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

Beaumont, Hervé: Avions nucléaires français 56,95 €

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

For over 50 years, the defense of France's vital interests has been guaranteed by its nuclear deterrent force, which at its peak consisted of bombers, missiles on the Albion Plateau, and nuclear-powered submarines with ballistic missiles. Since October 1964, the manned air force has maintained a continuous strategic and tactical nuclear vigilance. Like the nuclear-powered submarines with ballistic missiles, this readily available and operational component can be placed on alert and activated at the President's command should the extreme severity and imminence of a threat to France be confirmed. For the first time, a book chronicles the history of French nuclear aircraft, their nuclear weapons, and their deterrent missions, carried out by the Strategic Air Forcethe oldest command of the French Air Forcesince 1964, by the Tactical Air Force from 1973 to 1991, and by the French Navy since 1979. All airborne nuclear weapon systemsthe combination of aircraft and nuclear weaponare examined in their respective contexts, from both a technical and operational perspective, at the squadron and flotilla levels: Mirage IV A/ANM, Mirage IV P/ASMP, Mirage III E/ANT, Jaguar A/ANT, Super Étendard/ANT, Super Étendard SEM/ASMP, Mirage 2000 N/ASMP, Mirage 2000 Nk3/ASMP-A, Rafale M F3/ASMP-A, and Rafale B F3/ASMP-A. The history of these manned aircraft, written by one of the leading specialists in the field, is richly illustrated with numerous, often rare and previously unpublished documents, making it a valuable reference work.

Brévot, Francois: Airshow 39,95 €

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

Since the end of the Cold War, numerous air shows and military flight displays have sprung up far beyond the Western sphere of influence. We live in a multipolar world where Russia, China, Asia, and many other countries are striving to establish themselves on the international air show stagewhether for military prestige or to promote their aircraft and helicopters for export. The growth of military markets in Asia, the Persian Gulf, and Eastern Europe offers Western nations numerous opportunities to showcase their latest aircraft on the other side of the world. These burgeoning air shows are thus forums where the entire aviation culture and tradition of the New World converge, and where even Russian or Chinese aircraft are unveiled that would have been unthinkable fifteen years ago. The author, a long-time specialist in exotic air shows, presents these aircraft from every continent in all their splendor.

Fayer, Jean-Claude: Prototype de l'aviation française 1945-1960 49,95 €

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

Fifteen years of hard work, marked by numerous setbacks, nevertheless made it possible to overcome this often seemingly insurmountable obstacle and pave the way for the development of an aviation industry that regained its global prominence. This book presents the characteristics of the French prototypes developed during this crucial phase. Based on the archives of their official evaluation documents from the flight test center, it offers a four-part photo series for each prototype, summarizing its performance and flight characteristics. This vividly illustrates the manifold difficulties faced by the manufacturers' design bureaus and production facilities before they could reach the level of expertise of their foreign competitors.

Briand, André: Rafale 54,95 €

Thu, 21 May 2026 07:05:03 +0200

From the beginnings of the ACT fighter jet project to the French Air Force's Rafale B and C and the French Navy's Rafale M, this book chronicles the evolution of this significant French industrial program, which exemplifies the profound industrial and strategic transformation of combat aircraft. Fighter jets of the future will be multinationalor they will not exist. The Rafale program embodies this profound shift. From the initial concepts of European fighter jets to the Rafale's serial production, this book also examines the deployment of this multirole combat aircraft in the numerous conflicts that have escalated in the Middle East and Africa over more than fifteen years. The book contributes to a deeper understanding of the significance of one of France's most extraordinary aviation projects and highlights the ingenuity and skill of French aeronautical engineers, technicians, and industrialists.

Lekkas, Ioannis/Gkonis, Ilias: Mirage 2000 32,95 €

Wed, 20 May 2026 07:05:11 +0200

Volume 4 of the "Aviation Guide" series. This lavishly illustrated publication, featuring exclusively color photographs, presents for the first time virtually all technical and structural details of the French-made Mirage 2000 delta-wing jet fighter. Every system and technical element is captured in photographs, down to the last screw and the smallest wire, from the cockpit to the landing gear, from the radar to the engine, and from the fuselage to its extensive armament. All important variants currently in service are examined, including the Mirage 2000E, Mirage 2000-5, and Mirage 2000D. The publication also considers all air forces that have this delta wing fighter in their arsenal. This is the only publication worldwide that presents the French fighter jet, its entire avionics suite, and its armament with such meticulous detail. Over 500 exclusively color photos, presented on more than 100 pages, should satisfy even the most ambitious model builder and the most inquisitive aircraft enthusiast.

Mulder, Rob J. M.: Farman Jabiru 44,95 €

Fri, 22 May 2026 07:00:11 +0200

"The Few" is a book series focusing on airliners that were built in small numbers or operated by a specific airline. This book is about the Farman Jabiru series, the first French monoplane airliner. It includes a foreword by Pierre Farman, grandson of Dick Farman. The first French monoplane airliner was the Farman F.3X Jabiru (later F.120), which made its maiden flight in September 1923. It immediately won the Grand Prix des avions de transport, held that same month. This four-engine aircraft was operated by the Société Générale de Transport Ariens (SGTALignes Farman) on the ParisBrusselsAmsterdam route and later also served Cologne and Berlin. SGTALignes Farman also operated the single-engine F.170 Jabiru on its route network until all types were replaced by the F.190 and F.300 series. The Compagnie Internationale de Navigation Aérienne (CIDNA) operated a three-engine version, known as the F.4X Jabiru (later F.120 T), which was used for air service to Switzerland, Austria, the Balkans, and Poland. The Farman Jabiru was further developed into a series of military and civilian aircraft. Following a demonstration flight in May 1925 and some test flights in September, Det Danske Luftfartselskab AS (DDL, Danish Air Lines) decided to acquire four Farman F.121 Jabiru aircraft for its routes and to extend its network to include a connection from Copenhagen via Cologne. Two of the four aircraft were built under license by the Danish Naval Air Arm (DAN) in Denmark. The aircraft type did not prove successful on the DDL route network and was gradually replaced by the single-engine Fokker F.VIIa, which was more cost-effective to operate. This book tells the story of the use of this aircraft type by SGTALignes Farman, CIDNA, and DDL from 1925 onwards and is richly illustrated with more than 300 photographs, as well as tables and color profiles.

Herris, Jack/Méchin, David: The Spad A Series 31,95 €

Mon, 01 Jun 2026 07:10:07 +0200

Spad is best known as the manufacturer of the Spad 13, the best Allied fighter aircraft of the First World War. However, at the start of the war, Spad produced a significantly less successful aircraft, the Spad A, a two-seater with an unusual configuration. This book describes its technical development and combat service.

Wagstaff, Jonathan J.: Boum A History of the Spad XII Canon 51,95 €

Thu, 21 May 2026 07:00:13 +0200

On July 27, 1917, a secret new weapon took to the skies over the Western Front. It carried a devastatingly large armament based on naval designs, engineered to fire through the aircraft's propeller shaft. Secrecy surrounding the project was so intense that contemporary accounts reportedly even censored the gun's report. When it finally saw combat, the effect of the 37mm cannon on wood and canvas was overwhelming: "The effect was immediate, the aircraft was ripped in two and burned, the wings slumped to one side, the fuselage to the other". This book tells the remarkable story of the World War I spad-cannon aircraftfrom early French experiments with cannon-armed planes, through the influence of a fighter pilot's fame and family connections on government decisions, to the emergence of the spad frontline aircraft and their relatively unknown contribution to the war effort. It also examines the legacy they carried into the next major war.

Crosnier, Alain: Cargos et Pirates au Combat 59,95 €

Fri, 05 Jun 2026 07:05:14 +0200

Algeria was the first area where medium and heavy helicopters were systematically used for transport, attack and medical missions in support of ground forces. The deployment of a number of light helicopters in the liaison squadrons stationed in North Africa was part of the 1954 plan. As it was necessary to prepare for counterinsurgency warfare, the French Air Force command decided in March 1955 to consolidate all these aircraft at the Boufarik air base and to form a first formation, the EHL 57, with ten Bell 47G-2 light helicopters on 1 April 1955. With the introduction of the first medium-weight Sikorsky S-55 helicopters, two further squadrons were formed and combined to create a mixed helicopter group, the GMH 57, which was established at Boufarik on 1 August 1955. In June 1956, with the commissioning of the heavy Sikorsky S-58 (H-34A) helicopters, a fourth squadron was formed; the GMH 57 now consisted of the EHL 1/57, the EHM 2/57 and 3/57, and the EHL 1/58. As the role of the helicopter developed very quickly in regions that were difficult for army road convoys to access, this new means of transport led to the first helicopter transport missions for commandos, while also ensuring great operational flexibility. Depending on the operations in progress, small units were formed throughout the country in the form of DIHs (helicopter task forces), consisting of three or four, sometimes even six transport helicopters (Cargo, Auroch), later supported by an H-34A (Pirate) armed with a cannon and machine guns, which provided close protection of the landing zone during helicopter transport of the commandos. Subsequently, a more flexible structure was introduced, in which the helicopters were divided into helicopter task forces (UIH) consisting of one armed helicopter and two or three cargo helicopters, as well as an H-34 cargo helicopter (Carcan) armed with a cannon, which often operated alone. The increase in the number of helicopters deployed and the expansion of their area of operation in North Africa led to a comprehensive restructuring. After much back and forth about the form of the future units (there was talk of three groupings) and their date of establishment (August, October, then November), GMH 57 was disbanded on 31 October 1956, while the next day, helicopter squadrons No. 2 and 3 were established, with EH 2 stationed in Oran-la-Sénia and EH 3 in Boufarik. The first Alouette IIs, which gradually replaced the Bell 47s of EH 3, entered service in March 1957. They replaced the Bells during the first half of the year. On 1 April 1961, these large units were renumbered 22nd and 23rd EH, with the former being transferred to Chambéry in November 1962 and the latter to Saint-Dizier in July of the same year. While the 22nd EH was about to be withdrawn, it was decided to temporarily leave a large number of light helicopters in Algeria as part of the reorganisation of the air force. Thus, in October, the 1/24 squadron was formed in La Reghaïa with Alouette II helicopters. In August 1963, EH 1/24 was integrated into GAM 87, a mixed air group that remained active until the end of April 1964.

Colin, Benoit: Jacques Pinier 36,95 €

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 06:30:23 +0200

Jacques Pinier is one of those pilots whom history has left in the shadows. Anyone interested in his career will become aware of the extraordinary revolution that French aviation underwent in less than twenty years between the end of the Second World War and the beginning of the 1960s. As a fighter pilot and later a test pilot, he embodies that generation of pioneers who accompanied aviation's entry into the supersonic age, sometimes paying with their lives. He died far too young and did not have time to put down on paper the story of his extraordinary life, which was entirely devoted to flying. Based on his career as a pilot, this book covers all the major technological changes in modern military aviation: from the propeller planes that survived the battles of 1939-1945 to jet fighters. Swept wings and delta wings, new engines that sometimes combined jet engines and rockets, the advent of guided missiles with the first rockets, dizzying speeds of up to Mach 2, flights to the limits of the stratosphere and even the first attempts at vertical take-offs. Never before had so many new technologies emerged in such a short period of time, imposing on test pilots an unprecedented wealth of experiences, risks and limits to be overcome. Immerse yourself in this exciting post-war period with Jacques Pinier, the unknown pilot. It is the story of a man who experienced unprecedented acceleration at the controls: within ten years, the speed of fighter planes tripled from 600 km/h for propeller planes to Mach 2 for the Mirage III. The fate of Jacques Pinier reveals an entire chapter of French aviation history, a golden age full of daring, innovation and courage, in which every flight wrote a little more of the future of aviation.

Schütz, Martin: The Spad S.XIII (Spa 13 C1). Volume 3: Late Version. Manufacturers Blériot & Kellner 69,95 €

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

The third and final volume on the legendary Spad S.XIII provides all available information on the version later produced by manufacturers Blériot and Kellner. Detailed information on both manufacturers, including their production blocks, their various camouflage systems, their markings, trademarks and the cockades they used, is presented in detail. A detailed overview of all US Air Service units that flew this type is included, as well as lists of all Spad aces of the First World War and, in particular, US pilots who became aces flying an S.XIII. The internal and external bomb systems of the S.XIII are explained, as are all the propellers used and their manufacturers. This volume also highlights the use of the S.XIII after the war. More than 20 completely new basic drawings, around 40 basic drawings for camouflage and 37 completely new 3- or 4-page colour profiles of the late S.XIII type for the USAS complete this carefully researched work. A benchmark for hobby historians and model builders alike.

Coste, Alain: Le Morane Saulnier 406 dans l'Armée de l'Air, l'Aéronautique Navale et avec les Français Libres. Volume 2 73,95 €

Tue, 12 May 2026 07:00:12 +0200

Since 1998 and the first work on the Morane 406 published by Lela Presse, numerous discoveries have made a new publication essential. Proof of this is the scope of this study, which had to be divided into two volumes, even though it deals exclusively with the aircraft in French colours. The list of contributors also illustrates the enthusiasm generated by the project, as everyone contributed photos or documents to make it as complete as possible. Developed in the specific context of the second half of the 1930s, this aircraft featured numerous innovations, making it a true pioneer. Its development, which spanned a very long period, has been traced in detail thanks to the discovery of previously unknown reports. What was unthinkable until recently is now possible: thanks to the archives of the French Air Force and documents provided by pilots, virtually all missions from 10 May to 25 June 1940 have been traced. The creators hope that this two-volume work (here volume 2) with these contributions will inspire both technology enthusiasts and those who are more interested in operational activities. All these discoveries, sometimes from unexpected sources, have confirmed an obvious fact: there are still things to discover.

Karnes, Dariusz/Juszczak, Artur: Single. Issue 56: SPAD 61C1 11,95 €

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

This book is a compilation of colour four-page views, true-to-scale sketches and photographs of the French SPAD 61C1 fighter aircraft from the 1920s. The sketches are available in 1:72 and 1:48 scale, and there are also drawings from contemporary aircraft manuals. In addition, black-and-white and colour photographs show details of the aircraft.

Lapray, Olivier: Le groupe de chasse II/5 au combat 44,95 €

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

During general mobilisation, Fighter Squadron II/5 moved from Reims to Toul-Croix de Metz airfield on 28 August 1939. Under the command of a former First World War ace with 12 aerial victories, the group consisted of N124 Lafayette, a squadron of American volunteers from 1916, and SPA167, a former squadron of the Les Cigognes group from 1918. On board their Curtiss aircraft, which had arrived from the USA a few months earlier, the pilots of GC II/5 played an important role in what others called the Sitzkrieg (sitting war) by supporting the Third Army in the Moselle, particularly during the victorious battle of the 9 Curtiss H-75s against 27 Messerschmitt Bf 109s and then during the fierce air battles of the French campaign in the skies over Lorraine and Champagne. As the last fighter group to be forced to withdraw from its original base, its mechanics were exposed to Luftwaffe attacks on 13 June 1940. GC II/5 was praised in the army order as an elite unit which, thanks to the vast experience of its commander, Major Hugues, and the skill and unwavering courage of its pilots, was always able to assert its superiority over the enemy and achieve magnificent results. In ten months of aerial combat, Fighter Group II/5 had indeed shot down 51 enemy aircraft, while 22 Curtiss planes had crashed or made emergency landings due to German fighter pilots, the machine guns of the bombers they attacked, and anti-aircraft fire. Seven of its pilots and four soldiers were wounded, and three soldiers and two pilots were killed: Sergeant Magnez and Lieutenant Houzé. This work is dedicated to the memory of these pilots, mechanics and airmen.

Coste, Alain: Le Morane Saulnier 406 dans l'Armée de l'Air, l'Aéronautique Navale et avec les Francais Libres. Volume 1 76,95 €

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 06:30:23 +0200

Since 1998 and the first work on the Morane 406 published by Lela Presse, numerous discoveries have made a new publication essential. Proof of this is the scope of this study, which had to be divided into two volumes, even though it deals exclusively with the aircraft in French colours. The list of contributors also illustrates the enthusiasm generated by the project, as everyone contributed photos or documents to make it as complete as possible. Developed in the specific context of the second half of the 1930s, this aircraft featured numerous innovations, making it a true pioneer. Its development, which spanned a very long period, has been traced in detail thanks to the discovery of previously unknown reports. What was unthinkable until recently is now possible: thanks to the Luftwaffe archives and documents provided by pilots, virtually all missions from 10 May to 25 June 1940 have been traced. The author hopes that this two-volume work, with its new findings, will appeal both to those interested in technology and to those more interested in operational activities. All these discoveries, sometimes from unexpected sources, have confirmed an obvious fact: there are still things to be discovered.

Méchin, David/Bénichou, Michel: The Nieuport Aircraft Encyclopedia. Part 2: WWI Two-Seaters 51,95 €

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

This encyclopaedia of Nieuport aircraft from the First World War begins with the history of the Nieuport 10, an aircraft designed by Gustav Delage, who took over the management of the Nieuport company after the death of its founder. This aircraft was available in a two-seater and a single-seater version and had a long line of two-seater successors that flew across all fronts of the war. Their history is told through photographs, colour profiles and scale drawings.

Palmiery, Bernard/Capy, Xavier: Hélicoptères de l'Armée d l'air 89,95 €

Tue, 12 May 2026 07:00:12 +0200

The French Air Force's helicopters were first deployed in 1950 to meet operational requirements in the war zones of Indochina and Algeria, where their crews and mechanics wrote their first pages of glory. In the early 1960s, they were stationed in France again, but were also deployed overseas and on foreign missions in Africa, the Middle East and Asia. After supporting ground forces in the Far East and North Africa, their crews then devoted themselves entirely to supporting Air Force units and also responded to requests from civil authorities in France and overseas. Since the mid-1960s, the helicopters have been grouped into squadrons, flights and aircrews, performing a variety of transport, support, airspace surveillance, fire support and assistance tasks on a daily basis. Fourteen different helicopters, from the Hiller 360 to the Caracal, from the Sikorsky H-19 to the Fennec, have already carried the Air Force's cockades under all the skies of the world, operated by women and men whose motto fight and rescue is more relevant than ever.

Mak, Ron: SUD Aviation Caravelle 21,95 €

Sun, 31 May 2026 08:35:07 +0200

In 1951, the French Ministry of Aviation announced a competition for a new medium-range aircraft. Sud Aviation's proposal for a twin-engine aircraft with Rolls-Royce Avon engines was accepted and went into production as the Caravelle, which was built at a factory near Toulouse-Blagnac Airport. Several Caravelle variants were produced during series production, starting with the Caravelle 1 for 64 passengers and ending with the Caravelle III with modernised engines offering higher thrust. In 1964, the Super Caravelle model went into production with significantly improved aerodynamics and lower drag. The final development version was the Caravelle 12, which was longer than all previous versions and could carry up to 140 passengers. By 1972, a total of 282 units had been built, which remained in service with numerous airlines in many countries around the world until the early years of the 21st century. With more than 200 unique, rare and previously unpublished photos from around the world, this book is a testament to the versatility of the Caravelle as an advanced development that made jet aircraft a familiar sight on medium-haul flights.

Déplanche, Jean-François: Les Ailes d'Orléans 39,95 €

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 06:30:23 +0200

Just outside the city of Orléans, the 123rd Air Force Base Commandant Charles-Paoli has been an integral part of the small Beauce region for almost a hundred years. As a historic site of French military air transport, it is now an important platform for the Air Force, whose tasks encompass the high-tech world of communications and the fascinating world of commandos and special forces. The 2,600 men and women who serve at this base share the same passion for aviation in the service of their country's defence and are guarantors of team spirit. After the era of the Noratlas, Transall and Hercules, they are now the standard-bearers of the A400M, which is the focus of this factory. At Air Force Base 123, actions are always geared towards the success of missions and inspire these Orléanais by choice, who have remained loyal to their homeland on the Loire.

Dainville, Alain Oudot de: Le Rafale Marine 24,95 €

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 06:30:09 +0200

Being born in the middle of the 20th century, between two world wars, provided opportunities for extraordinary encounters, such as with the ghosts of the First World War and the legends of the Second World War in the shadow of General de Gaulle. He became a sailor without ever really understanding why, and so followed this anecdotal account of the great crises of the late 20th century in the service of France, protecting Djibouti, civil war-torn Lebanon, the oil flows in the mysterious Gulf and the independence of the Balkan countries. While luck remained on his side and he rose through the ranks, equally intense battles continued on land within the command structures, where the loyalty of personnel, the renewal of equipment and the procurement of resources were at stake in manoeuvres where only the pencil lead could explode. This series of opportunities opened up the world of allies and made it possible to get to know others better in the wake of global geopolitical upheaval. Continuing to serve in the Middle East in an equally dangerous job that did not burden the national budget but actually improved it was another adventure. Conveying this relationship with humour to make people's eyes light up is what gives this work its meaning.