Drawn from the files of English, American, New Zealand, Australian and Canadian sources, as well as from veterans, this is the story of Lockheeds Lucky Star-the marvelous Ventura! Fashioned from the Lockheed Model 18 airliner, the Ventura went on to fight on nearly every World War II battlefront as a penetration bomber, anti-submarine patrol aircraft, reconnaissance bomber, and even nightfighter. John Stanaway is also the author Possum, Clover & Hades: The 475th Fighter Group in World War II, and Attack and Conquer: The 8th Fighter Group in World War II(with Larry Hickey). Both titles are available from Schiffer Publishing Ltd.).

The F-117 was probably the most secret aircraft ever developed. The Stealth technology upon which the plane was based made it unique in its appearance. With its stark black appearence and wispy configuration, the plane was a strange departure from the sleek supersonic fighters of the period. This new book covers the technical and operational aspects of the Nighthawk from its initial use over Panama through its shining moment during Operational Desert Storm. Bill Holder and Mike Wallace are also the authors of McDonnell-Douglas F-15 Eagle: A Photo Chronicle. Bill Holder is also co-author, with Steve Markman, of One-of-A-Kind Research Aircraft: A History of In-Flight Simulators, Testbeds & Prototypes(both titles are available from Schiffer Publishing Ltd.).

This informative and long overdue account provides an extraordinary amount of insight into the Neptunes lengthy history, beginning with its inception during World War II to the present day survivors. Lockheeds Neptune was the first aircraft designed exclusively as an anti-submarine patrol bomber and was progressively developed throughout its operational career. Versatility became a byword as the Neptunes role as the U.S. Navys premier sub-hunter greatly expanded. A veteran of the Korean and Vietnam wars, the venerable Neptune proved highly adaptable to nearly any mission. More than 1,000 examples were built, many of which thrive today as fire bombers and warbirds. Presented here for the first time are the many fascinating details describing Neptune service with non-U.S. air arms, and obscure operations to include gunships, U.S. Army variants, and CIA operations. Clearly evident is the in-depth research that makes this extensive volume accurate, detailed and redable. Complete with serial and bureau numbers lists that correspond to its many assignments, plus many rare photographs, this comprehensive history does justice to the legendary Neptune. Wayne Mutza is also the author of Grumman Albatross: A History of the Legendary Seaplane(available from Schiffer Publishing Ltd.).

Public interest in the Concorde story shows little sign of abating, despite the aircraft having been retired from airline service in November 2003. With British Airways' Concordes now on public display at various locations around the world, including examples at Heathrow Airport, Bristol (Filton), Yeovilton (Fleet Air Arm Museum), Weybridge (Brooklands Museum), Manchester (Museum of Science and Technology) and the Museum of Flight in Scotland (East Fortune) the time is ripe for a budget-priced pocket-sized layman's chronological account of the Concorde story that will appeal to Concorde visitors and Concorde enthusiasts alike. "The Concorde Story" is an attractive picture-led account with a short but authoritative text supported by a comprehensive selection of 80 colour and black and white photographs showing Concorde at all stages of its life. Peter R. March's narrative covers the background (how it came about, from drawing board to first flight); testing times (development flying and proving the aircraft); the fight for survival (political and airline problems); into service (transatlantic routes with BA and Air France); success and disaster (records, passenger appeal and tragedy in Paris); and grounded (the final year and the end of the story - or is it really?)

Volume I covers: JG 1 Oesau, JG 2 Richthofen, JG 3 Udet, JG 4, JG 5 Eismeer, JG 6 Horst Wessel, JG 7 Nowotny, JG 11, JG 26 Schlageter, JG 27, JV 44, JG 51 MAlders, and JG 52.

1930-1940 era Junkers aircraft in its civilian and wartime roles.

The Italian airship designer and pilot Umberto Nobile had flown to the North Pole and beyond in 1926. He resolved to go back to the Arctic with a new airship in 1928. There were areas of the Arctic that had not been explored and it was believed that new lands might be there to be discovered. The expedition had geographical and scientific aims, but the political environment was also an important motivator. Mussolini and his Fascist party had come to power in 1922 and a successful expedition to the Arctic would be good propaganda. Instead, however, the 'Italia' was to disappear on its return from Greenland, on 25 May 1928. By the time the expedition was over, eight of the crew and nine attempted rescuers were dead and scores more had been put in harm's way. This is the story of the search for Nobile, the 'Italia', and his crew, and the many men from many countries who searched for them.

This new study of the sea-going Phantoms includes contributions from over a hundred aircrew and maintainers who were involved in the Phantom's success from the earliest service development flying to its twilight years in the Reserve units. There are personal accounts of MiG battles from more than a dozen MiG killers, first-hand descriptions of the F-4's introduction into combat with the Marines as a CAS and reconnaissance aircraft, memories of 'Bear' intercepts on Mediterranean cruises, narratives covering the aircraft's service into the 1980s, and much more. These voices are blended with a detailed technical and developmental description of the aircraft, supported by comprehensive appendices and over 450 photos in color and black and white.

Beginning as a young boy, Jules takes you through the unique process of becoming a Naval Aviator, engages you into his experiences as a brand new pilot in a combat squadron and, finally becoming a flying warrior. Having survived two combat cruises aboard the aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk from 1966-1968, compiling 332 career carrier take offs and landings, being shot at daily by enemy fire while completing 200 combat missions over Vietnam, he clearly shares the views of the aviators who flew along with him on these missions while fighting this unpopular war. Jules was awarded the Nation's Distinguished Flying Cross, 21 Air Medals, and many other accolades. After reading this book the reader will have a new understanding and appreciation about the Warriors who protect not only their comrades in arms, but the defense of the nation as well.

In 2000, quite by chance, aircraft restorer Guy Black of Aero Vintage located the hulks of at least two Airco DH9 bombers in a remote part of India hidden away in what had been a Maharaja s elephant stable at his palace in Bikaner, Rajasthan. They were truly remarkable finds, and extremely rare examples of a near-extinct and important WWI aircraft type none of which had survived in Britain.Recognizing their importance to the UK s aviation heritage, and excited by the challenge of restoration, Guy set about negotiating their purchase and returning them back to England. His colleague and author, Andy Saunders journeyed twice to India to complete the transaction and dismantle and pack them a process not without massive difficulties and challenges. Now one of them will fly again Here the whole intriguing story is told fully illustrated step-by-step from discovery to recovery, through to research, restoration, reconstruction and first flight, all in fascinating, meticulous detail. Also covered is the account of the restoration of the first DH9 to be completed, now housed as a non-flying exhibit at the IWM Duxford.

This new book is the third of a multi-volume series covering the complete history of Germany's legendary World War II jet fighter, the Messerschmitt Me 262. Featured here are the Me 262 "A" series types from the A-1a jabo through the A-5 and including bomber, recon, night-fighter and other variants. Forthcoming volumes in the series will cover additional production types and unusual design versions.

The F4F and FM Wildcat aircraft was the US Navy's front-line fighter in the early days of WWII. This iconic aircraft was designed and produced by Grumman, as well as the newly-formed Eastern Aircraft Division of General Motors. As larger and more powerful fighters joined the fleet in the later stages of the war, the Wildcat remained in the fray, flying from the decks of escort carriers, which were too small to permit the operation of the later aircraft. The Wildcat was remarkable not only because it served through the duration of the war, but also because it was the mount of some of the nation's most distinguished aces, including Butch O'Hare and Joe Foss.

This design guide was written to capture the author's practical experience of designing, building and testing multi-rotor drone systems over the past decade. The lack of one single source of useful information meant that the past 10 years has been a steep learning curve, a lot of self-tuition and many trial and error tests. Lessons learnt the hard way are not always the best way to learn. This book will be useful for the amateur drone pilot who wants to build their own system from first principles, as well as the academic researcher investigating novel design concepts and future drone applications.

Covers He 111, Ju 88, Do 17, Do 217, Me 410, Ju 388 et al.

When the Soviet Union fell in December 1991, there were close to 3,500 assorted Soviet-built airliners that could be deemed operational - more than there had ever been before. The vast majority of these Antonovs, Ilyushins, Tupolevs, and Yaks flew for Aeroflot, and were scattered far and wide at bases across the Soviet Union. Thirty years later, they have almost all disappeared. Now dominated by state-of-the-art Airbuses and Boeings, the world's airports and airways will never be the same again without the noise, smoke and charisma of these iconic designs from Soviet times.This book follows the fortunes of the great Soviet airliners over the last three decades and looks at what happened to this immense fleet: the fragmentation of Aeroflot into a myriad of new operators in the 1990s, the bankruptcies and consolidation of so many airlines that followed, and then the slow, inevitable disappearance of these aircraft from our skies. Illustrated with 220 photographs, most of which have never been published before, and supported by many anecdotes, facts and figures, this book conveys the nostalgia and wonder of this special, tumultuous time in aviation history. 220 illustrations

There can be few world-class companies that boast the heritage and traditions inherent in the British Airways brand. Indeed, the company that became British Airways operated the world's first commercial scheduled airline service in 1919. Based on exclusive posters, photographs and artwork from the company's archive, the British Airways Colouring Book allows the reader to colour in and put their own stamp on images showing how the whole experience of flying has changed from the early days of aviation through to the present day.

A facsimile reprint of the original NATOPS flight manual for the F-4J.

The worlds first operational jet fighter in its variety of types.

Ever wondered how many planes were converted into Japanese Zeroes and torpedo bombers for Tora! Tora! Tora! or how French Gazelle helicopters were modified for the title role in Blue Thunder? This first of its kind reference book lists aircraft featured in 350 films and television shows, providing brief individual histories, film locations, serial numbers and registrations. Aircraft are cross-referenced by manufacturer. Appendices provide brief bios on pilots and technicians, information on aircraft collections owned by Tallmanz Aviation and Blue Max Aviation and film credits for U.S. aircraft carriers.

Many different types of figureheads are pictured in color and b/w photos with a fascinating historical text that explains their use and the sculptors who made them. Figurehead lions, dragon heads, and human forms are primarily from the nineteenth century. Court sculptors and independent figurehead carvers are introduced whose work appears on royal pleasure craft.