Category: WW1 Era (1914-18)

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LukGraph Reveals Authentic, Vibrant Italian Liveries for Upcoming Ansaldo SVA-5

LukGraph has announced the six Italian liveries that will be included with their associated, upcoming Ansaldo SVA-5 kit.

As previously reported, the kit will be released in two separate editions first focusing on Italian markings from the Great War period and the second representing an export version of the SVA-5, showcasing aircraft in Polish, American, Spanish, and Russian service. Premium versions will also be offered featuring decals with realistic fabric and wood effects. It will also be offered in both 1/48 and 1/32 scales.

The liveries are described as “authentic and vibrant,” some of which will be familiar to WW1 aircraft enthusiasts. Click below to check them out.

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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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Surprise Release: The Flying Machine #28 Now Available!

Now available from our online store is the 28th installmanet of The Flying Machine early aero journal. This newly released special spans 52 pages and includes the following content:

The Busy World — Aeronauts Soar on Silken Wings (Excerpt: Flight Not Improbable. Octave Chanute and the Worldwide Race Toward Flight); Honoring a World War I Hero by Restoring a Piece of Our Aviation History (Original DH.4 Restoration); Finishing Art Scarborough’s S.E.5a; News Briefs: National Museum of the U.S. Air Force Begins Blériot XI Restoration, Pima Air & Space Museum Sopwith Camel Nears Completion, Kip Aero Sopwith Pup; Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome Albatros D.Va Restoration Update; DX Modelworks Balsa Albatros D.II Model; Products

The Flying Machine focuses exclusively on “aeroplanes” manufactured prior to 1920, as well as the current work of historians, builders, restorers, museums and collectors to preserve and promote interest in the early years of flight. Published in print and digital formats, The Flying Machine is offered on a pay-per-issue basis – no subscription required.

Click here to check out our full selection of issues.

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Full-Scale SE.5a Project For Sale: “No Expense Spared, Includes Engine”

A full-scale SE.5a project has been spotted for sale. The listing states (in part):

This “full scale SE 5a” project has been under construction for the past three years, engineered by a builder with 30 years of experience and a former career USAF pilot… This particular version is the two-seat trainer of which approximately 95 were originally placed into service… This project includes: fuselage, built with prime Sitka spruce and aircraft grade aluminum, engine, and all working dual cockpit controls and instruments. The interiors are complete and the engine runs like a clock.

Fuselage is constructed primarily of wood with improved sprung landing gear, original-style spoke wheels with aluminum covers, hydraulic brakes, and sprung steerable tail wheel. Much improved wing spar attachment for removal of wings, complete rigging kit with pre-made wires, turnbuckles, stainless fitting, etc.

Engine: modified GM-V6 rated at 245 H.P. with custom engineered aluminum housing gear reduction drive, internal chain in oil bath, 1:6 designed for up to 350 H.P. and wood propeller of 94″. Engine is carburetored with HEI ignition, custom exhaust stacks with mufflers as per original. Fuel: 12 gallon main tank, 5 gallon top wing reserve and panel reserve valve.

Many extras included: custom-built Lewis, scale machine-gun, exact copy non-firing, 1/3 scale drawings, notes, photos, historical archives. Wings must be constructed. This project is LSA compliant. It is being sold due to age, illness, and disability. No expense was spared during this build… Interested? Reach out, dont hesitate with any questions. All will be responded to.

The aircraft is located in Punta Gorda, Florida and is currently available for US $9,995, although it appears that offers are also being accepted. Click here to check out the eBay listing, which includes additional photos and details.

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MDesign Releases High Quality, Resin Model Kit of LFG Roland D.II

Recently released from MDesign Scale Models an LFG Roland D.II in 1/48 scale.

The D.II was a German World War I single-seat fighter that looked sleek and advanced for its day, but was not particularly successful in front‑line service. Its performance and handling characteristics were considered inferior to contemporary fighters, which led to many aircraft being reassigned away from the most intense combat zones.

The new, 3D printed kit is described as “highly detailed” and employs high‑quality ABS‑like photopolymer resin, which provides “crisp surface detail and improved durability compared to standard resin prints.” It also includes steel structural reinforcement rods to ensure strength and proper geometry. It also features painting masks and decals with marking options for three aircraft: Jasta 25 (Imperial German Air Service), Bulgarian Aeroplane School and 1st Aeroplane Detachment (Bulgarian).

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The Compelling Story of the SPAD Cannon Aircraft of WW1

Coming soon from Aeronaut Books and author Jonathan J Wagstaff is Boum! A History of the SPAD XII Canon: How France’s Greatest Ace & Aerospace Engineers of WWI Created the World’s First Production Canon-Armed Fighter

On 27th July 1917, a secret new weapon took to the skies over the Western Front. It carried a devastatingly large armament derived from naval designs and ingeniously engineered to fire through the propeller shaft of the aircraft. The secrecy of the project was such that even the sound of the weapon was reportedly censored in contemporary accounts.

When it finally entered combat, the impact of the 37mm canon on wood and canvas was overwhelming: “The effect was immediate, the aircraft was cut in two and burned, the wings went to one side, the fuselage to the other…”.

This book charts the remarkable story of the SPAD Canon aircraft of WWI — from early French experiments in canon-armed planes, to the power of one ace’s fame and family connections in steering government decisions, and the emergence of SPAD’s frontline types and their relatively obscure contribution to the conflict. It also explores the legacy they carried into the next great war.

Boum! is the first English-language study of the fascinating SPAD Canon aircraft. It shines a light on their history through newly rediscovered documents, photographs, and films from archives across the globe. This is a compelling story of innovation, ambition, and the people behind the machines, that will appeal to both general readers and aviation enthusiasts alike.

The book is heavily illustrated with 240 photos (28 in color), color profiles of 21 aircraft, four paintings, many drawings, and scale drawings of the Spad 12 and 14 in its 241 pages.

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USN, USMC Aircraft History (1911–1919) Told With Photos, Drawings, Color Profiles

Recently released by Aeronaut Books and author Colin Owers are volumes 5 and 6 of USN and USMC Aircraft 1911–1919:

Volume 5 of this series covers the aircraft that the USN/UMC used in Europe in WWI when they could not obtain combat machines from the USA… The story is told in unprecedented detail from official records and personal reminiscences. The political background is also woven into the story as to why the US air services had to rely on foreign manufactured aircraft and not US manufactured ones. The post-war career of those that served in the USN/USMC is also covered.

Volume 6 completes the story of the foreign aircraft that the USN/USMC had to rely on in order to enter combat in WWI… The experimental aircraft that the USN was interested in are also covered as is the post-war career of some of these in the USN shipplane units.

Volume 5 offers 262 pages and is illustrated with 256 photographs, nine three view drawings, and 20 color profiles, as well as original drawings and sketches. Volume 6 has 205 pages with 192 photographs, nine color profiles and nine three-view drawings of significant types.

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Polish Military Aircraft and Pilots 1918-1939 Detailed in New Illustrated History

Coming soon from Air World and author Peter Sikora is Polish Military Aircraft 1918-1939: From Regaining Independence to Hitler’s Blitzkrieg, an illustrated history of Polish military aviation from 1917 to 1939, highlighting innovation, development, and wartime resilience.

The Polish Military Aviation can trace its origins to the second half of 1917, and was officially established when Poland regained her independence on 11 November 1918. The country was then able to build its own air force with men being proud to call themselves Poles again. Despite its difficult rebirth, in the 1930s Poland developed a wide range of its own aircraft. These included the PZL P.6 fighter which gained fame for being the most advanced of its day and the first fighter aircraft made of metal in the world, or PZL P.24 fighter considered by the RAF as a purchase option. Towards the end of the decade, however, foreign aircraft design had overtaken them…

As well as telling the story of the valiant Polish flyers, Polish Military Aircraft 1918-1939 includes a wonderful collection of photographs, the majority of which have never been seen in the West. Together, these take the reader on a journey throughout the early years of Polish military aviation, showing amazing pictures of German, Austro-Hungarian or Russian aeroplanes, in many cases scavenged by the Poles. Also included is selection of British aircraft which were used in Poland, as well as a host of photographs of Polish-designed and built machines, including these that had to face Luftwaffe in September of 1939.

The 272 page hardcover book is currently available for pre-order with release set for May 30.

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LukGraph Developing “Truly Special” 1/32 Ansaldo SVA-5 Model Kit

LukGraph has announced the development of a new Ansaldo SVA-5 model kit in 1/32 scale.

The SVA‑5 was the definitive production variant of Italy’s SVA family of single‑seat, single‑engine biplane reconnaissance and light‑bomber aircraft used during and after WW1. Derived from earlier SVA‑2/3/4 models, it featured a streamlined, plywood‑skinned fuselage, a 200 hp SPA 6A inline engine, and a distinctive Warren‑truss wing‑strut layout, giving it high speed and a long range that made it one of the fastest Allied combat aircraft of the war. Armed with two synchronized 7.7 mm Vickers machine guns and capable of carrying light bombs or reconnaissance cameras, the SVA‑5 served as a fast, high‑altitude scout and light bomber on the Italian Front, later seeing use in long‑range missions and limited export service into the mid‑1920s.

The upcoming kit will be released in two separate editions, the first focusing on Italian markings from the Great War period and the second representing an export version of the SVA-5, showcasing aircraft in Polish, American, Spanish, and Russian service. Premium versions will also be offered featuring decals with realistic fabric and wood effects. A 1/48 scale version may follow.

Click below to check out additional renders.

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Replica Plans 7/8 SE.5a For Sale: “Flies Great”

A Replica Plans 7/8 scale SE5a has been spotted for sale. The listing states (in part):

This is an All metal 7/8 scale SE5 biplane replica from replica plans kit company. It’s a part 103 ultralight fly with just your drivers license. Flys great has about 40 hours on it total time. It’s Been away since last season but Shes Almost ready to fly and can be ready in a day. Has Electric start 2 stroke international 40hp engine with bing carb, 5 gallon fuel tank and it has nav/strobe lights. It Needs a 72” prop and needs a tube for one tire to be flyable put the wings on and go! She has a couple dings in the cowl and Could use some paint touch ups to be perfect.

The aircraft is located in Valdosta, Georgia and is currently available for US $6,999 although offers are also being accepted. Click here to check out the eBay listing, which includes additional photos and details.

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