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

Falconer, Jonathan: Short Stirling Mk I/III in RAF Service 25,95 €

Mon, 01 Jun 2026 06:55:10 +0200

The Short Stirling has come in for a lot of Flak over the years, both literally and metaphorically. Hampered by a poor service ceiling and a Dastardly and Muttley style undercarriage, it has always lived in the shadow of the more illustrious Lancaster and Halifax. However, most crews that flew the Stirling were very fond of the aircraft and although its capabilities as a bomber were never as strong as its contemporaries, it blossomed into an extremely useful glider tug and Special Duties aircraft towards the end of the war. This aspect will be covered in our second book on the aircraft. As usual in this series, most of the space is devoted to high-resolution original wartime photos, which are examined very closely to pick out details that have been hiding in plain sight for over 70 years.

However, most crews who flew the Short "Stirling" still liked this bomber, although it fell behind other bomber types of its time in many respects. In the later stages of the war, the Short "Stirling" proved to be a very useful tow plane for cargo gliders and aircraft for special missions. This "second career" of the Short "Stirling" will be dealt with in a follow-up volume of this series.

Choo, Roy/Ho, Peter: Modern Taiwanese Air Power 14,95 €

Tue, 02 Jun 2026 06:50:04 +0200

The sovereign status of Taiwan - or the Republic of China - has been a source of instability in the Asia-Pacific region for much of the last 70 years. While Taiwan is a de facto independent state with a vibrant democracy, the Communist-led Peoples Republic of China sees it as a breakaway province. With Chinese President Xi Jinping having made reunification a central pillar of his vision for China amid rising tensions between China and the United States, the potential for a military flashpoint along the narrow Taiwan Strait cannot be overstated. The strategy of the Republic of China Armed Forces is to present Beijing with a credible deterrent, and should this fail, defend against a Peoples Liberation Army attack and possible invasion. The Republic of China Air Force (ROCAF) is charged with the defence of airspace over and around Taiwan and enabling military operations in land and sea domains. If necessary but controversially, it could also conduct strike missions into China as part of a multi-pronged offensive effort. While the ROCAF is relatively well-equipped and trained, attempts to modernise have been hit by political and fiscal challenges. The ROCAF has made some headway with mid-life upgrades for the majority of its more than 20-year-old fighter fleet and will receive a much-needed boost with the introduction of F-16C/D Block 70 jets in the coming years. However, it still lacks many force-multiplier capabilities such as aerial refuelling and electronic warfare. Amid qualitative and quantitative improvements to the Peoples Liberation Army air combat fleets, the military balance across the Taiwan Strait continues to tip towards Mainland China. This book provides a comprehensive study of Taiwans air force with in-depth analysis backed by high-quality images. It examines ROCAF combat capabilities today, its aircraft fleet, and what the future holds for the air arm.

However, many elements of modern air warfare are still missing, such as air-to-air refuelling and electronic warfare, which would significantly increase the operational value of the Taiwanese Air Force. This book provides a comprehensive study of the Taiwan Air Force with in-depth analysis based on high quality imagery. It examines the current combat capabilities of the Republic of China Air Force, its aircraft fleet and the future of its air force.

Rupprecht, Andreas: Red Dragon "Flankers" 24,95 €

Sat, 23 May 2026 07:30:10 +0200

Noted for its exceptional performance, the Sukhoi Su-27 is not only one of the most capable fourth-generation fighters but its development history is also remarkably rich.
The "Flanker" story took on a new industrial and political dimension when the Su-27 was chosen by China to meet the Peoples Liberation Army Air Forces (PLAAF) requirement for a new fourth-generation type.
This was a win-win-situation: Russia received a much-needed multi-billion-dollar contract and the PLAAF, for the first time, obtained a true high-end fourth-generation fighter. However, what followed was a complex drama, with both sides telling different stories. Following the direct sale from Russia, China obtained a contract for licence manufacturing. This yielded mixed success in the beginning and by the time the manufacturing procedures had evolved and improved, the licenced J-11 fighters no longer met the PLAAFs requirements.
Subsequently, China developed indigenous variants of the "Flanker" equipped with improved avionics, weapons, and engines, which Russia regards as a breach of the formal agreement. Regardless of whether these "Sino-Flankers" are illegal copies, evolved clones or indigenous versions, the Chinese "Flanker" series ultimately evolved into a wide range of variants, sometimes with no true counterparts in Russia.
This book provides a full overview of the Chinese "Flanker" family, describing the genesis of this family and providing a review of the variants, their systems, and capabilities and how they are used by the Peoples Liberation Army.

What followed, however, was a complex drama in which both sides told different stories. After the direct sale from Russia, China received an order for licence production. Initially, success was mixed, and as manufacturing processes evolved and improved, the J-11 fighters produced under licence no longer met the PLAAF's requirements.
As a result, China developed its own variants of the "Flanker" with improved avionics, armament and engines, which Russia regarded as a violation of the formal agreement. Regardless of whether these "Sino-Flankers" were illegal copies, enhanced clones or independent versions, the Chinese "Flanker" series ultimately evolved into a wide range of variants, sometimes with no real counterparts in Russia.
This book provides a complete overview of the Chinese "Flanker" family, describing the origins of this family of aircraft and giving an overview of the variants, their systems and capabilities, and their use by the People's Liberation Army.

Polderman, Robin: Modern South Korean Air Power 24,95 €

Tue, 02 Jun 2026 06:50:04 +0200

Since the early 1950s, the heavily industrialised nation of South Korea has seen steady growth and is now the worlds seventh-largest exporter and 11th-largest economy overall. As the Cold War on the Korean peninsula gathered momentum, the development of the Republic of Korea Air Force became one of the nations top priorities. While initially dependent on the United States for its aircraft, Koreas aviation industry has matured rapidly, and the ROKAFs use of indigenously manufactured equipment is on the rise. "Modern South Korean Air Power" provides a detailed look at the aircraft and armament, as well as the organisation and the modernisation process of the ROKAF. The air arm has invested heavily in its early warning and intelligence-gathering capability to guard against the unpredictability of its northern neighbour. A territorial dispute with long-standing rival Japan, as well as incursions into its airspace by both China and Russia, have fuelled the need to transform the ROKAF into a technologically superior force. In its ongoing efforts to maintain its edge, the ROKAF has introduced fifth-generation stealth fighters while at the same time still making effective use of obsolete biplanes. It is this wide variety of aircraft and helicopters that make this air arm one of a kind. This book is a highly informative and richly illustrated source of reference and documents the ROKAF in a previously unavailable degree of detail. It provides an insightful and in-depth look at the journey the service has embarked upon to face the regional security challenges of tomorrow.

In its ongoing efforts to stay ahead of the game, the ROKAF has introduced fifth-generation stealth fighters while continuing to effectively utilise obsolete biplanes. It is this diversity of aircraft and helicopters that makes this force so unique. This book is a highly informative and richly illustrated reference work, documenting the ROKAF in a level of detail not previously available. It provides a revealing and detailed insight into the development of the South Korean Air Force as it seeks to meet the regional security challenges of tomorrow.

Cooper, Tom, Ebrahimi, Sirous/Hooton, E. R.: Iran-Iraq Naval War. Volume 1: Opening Blows, September-November 1980 26,95 €

Sat, 23 May 2026 07:30:10 +0200

Nominally at least, the bloody and ruinous eight-year war fought between Iran and Iraq was a confrontation dominated by operations on land. The traditional impression is that the resources devoted to naval warfare were minute in comparison to those of its major land battlefields. As so often, the reality is almost diametrically opposite. Certainly enough, the horrendous casualties incurred in major land offensives make the Iran-Iraq War one of the bloodiest conflicts of the twentieth century. It escaped public attention that the mass of what was happening on these battlefields was decided by naval warfare and that indeed, the consequences of that naval warfare led Iraq to the 1990 invasion of Kuwait, and the countrys subsequent downfall into chaos and civil war.
During the first year of the Iran-Iraq War, Iranian naval activity began to prove decisive for the countrys ability to continue waging the war. Not only was its primary point of exporting crude oil - Khark Island - in the northern Persian Gulf, but Iran became heavily dependent on hauling reinforcements and supplies from ports in the lower and central Gulf, foremost Bandar-e Abbas and Bushehr, to the modern and huge port of Bandar-e Khomeyni in the north. This in turn prompted the Iraqis to attempt interrupting both of these flows. Iraq deployed the full spectrum of their arsenal including the Aéorspatiale AM.39 Exocet anti-ship missile, which saw its first combat deployment at least six months before its use during the Falklands War. However, much of this story this has remained unknown beyond superficial insight into the "Tanker War".
The first part of Volume 1 of this mini-series concentrates on providing the background and context of the conflict, and of the naval capabilities of the two belligerents: through a detailed study of both navies and the two air forces. It provides a precise analysis of their capabilities and intentions and sets the scene for the naval warfare of the following eight years.

The second part covers the first months of the war, including the famous air and naval Operation Morvarid, undertaken with the aim of destroying the two primary Iraqi oil-loading terminals in the northern Persian Gulf.
Based on extensive primary research making use of previously unavailable documentation and interviews with veterans, and richly illustrated, this volume provides unique insights into modern-day naval warfare, including many lessons-learned still valid in the present day.

Cunnigham, Ryan: Modern Chinese Military Aircraft. 1990-Present. Fighters - Bombers - Reconnaissance 22,95 €

Sat, 23 May 2026 07:38:42 +0200

Arranged chronologically by type, the book covers everything from the venerable Cold War-era Chengdu J-7, a third-generation fighter still in service, to the J-10 "Vigorous Dragon" multirole fighters that patrol the Taiwan Strait today. The guide is illustrated with accurate profile artworks of some of the best - and least - known aircraft, such as the Shenyang J-8 interceptor, which served in the late Cold War in great numbers and was a copy of the Soviet MiG-21; the antitank armed Harbin Z-9 helicopter; the Shenyang J-15 carrier-based fourth-generation multirole fighter; the Caihong 4 surveillance drone; and the latest Chengdu J-20. "Modern Chinese Military Aircraft" is an essential reference guide for modelers and enthusiasts of military aviation.

Nicolle, David/Cooper, Tom: MiGs in the Middle East. Band 1: The First 10 Years, 1955-1967 25,95 €

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 06:15:28 +0200

Egypt and Czechoslovakia signed the so-called "Czechoslovak Arms Deal", thus initiating a unique era of close cooperation between major Arab military powers, the former Union of the Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) and its allies. During the first decade of this period, the air force of Egypt, followed by those of (in chronological order) Syria, Iraq, Morocco and Algeria, were all equipped with dozens and then hundreds of Soviet-made fighters designed by the Mikoyan/Gurevich Design Bureau - the same swept-wing jets that took the Western powers by surprise during the Korean War. While the first generation of MiG jet fighter - the MiG-15 - saw only a relatively brief service in Egypt, its more efficient and upgraded successor, the MiG-17F, entered service in bigger numbers, and then formed the backbone of additional air forces around the Middle East. The MiG-17PF became the first radar-equipped combat aircraft while the MiG-19 became the first supersonic fighter flown by the air forces of Egypt and Iraq, in the period 1958-1963. In Morocco and Algeria, the MiG-17 was the first and the only jet fighter in service during the first half of the 1960s. Unsurprisingly, MiG-15s, MiG-17s and MiG-19s thus served with many different units and - especially in Egypt and Algeria, and also in Syria - wore a wide range of very different, and often very colorful unit insignia and other markings. They were also flown by many pilots who subsequently played crucial roles in the future of their nations. Based on original documentation and extensive interviews with veterans and richly illustrated, "MiGs in the Middle East", Volume 1 is a unique source of reference on the operational history of MiG-15, MiG-17, and MiG-19 fighter jets in Algeria, Egypt, Iraq, Morocco, and Syria from 1955 until 1956. This is the first volume in a mini-series.

The images, especially the coloured aircraft profiles, document the various paint schemes, markings and insignia used by the Egyptian, Syrian, Iraqi, Moroccan and Algerian MiGs between 1955 and 1967.

Müller, Holger: Shenyang F-7. China's Fighter for the World. Exports of J-7/F-7/FT-/FTC-2000 26,95 €

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 06:20:28 +0200

When it was founded in 1949, the People's Republic of China was a backward agricultural state with no industrial base to speak of and no armaments industry of its own. From the very beginning, Mao Tse Dng, the founder of the state, endeavoured to develop his own modern defence industry in order to gain weight on the international stage. Part of this effort was the development of a domestic aerospace industry with massive support from the USSR. Until the two countries broke up in 1961 due to ideological differences, more than 100 aviation companies were established with Soviet help and the licensed production of numerous aircraft types from trainers to heavy bombers was started. The last of these was the MiG-21, which is reproduced in China as the J-7.
It took more than 10 years before the country, weakened by the "Great Leap Forward" and the Cultural Revolution, succeeded at all in producing this comparatively complex aircraft. Only the comprehensive reforms after the death of state founder Mao created the basis for a return to orderly production of a technology that was already two decades old and outdated. The rapprochement with the West in the early 1980s made it possible, in part, to overcome the technological backlog. The integration of Western avionics into the Soviet airframe did not make the J/F-7 a modern combat aircraft like the F-16 and MiG-29 developed at the same time, but it increased its combat value to such an extent that it became an export success for the Third World. However, even more important was the access to Western technologies, later also for air-to-air missiles, which were initially, simply copied and later formed the basis for in-house developments of modern equipment and weapons systems.
When cooperation with the West ended abruptly after the Tiananmen massacre of 1989, Chinese engineers and scientists had accumulated enough know-how to provide their own impetus in the further development of the J/F-7 family. Due to the combination of new aerodynamics and modern avionics, true multi-role combat aircraft were finally created which today, still spearhead their air forces in numerous countries in Asia and Africa. When the production of the J/F-7 finally ended in 2016, two generations of modern fighters based on this design were coming off the production line in China, and the prototypes of the fifth generation were already flying. The experience gained by China's aerospace industry in developing the J/F-7 from a day fighter to a multi-role fighter has made this success possible.

The book deals with both the technical development of the J/F-7 family and its actual or potential use in more than a dozen countries on five continents.

Badri-Maharaj. Sanjay: 90 Years of the Indian Air Force. Present Capabilities and Future Prospects 21,95 €

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 06:15:31 +0200

The Indian Air Force was formed on 8 October 1932. Tested in the Second World War and in subsequent India-Pakistan conflicts, the force enters its 90th year as one of the largest air forces in the world. However, it also faces enhanced challenges in the region as it seeks to replace legacy systems, upgrade its combat and support assets and to also expand its force levels. Despite many problems the IAF is facing the second decade of the twenty-first century with an increasingly rationalised doctrine, an improving air defence network, an array of new ordnance and electronics and a rejuvenated combat fleet.
"90 Years of the Indian Air Force" examines the Indian Air Force as it exists today and its moves towards modernisation. Each element of the IAF, along with the current inventory of aircraft as they relate to its combat squadrons, transport fleet, helicopter forces, training and electronic warfare and surveillance assets are discussed. In addition, the IAFs air defence network and its large SAM inventory are detailed along with the fledgling Defence Space Agency which operates with Air Force assistance. Indias existing space assets are discussed as they relate to airspace surveillance and management.
The ongoing modernisation of the Indian Air Force is examined in terms of new acquisitions and the upgrading of older but viable platforms. Similarly, the ongoing efforts to improve the Air Defence network, ISTAR systems, AEW platforms and new SAMs are analysed. Moreover, the focus on indigenous designs in respect of radars, aircraft, ordnance and SAMs are explored in detail. Two separate elements of this effort are discussed; license production of foreign designs and a renewed emphasis on local designs for combat aircraft, trainers, helicopters, weapons and SAMs, this local production being key to the IAFs future modernisation.

In addition, the IAF's air defence network and its extensive SAM inventory are described in detail, as is the fledgling Defence Space Agency, which operates with the support of the Air Force. India's existing space assets are discussed in the context of airspace surveillance and management.
The ongoing modernisation of the Indian Air Force is examined in terms of new acquisitions and upgrading of older but functional platforms. Similarly, the ongoing efforts to improve the air defence network, ISTAR systems, AEW platforms and new SAMs will be analysed. In addition, emphasis will be placed on the development of indigenous radars, aircraft, armament and SAMs, which will be examined in detail. Two separate elements of this effort are discussed: the licensed production of foreign designs and the renewed emphasis on indigenous designs for fighter aircraft, training aircraft, helicopters, weapons and SAMs, with this indigenous production being key to the future modernisation of the IAF.

Müller, Holger: China's Fighter for the World. The F-7/FT-7 Family. Volume 2: World-Wide Service 26,95 €

Sat, 23 May 2026 07:40:09 +0200

A volume from the Technology @ War series. Continuing the story of the Shenyang (later Chengdu) F-7 and FT-7 family of jet fighters manufactured in the People's Republic of China, Volume 2 recounts the significant improvements to their equipment and their commercial success over decades. The rapprochement with the West and the integration of Western avionics into the Soviet airframe did not make the J/F-7 a particularly advanced combat aircraft, but it did increase its combat value to such an extent that it became an export hit. More importantly, this not only gave the Chinese access to Western technologies, including air-to-air missiles, which they copied, but also laid the foundation for the in-house development of modern equipment and weapon systems. When cooperation with the West came to an abrupt end after the Tiananmen Square massacre in 1989, Chinese engineers and scientists had accumulated enough know-how to continue developing the J/F-7 family on their own. Thanks to the combination of new aerodynamics and modern avionics, genuine multi-role combat aircraft were finally created, which still form the spearhead of the air forces of numerous countries in Asia and Africa today. When production of the J/F-7 was finally discontinued in 2016, two generations of modern combat aircraft based on this design were already rolling off the production line in China, and the prototypes of the fifth generation were already in the air. The experience gained by China's aviation industry in developing the J/F-7 from a day fighter to a multi-role combat aircraft was instrumental in this success. Volume 2 contains both a detailed description of the equipment and avionics of all variants and sub-variants of the J-7/F-7/FT-7 family and a detailed report on their deployment in more than a dozen countries on five continents.

Doyle, David: P-51 Mustang. Volume 1: North American's Mk. I, A, B and C Models in World War II 21,95 €

Sat, 23 May 2026 07:10:15 +0200

The North American P-51 Mustang remains one of the most famous and recognizable aircraft in the world to this day. Nimble and fast--qualities that led the Mustang to be used even today in air races--the aircraft was forged in battle. The early Mustangs, often referred to as "Razorback Mustangs," were the first of the type to be built and helped stem the tide of Axis aggression in WWII. This, the first of two volumes on this iconic aircraft, explores the early P-51s. The history of this iconic aircraft is presented through carefully researched archival photos, as well as photographs of preserved examples, thereby illustrating not only the combat use of the Mk. I, A, B, and C P-51 models, but also the details of its design and construction. Large, clear photos, coupled with descriptive and informative captions, put the reader on the airfield and in the sky with this historic aircraft. The Part of the Legends of Warfare series.

Mazhar, Yawar/Shabbir, Usman: Eagles of Destiny. Volume 1: Birth and Growth of the Royal Pakistan Air Force and Pakistan Air Force 1947-1956 28,95 €

Sat, 30 May 2026 07:40:07 +0200

To say that the Pakistan Air Force has an eventful history would not be an overstatement. Right from inception it was in the thick of things supporting ground troops in Kashmir, while trying to stand on its own feet. Two major wars ensued in which it performed well against a numerically superior force. "Eagles of Destiny" covers the early years of Royal Pakistan Air Force, while still being led by seconded Royal Air Force personnel and operating under a British model, through to being led by Pakistani officers and its transformation into a first-rate tactical force based on the American approach to air operations. The acquisition of assets under British leadership and later via the American Mutual Defence Assistance Program are covered in detail as are the resulting changes in operational concepts. The major wars with India during 1965 and 1971 are also covered in detail, including the intervening period, where an American arms embargo brought in drastic changes and a flare for improvisation.
"Eagles of Destiny" is based on extensive research conducted over more than 20 years, including interviewing large numbers of officers, many of whom shaped the events along with access to numerous British, American and Pakistani archives.

"Eagles of Destiny" is illustrated by hundreds of unique photographs, some never published before, giving a visual treat and insight into those days.

Claringbould, Michael: Pacific Profiles. Volume 14: Allied Bombers. B-25 Mitchell Series Australia, New Guinea and the Solomons 1942-1945 43,95 €

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 06:20:28 +0200

The "Pacific Profiles" series presents the most accurate WWII profiles of Allied and Japanese aircraft which served throughout Australia, New Guinea the South Pacific. This Volume 14 covers those B-25, PBJ and F-10 Mitchell models which served in these theatres from March 1942 until the end of the war. Mitchells served a total of 21 USAAF bomber and reconnaissance squadrons, plus others were operated by the USMC, RAAF and NEIAF.

Most profiles are presented for the first time, alongside markings derivations, including squadron heraldry and codes. Until now there has been a paucity of markings material about many of these units. Each profile is supported by photos and/or documentation, along with a brief history of each aircraft. Wide-ranging primary reference material is cited including assignment data, wreck reports, squadron records, colour photography, maintenance logs, diaries and factory markings specifications. A brief summary history of each unit and associated markings rationale accompanies the text.

Gettinger, Dan: Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicles 39,95 €

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 06:15:28 +0200

The field of unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs) is rapidly diversifying as an array of light, midsized and heavy UCAVs and munitions enter the global marketplace. This has the potential to dramatically expand access to armed unmanned platforms and change the way unmanned aerial vehicles are used in combat. The influence of UCAVs on the conduct of war has already been felt in conflicts in the Caucasus, the Middle East and North Africa, where state and non-state actors have fielded a dizzying number of UCAVs from around the world. At the same time, advanced militaries are beginning to equip UCAVs with increasingly sophisticated munitions, some of which are heavier and can fly farther than the types of weapons used by UCAVs in the past.
In "Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicles. Current Types, Ordnance and Operations" Gettinger presents an essential guide to the world of armed unmanned aircraft. It features profiles of every UCAV currently in active military service or under development, as well as other UAVs that could potentially be armed in the future. By parsing publicly available information and data, Gettinger offers a detailed timeline of the design and use of these armed UAVs. This "Strategic Handbook" includes, for the first time, a discerning and comprehensive study of UCAV munitions, offering readers a unique perspective into a segment of the UCAV market that portends an expansive combat role for unmanned combat aircraft long into the future.

By analysing publicly available information and data, the author provides a detailed timeline for the design and use of these armed UAVs. For the first time, this "Strategic Handbook" contains an in-depth and comprehensive study of UCAV munitions, offering readers a unique insight into a segment of the UCAV market that portends a far-reaching combat role for unmanned combat aircraft in the future.

Andersson, Lennart: Chinese Military Aviation 1912-1937. Band 1: Air Forces in Beijing and Guangzhou, 1912-1927 27,95 €

Wed, 27 May 2026 07:00:07 +0200

A volume from the series Asia @ War. This work offers the first detailed and comprehensive study of the earliest Chinese military air forces, focusing on their establishment and development in Beijing and Guangzhou between 1912 and 1927. Drawing on a wide range of archival sources in Chinese, English, French, German, Russian and Japanese many of which are newly accessible or previously overlooked this work reconstructs the emergence of aviation as an instrument of state power and warlords in early Republican China. After the 1911 revolution, both the central government in Beijing and the rival regimes in the south recognised the potential of aviation for exercising power and prestige. The book documents the founding of the Nanyuan Aviation School near Beijing in 1913 and Sun Yat-sen's competing efforts to establish an air force in Guangzhou. It examines in detail the personalities involved Chinese pioneers, foreign instructors and advisers, warlords and political leaders and shows how fragile institutional frameworks attempted to sustain these fledgling air services amid political chaos, financial constraints and shifting loyalties. The study traces the acquisition of French, British, American, Japanese, and Italian aircraft, the involvement of Western aviation companies, and the impact of international arms embargoes on Chinese procurement efforts. It also details China's early attempts to manufacture its own aircraft and the establishment of local repair and production workshops. Operations during internal conflicts such as the White Wolf Rebellion, the Zhili-Anhui and Zhili-Fengtian wars, and the bandit suppression campaigns are analysed, showing how aviation was used sometimes symbolically, sometimes operationally in China's fragmented military landscape. Through meticulous research and a critical approach to sources, this volume refutes simplistic portrayals of Chinese aviation as merely derivative or dependent. Instead, it presents a nuanced picture of a complex and often chaotic process of technological and institutional adaptation under extreme conditions. Dozens of rare photographs and extensive appendices listing aircraft types, air force commanders, and aviation students further enhance the work's value as a reference work. Volume 1 lays the foundation for a multi-volume series tracing Chinese military aviation from its beginnings to the eve of the war with Japan. It is an indispensable resource for historians studying modern China, air power, military innovation between the world wars, and international arms transfers.

Toperczer, I./Wyllie, I. (Illustr.): MiG-17 and MiG-19 Units of the Vietnam War 19,95 €

Thu, 14 May 2026 06:30:07 +0200

The erstwhile enemy of the USAF and US Navy during the nine years of American involvement in the Vietnam War (1955-1975), the Vietnamese Peoples' Air Force (VPAF) quickly grew from an ill-organised rabble of poorly trained pilots flying antiquated communist aircraft into a highly effective fighting force that more than held its own over the skies of North Vietnam. Flying Soviet fighters like the MiG-17, and -19, the VPAF produced over a dozen aces, whilst the Americans managed just two pilots and three navigators in the same period.

Rupprecht, Andreas: Modern Chinese Warplanes 19,95 €

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 06:00:32 +0200

Due to China's strong dependence/reliance on its economic development but also due to its rising political ambitions with the aim to resume a central role in the regional and global affairs, it is vital for China to show some sort of military presence in its area of influence. Consequently, within the past decade, China's military - in both strategic considerations and the modernisation of procedures and material as well - has undergone some of the most profound reforms since its establishment and the Chinese Navy and its Naval Air Arm play an ever more increasing role to achieve these goals. The 2016-released National white paper' has emphasized a greater focus on the seas and clearly stated that China's has to establish itself as a major maritime power. Consequently, the PLN will shift its focus from 'offshore waters defence' to an 'open seas protection'. That means in parallel to the PLAAF's modernisations, the changes for the PLN - and concerning the scope off the book the Naval Aviation - will be probably even more dramatic when the Naval Aviation creates a modern, capable 'Blue Water' force. In terms of modern systems, the PLNAF will steadily increase its naval capabilities by introducing more modern multirole-capable systems but most important by the establishment of an indigenous carrier force. Similar to the original Modern Chinese Warplanes and Flashpoint China books, this uniquely compact yet comprehensive directory serves as a magnificently illustrated, in-depth analysis and directory of modern Chinese Naval Air Power. It is organised in four parts: the most important military aircraft and their weapons found in Naval Aviation service today; aircraft markings and serial number systems; the recent modernization efforts and structural reforms and orders of battle for the People's Liberation Naval Air Force.

The national White Paper published in 2016 emphasised a stronger focus on the oceans and made it clear that China wants to establish itself as a major naval power. As a result, the Chinese navy will shift its focus from defence of coastal waters to protection of the seas. This means that in parallel with the modernisation of the Chinese naval air force, the changes for the fleet - and in terms of the scope of the naval air force - are likely to become even more dramatic once the navy's flying units have created a modern, capable blue water force.

Toperczer, I./Styling, M. (Illustr.): MiG-21 Units of the Vietnam War 19,95 €

Sat, 23 May 2026 07:10:15 +0200

Osprey's study of the use of MiG-21 Units in the Vietnam War (1955-1975). Having honed their piloting skills on the subsonic MiG-17 and transonic MiG-19, the Vietnamese Peoples Air Force (VPAF) received their first examples of the legendary MiG-21 supersonic fighter in 1966. Soon thrown into combat over North Vietnam, the guided-missile equipped MiG-21 proved a deadly opponent for the USAF, Navy and Marine Corps crews striking at targets deep into communist territory. Most of the VPAFs 12+ aces scored their bulk of their kills in the MiG-21, which was then the best fighter produced by Russias premier fast jet manufacturer, Mikoyan Gurevich. Well over 200 MiG-21s were supplied to the VPAF, and the numerous models and the schemes they wore are chronicled in great detail in this unique volume.

Davies, Peter E./Laurier, Jim (Illustr.)/Hector, Gareth (Illustr.): B-52 Stratofortress vs Sa-2 "Guideline" SAM 15,95 €

Sat, 23 May 2026 07:10:15 +0200

Ever since its introduction in the late 1950s, the B-52 "Stratofortress" has been the United States' primary heavy bomber and a powerful symbol of its immense military might. Its powerful electronic countermeasures equipment (ECM) was thought to make the B-52 immune to ground-to-air missile attack, but in Vietnam, and later conflicts such as Operation "Desert Storm" in 1991, it came up against the Soviet-designed SA-2 SAM which used heavy salvos of missiles to bring down the bombers. The losses of several of its most feared, powerful, and supposedly invincible bombers per night to a torrent of Soviet missiles during the closing stages of the Vietnam War was sobering to Americans, but the B-52s' crushing attacks virtually eliminated North Vietnam's defenses and forced a peace settlement. This fascinating book will analyze the roles of the SA-2 operators and the B-52 Electronic Warfare Officers (EWOs) using specially commissioned artwork as well as first-hand account, and traces the cat-and-mouse tactics that each side employed.

This fascinating book analyses the roles of SA-2 operators on the ground and B-52 Electronic Warfare Officers (EWOs) in the air using specially commissioned colour illustrations, contemporary photographs and first-hand accounts that give a good insight into the cat-and-mouse game between the American bombers and the North Vietnamese anti-aircraft missiles.

Rupprecht, Andreas: Chinese Air Power in the 20th Century 24,95 €

Sat, 23 May 2026 07:10:15 +0200

The international community has not only acknowledged China?s continuing rise as a world power but has also closely observed Beijing regain its place in the international community and grow to become a dominant player in the Far East.Despite the difficulty in obtaining relevant information, Harpia?s Modern Chinese Warplanes series has filled an important void in recent years, focusing on the current situation, the structure of this growing force, its order of battle, and the latest types in service and under development.Chinese Air Power in the 20th Century examines the different periods, explains the political events behind them and they connect to military developments, individual structure and capabilities.This comprehensive directory provides a lavishly illustrated, in-depth analysis and overview of the historical gestation of the PLAAF and its path to becoming the modern air arm we know today.The title also includes an assessment of how the political climate influenced the design and development of the country?s major military aircraft including the fighters, attack aircraft and bombers created by the Chinese aviation industry after World War II. This also includes a number of design proposals which, for various reasons, were rejected or abandoned.

It shows how the Chinese air force has developed over the last few decades into the modern air force of today.