Soon to be released by Osprey Publishing is Malcolm V. Lowe’s Fw 190 Jabo Units in the West (Combat Aircraft, 160), an illustrated study of the Luftwaffe’s iconic Fw 190 Jabo units and their high-speed, low-level attacks on the south coast of England.

The service debut of the Fw 190 in the late summer of 1941 marked a quantum leap in the Luftwaffe’s capability to oppose the RAF on the Channel Front. Conceived to be purely a fighter, the type soon revealed its potential as a Jabo fighter-bomber, and the manner in which it was used matured from the ad hoc style of its early operations to highly effective ‘hit-and-run’ coastal raids. This progress was aided both by frequent refinements from Focke-Wulf and the development of sub-types designed specifically for air-to-ground operations, equipping the Fw 190 to deliver useful munitions loads and also to look after itself when meeting British fighter interception.

This engaging study sees Luftwaffe historian Malcolm V. Lowe chart the action-packed history of the Fw 190 Jabo force on the Channel Front. Following the aircraft from its origins to its successful strikes on valued targets on England’s south coast and eventual combat during D-Day, the text complements first-hand accounts from both Luftwaffe pilots and their RAF opponents with photographs from private archives and 24 specially commissioned profile artworks.

The 96 page publication is currently available for pre-order in paperpack and Kindle editions with release slated for February 24.

Product Page

LukGraph has announced the upcoming release of their new tool Blackburn Shark Mk.II model kit. The kit will be available in wheeled and float versions and in both 1/32 and 1/48 scales.

The Blackburn Shark Mk.II was a British carrier‑borne biplane torpedo bomber and reconnaissance aircraft of the mid‑1930s, serving with both the Royal Navy’s Fleet Air Arm and the Royal Canadian Air Force. Powered by a 760 hp Armstrong Siddeley Tiger VI radial engine, it typically carried a crew of two or three and could reach about 150 mph with a range of roughly 600 miles while hauling either an 18‑inch torpedo or an equivalent bomb load. Developed from the earlier Shark Mk.I, the Mk.II incorporated reliability and systems improvements and was adaptable to both wheeled and floatplane configurations, operating from carriers and warship catapults. Entering service around 1935, it was soon overshadowed and progressively replaced in frontline roles by the Fairey Swordfish, but continued for several years in secondary duties such as training, reconnaissance, and target towing.

The upcoming kit will introduce what is described as “a new technological solution:” the wings and floats will be designed in split sections (upper and lower parts) to reduce the overall weight of the model, making the build more comfortable while maintaining excellent detail and quality.

As of this writing, further details (including release date) have yet to be announced. However a series of renderings have been released, additional examples of which can be seen after the break.

[continue reading…]

A 2010 Czech Sport SportCruiser (Piper Sport) has been spotted for sale. The listing states (in part):

This is a clean, well-maintained light sport aircraft with 1,276 total airframe hours and a proven Rotax 912ULS 100 HP engine. The aircraft has no damage history, has always been hangared, and was never used for flight training. Avionics include Dynon D100 and D120 PFD/MFD, Dynon AP74 two-axis autopilot, Garmin SL30 NAV/COM, GTX 335 ADS-B Out transponder, Garmin GDL50 ADS-B In, Garmin Aera 796 GPS, and a PM3000 audio panel. The aircraft is equipped with a Sensenich three-blade propeller and has recently received updates including replacement fuel sensors and fuel pressure sensor, with new fuel lines currently being installed. Recertified as an ELSA with an increased useful load, this SportCruiser presents in excellent condition inside and out with complete logbooks available. Annual inspection is current through September 30, 2026.

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

On the way from Osprey Publishing and author Matthew Willis is Beaufighter vs German Flak Ships: North Sea and Mediterranean 1941–45 (Duel, 151), an illustrated study of RAF Coastal Command’s deployment of the Beaufighter against German supply lines in 1941 and the long-running ‘arms race’ with Kriegsmarine Flak ships that followed.

Crucial German shipping lines faced a new threat in 1941 when RAF Coastal Command debuted the iconic long-range Beaufighter. The aircraft and its subsequent Mk VIC and Mk X versions gave the Allies a tough, relatively fast and very hard-hitting platform for air attack on German convoys, and so it became essential for the Kriegsmarine to fit ever-heavier anti-aircraft batteries to its escort vessels, and even to develop specialist Flak vessels.

In this compelling study, naval aviation historian Matthew Willis chronicles the little-explored arms race that saw RAF Coastal Command and the Kriegsmarine engaged in a fierce battle of one-upmanship until war’s end. New artwork, rare archive photography and contemporary records of Beaufighter operations add depth to fascinating historical accounts, including the actions of the famous North Coates Strike Wing against shipping in the North Sea and the exploits of Beaufighter units tasked with severing Rommel’s all-important supply lines.

The 80 page, publication is currently available for pre-order in paperback and Kindle editions with release set for March 30.

Product Page

Newly available this month is ICM’s collection of Luftwaffe night fighters in 1/72 scale. The collection (72209) includes the Bf 109E-4, Do 17Z-10 Kauz II and Fw 189A-1.

Since no aircraft were specifically designed for night combat at the time, the Luftwaffe initially used standard combat aircraft painted in dark colors—such as the Bf 109E-4 operated by Nachtjagdgeschwader 1 (the 1st Night Fighter Wing). For long-range interception of British bombers over British territory, they employed a specially converted Do 17 bomber designated the Do 17Z-10 Kauz II. The aircraft featured an infrared searchlight to help locate enemy aircraft in the night sky.

There are also documented cases of Fw 189 A-1 aircraft being used as night fighters after special modifications, including the installation of FuG 212 radar and an additional MG 151 cannon mounted for forward and upward firing.

The models are touted as having highly detailed cockpits and surfaces and each has its own decal sheet.

Buy on eBay (eBay)

A 2023 Starduster Too has been spotted for sale. The listing states (in part):

This 2023 Starduster Too is a well-built experimental aircraft designed for sport flying and recreational aviation. With approximately 600 hours, this aircraft has been properly maintained and is ready for continued operation. It includes a Levil “BOM” system that provides a pseudo glass cockpit through iPad Bluetooth integration with ADS-B Out capability, offering modern navigation and situational awareness features. This added technology enhances flight safety and convenience for pilots seeking a blend of classic design and modern avionics. A unique and capable aircraft for aviation enthusiasts and sport pilots.

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

Coming soon from Fonthill Media and author Geoff Coughlin is Avro Vulcan: Cold War Aircraft in Scale, which will no doubt be a must for fans of the iconic British bomber.

The Avro Vulcan, arguably the best known of the British ‘V-Bombers’, was an integral part of Britain’s nuclear deterrent. During the Cold War several RAF squadrons were equipped with Vulcans, including some assigned to Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) sorties to counter immediately any threat launched by the Soviet Union. The Vulcan was also suited to conventional bombing missions. In 1982, in Operation Black Buck during the Falklands War, Vulcan B.2s carried out the longest-ranged bombing raids in history up to that time.

Cold War Aircraft in Scale: Avro Vulcan contains extensive photographs and profiles, unique reference materials and detailed step-by-step scale model builds in all the main scales: everything you need to inspire, inform and instruct you in your creation of a showpiece replica of this iconic Cold War bomber.

The 160 page paperback publication is currently available for pre-order with release set for March 30.

Product Page

ICM is following up the recent release of their new tool HP.52 Hampden B.Mk.I (48352) with a model of the TB.Mk.I variant in 1/48 scale.

The HP.52 Hampden B.Mk.I was the standard medium bomber version, designed primarily for high‑speed level bombing with an internal bay carrying up to 4,000 lb of bombs, whereas the TB.Mk.I was a later conversion optimized for the torpedo‑bomber role, configured to carry a single 18‑inch torpedo internally plus typically two 500 lb bombs under the wings.

The new kit (48353) is currently in process. As of this writing a final release date has not yet been announced. Click below to check out additional renderings.

[continue reading…]

A 1978 Cessna 310R project has been spotted for sale. The listing states (in part):

This 1978 Cessna 310R Twin Engine Tail N821BT has always been hangered. Serial 310R1298. Currently it is out of annual. Last flown in 2015. We have all the logbooks. 100-150 engine hours & 520hp. The service people say the cylinders need to be replaced on all engines. Owner says they were told that the engine do still run…Always hangared… Sold with FAA Bill of Sale.

The aircraft is located in San Diego, California and is currently available for bidding. Click here to check out the eBay listing, which includes additional photos and details.