Berliner Zinnfiguren/Books & Media/Books/Air Forces/America products

Simons, Graham M.: Boeing 727 39,95 €

Sat, 13 Jun 2026 07:40:07 +0200

The Boeing 727 is an American narrow-body aircraft developed and manufactured by Boeing Commercial Airplanes. Following the 1958 introduction of the heavier, four-engine 707, Boeing responded to growing demand for an aircraft suited to shorter routes and smaller airports. As the only trijet produced by Boeing, the 727 was designed for operation at smaller airports, making independence from ground support equipment crucial. This led to one of the 727's most distinctive features: the built-in airstair, which extended from the underside of the rear fuselage and could originally even be opened during flight. This allowed passengers to board and disembark without relying on jet bridges or external stairs. The 727 proved to be such a reliable and versatile airliner that it formed the backbone of many airlines' fleets. Its ability to operate on shorter runways was aided by a clean wing designmade possible by an engine configuration featuring one engine on each side of the rear fuselage and a third in the tailas well as the use of advanced high-lift devices, including leading-edge slats and triple-slotted flaps. For over a decade, more 727s were built annually than any other jet airliner. Thanks to the design's robustness, reliability, and performance, a total of 109 Boeing 727s remained in commercial service with 34 airlines worldwide as late as July 2013. As a long-standing industry "workhorse," the 727 is often affectionately referred to as the "DC-3 of the jet age." The last scheduled commercial passenger flight of this pioneering and highly influential aircraft type took place in January 2019. The popularity of the 727 undoubtedly helped advance the jet age by bringing jet operations to many cities previously limited to propeller aircraft and making jet travel accessible to the general public.

Huertas, Salvador M.: Grumman F-14 Tomcat 39,95 €

Sat, 13 Jun 2026 07:40:07 +0200

The Grumman F-14 Tomcat was a cornerstone of U.S. Navy aviation from the 1970s until its retirement in 2006. Designed as a twin-engine, two-seat supersonic interceptor, the F-14 was built to dominate the skiesspecifically to counter Soviet aircraft during the Cold War. The Tomcats sleek, angular design and distinctive variable-sweep wings gave it a menacing yet elegant silhouette that embodied both agility and raw power. Capable of adjusting its wing sweep in flightsweeping back for high-speed dashes or forward for improved maneuverabilitythe aircraft adapted seamlessly to various combat scenarios, achieving speeds exceeding Mach 2.3 and a range of approximately 1,600 nautical miles. As might be expected of an aircraft that remained in service for decades, the F-14 had an impressive operational career. It saw action during the final stages of the Vietnam War, participated in the Lebanon crisis of the early 1980s, Operation Desert Storm (Gulf War), and the Balkan conflicts of the 1990s; it flew strike missions during Operation Desert Fox (1998) and Operation Iraqi Freedom (2003), and even flew over Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom in the early 2000s. Throughout these conflicts, the Tomcat demonstrated its prowess in reconnaissance, air superiority, andlaterprecision strike roles, the latter enhanced by the LANTIRN targeting system. Beyond its technical capabilities, the F-14 achieved cultural fame through its starring role in the 1986 blockbuster film *Top Gun* and its subsequent sequel, cementing its image as a symbol of American military might and pilot valor. Although the F-14 was retired by the US Navy in favor of the F/A-18 Hornet, it remains in service in limited numbers with the Iranian Air Forcea fact duly acknowledged in this study. The Tomcats legacy endures as a marvel of engineering and a cultural touchstone of aviation history, a fact reflected in this visual feast.

Doherty, Francis A.: When the Lights Go Out 32,95 €

Thu, 11 Jun 2026 07:05:06 +0200

In this moving collection of essays, Vietnam War veteran Francis Doherty reflects on life in the face of his own mortality. At the age of twenty-four, the U.S. Army pilot volunteered for covert reconnaissance missions with the SOG (Studies and Observations Group) over the Ho Chi Minh Trail. From the cockpit of a Cessna O-1 Bird Dog, Captain Doherty observed this elusive war, scanning for enemy troop movements or calling in F-4 Phantomswaiting on standbyto strike new targets. This collection of snapshotsspanning his time in Vietnam, his subsequent career as a pilot, and the impact of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) on his relationships after leaving the Armydepicts a conflict that shaped and defined the rest of Franciss life. With remarkable candor, Frank writes about the comrades he saw diewhether on the battlefield or decades later in a hospitalabout the horrors of war, and about his lifelong quest to reconnect and grieve with the men alongside whom he fought. Frank embodies the archetype of the masculine Army veteran, yet he makes no claim whatsoever to being a war hero. He writes at length about the individuals for whose deaths he feels responsiblemen whose faces have haunted him in the years since the war, and increasingly so now as he faces the final years of his own life. Franks openness regarding the deep bonds of male friendship and the painful conversations about grief and PTSD shared with these former comrades offers a point of connection for other men who may feel that their machismo limits their ability to express emotion or vulnerability. Frank addresses his readers in direct, clipped prose; He speaks as an officer, not as a poet. And yet, "When the Lights Go Out" is just as poetic, moving, and compelling as it is humorous and intimate.

Wolf, William: Cold War Long-Range Jet Fighter Program 39,95 €

Thu, 11 Jun 2026 07:05:06 +0200

After World War II, the introduction of the six-engine Consolidated-Vultee B-36 Peacemaker bombercapable of intercontinental ranges of 8,000 kilometers or morereignited the perennial issue of fighter escort. Early U.S. jet fighters consumed vast amounts of fuel and lacked the range necessary to escort the B-36 over long distances. Developing a jet fighter with sufficient fuel capacity for such missions would have resulted in an aircraft far too large and unwieldy to effectively combat smaller, more agile enemy interceptors. In response, the U.S. Air Force explored two experimental methods to extend fighter range during the early Cold War. The first method involved wingtip-to-wingtip towing, where a fighter would latch onto the bomber's wing to receive fuel. The second method entailed carrying a fighter inside the bomb bay on a trapeze mechanism, allowing it to be launched and subsequently retrieved in flight. Because the B-36 program faced delays, the widely used Boeing B-29 Superfortress initially served as the test platform. Boeing ETB-29A bombers were paired with Republic EF-84D Thunderjet fighters to practice docking and undocking at the B-29's wingtips. Following these initial trials, the concept of a bomb-bay-mounted "parasite fighter" resurfaced with the small, jet-powered XP-85 Goblin. Designed exclusively as a parasite aircraft, the Goblin could launch from the B-36 to intercept enemy aircraft and later dock again in mid-air. Despite promising test flights, docking issues and the Goblin's performancewhich was inadequate compared to enemy jetsled to the project's cancellation. In 195253, the FICON (Fighter CONveyor) program tested carrying an RF-84F/K Thunderflash within the B-36's trapeze-equipped bomb bay. Although escort missions were originally planned, the program's focus shifted toward tactical reconnaissance and strike missions. The B-36 was intended to transport the faster, more maneuverable fighter-bomber close to a targetfor reconnaissance or a nuclear strikeand then retrieve it. The success of the U-2 spy plane and aerial refueling eventually rendered experiments with parasite fighters unnecessary. Featuring over 150 photographs, this book is the first to examine this extraordinary and unusual chapter of Cold War aviation history, shedding light on some of the most inventive and unconventional experiments of all time.

Rottiers, Geert: Doolittle Raid Pilot 32,95 €

Sat, 06 Jun 2026 07:50:10 +0200

Donald Gregory Smiths early years were marked by trauma. He was five years old when his mother died; subsequently, his father placed him in an orphanage. Despite this background, Donald earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of South Dakota in 1940. After graduating, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Infantry, yet his passion led him toward a career in aviation. By March 1941thanks to sheer determination and disciplineSmith had already completed his flight training and became a pilot in the Army Air Corps. In 1942, he was selected for a top-secret mission led by Lieutenant Colonel James H. Doolittle: a surprise bombing raid on Japan in retaliation for Pearl Harbor. The narrative follows Smith as he embarked aboard the USS Hornet, alongside fifteen other B-25 Mitchell bomber crews. During training, he successfully executed a takeoff after a run of just 87 metersthe shortest takeoff of any of the "Raiders." On April 18, 1942the day of the infamous "Doolittle Raid"Donalds crew bombed industrial targets in Kobe with pinpoint precision. During the subsequent evasive flight toward China, his aircraft came under attack by Japanese fighter planes; however, Smith managed to elude them over the Sea of ??Japan. Fuel shortages ultimately forced Smith to execute a perfect water landing in the East China Sea before he could reach the safety of the shore. With the assistance of Chinese villagers, Smith and his crew evaded advancing Japanese patrols and eventually returned home. Upon his return to the United States, Smith was assigned to the 319th Bomb Group. In November 1942, as part of a ferry operation, he piloted a B-26 Marauder to Europe. A few weeks later, during a ferry flight from RAF Attlebridge in Norfolk to St. Eval in Cornwall, his aircraft crashed in bad weather. Smith lost his life in the crash.

González, Rubén: F.A.Q. Dioramas. 1.4 Extensión. Edificios y Constructiones 69,95 €

Sat, 06 Jun 2026 07:50:10 +0200

With this expansion to the "F.A.Q." book seriesdedicated entirely to the construction of structures for dioramasimmerse yourself in one of the most comprehensive and fascinating areas of scale modeling. Within the pages of this 1.4 expansion, you will discover techniques, materials, countless practical tips, and a wealth of ideas and inspiration to bring buildings of the utmost realism, rich detail, and striking visual impact to life. Designed for both hobbyists and experienced modelers alike, this book serves as a clear and inspiring guide for crafting scenes and dioramas. An invaluable reference for every scale modeling enthusiast.

Guttman, Jon: 2nd Pursuit Group, USAS 46,95 €

Thu, 11 Jun 2026 07:05:06 +0200

When the 2nd Pursuit Group entered combat on the Western Front in the summer of 1918 to reinforce the United States Army Air Service, it was composed of the 13th, 22nd, 49th, and 139th Aero Squadrons. Although the 103rd Aero Squadron was temporarily assigned to the group, it was eventually exchanged for the 49th Aero Squadron to serve as the core unit for the formation of the 3rd Pursuit Group. While it did not achieve the same level of renown as the 1st "Hat-in-the-Ring" Group or the 3rd "Indian Head" Group, the 2nd Pursuit Group nevertheless made its own significant contribution to the Allied victory in the air. Its complete history is told here for the first time.

Hawkins, Duke: Lockheed S-3 Viking 29,95 €

Sat, 13 Jun 2026 07:40:07 +0200

The S-3 Viking is an anti-submarine aircraft that was used by the US Navy. It was was powered by a pair of General Electric TF34, the same engine that is used on the A-10 Thunderbolt II.
This book includes a lot of action photography, as well as images of every possible detail of the aircraft, including the cockpit, fuselage, wing fold, landing gear, avionics bay, vertical tail fold and more. The aircraft, nicknamed Hoover, had a crew of 4 and was specifically designed as an anti-submarine hunter.

Hawkins, Duke: North American B-25 Mitchell 29,95 €

Sat, 13 Jun 2026 07:40:07 +0200

The entire fuselage, both on the outside and inside. Every angle of the cockpit, turret, glass nose, aft gunners position and tail gunners position as well as the bomb bay interior are shown in many photographs. The different engine cowlings, the forward fuselage of the B-25 D, G, H and J are all shown. Over 20 different aircraft have been photographed for this book.

The Huey in Vietnam 69,95 €

Mon, 15 Jun 2026 07:17:21 +0200

The UH-1 helicopter was originally developed in the 1950s as a medical evacuation aircraft. Turbine-powered, it became an enduring symbol of the Vietnam War, where the Bell UH-1 Huey helicopter played a vital role in U.S. Army warfare doctrine from 1962 until the American withdrawal in 1973. The Huey was also used as a troop transport, gunship, and command center in two elite airmobile divisions. In the medical evacuation role, the Huey exceeded all expectations and quickly surpassed earlier piston-powered helicopters in the troop transport role, while also proving effective as a gunship. The UH-1 proved to be so versatile that the U.S. Marine Corps, the USAF, and the USN also employed the Huey in various roles in Vietnam alongside the U.S. Army. The Bell Model 204 and Model 205, short- and long-fuselage UH-1 versions, evolved through several variants, each introducing more powerful engines.
For both fans of this helicopter and military history enthusiasts, this book offers an extraordinary collection of historical photographs, color profiles of the units deployed in Vietnam, and extensive documentation covering its development, operations, and legacy.

Bingley, Paul/Peters, Mike: Bomb Group. The Eighth Air Force's 381st and the Allied Air Offensive over Europe 19,95 €

Thu, 11 Jun 2026 07:05:06 +0200

The heart of the U.S. Eighth Air Force during World War II lay in its bomb groups, each equipped with a multitude of heavily armed, four-engine bombers. Shortly after their deployment to England, these Boeing B-17 "Flying Fortresses" and Consolidated B-24 "Liberators" began penetrating enemy air defenses to bomb targets vital to the German Reich's war effort. Their crews consisted of thousands of young American airmen, most of whom were volunteers. This book tells the story of a single bomb groupthe 381stwhich crossed the Atlantic in May 1943. Upon their arrival at RAF Ridgewell, situated on the border between Essex and Suffolk, its airmen quickly found themselves thrust into the dangerous and grueling air battle unfolding in the skies over Europe. *Bomb Group* traces the journey of the 381st from its formation in the Texas desert to its 297th and final bombing mission, deep within the heart of Hitler's Third Reich. It is the remarkable story of one bomb group and the pivotal role it played in the strategic bombing campaign of the "Mighty Eighth."

Doherty, Francis: Only the Light Moves. Flying covert reconnaissance Missions in the Vietnam War 22,95 €

Sun, 07 Jun 2026 08:35:08 +0200

The story of a 24-year-old U.S. Army pilot who volunteered to conduct covert reconnaissance flights over the Ho Chi Minh Traila region that epitomized not only the U.S. war with Vietnam but also the "secret war" with Laos and Cambodia. Yet this is not merely a war story; it is also a story about the passion for flying. For ten months, Captain Francis A. Doherty spent every day above the jungle battlefield in a Cessna O-1 Bird Dog. The single-engine Bird Dog was the first all-metal fixed-wing aircraft commissioned by the U.S. Army following the separation of the Army Air Forces in 1947, serving as a liaison and observation aircraft. And for this mission, it was completely unarmed. From the cockpit of a Bird Dog, Captain Doherty observed this wartracking enemy troop movements or calling in waiting F-4 Phantoms to strike a new target.

Neubeck, Ken: F-35 Lightning II 21,95 €

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 07:05:10 +0200

A volume in the "Legends of Warfare: Aviation" series. A visual guide to the F-35 Lightning II, which is expected to remain in service with armed forces worldwide until the year 2070. The Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II is a versatile, modern combat aircraft. It is designed to replace numerous aircraft typesincluding the F-16, A-10, F/A-18, and the Harrier Jump Jetwithin the air forces and navies of the United States and its allies. The aircraft entered military service in 2015 and saw its first combat deployment in 2018. It is expected to remain in service with armed forces around the globe until the year 2070. Lockheed Martin has already delivered more than 1,000 examples of this type. This volume serves as an illustrated guide to the F-35 and its variants. Readers are provided with insights into the aircraft's appearance and technical specifications, featuring examples from both American and international operators. Additionally, the book includes a concise overview of the aircraft's development and operational history.

Smit, Leendert: 1944 - Crash Landing B-17 Near Dutch City Wijk bij Duurstede 24,95 €

Wed, 03 Jun 2026 07:25:09 +0200

On February 22, 1944, a U.S. B-17 bomber executed an emergency landing in the river meadows near Wijk bij Duurstede. All ten crew members survived the crash. Following their training protocols, they immediately split up to evade capture. Some eventually fell into enemy hands and became prisoners of war, while others managed to go into hiding with the assistance of the Dutch Resistance. The pilot, First Lieutenant Charles D. Crook, sought refuge in a barn in nearby Langbroek. Through a local network, he was brought to safety by resistance fighter Kees Stoove, who arranged for both medical care and temporary hiding places. Crook later continued his escape across the Netherlands, spending months evading capture. This extraordinary wartime story was meticulously researched over a period of fifteen years by amateur historian Leendert Smit. His work draws upon extensive archival research, contact with surviving crew members, and correspondence with their families. His findings shed light not only on the fate of the crew but also on the courage and risks that Dutch civilians undertook to assist them. Even decades later, new details continued to emergeincluding the roles played by local figures such as the farmer Herman Imminkhuizen. Smit also established contact with the families of other crew members, reconstructing their individual journeys and experiences during the war. Richly illustrated with photographs, maps, and documents, this book offers a detailed and deeply human perspective on a single aircraft crash and its aftermath. It places themes such as survival, resistance, and international cooperation at the forefront, thereby preserving a remarkable local story within the broader historical context of the Second World War.

González, Rubén: F.A.Q. Dioramas. 1.4 Extension. Buildings and Constructions 69,95 €

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 07:00:08 +0200

Delve into one of the most complete and fascinating branches of modeling with this extension to the "F.A.Q." book series, dedicated to building structures for dioramas. Throughout the pages of this 1.4 extension, you will discover techniques, materials, countless practical tricks, and a wide
variety of ideas and inspiration to bring the most realistic, detailed, and striking buildings to life. Designed for both hobbyists and experienced modelers, this book is a clear and inspiring guide to creating scenes and dioramas. An essential reference for any modeling enthusiast.

Beck, Simon D.: Fairchild C-123 Provider 64,95 €

Fri, 29 May 2026 07:00:07 +0200

The Fairchild C-123 Provider was one of the last piston-engine cargo aircraft delivered to the United States Armed Forces. Its late entry into serviceduring an era of rapid development in turboprop and jet aircraftinitially seemed to promise it only a brief operational life. Nevertheless, during the Vietnam War, the C-123 secured an unforgettable place in USAF history: it performed indispensable duties in tactical logistics and paratrooper transport, flew covert missions, and played a notorious role in the aerial spraying operations conducted under "Operation Ranch Hand." Following the Vietnam War, a significant number of "Providers" were transferred to foreign air forces; within the USAF Reserve, the aircraft remained in active service until 1986. Although its civilian career was of limited duration, the C-123 is remembered today primarily for its appearances in numerous Hollywood films, its association with Barry Sealthe drug smuggler turned DEA informantand its covert involvement in the Iran-Contra Affair. Unique of its kind, this book documents the complete operational histories of all 307 C-123 airframes ever builtsupplemented by the history of the Chase glider types that paved the way for the C-123's final design. Comprehensive, cross-referenced production lists are complemented by tables, various appendices, and over 130 photographs that provide detailed illustrations of combat losses, accidents, and the aircraft that survive today.

Cranston, Stewart: 300 Missions over Vietnam 26,95 €

Fri, 29 May 2026 07:00:07 +0200

In this vivid account, a young F-100 pilot chronicles his life within a fighter squadron during the peak year of the Vietnam War. Drawing upon his own commentary and 72 letters addressed to loved ones back home, this work details combat missions, briefings, flight logs, tactics, and targets. It recounts the dangers he facedenemy fire, adverse weather, and unforgiving terrainas well as the brutal force and inspiring beauty of nature in a land far from home. By shedding light on the human side of war, the author paints a picture of a world filled with moments of exhilaration, despair, deep melancholy, loss, and longing.

Vlahos, Mark C.: American Glider Pilots in the Invasion of Sicily 36,95 €

Fri, 29 May 2026 07:00:07 +0200

Assigned to C-47 troop carrier squadrons, more than 6,500 glider pilots played a pivotal role in the U.S. Armys newly developed airborne doctrine during World War II. These soldiers faced a particularly daunting challenge: they had to deliver heavy equipment, troops, and medical supplies behind heavily fortified enemy linesin unpowered, slow-flying aircraft constructed from fabric, plywood, and metal tubing. For these "flights without a return ticket," high casualty rates were anticipated. In July 1943, the Allies were planning an offensive against Hitlers "Fortress Europe." Recognizing their need for glider pilots, the British requested American assistance. To fill the vacant pilot seats in CG-4A "Waco" gliders for a British combat operation, 26 American USAAF glider pilots volunteeredunaware that they would be participating in the imminent invasion of Sicily. Drawing upon official microfilm records of the United States Army Air Forces, operational logs from the National Archives, photographs from both collections, and numerous personal accounts, this book brings to life a new and previously untold chapter of USAAF history during World War II.

Bowman, Martin W.: P-51 Mustang 39,95 €

Thu, 21 May 2026 07:05:06 +0200

This book places the reader in the cockpit of one of the best fighter planes of World War II. The tactics of American fighter pilots are described in detail, vividly bringing to life the violence and excitement of missions over the European theater. It includes more than 70 accounts from P-51 Mustang pilots, including famous fighter aces. Detailed descriptions cover all types of P-51 missions, from escorting high-altitude bombers over the Reich to low-level attacks on Luftwaffe airfields in occupied France. Official explanations of the P-51's development and technical specifications are also provided. Over 300 archival photographs are included.

Lekkas, Ioannis: UH-1H Huey 24,00 €

Sat, 13 Jun 2026 07:40:07 +0200

The UH-1H helicopter has been a crucial asset in the military service of the U.S. and its allies for many years. With a long history of service, the Huey continues to serve around the world, in both military and civilian roles.
Its iconic design and distinctive sound have made it a recognizable symbol and one of the most famous models. This book contains spectacular high-quality photographs showing all its details. Action photos and a complete photo tour show all the details of the versatile American helicopter UH-1H Huey, including detailed insights into the cockpit, engine, rotors, etc.