E-Flite is preparing to release a Gee Bee R-2 1.0m RC model which is reportedly an all new design offered in PNP and BNF Basic versions.

The E-flite® Gee Bee R-2 1.0m is a faithful replica of the iconic aircraft, featuring an abundance of scale detail along with modern features and technologies to deliver an unmatched flying experience. It assembles quickly and is sized to be easily stored and transported without disassembly. The Bind-N-Fly® Basic version is equipped with enhanced AS3X+® technology that smooths out the effects of wind and turbulence like never before, plus optional-use SAFE® Select technology that makes it easier to fly. Both versions include Spektrum digital, metal-geared servos, a 70A Smart Lite ESC, and a 4S-compatible motor.

As of this writing a final release date has not yet been announced. Click below to check out the newly released promo video for the model.

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In the upcoming book The U-2 Over the Soviet Union: America’s Famous Cold War Spy Plane from a Soviet Perspective, Air World and author Dmitry Degtev provide a dramatic account of the U-2 shootdown revealing Soviet missile dominance and the era’s secret intelligence struggles.

Based on documents held in the CIA’s archives, declassified documents released by the Russian Ministry of Defence, and the memoirs of participants in the events in question, this book explores the true story of the preparation, implementation, and consequences of the U-2 reconnaissance flights over the Soviet Union, Eastern Europe and Cuba between 1956 and 1962. For the first time, the author reveals the military plans that were activated in the Eastern Bloc to combat the U-2 missions, and how the Soviets tried unsuccessfully to create a fighter-interceptor to operate in the stratosphere. This book also reveals which secret locations and objects were photographed by the U-2, including those which remained unidentified, and investigates where the secret centre of the Russian atomic project was actually located and whether the U-2 was able to find it. What was the true reliability and value of the information received from America’s U-2 operations?

The reader will discover which objects were confiscated from Francis Gary Powers, the pilot of the U-2 brought down, following his capture, and why was he had been issued with women’s jewelry and watches before his fateful flight? The Soviet view of the incursions by Powers and his fellow U-2 pilots is laid bare – revealing just why the Powers’ name is as widely known in Russia as that of the cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin.

The 256 page book is currently available for pre-order in hardcover and Kindle editions, with release slated for January 10.

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Another new release from Eduard this month is a limited edition dual combo Kittyhawk Mk.Ia (P-40E) / Kittyhawk Mk.IV (P-40N) in 1/48 scale.

The kit (11187) includes Eduard plastic parts and decals, pre-painted PE parts, a painting mask and marking options for 10 aircraft serving in the RAF, RAAF, RNZAF and SAAF.

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A The 1976 Piper Archer 181 has been spotted for sale. According to the listing, the aircraft has 7,156 total airframe hours and only 471 hours since its engine’s major overhaul in 2023 (with over 1,500 hours remaining before TBO). It sustained damage to the left wing’s leading edge and fuel tank after a deer strike but shows no structural damage to the spar, fuselage, tail, or landing gear. The aircraft is regularly flown and maintained, though its annual inspection expired in December 2025. Features include a functional Autocontrol IIIB autopilot with heading hold, electric pitch trim, overhead ventilation fan, and comfortable bucket seating with sheepskin front covers. The Garmin radio units are not included, but their trays and wiring remain installed for quick replacement.

Located at Knoxville Downtown Island Airport in Tennessee, this Archer is being sold cheap as a repair project — an ideal choice for a student pilot, flight club, or owner looking for a capable, easy-to-fly four-seater with strong performance and upgrade potential. The project is available for US $54,950, although bids are also being accepted. Click here to check out the eBay listing, which includes many additional photos and details.

A Lycoming R-680 radial engine has been spotted for sale. The listing states (in part):

…serviceable WWII Lycoming R-680 aircraft 9-cylinder engine. It comes with an original WWII engine stand that has different settings for display or “working on” the engine. It can be flat or at any angle.

The engine is located in Otis Orchards, Washington and is currently available for US $25,000 although offers are also being accepted. Click here to check out the eBay listing, which includes additional photos and details.

Recently released in the US is the latest edition of From Bleriot to Spitfire: Flying the Historic Planes of the Shuttleworth Collection by Scott Butler.

The aeroplanes of the Shuttleworth Collection span the first 40 years of aviation from the 1909 Blériot to the late 1940s; these rare and often unique machines are still regularly flown and displayed over the aerodrome at Old Warden in Bedfordshire. This book, written by the Collection’s pilots, past and present, puts the reader in the cockpits of these amazing machines as they fly over the English countryside.

The new edition is 208 pages. It is available in Hardcover and Kindle formats.

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The new December releases from Eduard includes this ProfiPACK Edition Spitfire Mk.Vb “mid” in 1/48 scale.

The Spitfire Mk.Vb “mid” variant is a transitional production batch of the most numerous Spitfire mark, built around 1941–42. It mounts two 20 mm Hispano cannons and four .303 in Browning machine guns in the B-wing, with options for 90-gallon drop tank or bombs, a three-blade Rotol propeller, standard rounded wingtips, early-mid carburetor intake (sometimes tropicalized), non-armored laminated glass windscreen, and cockpit refinements like adjusted rudder pedals and rear armor plate, distinguishing it from early models by refined details and from late ones by lacking clipped wings or universal cannon bays.

The kit (82157) includes Eduard plastic parts, pre-painted PE parts, painting mask and Eduard decals with marking options for seven aircraft.

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A Cessna 182J Skylane w/ Horten STOL Upgrade has been spotted for sale. The listing states (in part):

N2783F, serial number 18256883, is #198 of the Cessna 182J production series built in 1966. This aircraft has a total time of 6,755.77 hours and is powered by a Continental O-470-R engine producing 230 horsepower, with 1,173.37 hours since new from Continental. It features a three-blade propeller installed in 2020, currently with only 217.3 hours since new. The airplane is equipped with a Horton STOL Kit (STC #SA950CE) that includes leading-edge cuffs, stall fences, and droop wingtips. A fresh annual inspection was completed on December 1, 2025, and the aircraft is owned by an A&P IA mechanic.

The aircraft is located in Lawrenceville, Georgia and is currently available for US $108,000 although offers are also being accepted. Click here to check out the eBay listing, which includes additional photos and details.

A 1951 Cessna 305A O1 L-19 Birddog has been spotted for sale. The listing states (in part):

A pristine 1951 Cessna L-19 for sale. Сompletely restored, ~875hrs on the o470-11. Has new interior/glass, perfect paint, gravity fuel stc (no fuel pumps and no pressure carb), cruise prop stc (cruise at 125-130 instead of 100mph), weight increase stc, Eisenhower step. Has hydraulic brakes in the back (must have for the check-out), electric flaps. Flap motor and jackscrews just overhauled. Garmin radio and Garmin transponder with ADSB out. Rockets, bomb shackles, camera pod and composite bombs if you prefer that. New spare mag, starter, oil cooler and misc parts. Located at X50. Training and delivery available. Make an offer.

The aircraft is located in Edgewater, Florida and is currently available for US $189,000 although offers are also being accepted. Click here to check out the eBay listing, which includes additional photos.