Berliner Zinnfiguren/Books & Media/Book series/Air Forces/Flight Craft products

Skipper, Ben: Lockheed C-130 Hercules 20,00 €

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 06:25:24 +0200

Volume 34 of the Flight Craft series. Lockheed's ubiquitous C-130 Hercules, also known as Fat Albert, was born out of combat experience during the Korean War, a conflict that highlighted the need for a robust transport aircraft designed with a do anything, go anywhere ethos. First flown in August 1954, the C-130 was powered by four turboprop engines mounted under a high wing that allowed for easy loading via a rear ramp, and it soon proved to be an extremely versatile aircraft. The easily configurable cargo compartment set the C-130 apart from other aircraft, and soon there were several variants, the first of which was a supply aircraft equipped with skis. The C-130 was particularly well suited to this type of task, and the air transport department staff soon developed new ways of using the cargo. These included low-altitude drops, which proved invaluable in providing aid to isolated disaster areas. Other variants included air-to-air refuelling aircraft, electronic reconnaissance platforms and weather reconnaissance aircraft. The C-130, now manufactured by Lockheed Martin, has become synonymous with tactical air transport and is the longest continuously produced military aircraft since the first model rolled off the production line in 1954. Since its introduction into service, the C-130 has spawned over seventy variants, including combat, search and rescue, and scientific research aircraft, and is currently in service with around seventy nations. It is not without reason that Lockheed Martin claims that at any given moment, there is at least one C-130 in the air somewhere in the world. With over 2,500 aircraft produced, some of which are almost thirty years old, this is more than plausible. This Flight Craft title offers aviation enthusiasts, historians and model builders an exciting selection of C-130-related resources in the form of photos, illustrations and excellent display models to help them build their own versions of this highly successful and extremely versatile aircraft.

Gordon, Y./Kommissarov, D.: Soviet Spyplanes of the Cold War 21,95 €

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 07:34:00 +0200

Volume 1 of the "Flight Craft" series. Full-colour aircraft profiles and extensive photographic material on the most important Soviet spy planes of the Cold War, including aircraft such as the Yakovlev Yak-25RV "Mandrake" and the MiG-25R "Foxbat". Overview of the development history and deployment of the individual aircraft types. Colour photos and coloured aircraft profiles illustrate the various paint schemes, markings and insignia, especially for model makers. Modelling section with reviews of various kits.

Gordon, Y./Kommissarov, D.: Russian Gunship Helicopters 24,95 €

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 07:34:00 +0200

Volume 2 of the "Flight Craft" series. Colour profiles and extensive pictorial material on Russian combat helicopters from the Cold War era and afterwards, including types such as the Mil Mi-24 "Hind", the Mil Mi-28 and the Kamov Ka-52. Overview of the development history and use of the three helicopters. Colour photos and colour profiles illustrate the various paint schemes, markings and insignia, especially for model makers. Modelling sections with reviews of various kits.

O'Toole, T./Robinson, N./Derry, M.: Hawker Hurricane and Sea Hurricane 21,95 €

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 07:34:00 +0200

The Hurricane served in every wartime theatre, from Norway and France, the Battle of
Britain, the defence of Malta, to the campaigns in the Western Desert and the
Mediterranean, on the Russian Front and in the Far East where it saw service until the
end of hostilities. Split into three primary sections, this volume offers a concise yet informative history of the Hurricane's development, operational career and design improvements, including many contemporary photographs with detailed captions; a 16-page colour illustration
section featuring 48 separate aircraft (in profiles and 2-views); and finally a section
prepared by that well-known and established doyen of model makers, Tony O'Toole,
listing and illustrating the plastic model kits produced of the Hurricane in all scales.

Gordon, Y./Kommissariv: Sukhoi Su-15. The Boeing Killer 21,95 €

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 07:34:00 +0200

In the late 1950s, the Sukhoi Design Bureau, already an established fighter maker,
started work on a successor to its Su-9 and Su-11 single-engined interceptors for the
national Air Defence Force. Similar to its predecessors, the new aircraft designated Su
-15 had delta wings; unlike the Su-9/Su-11, however, it had twin engines and lateral air
intakes freeing up the nose for a powerful fire control radar. First flown in May 1962, the
Su-15 officially entered service in 1965 and was built in several versions, the late ones
having cranked-delta wings and a more capable radar. Being an air defence fighter, the
Su-15 frequently had to deal with intruders. Unfortunately the aircraft gained notoriety in
two separate incidents involving shoot-downs of Boeing airliners (a 707 in 1978 and a
747 in 1983), both of which were South Korean and had intruded into Soviet airspace on
what was very probably clandestine spy missions. This book describes the developmental and service history of the Sukhoi-Su-15,
containing a comprehensive survey of all model-making kits currently available on the
market.

Windle, D./Bowman, M.: V-Bombers. Valiant, Vulcan & Victor 21,95 €

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 07:34:00 +0200

Britain's desire to stay at the leading edge in the design and development of modern jet powered aircraft was born in the later stages of the Second World War. The Royal Air Force sent requests to the leading aircraft manufactures for a variety of specifications, amongst which was one for a long-range heavy bomber. Three designs were accepted and eventually went into production - these became the V-Bomber Force. The Vickers Valiant, Vulcan and Victor saw prolific and varied service during the course of their careers. This book contains fabulous colour profiles (created by Dave Windle) of all three types in different operational modes, configurations and colour schemes. Martin Bowman has written detailed descriptions and photographs to create the perfect enthusiasts reference. This enhanced and revised edition (the book was initially published in 2009) comes complete with model-making content as well as a host of brand new design features, making for a lively new addition to our esteemed Flight Craft series.

Gordon, Y./Komissarov, D.: Mikoyan MiG-31 Interceptor 21,95 €

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 07:34:00 +0200

Volume 8 from the series "Flight Craft". Rich in facets, comprehensive and richly illustrated, the booklet presents the Soviet/Russian MiG-31 interceptor, which entered service with the Soviet Air Force in 1981. The book describes the complete development history of the MiG-31, including all combat upgrade programmes and modifications, and provides an overview of the model kits currently available on the market for this aircraft type.

Robinson, N./Derry, M.: Avro Shackleton 21,95 €

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 07:34:00 +0200

Initially projected as a maritime reconnaissance version of the Lincoln bomber, itself a development of the famous wartime Lancaster which saw post-war service in a General/Maritime Reconnaissance role, (see Flight Craft No 4), the Avro Shackleton, (named after the polar explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton) was a completely new design, powered by four Rolls Royce Griffon 57 engines driving six blade contra-rotating propellers.Split into three main sections, this latest Flight Craft title, perfectly timed to coincide with the release of the first examples of the eagerly awaited new tool 1/72 scale Airfix kit, offers a concise history of the Shackleton's development and operational career from the prototype and initial entry in to RAF service in 1951, and its use with the South African Air Force, the only other operator of the type. Section 1 chronicles its design, ongoing improvements and development through the three main Marks, in both the Maritime Reconnaissance and Airborne Early Warning roles, until its retirement after four decades of RAF service in 1991, which includes scores of contemporary photographs with detailed captions, many of which have never been seen in print before.This is followed by a 16-page color illustration section featuring profiles and 2-views of the color schemes and markings carried by the type in RAF and SAAF service. The final section lists all the plastic model kits, accessories and decal sheets produced of the Shackleton in all scales. As with the other books in the Flight Craft series, whilst published primarily with the scale aircraft modeler in mind, it is hoped that those readers who might perhaps describe themselves as 'occasional' modelers may also find that this colorful and informative work offers something to provoke their interests too.

Gordon, Y./Kommissarov, D.: Mil' Mi-6 / -26 Heavy-Lift Helicopters 21,95 €

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 07:34:00 +0200

Developed in the early 1950s to meet a Soviet Army requirement and first flown in June 1957, the Mi-6 was the largest-yet helicopter created in the Soviet Union. Its notable features included a power-plant consisting of two turbo-shaft engines (for the first time on a Soviet helicopter) and stub wings offloading the main rotor in forward flight; the cabin was big enough to accommodate artillery systems and tactical ballistic missiles. Built by two plants, the Mi-6 saw service with the Soviet Air Force (including participation in the Afghan War) and the air arms of several Soviet allies. It also proved valuable as a civil air-lifter during oilfield exploration in Siberia, remaining in service right the way up to 2002. A worthy successor to the Mi-6 appeared in 1977 - the Mi-26. With its 20-ton payload, it was (and still is) the world's largest and most capable transport helicopter. Again, the Mi-26 had both military and commercial uses (the former included participation in several armed conflicts); the type is still in production, being updated to meet modern requirements, and has been exported to several countries in Asia and Latin America.The book describes the history, variants and service career of the Mil' 'big lifters' and contains a detailed overview of the scale model kits covering these types which are currently available on the market.

Derry, Martin/Robinson, Neil: The Junkers Ju87 Stuka 21,95 €

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 07:34:00 +0200

The Junkers Ju 87 "Stuka" (a contraction of the German word "Sturzkampfflugzeug", i.e. dive bomber) was arguably the Luftwaffe's most recognizable airplane, with its inverted gull wings and fixed spatted undercarriage. Designed by Hermann Pohlmann as a dedicated dive bomber and ground-attack aircraft, the prototype first flew in 1935, and made its combat debut in 1937 with the Luftwaffe's "Condor Legion" during the Spanish Civil War. After several design changes in the light of operational experiences, the "Stuka" went on to serve the Luftwaffe and Axis forces, from the invasion of Poland in 1939, through the Battles of France and Britain in 1940, over the North African desert and the across Mediterranean, the invasion of Russia and the subsequent bitter fighting in that vast area, and following several more design changes and upgrades, continued to serve through to the end of World War Two. This latest addition to the growing Flight Craft range, follows the previous well established format, in that it is split in to three main sections. The first section, after offering a concise design and development history, continues with coverage of the various subtypes, from "Anton" to "Gustav" and their operational use from the Spanish Civil War to the end of World War Two. This is followed by a 16-page full color illustration section featuring detailed profiles and 2-views of the color schemes and markings carried by the type in Luftwaffe and Axis service. The final section lists as many of the injection-moulded plastic model kits produced of the Junkers Ju 87 in all the major scales that the authors could find details of, including the brand new "Airfix" 1:72 and 1:48 scale kits which were released while this book was being written, with photos of many finished models made by some of the world's best modelers. As with all the other books in the Flight Craft range, whilst published primarily with the scale aircraft modeler in mind, it is hoped that those readers who might perhaps describe themselves as 'occasional' modelers, or even simply aviation enthusiasts, may also find that this colourful and informative work offers something to provoke their interests too.

Cole, Lance: The Supermarine Spitfire. The Mark V and its Variants 21,95 €

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 07:34:00 +0200

The story of the "Supermarine Spitfire" has been told across many years and the debate about it is enduring, yet the "Spitfire" remains a true icon. For aviation enthusiasts, for historians, for modellers, the word "Spitfire" conjures many stories and affections. This book presents the "Spitfire" enthusiast with an up-to-date history of the "Spitfire" - not just in its design and application in war, but also as a flying memorial and as an aero modellers' vital focus.The text examines recently revealed forgotten aspects of the "Spitfire" story; by combining the elements of design, the story of a weapon of war and a revered scale model, this book frames an essential chapter in aviation history. Packed with original and contemporary images and information, and displaying unique "Spitfire" model collections, the narrative bridges an important gap and is a worthy addition to the "FlightCraft" series.

Cole, Lance: Vickers VC10 & Super VC10 21,95 €

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 07:34:00 +0200

The VC10 was a second-generation jetliner designed in the 1960s and manufactured into the 1970s. It incorporated advanced engineering, new aerodynamics, and design features, to produce a swept, sculpted machine easily identifiable by its high T-tail design and rear-engine configuration. The VC10 could take off in a very short distance, climb more steeply and land at slower speed than its rivals the Boeing 707 and Douglas DC-8. These were vital safety benefits in the early years of the jet age. At one stage, the Super VC10 was the biggest airliner made in Europe and the fastest in the world. On entry into service, both the VC10 and the longer Super VC10 carved out a niche with passengers who enjoyed the speed, silence and elegance of the airliner. Pilots, meanwhile, loved its ease of flying and extra power. Yet the VC10 project was embroiled in political and corporate machinations across many years and more than one government. BOAC got what they asked for but went on to criticise the VC10 for not being a 707 - which was a different beast entirely. Questions were asked in parliament and the whole story was enmeshed in a political and corporate affair that signified the end of British big airliner production. Yet the men who made the VC10 also went on to design and build Concorde. Many VC10 pilots became Concorde pilots. In service until the 1980s with British Airways, and until 2013 with the RAF, the VC10 became a British icon and a national hero, one only eclipsed by Concorde. It remains an enthusiast's hero.

The aircraft, which was originally designed as a passenger aircraft, was also used by the Royal Air Force as a transport aircraft. This book describes the entire development and operational history of the VC10 and Super VC10, shows paint schemes using coloured aircraft profiles and presents a range of models and kits for this aircraft type in a separate model section.

Skipper, Ben: B-17 Flying Fortress 21,95 €

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

The B-17 Flying Fortress, a term coined by a Seattle Daily Times report in 1935, was a quantum leap in offensive air power. Designed for a nation whose foreign policy was still deeply isolationist, and an Air Corps whose in-service bomber fleet was dominated by bi-planes, the B-17, with its four engines, huge wingspan, enviable payload - almost double that of contemporary bombers - and all metal construction, ushered in a new age.
For an aircraft of its size and relative complexity the B-17s design and development was heralded by a host of key innovations with the unveiling of the XB-15 (Boeing 294), including engine access crawl ways, enhanced endurance and massive load capacity. Within a year the Y1B-17 or Model 299 had refined ideas from the XB-15 and produced a sleek, attractive-looking aircraft. By 1937 all testing had been completed and the first 12 aircraft were delivered to 2nd Bombardment Group for assessment.
At the start of the Second World War the still-new B-17 was just beginning to fill the ranks of US bomber squadrons and by early 1941 the B-17C, arguably the fastest B-17 built, was flying in RAF Service. The B-17 was soon flying over Europe with the newly-created United States Army Air Forces, as well as taking the fight to the Japanese in the Pacific and to the Axis in the Mediterranean.
When production of the B-17 was halted in April 1945, at which point the B-17 had been supplanted by the B-24 in the Pacific, over 12700 B-17s had been built. The type would bow out as a bomber not long after the wars end, though a few would soldier on as SB-17 air-sea rescue aircraft. Ultimately the B-17 would fly with 26 countries.
This "Flight Craft" title offers the modeller an exciting selection of photographs, illustrations and showcase examples to help build their own version of this icon of the skies.

By the time B-17 production ceased in April 1945 and the B-17 was replaced by the B-24 in the Pacific, over 12700 B-17s had been built. The B-17 was retired as a bomber not long after the end of the war, although a few examples survived as SB-17 air-sea rescue aircraft. 26 countries used the B-17 over the years, and this Flight Craft title provides modellers with a rich selection of photos, illustrations and prototypes to help them build their own version of this aviation icon.

Skipper, Ben: Boeing B-29 24,95 €

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 07:34:00 +0200

The B-29 Superfortress was the definitive expression in piston-powered offensive air power. It was designed for an air force that was slowly realising it needed larger and heavy aircraft to support its operations, especially in the Pacific. Riding on the waves made by the equally ground breaking B-17, the B-29 was a bigger, more capable and more complex platform which incorporated myriad lessons learned from the European air war.
It was soon decided to utilize the B-29s exceptional range of 3,250 miles in the Pacific Theatre, where its payload would go on to wreak havoc among the forces of Imperial Japan. As well as military targets, the B-29s of the specially formed 20th Air Force would strike hard against the Japanese home islands, initially from bases in India and China, before following on behind MacArthurs push towards Japan. It was from the island of Tinian that B-29s would drop atomic bomb over the cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
The B-29 was a genuine behemoth of the skies, and its flight endurance would see its ten-man crew provided with rest bunks, remotely operated defensive guns and a tunnel linking the front and rear of the aircraft. It was also tough, capable of using the most basic landing strips, providing they were long enough. As a new aircraft it presented both new and converting pilots with a challenge, notwithstanding the B-29s high-wing loading. From flying the large aircraft to operating its many systems, the B-29 was as complex as it was large, and each member of the ten-man crew had to know their role and perform it flawlessly to ensure operational efficiency.
In the post-war era the B-29 was retained by the USAAF and, from 1948, the USAF as the primary strategic bomber. Indeed, the B-29s fighting days were far from over and it would go on to see action over the skies of Korea. It would also supplement the Royal Air Forces bomber capacity while Bomber Command awaited the arrival of the Canberra and its next generation of jet-powered V-bombers.

The B-29 has more than earned its place in the halls of aviation fame. It was an aircraft ahead of its time that helped usher in a new age of military aviation and provided a tangible bridge between new and old ways.

Skipper, Ben: Boeing B-52 24,95 €

Tue, 12 May 2026 06:55:09 +0200

First flown in 1952, the Boeing B-52 Stratofortress became the ultimate expression of Cold War heavy bomber design. The last of the famous "Fortress" series of aircraft produced by the legendary Seattle-based company, the B-52 was created over a weekend in a hotel suite in Ohio, resulting in a design that gave Americas post-war Strategic Air Command, led by General Curtis Le May, an additional nuclear-capable edge.
The B-52 was almost as big as Convairs B-36 Peacemaker, the largest serial-produced piston-powered aircraft ever built. The B-52 could carry a very similar bomb load, but flew it further, higher and faster. The turbojet-powered B-52 utilized techniques Boeing had learned from the Model 450 B-47 Stratojet and was designed to meet the Strategic Air Commands ever-changing needs in the nuclear age.
Like its predecessors, Boeings B-52 proved to be a highly flexible aircraft, capable of carrying increasing payloads, meaning it has remained in service well beyond its expected lifespan. Over the decades the B-52 gradually become a strategic and tactical airborne platform capable of delivering evermore deadly attacks against targets in various environments, from jungle to arid mountains. The B-52 had become the universal tool for commanders on the ground and a symbol of American military power, capable of striking a target anywhere in the world - as evidenced by its deployment in, for example, the Vietnam War and the Gulf War. Such was its potency, that the USAF and Boeing had developed an aeroplane of such importance that it now seems impossible to discuss conventional air power without including the B-52.

This "Flight Craft" title offers the aviation enthusiast, historian and modeller an exciting selection of B-52-related resources through photographs, illustrations and excellent showcase examples to help build their own versions of this fearsome military aircraft.

Skipper, Ben: F-35 Lightning II 24,95 €

Sat, 23 May 2026 07:35:09 +0200

Volume 33 of the "Flight Craft" series. The Lockheed Martin F-35 "Lightning II" is touted as the ultimate fifth-generation fighter aircraft, combining advanced technology with multinational co-operation. Developed at a time of military reorganisation and technological fusion, it integrates the best features of previous generations into a versatile platform for multiple missions across all branches of the military. The F-35 is the first fifth-generation multi-role aircraft designed for continuous technological development. Despite funding delays and difficulties, it remains the largest defence contract in history. The three variants fulfil different roles: the F-35A for conventional take-off and landing (CTOL), the F-35B for short take-off and vertical landing (STOVL) and the F-35C for use on aircraft carriers with catapult-assisted take-off but with braked landing (CATOBAR). Since its first flight on 15 December 2006, the F-35 has demonstrated exceptional capabilities and has become a cornerstone of the world's air forces. Designed to maintain air superiority into the 2070s, it represents the pinnacle of stealth and multi-role combat capabilities.

Skipper, Ben: Lockheed C-130 Hercules 24,95 €

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 07:34:00 +0200

Known as "Fat Albert", Lockheeds ubiquitous C-130 Hercules was a product of combat experiences gained during the Korean War, a conflict that highlighted the need for a rugged transport aircraft designed with a do-anything, go-anywhere ethos in mind. First flown in August 1954, the C-130, powered by four turboprop engines mounted underneath a high wing which allowed for effortless loading via a rear ramp, soon proved its worth as a highly versatile aircraft.
The easily configured cargo area helped the C-130 stand out from the crowd, and soon variants began to appear, with the first being a ski-equipped resupply aircraft.

It was this type of tasking the C-130 excelled at, and soon air movement staff was developing new ways to deploy cargo. This included low-level drops, proving invaluable in aiding isolated disaster-struck areas. Other variants included air-to-air tankers, electronic reconnaissance platforms and weather reconnaissance aircraft.
Now produced by Lockheed Martin, the C-130 has become synonymous with tactical airlifting and is the longest continuously produced military aircraft since the first one rolled off the production line in 1954. In fact, since its introduction into service the C-130 has produced over seventy variants, including gunships, search-and-rescue and scientific research aircraft, and is currently in service with some seventy nations. As well as the military C-130, Lockheed has also produced a commercial variant of their famous aircraft, the L-100.
Not for nothing do Lockheed Martin claim that there is at least one C-130 airborne somewhere in the world at any given moment in time. With over 2,500 produced, and some almost thirty years old, that's more than plausible.
This "Flight Craft" title offers the aviation enthusiast, historian and modeller an exciting selection of C-130-related resources through photographs, illustrations and excellent showcase examples to help build their own versions of this hugely successful, highly flexible aircraft.

Derry, Martin Derry/Robinson, Neil: Flight Craft Special. Volume 2: The Focke-Wulf Fw 190A to G. BMW-engined series 24,95 €

Fri, 01 May 2026 07:35:13 +0200

The Focke-Wulf Fw 190 was arguably the Luftwaffes most outstanding piston-engine fighter of the Second World War, virtually dominating the skies over Europe for more than a year after its initial introduction into service in the summer of 1941. Continual development and improvements then kept it at the forefront of operations in the theatres of Northern Europe, the Mediterranean and the Eastern Front for the remainder of the war, while maintaining a competitive edge over many other types as well as gaining and retaining the grudging respect of those Allied pilots who faced it in combat.
Despite being designed as a fighter, the BMW 801-powered Fw 190 sub-types performed practically every role possible for a single-engine, single-seat aircraft - including offensive and defensive day fighter, day and night fighter-bomber, ground attack, reconnaissance platform, night-fighter and trainer.

The Fw 190A also served in the Hungarian Air Force during the later stages of the Second World War, the Turkish Air Force from mid-1942 to 1948, and post-war with the French, where the SNCAC aircraft company re-built over fifty Fw 190A-5/A-6s under the designation NC 900 for service with the new Armée de lAir.
Despite having standard factory-applied camouflage and markings schemes, many Fw 190s were also finished in a variety of "on unit" and "seasonal and/or operational theatre" schemes which add to the aircrafts story.

Derry, Martin/Robinson, Neil: RAF Fighters Before the Storm 14,97 €

Tue, 19 May 2026 06:50:07 +0200

When the First World War ended the then recently established Royal Air Force was awash with aircraft of all descriptions. More surprising, perhaps, was the fact that despite an ongoing cull of obsolescing types, on the last day of 1919, the RAF still possessed 9122 non-obsolete aircraft , with a further 1100 more assigned to the Fleet Air Arm.
Whilst the famous SE.5A and Sopwith Camel had by this time largely been consigned to history, the RAF possessed no less than 1,860 Sopwith Snipes which, from 1920, would become the RAFs standard single-seat fighter for years to come. Other core types on charge on 31 December 1919 included some 1650 Bristol F.2B fighters and 1250 de Havilland DH.9As, which, together with the Snipe, accounted for over fifty per cent of the RAFs inventory at that time. Avro 504 training aircraft accounted for a further 2700 airframes.
In this "Flight Craft Special", the authors provide a detailed and informative pictorial history of those scout/fighter aircraft that served in an operational capacity with the RAF from January 1920 until the last day of 1939 - a period in which Britain once again moved from an era of peace to war with an old enemy, albeit this time Hitlers totalitarian National Socialist Germany as opposed to the Imperial Germany of old.
As well as covering each of the fighter types used during the inter-war period, and featuring most of the squadrons, the photographs themselves convey the sense of the technical advances that rapidly took root within Britains aero industries from the mid-1930s onwards, moving from the brightly-marked overall silver wood and linen biplanes to the dull camouflaged metal-skinned monoplanes.
The progression of machine-gun development - from the Lewis and Vickers of the First World War to the later Browning - is covered, spanning the days of the biplanes two fixed synchronised Lewis or Vickers .303-inch machine-guns mounted in the forward fuselage to eight wing-mounted .303-inch Browning machine-guns in the "new" monoplane fighters.

There is also a small, but fascinating, section on the monoplane "also rans" - the monoplane fighters that were designed and had prototypes built but failed to reach the finishing post!