Category: WW1 Era (1914-18)

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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.

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

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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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The Observer Corps: The Hidden Defenders Tracking Enemy Aircraft in Britain’s Skies

Soon to be released by Helion and Company and author Kevin Wright is Skywatch Volume 1: A History of the Royal Observer Corps, 1925 to 1939.

During World War One, London was vulnerable to air attacks by Zeppelins and later German bombers. To defend the capital, the London Air Defence Area was created to coordinate the efforts to protect it. However, after 1918, the system was quickly abandoned.

In the early 1920s, the Committee for Imperial Defence began to reconsider the problem. In 1924, the first experiment was conducted to monitor and report the movement of aircraft overland by using small groups of aircraft observers reporting to a central point. This successful experiment led to the creation of the Observer Corps in 1925 under the control of Police Chief Constables.

Originally intended to cover just the South East of England to protect London, as the threat from resurgent Nazi Germany grew, the Corps was gradually expanded to cover nearly the whole of Gt Britain by the start of the War. Now transferred to the control of the Air Ministry, Observer Corps Groups became a key part of Fighter Commands integrated air defence system, unique in that it was the only means to track the movement of aircraft once they crossed the coast and headed inland.

Using a combination of new research and access to official files, Volume One of Skywatch charts the development of the Observer Corps from its origins, the very beginnings, formation and growth through the 1920s. It critically examines how, in the rush to prepare for War in the late 1930s, the Observer Corps began to ready itself for War and its unique role, monitoring the skies of Britain.

The 76 page publication is currently available for pre-order in paperback format. Release is slated for April 30.

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The SPAD A Series: Its Technical Development and Combat Use

New from author Jack Herris and Aeronaut Books is The Spad A Series:

Spad is famous as the manufacturer of the Spad 13, the best Allied fighter of the Great War. However, Spad started the war with a much less successful aircraft, the Spad A, a two-seater of unusual configuration. This book describes its technical development and combat use. The story is told with 195 photos, color profiles of 18 aircraft, and scale drawings of two types.

The book spans 124 pages and is available in paperback edition.

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Thomas-Morse Scout, Wright Brothers Take Center Stage in New Collections

Aerodynamic Media, LLC is proud to introduce two new additions to our recently launched series of Aircraft Collections.

The new offerings focus on the Thomas-Morse Scout WW1 advanced trainer and the Wright brothers / Wright aircraft. They compile nearly all related content that appeared in the original run of The Flying Machine journal from 2016-2023, and also include bonus content.

Click here to check out new releases, as well as our previous collections focused on the Sopwith Camel, Fokker Dr.1 and Curtiss Jenny.

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Latest Collection from Renowned Artist Ronny Bar Focuses on WW1 British Fighters

Aviation artist Ronny Bar’s latest collection of aircraft profiles will soon be released by Tempest. The new collection British Fighters of the Great War is a visual and historical celebration of Britain’s single-seat fighter aircraft of the First World War.

Renowned aviation artist Ronny Bar presents a remarkable collection of meticulously researched colour profiles, capturing 15 of the most important British ‘scout’ fighters in vivid, authentic detail. Each aircraft is illustrated in a constant scale, with side, upper, and underside views that provide invaluable reference for historians, enthusiasts, and modellers alike.

From the iconic Sopwith Camel, Pup, Dolphin and Snipe – legendary products of the Sopwith Aviation Company – to other pivotal types such as the Bristol Scout, DH-2, DH-5, FE-8, and SE-5a, this volume traces the evolution of British fighter design from the tentative early days of aerial reconnaissance to the hard-won air superiority of the war’s later years.

Set against the backdrop of rapid technological change, tactical experimentation, and the courage of the pilots who flew these machines, the book combines striking artwork with a deep understanding of the historical context. Every profile is based on photographic evidence and thorough research, with informed interpretation used only where the passage of time has left gaps.

The 264 page book expands on the author’s previous collections of profiles as an authoritative color guide and a showcase of one of the genre’s finest artists, offering an unmatched visual reference to the aircraft that helped shape the air war over the Western Front. The book is currently available for pre-order with release set for May 31.

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Flying Colours: Historic Aircraft Color Profiles By Richard J. Caruana

Coming soon from MMPBooks and Richard J. Caruana is Flying Colours of Richard J. Caruana, which focuses on illustrations of historic aircraft produced over his 50 year career.

During the last decade or so a considerable number of requests were received, especially from the younger generation, for me to put together a cross-section of my work into a book. Truly an impossible task considering the thousands of illustrations produced over these fifty years. It was therefore with this in mind that I’m embarking on this voyage of memories that will hopefully be met with approval by both those who remember the drawings in now-defunct or difficult to find publications and also those too young to have had the opportunity of enjoying them. It also gave me the chance to update older illustrations to today’s standards.

This release will be the latest in a series of publications focusing on his aircraft profiles. It will include the Fokker D.VII, FIAT CR.32, Fleet Air Arm Corsairs, Boulton Paul Defiant, Last of the Spitfires, USAF Starblazers, SEPECAT Jaguar and Guido Pongiluppi.

The 48 page, paperback publication is currently available for pre-order with release set for March 15.

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