’ for both air arms. These engagements reveal valuable insights into military preparedness, coordination, and the realities of evolving midtwentieth-century air combat.

This new edition includes a thoroughly updated text, with additional detail and new insights drawn from further research by the author. The colour profile captions have been revised and extended to include additional technical and operational information on the aircraft depicted, while a number of new colour profiles have been commissioned. The volume is further enhanced by the inclusion of additional photographs and a new appendix, extending the scope and depth of the work.

The 84 page book is currently available for pre-order with release set for June 30.

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DBMK Developing Allison Mustang Kits in 1/32 Scale

DBMK is developing a series of Allison-powered Mustang models in 1/32 scale.

The early Mustang variants were built around the Allison V-1710 engine, which gave them excellent low- and medium-altitude speed, range, and reliability but much weaker high-altitude performance because the engine lost power above about 15,000 feet; they were used effectively for reconnaissance, ground attack, and low-level fighter work, and they helped establish the Mustang’s basic airframe success before the Merlin-powered versions turned it into the famous long-range escort fighter.

As of this writing additional details are non-existent, although the series will apparently include the Mustang I, P-51, A-36, P-51A and F-6.

(DBMK via AeroScale)

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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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New A6M2-K Zero Trainer Model Kit Released by Eduard

Eduard has released a new “Weekend Edition” A6M2-K model kit in 1/48 scale.

The Mitsubishi A6M2-K was a two-seat trainer version of the famous Zero, built to help Japanese Navy pilots transition into flying the highly maneuverable A6M fighter safely. It kept much of the Zero’s light, agile design but added a second seat for an instructor, along with trainer-focused modifications such as a lengthened cockpit area and reduced combat equipment.

The new offering (84211) incudes Eduard plastic parts and decals with marking options for four aircraft.

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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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Spanish Civil War in the Air Examined in “Profusely Illustrated” Two Volume Series

Coming soon from and Helion and Company author Eduardo Manuel Gil Martínez is Spanish Civil War in the Air Volume 2: 1938-1939, which details the evolution of air combat in Spain while examining the roles of fighters, ground attack aircraft and strategic bombing.

This volume examines the importance of the air forces of both sides in supporting their comrades on the ground and at sea, the sinking of the rebel cruiser Baleares by fast SB-2s, the expansion of strategic bombing with ever greater numbers of aircraft over cities, industrial centres, ports and Republican communication hubs, and the massive fighter battles in Spanish skies. This volume also details the early post-civil war air force of Spain and the fate of many of the aircraft and personnel who had fought in the war.

Profusely illustrated throughout, The Spanish Civil War in the Air Volume 2: 1938–1939 features a wealth of rare and original photographs, detailed maps, and specially commissioned full colour artworks by Jean-Marie Guillou depicting the aircraft, insignia and emblems of all participants. Together, they bring to life the formative years of one of the most significant and transformative aerial conflicts of the twentieth century – where the lessons of modern air warfare were written in the skies over Spain.

The 84 page book follows volume 1 (1936-37) which was released in January. It is currently available for pre-order with release set for May 15.

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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.

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