Berliner Zinnfiguren/Books & Media/Books/Air Forces/Great Britain products

Jackson, James: BAE Systems Hawk 51,95 €

Sat, 25 Jul 2026 08:15:07 +0200

The Hawk made its maiden flight just over 50 years ago and ranks among the most significant British aircraft of the post-war era. More than 20,000 pilots worldwide have trained on the Hawk. Moreover, it was the last military aircraft to be developed entirely in Britain; with over 800 units exported or manufactured abroad, it became one of the British aerospace industry's most successful products. Its adoption by the US Navy also contributed to this sales successa welcome breakthrough into the American market. Although production ceased in 2022, many aircraft are expected to remain in service for at least several more decades; currently, at least 540 units remain active worldwide. This book chronicles the history of the Hawks development and operational careerfrom the initial design studies of 1968 and the contenders for the ASR.397 specification, through the flight-test program and the development of export variants (the Mark 50, 60, and 100 series), to the Hawk 200 and the Goshawk. Drawing on official archival records, the book sheds light on the political and technical background of its export success, including ambitious undertakings such as "Project Defender" in Iraq and various Hawk development projects that never progressed beyond the drawing board.

Williams, Dennis: Scanning the Skies 45,95 €

Sat, 25 Jul 2026 08:15:07 +0200

This book offers a detailed overview of a complex yet fascinating aspect of British aviation historyone that has received comparatively little coverage to date. The early development of radar in Britain culminated in the successful introduction of ground-based radar, which played a pivotal role during the Battle of Britain. This was followed by the significant challenges involved in designing airborne systems that had to be compact, lightweight, and energy-efficient. The widespread use of radar and other electronic systems (including countermeasures) contributed substantially to major operations by RAF Coastal Command in the North Atlantic and Bomber Command over Europe; these aspects are covered in depth. During the Cold War, development priorities focused on areas such as navigation and control systems for the "V-bombers" and projects involving guided missiles. Just as important as the scientific advances were the aircraft used to test these technologies. A large part of the book is dedicated to the aircraft types employed in British radar research and development over five decadescovering everything from the modifications required for this specialized role and the airfields used to the operational procedures involved. The development of the aircraft themselves and the radar and electronic systems tested on them combine to form a coherent narrative of aviation in the service of scientific research. The account follows a largely chronological progression, illustrating how the rapid evolution of airframes and enginesalongside advances in electronics and, later, computer technologywent hand in hand throughout the period in question.

Hawker Typhoon 12,95 €

Sat, 25 Jul 2026 16:30:08 +0200

During World War II, the Hawker Typhoon ranked among Britains "heavy hitters"playing a pivotal role in the Allied victory in Europe. Yet, overshadowed by numerous problems that plagued it throughout its service life, this massive aircraft is often dismissed as a failure. Now, more than 85 years after its maiden flight, the author examines the operational history and technical evolution of a fighter that found its true calling as a low-level ground-attack aircrafta machine that inspired fear and awe not only in the enemy but also in the pilots who flew and knew it.

Birtles, Philip: English Electric Lightning 38,95 €

Thu, 16 Jul 2026 07:30:08 +0200

The English Electric Lightning was the first RAF fighter to reach speeds of Mach 2. Originally conceived purely as an experimental aircraft, it was developed by the manufacturerdespite insufficient government fundinginto a highly capable combat aircraft. It also proved to be a major export success, particularly with the Royal Saudi Air Force, thereby paving the way for significant export orders for future aircraft types to Saudi Arabia and other nations. Although the Lightning was demanding to fly and maintainone pilot aptly likened the experience to "riding a rocket"it was held in high regard by pilots and ground crew alike; its impressive rate of climb, among other performance characteristics, was particularly prized. It quickly achieved cult status among aviation enthusiasts. This book offers a comprehensive history and analysis of the aircraft, covering its design, development, and operational service. It features a wealth of imageryincluding many previously unpublished photographsas well as appendices detailing production, service history, and performance specifications, along with information on surviving examples.

Brandt, Tim: The Royal Air Force Germany Harrier Force. Band 1: Development and Deployment 1970-1973 32,95 €

Fri, 17 Jul 2026 12:08:39 +0200

During the Cold War, Royal Air Force Germany was the primary operator of the RAFs Harrier fleet. Its Harrier unit was the only formation that routinely deployed large numbers of combat aircraft to unprepared sites and woodland locations while maintaining constant combat readiness. This bookthe first of three volumes covering the RAF Germany Harrier unitchronicles the aircraft's evolution from a simple concept-demonstrator prototype into a far more sophisticated combat machine, a process that involved overcoming the immense challenges inherent in vertical take-off and landing. It recounts the establishment of the Harrier squadron at RAF Wildenrath in 1970 and describes how, during the accident-prone early years, personnel learned the hard way how to fly and operate the "Jump Jet"both at base and in the field. Volume 1 concludes at the turn of 1973/74, when, having successfully demonstrated its capabilities, the Harrier squadron was upgraded to become the Harrier Force (a more comprehensive formation).

Somerville, Fiona: Alan Campbell Orde 38,95 €

Thu, 16 Jul 2026 07:30:08 +0200

Following an adventurous career with the Royal Naval Air Service during the First World War, Alan Campbell Orde played a pivotal role in shaping the burgeoning British civil aviation industry. He was among the first commercial airline pilots of the post-war era and later worked as a flight instructor in China and as chief test pilot for Armstrong Whitworth, among other roles. In 1937, he took charge of flight operations for the original British Airways, which rapidly emerged as the "second force" alongside Imperial Airways. In this capacity, he introduced state-of-the-art American airliners and organized Neville Chamberlains famous flights to Munich. During the Second World Warfollowing the merger of the two airlines into BOACCampbell Orde played a key role as Operations Director in organizing vital support for the RAF; this included initiatives such as the North Atlantic Ferry Service, which supplied British troops in North Africa and established links to Russia. After the war, Campbell Orde became BOACs Director of Operational Development and resisted political pressure to renew the airline's fleet exclusively with British aircraft. Driven by the goal of establishing BOAC as a global leader in civil aviation, he pushed for the acquisition of more advanced and efficient airliners from the United States and Canada. "Alan Campbell Orde" chronicles the extraordinary career of a man whose influence on British civil aviation remains palpable to this day.

Somerville, Fiona: Royal Air Force Operations 1919 to 1929 44,95 €

Thu, 16 Jul 2026 07:30:08 +0200

The Royal Air Force had been in existence for only eight months when the First World War ended. It subsequently had to fight for its survival, facing immense pressure from the Admiralty and the War Office. The number of squadrons was rapidly reduced to a mere handful, but salvation came through the introduction of "Air Control" in India and the Mandate of Iraq. Furthermore, the Chief of the Air Staff, Lord Trenchard, established a solid foundation by founding the Cadet College, the Staff College, and a training program for aircraft mechanic apprenticesinstitutions that could not easily be dismantled. During its first decadea period that also saw it control the Fleet Air Armthe RAF conducted operations in Somalia, Germany, Iraq, Palestine, Ireland, Russia, India, Turkey, and China, and introduced new aircraft types into service, albeit initially in small numbers. In the Middle East and Africa, it undertook and supported pioneering flights that repeatedly pushed the boundaries of what was possible. *Royal Air Force Operations 1919 to 1920: How the RAF Secured Its Independence* tells the comprehensive story of the RAF in the 1920s, shedding light on its development at home and abroad as well as its global operations. Controversial topics, such as the RAF's alleged use of chemical weapons in Iraq, are examined in detail, while around 350 photographsmany previously unpublishedbring the history to life in a unique way.

Ascough, Vanessa: From the Royal Flying Corps to the Race to Circumnavigate the Globe 32,95 €

Thu, 16 Jul 2026 07:30:08 +0200

Squadron Leader Archibald Stuart-MacLaren discovered his passion for aviation at a time when flying still seemed like a miracle. It was a new frontierincomparably exciting and fraught with dangerperfectly suited to a young man of Stuart-MacLarens mettle. He joined the Royal Flying Corps in 1914, distinguished himself as a bomber pilot in the Middle East, and was among the first to be transferred to the newly formed Royal Air Force in 1918. Having already completed several long-distance, multi-stage flights to Egypt and India, his 1924 decision to attempt the first aerial circumnavigation of the globe was, in a sense, the logical next step in his journey. This biography, written by his granddaughter, is the fruit of years of researcha journey through time to discover the man she had never met in person but about whom she had heard so much. It is a story of unwavering courage and a thirst for adventure in the post-war era, a time when people were willing to take almost any risk in pursuit of great feats. Like the mountaineer George Mallory, who perished that same year while attempting to climb Mount Everest, Stuart-MacLaren was driven by an urge to achieve something uniquesomething no one had ever accomplished beforeand thereby bestow a triumphant success upon a nation that was in the process of healing.

Hagedorn, Dan: Wartime Coastal Patrols with the Civil Air Patrol 32,95 €

Thu, 23 Jul 2026 07:40:06 +0200

The Civil Air Patrol was established in December 1941, precisely when the United States entered World War II. As a volunteer organization supported by the U.S. governmentwith a structure and hierarchy modeled after the United States Air Forcethis auxiliary service offered civilians the opportunity to contribute to the war effort in three operational areas: border surveillance, courier services, and coastal patrol. The latter forms the focus of this book. Units from East Coast states undertook this task; volunteers provided their own private aircraft to scan specific stretches of coastline for German U-boats and report any sightings to the U.S. military. Over time, the service evolved, leading to the modification of private aircraft to carry weaponry. The book chronicles the history of the individual units formed for wartime coastal patrol, describing their headquarters, operational capabilities, personnel strength, and significant missions. It also lists all known aircraft deployed for this purposeincluding details on owners, registration numbers, and technical specificationseffectively creating a logbook of the volunteers who served and risked their lives for the nation's war effort. Through photographs of the aircraft, unit insignia, airfields, and personnel, this work documents a vital chapter in the history of a major volunteer organization whose members achieved great things for their country.

Thomas, Andrew/Parry, Simon W.: Fairey Swordfish in Pre-War & World War Two Service 26,95 €

Sat, 25 Jul 2026 08:15:07 +0200

Volume 46 of the "Wingleader Photo Archive" series. When one considers that the Swordfish entered service as early as 1936 andpowered by the same enginewas still operational at the end of the Second World War, the true significance of this aircraft becomes apparent. Although very slow and lacking agility, it could deliver bombs, torpedoes, depth charges, and rockets to their targets with greater precision than most of its contemporaries and successors. In fact, by the end of the war, it had sunk more enemy shipping tonnage than any other Allied aircraft and saw service in virtually every theater of operations. Author Neil Robinson possesses extensive knowledge of the color schemes and markings of RAF and FAA aircraft from the 1930s and 1940sexpertise that is crucial for this subject.

Whitworth, Kieran: Spitfire 20,95 €

Sat, 25 Jul 2026 12:29:39 +0200

This is a captivating tribute to an aircraft that became a symbol of Britains wartime resilience and ingenuity. Elegant, powerful, and unforgettablethe Spitfire did more than just fight in the skies; it defined an era. This book takes you on a journey through the Spitfires legendary history. From its revolutionary design and unmatched performance to the daring pilots who flew it, discover what makes this aircraft a true aviation icon. Drawing on the IWMs extensive image collections and eyewitness accounts, the book explores the Spitfires role in pivotal battles, its evolution, and its enduring legacywhile addressing a compelling question: what makes an icon?

Dunford, David: Ogres in the Sky 19,95 €

Tue, 07 Jul 2026 07:40:06 +0200

Zeppelins were the largest aircraft ever built, and Germany pioneered their use as weapons of war. In 1915, the German Kaiser ordered air raids on Great Britain, bringing Essex into the attackers' sights. The countys towns were not merely targets in their own right; the region also lay along one of the main flight paths to London. Zeppelins that failed to reach their primary objectivethe capitaloften dropped their bombs on the population of Essex during their return journey; these raids evoked a mixture of fear and fascination among the people. Despite official warnings and the risk of death or injury, crowds would pour into the streets when the bombing began to watch the unfolding drama. High above, Zeppelin crews battled oxygen deprivation and freezing cold. Flying without parachutes, they faced a horrific choice if their airship was shot down and plummeted earthward in flames: jump or burn? Many chose to jump. This book tells the incredible story of the Zeppelin raids on Essex during the First World War, illustrated with compelling contemporary photographs and other historical images.

Phipp, Mike: BAE Hawk 19,95 €

Tue, 21 Jul 2026 07:40:04 +0200

The BAE Hawk jet trainer was first delivered to the RAF in November 1976fifty years ago. Since then, the aircraft has seen extensive service with the RAF (and the Royal Navy) and remains in use with the "Red Arrows" aerobatic display team and for advanced flight training. The Hawk proved to be a major export success for the British aerospace industry, sold worldwidefrom Finland to Australia and from Canada to the Middle and Far East. A significant achievement was the sale of the design to the US Navy. The final Hawk units to be produced were delivered to Qatar in 2022. This testifies to the aircraft's outstanding original design, created in the 1970s by a team at Hawker Siddeley. One of their goals was to produce an aircraft that could be assembled by the aerospace industry of the purchasing nation. Over the years, the Hawk was adapted to meet customer needs, leading to the development of numerous variants. In addition to the original two-seat trainer, a single-seat version for ground-attack missions was also manufactured. This book examines the design, evolution, and global service of the Hawk, featuring a selection of previously unpublished images and highly informative text.

Harrison, W. A.: Handley Page Night Bombers 0/100,0/400 and V/1500 23,95 €

Thu, 23 Jul 2026 07:40:06 +0200

Volume 153 in the "Warpaint" series. Through a wide range of photographs, color profiles, and drawings, this booklet presents early night bomber models from the British aircraft manufacturer Handley Page.

Pateman, Colin: The Guinea Pig ClubiIn Numbers 19,95 €

Sun, 12 Jul 2026 09:40:08 +0200

Over a glass of sherry on a Sunday afternoonJuly 20, 1941a group of airmen, all recovering from recent surgeries, decided to form a "drinking club." They agreed that membership should be open to any Allied aircrew member who had undergone at least two operations at the Queen Victoria Hospital in East Grinstead for burns or other disfigurements. Thus, the remarkable "Guinea Pig Club" was born. The namechosen with humor by the members, all of whom had been severely injured in plane crashes or cockpit firesreflected their status as "guinea pigs" in pioneering reconstructive surgeries led by the New Zealand-born plastic surgeon Sir Archibald McIndoe. McIndoe revolutionized plastic and reconstructive surgery by developing new techniques for skin grafting and rehabilitation. In doing so, he prioritized not only physical recovery but also the emotional and social reintegration of his patients. Contrary to the strict hospital norms of the time, McIndoe encouraged his men to wear civilian clothes, visit the local pub, and mingle with the townspeople to foster self-confidence and a sense of normality. The community of East Grinsteadwhich became known as "the town that didn't stare"became an integral part of their recovery story. Although the Guinea Pig Club began simply as a social drinking group, it evolved into a lifelong community offering mutual support, camaraderie, and advocacy for burn survivors. By the end of the war, the club had more than 600 members from various Allied nations. For decades, members met annually to celebrate their survival, their friendship, and medical progress. Its legacy endures as a symbol of resilience, medical innovation, and the human capacity to overcome extreme trauma through courage and solidarity. The story of the Guinea Pig Clubpresented here in figurescomes to life through the personal experiences of its members and the caring staff at Queen Victoria Hospital. While the details are fascinating, the numbers reveal remarkable stories of resilience during the Second World War and beyond.

Simons, Graham M.: Operation Backfire 32,95 €

Sun, 12 Jul 2026 09:40:08 +0200

The era of ballistic missiles began in September 1944, when Germany launched its V-2 campaign against Great Britain and Western Europe. Towards the end of the war in Europe and in the immediate postwar period, the Allies vied to secure coveted German technology. This included examples of the V-2 rockets themselves. While the United States took the lead in this effort, General Eisenhower permitted Great Britain to acquire enough parts to assemble eight rockets. Under "Operation Backfire," the British launched three of these rockets near Cuxhaven, located in the British occupation zone of Germany. The tests, conducted by experienced German personnel, were far ahead of the trials the Americans were carrying out at their much-vaunted "Army Launch Area No. 1" (at the White Sands missile range in New Mexico). These tests and the associated work transformed Great Britainin little more than a yearfrom a victim of guided missiles into a user of this impressive new military technology. This marked the beginning of the British guided missile development program. "Operation Backfire" illustrates how rapidly the Cold War arms race emerged from the ashes of the preceding conflict, how closely technology and international relations were intertwined, and the active, enthusiastic role Great Britain played in the early days of the missile age. Moreover, the operation demonstrates that the Soviet Union was not Great Britain's only foreign rival in developing its own post-WWII missile capabilitiesparticularly during the first year after the war ended. Instead, the country faced fierce competition from its closest wartime ally, the USA. Both nations sought to harness German expertise to build their own missile arsenals; However, the greater resources and the status of the USA as a new superpower enabled them to essentially overwhelm their transatlantic allies.

Dawson, Paul L.: The Dunkirk Evacuation 32,95 €

Sun, 12 Jul 2026 09:40:08 +0200

On May 10, 1940, Hitler unleashed his *Blitzkrieg* in the West. As German troops advanced, the British Expeditionary Force, the French First Army, and the Belgian Army were pushed into a narrow corridor between Lille and Dunkirk. By May 24, 400,000 soldiers were trapped there; their only chance of survival lay in evacuation. Somehow, the beleaguered Allied troops had to withstand the superior German force long enough to save the majority of the British, French, and Belgian soldiers. Day after day, the Germans attacked the defensive perimeter, yet the defenders held firm. "Even in defeat," a German commander wrote on May 29, "the French fight like lions... the BEF is in a state of complete disintegration. It has simply abandoned all vehicles and equipment and is fleeing to the sea." As troops were evacuated from the beaches and the port of Dunkirk, fewer and fewer men remained to defend the increasingly thin and shrinking perimetera sector held entirely by French troops. When the last ship finally departed Dunkirk on June 4, some 40,000 French soldiers were the only ones left holding the line. Eventually, at 8:00 a.m. on June 4, German troops reached the French naval headquarters in Dunkirk. There, General Barthélemy formally surrendered. "No event in the epic of Dunkirk," noted the French historian who studied the battle, "was more heart-rending" than the sight of Dunkirks brave defenders marching into captivity. Their sacrifice did not go unnoticed by Churchill, either; He acknowledged: These troops thus made a magnificent contribution to the safety of their more fortunate comrades and of the British Expeditionary Force. Drawing on archival sources from France and Belgiummuch of which had not previously been published in EnglishPaul Dawson sheds new light on a little-known aspect of one of the most famous events of the Second World War. Had the French troops not been willing to make this sacrifice, Britains situation in the summer of 1940as Hitlers forces advanced toward the Channel coastcould have become far more precarious.

Brown, James: Hurricane Girl 29,95 €

Sun, 12 Jul 2026 09:40:08 +0200

Winifred Crossleys life changed forever after she took a pleasure flight at an air show in 1933. She decided to learn to fly, and upon obtaining her pilots license, she became passionately determined to master the challenging art of aerobatics. In the summer of 1936, she was hired as the first professional female aerobatic pilot, performing twice daily in a Tiger Moth with the last great flying circus to tour the United Kingdom and Ireland. Over the next three years, she flew vintage Avro 504 biplanes, towing gliders aloft and hauling advertising banners. In January 1940, she was one of the celebrated "First Eight"the eight female pilots selected for the women's section of the Air Transport Auxiliary (ATA) to ferry aircraft for the RAF and the Royal Navy. In July 1941, Winnie Crossley became the first woman ever to fly an RAF frontline fighter aircraft: a Hawker Hurricane. Following this successful flight, ATA women were eventually permitted to fly almost every type of aircraft used by the British armed forces during the war. Winnie herself flew dozens of different models, ranging from the Spitfire to the Lancaster, the Mustang to the Liberator, and the Mosquito to the Wellington. She was one of only eleven women qualified to fly heavy four-engine bombers, and one of just three of the original eight pilots to serve from the first day to the last of the ATA women's section's six-year existence. A true aviation pioneer, she has largely been forgotten today. This is her story.

Long, Andrew: The Defiant by Day - by Night 39,95 €

Sun, 12 Jul 2026 09:40:08 +0200

At the time of its design, the Defiant was an advanced aircraft. With a crew consisting of a pilot and a gunnerthe latter stationed in a motorized Boulton-Paul turretit served as an exceptionally effective weapons platform. Although it initially suffered from reliability issues, once these teething troubles were resolved, the Defiant proved to be a high-performance, extremely stable, andin the hands of a skilled pilotquite maneuverable aircraft. The concept was based on First World War experience; it was assumed that turret-equipped interceptors like the Defiant would play a key role in combating enemy bomber formations. Following its maiden flight on August 11, 1937, the development of the Defiant and the refinement of crew tactics continued right up to the outbreak of war in 1939 and beyond. No. 264 Squadron recorded the Defiant's first combat successes and losses starting in mid-May 1940, while providing air cover over Dunkirk from the RAF base at Manston. Reports indicate that Defiant crews destroyed no fewer than 37 enemy aircraft in a single dayMay 29, 1940. By the end of the Western Campaign, several Defiant crews had already achieved "ace" status. However, the Battle of Britain lay ahead; by this time, a second Defiant unitNo. 141 Squadronhad been formed and was ready for action. No. 141 Squadron, which had relocated south from Scotland only eight days earlier, encountered the Luftwaffe for the first time on July 19, 1940. The mission ended in disaster: six of the nine Defiants were lost, along with ten crew members. Within 48 hours, No. 141 Squadron was withdrawn from active service and redeployed to Scotland. It was not without reason that the events of that day went down in history as the "Massacre of the Innocents." In light of the mounting losses suffered by No. 264 Squadron and the debacle of July 19, the Defiants role as a day fighter came under critical scrutiny. Even while the Battle of Britain raged, the Defiant was reconfigured for the night-fighter role. The first confirmed night-time kill by a Defiantachieved by a No. 141 Squadron crewoccurred in mid-September 1940. This period also saw the Defiants first night-time harassment raids over France. New squadrons were soon formed; four more were added by the end of 1940, followed by another six by the end of 1941. All of them continued to fly night-fighter missions until March 1942, when it became clear that the Defiant could no longer hold its own against newer German bombers. Nevertheless, during their time as night-fighter crews, Defiant personnel not only shot down 64 enemy aircraft but also made a significant contribution to the development of airborne radar (Airborne Interception, or A.I.). The Defiant continued to play a role in the Allied war effort thereafter. A number of aircraft were deployed with air-sea rescue squadrons, used as trainers at gunnery schools and training units, or even employed as target tugs. Furthermore, with No. 515 Squadronformed in October 1942 and operating the type until December 1943the Defiant was used for electronic warfare missions (jamming enemy radio communications) over Europe. These flights marked the end of the Defiants varied and sometimes controversial careera story explored in detail in this book.

Simons, Graham M.: Hawker Siddeley Trident 39,95 €

Sun, 12 Jul 2026 09:40:08 +0200

In 1957, de Havilland Aircraft began design studies to meet British European Airways' (BEA) requirements for a jet airliner capable of covering 1,000-mile routes and reaching speeds of 600 miles per hour. However, when BEA requested a smaller aircraft in 1958, the design underwent a major revision; the resulting aircraft was built around three Rolls-Royce RB.163 Spey engineseach delivering 10,100 pounds of thrustand accommodated up to 101 passengers. Construction of the first 24 aircraft began at Hatfield in July 1959. De Havilland joined the Hawker Siddeley Group in 1960, and in September of that year, the name of the future airliner was announced: "Trident." This name was chosen to highlight its then-unique configuration featuring three engines and a triplex hydraulic system. The Trident made its maiden flight at Hatfield on January 9, 1962. Its first flight in regular passenger service followed on March 11, with full scheduled operations commencing on April 1. A pioneer in aviation technology, the Trident was designed from the outset for automatic landings in poor weathera feature far ahead of its time. On March 5, 1964, the Trident 1C (registration G-ARPB)used by Hawker Siddeley to develop "Autoflare" and "Autoland" systemsperformed the world's first fully automatic landing at the Royal Aircraft Establishment in Bedford, marking a significant milestone in aviation history. The world's first automatic landing in commercial scheduled service took place on June 10, 1965, when the Trident 1C G-ARPR landed at Heathrow after a flight from Paris; This once again underscored the technical capabilities of the Trident and astonished the aviation world. The DH.121 was a technical masterpiece that distinguished itself from contemporary aircraft through several unique features. These included an all-moving tailplane, a nose landing gear that retracted sideways and was offset 24 inches to port, and a Bristol Siddeley Artouste auxiliary power unit (APU) installed beneath the cabin floor in the rear fuselage. These innovative design elements made the Trident stand out in the aviation industry and sparked the curiosity of aviation enthusiasts and historians alike.