Helion and Comapny will soon release the posthumous memoir of Colonel Richard E.”Butch” Sheffield, a U.S. Air Force officer, SR-71 Blackbird Reconnaissance Systems Officer (RSO) and Director of Special Projects for the Skunk Works (where Sheffield handled beyond Top Secret projects).

Chosen in 1964 for the ultra-secretive SR-71 Blackbird programmer, Butch was among the first crew members trained by Lockheed’s Skunk Works. He went on to fly some of the most daring reconnaissance missions of the Cold War – including the first SR-71 over North Korea and a supersonic overflight of the North Pole with no chance of recovery. In 1967, he became the first Air Force officer to eject from an SR-71 and survive. Six weeks later, he returned to flying at Mach 3.

Butch’s extraordinary career didn’t end in the cockpit. At the Pentagon, he was a key figure behind the early development of GPS and led operations involving the SR-71 and U-2. As an investigator for Congress, he was granted over 300 code word clearances to probe the nation’s most sensitive intelligence programs. Later, as the Skunk Works’ lone representative in Washington D.C., he became the quiet conduit between Lockheed’s black projects and the halls of power.

The 400 page book is currently available for pre-order with release slated for January 15.

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An interesting static reproduction of the 1903 Wright Flyer has been spotted for sale. The listing states (in part):

For consignment, a museum prototype roughly emulating the construction of the Wright Flyer of 1903. This piece does not fly and has no real engine, just a replica of what was in reality. It is correct in dimension and materials used for the wings and close to the original design.

The reproduction is located in Morgantown, Pennsylvania and bids are currently being accepted. Click here to check out the eBay listing, which includes additional photos and details.

Airfix has released their new tool Messerschmitt Bf109G-5/6 model kit in an impressive 1/24 scale.

As previously reported, the new kit (A17003) consists of 405 parts and reportedly includes five marking options and extensive build options. The model can be built with or without the fully detailed DB605 engine, and the engine cowlings and oil cooler can be displayed in either the open or closed position. Builders have the choice between two types of engine cowlings — MTT and Erla. The canopy can also be posed open or closed, with two canopy types included. Additional engine and cockpit parts are provided for the G-5 version, which features a pressurized cockpit.

Optional accessories include a 300-liter fuel tank and wing cannon gondolas. Control surfaces such as the ailerons, elevators, and rudder can be offset to add realism and life to the model, while the positions of the radiators and wing flaps are also customizable. Many optional parts are available to suit specific aircraft builds, including rudder pedals, gunsights, trim wheels, instrument panels, undercarriage wheels and tires, and windscreens. The kit features a detailed nose armament with machine guns, gun mounts, and ammunition boxes. Slide molding technology is used to capture fine details on the engine cowlings, fuselage, exhausts, and gun barrels.

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A 1970 Mooney M20F has been spotted for sale. The listing states (in part):

This Mooney M20F features a low time airframe that has been lightly flown for many years, with a hangered fuselage in excellent condition. It is a regular IFR flyer and has recently completed its annual inspection on August 25, along with a static transponder check on the same date. The aircraft is equipped with electric flaps and gear, and the interior was refreshed in 2023. There is no damage history, and all logs are available in both paper and digital formats, along with Mooney service and parts manuals. The total time on the aircraft is 3,910 hours, with the engine time at 337 hours and the prop time at 55 hours. It is outfitted with a Garmin 430W (slaved to a Britton autopilot/leveler), a Garmin G5 PFD, a Garmin GI 275 EIS, and a KT-74 ADS-B out. Additionally, it features a new Hartzell Scimitar prop, a relocated oil cooler, a cowl enclosure, and a Surefire Mag on the left.

The aircraft is located in Enterprise, Alabama and offers are currently being accepted. Click here to check out the eBay listing, which includes additional photos.

LukGraph has announced the upcoming release of a “fully 3D printed” Westland Wapiti in 1/48 scale.

Details about the upcoming kit are currently murky, although the company states that it will be available before the holidays alongside their upcoming 1/48 Hawker Fury during its pre-order launch. LukGraph has previously released a full printed version of the Wapiti IIA in 1/32 scale.

(via LukGraph)

A P2V Neptune nose turret has been spotted for sale. The listing states (in part):

Aero 9 nose turret as flown on the P4M Mercator and P2V Neptune. Originally fitted with twin 20mm cannon. This is an Aero 9C from a Neptune, and I believe this turret was never installed on an aircraft as it still retains part of the shipping cradle.

Exterior needs new paint as it has a bit of shop rash from being moved around for more than 70 years. Currently all original with original interior and exterior paint. Comes with Mk 10, Mod 0 gunsight, new pitot tubes, and spare glass (starboard side is currently out of the turret). On a stand for ease of movement.

The nose section is located in Stockton, California and is currently open to offers / bids. Click here to check out the eBay listing, which includes additional photos.

Air World and Dilip Sarkar (MBE FRHistS FRAeS) will soon introduce their new 328 page book A Spitfire’s Story: The Invisible Thread: Spitfire R6644 and the Pilots Who Flew It

Supermarine Spitfire Mk.IA R6644 was built at Woolston and test-flown by Jeffrey Quill on 30 May 1940 before joining 5 Operational Training Unit at Aston Down, where it trained pilots including likely Richard Hillary and at least two aces among “The Few.” In February 1941, it transferred to 65 Squadron, flown by ace Paddy Finucane, then to 308 (Polish) Squadron in April. On 11 May 1941, Polish pilot Franciszek Surma abandoned R6644 near Malvern due to an engine fire during a radar intercept of a friendly Blenheim, parachuting safely before his later death over Dunkirk.

This book not only explores the men who flew R6674 throughout its wartime service, but also brings the story up to date by detailing the excavation of the Spitfire’s crash site in 1987.

The book is currently available for pre-order with release set for December 31.

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Revell has released their new tool Gloster Meteor F.8/Fr.9 “First Edition” model kit in 1/32 scale.

The new kit (03779) boasts 405 individual parts “for an authentic and demanding building experience,” extensive part options (between early/late ailerons, canopy and different inlets) and separate motors for maximum detail and realistic presentation.

The kit is also limited edition, with only 3,000 available.

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Kotare has released a new series of renderings for their upcoming new tool Hawker Hurricane Mk.I (Early) in 1/32 scale. The new renderings more clearly show the detailed cockpit interior and intricate surface features including recessed and raised rivets, tightly doped fabric surfaces and at least 3 different styles of rib and stringer stitching.

There is still time to place your pre-order through www.kotare-models.com to be amongst the 1st 500 customers and go into a random draw to be one of 20 lucky modellers to be given the chance to build and critique T2 test shot samples. Additionally, all pre-orders placed through www.kotare-models.com will receive 32P002 Kotare 1/32 Hurricane Mk.I (Early)/Spitfire Mk.I (Early) 3Dprint exhausts (value US$12.99) and an exclusive free beautiful Darryl Legg box art print (artwork is progressing well and will be revealed later) suitable for framing (only while stocks last). Note that these offers are exclusively available for pre-orders placed through www.kotare-models.com and only available while stocks last.

Shipping is expected “later in 2026.” Click below to check out additional images.

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