ISSUE 1: The Avro Lancaster

We begin with the Avro Lancaster, a type held in high regard by Bomber Command aircrew and an aircraft still admired by so many. The sight and sound of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight’s PA474 flying around the country will turn anyone’s head, and can bring a tear to the eye of those with a personal connection as it brings back emotional memories of fallen comrades and family. Over 55,000 Bomber Command aircrew didn’t return home and many more were physically and mentally scarred. Groundcrew, too, lost their lives with their efforts to keep the aircraft flying.

First published: 29 October 2009 • Order on-line

ISSUE 2: P-51 Mustang

Known as the 'Cadillac of the sky!'
Exclusive air-to-air photography of a three-ship Mustang formation, which was organised by Maurice Hammond to take his recently restored war veteran 339th Fighter Group P-51D Marinell back to Fowlmere – almost 65 years to the day that it took off from the Cambridgeshire airfield and was shot down over France. This emotive inside story is not to be missed.
■ 339th FG fighter cover for D-Day – as told by the men who were there.
■ Mustangs in RAF service.
■ Plus much, much more!

First published: 29 January 2010 • Order on-line

ISSUE 3: The Spitfire

In the fourth edition we turn our attention to the quintessential British fighter of World War Two, the Supermarine Spitfire!
Contents will include:
■ The history behind the latest paint scheme applied to the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight’s
■ Spitfire IIa P7350 – an aircraft that actually fought in the crucial aerial conflict of 1940
■ No.19 Squadron – the first RAF unit to receive the legendary type while based at Duxford
■ Photo Reconnaissance Spitfires – variants of the famous fighter which flew alone and unarmed to gather vital intelligence
■ Plus much, much more!

Publish date: 26 March 2010 • Order on-line

ISSUE 4: Knights of the Sky

In Issue 4 of Aviation Classics the clock turns back to World War One, when military aviation was in its infancy and aerial combat was a new concept of war. During this era, as well as much courage the airmen still showed elements of chivalry – hence the edition is called Knights of the Sky.
                                                
Numerous topics are featured, including the formation of the Royal Flying Corps under the leadership of General Henderson, the Order of Battle of the Royal Air Force when it was established as the world’s first independent air service on 1 April 1918 and the formation of the US Air Service. Other articles range from flying the fragile fabric covered biplanes over the trenches of the Western Front to the little-covered war in the Sinai Desert and even the first aircraft carrier strike in history.

We’ll look at an array of the aircraft types flown during the 1914-1918 conflict, from the world’s early fighters such as the Sopwith Camel and Fokker Dr.I Triplane, to the first long-range bombers such as the British Handley Page O/400 and Germany’s Gotha, plus there is a detailed account of the first bombing raid on Great Britain by Zeppelin airships.

Flying these aircraft was extremely dangerous – with enemy scouts, anti-aircraft shells and small arms fire from the ground all aimed at hitting them, once their aircraft was critically damaged the pilots had no parachutes to help with their escape. There was much valour shown and many aviators were awarded the Victoria Cross during the conflict. One that is featured in this issue tells of a teenage Canadian pilot who after being injured several times by German fighters still managed to land his burning aircraft between the lines in no-man’s land and then rescued his observer from the wreckage while being fired at from the enemy trenches. Some of the most famous pilots are of course featured too, including Albert Ball VC and Manfred von Richthofen, the infamous ‘Red Baron’.

Within the 132 pages, the material will again be presented in the popular Aviation Classics style, with articles written by well-known and established aviation authors and historians, and lavishly illustrated with historic wartime photographs. Much colour will be included too, with stunning contemporary air-to-air and detail images of some of the world’s best restored original aircraft of the era and reproductions built to exact original specifications.

All in all it combines to present a captivating read about this fascinating early era of military aviation.

Publish date: 28 May 2010 • Order on-line

ISSUE 5: English Electric Lightning

In issue 5 of the 'Aviation Classics' series we go 'supersonic' by showcasing the incredible 'English Electric Lightning'- the all-British jet fighter capable of travelling at twice the speed of sound.

Writing for this edition are several ex-Lightning pilots, describing from first hand experience various eras of the Lightning's 28 years of service with the RAF.

Edited and compiled once again by Jarrod Cotter, the issue will comprise the publication's now-established high-quality mix of features and photographs showing the jet off to great effect and will include the following:

■ A focus on 74 squadron, the first RAF unit to receive the Lightning into service
■ Flying the Lightning F2A during the Cold War in RAF Germany
■ The Lightning Preservation Group - caring for the type in a former Q-shed
■ The origins of its design and some of the famous squadrons which operated this amazing aircraft

Publish date: 30 July 2010 • Order on-line