Some Future Titles of Interest for SPF Members

edwest4 said:
...As far as cover art, an art director is required. Authors are not art directors. I have seen some really bad covers in the aviation history area lately. It leads me to assume that someone with no knowledge of what makes a good illustration was involved. Along with the title, the art helps to sell the book. Get that wrong and some may not buy.
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GTX said:

Crécy Publishing | Transport and military publishing at its best

We offer one of the strongest and most varied selections of aviation, railway and military history titles on the market.
crecy.co.uk crecy.co.uk
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gatoraptor said:
A great choice for the series, but of all things they put a NAVY Sabre on the cover??
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Arjen said:
Not an FJ-3, the US Navy used a number of (Q)F-86F aircraft.
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Dagger said:
OK, good to know. (I thought the 881 on the nose referred to an FJ-3 with bureau number 135881).
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XP67_Moonbat said:
I hate to the "ayckchully" guy here. But we're actually looking at a QF-86 drone assigned to China Lake.
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Dagger said:
It seems you are the "late" guy here, as three weeks ago Arjen already pointed that out at the top of this page. This particular aircraft, with NWC number 881 on its nose, was painted black on the right (starboard) side to evaluate its effect on radar signature:
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The book is about a worthy subject and will probably be a fine read, but the front cover design shown above of the forthcoming Famous American Aircraft: F-86 Sabre is eye-wateringly poor. Wrong color choices. A photo with the most bland composition possible, which hides the innovative wing sweep, and conveys nothing of the dynamism of aviation to browsers. And to feature a worn-out USN target plane as representative of all F-86s is a slur. It's hard to believe that author Duncan Curtis, who must know much more about Sabres/Furys than we do, was allowed to see this ugly cover before it was finalized. Among other editorial matters, I was the front cover designer of the book projects I was responsible for, but I showed the draft cover to the author for review and comment as a matter of course.

If this book couldn't have a custom painting of a USAF F-86F diving on a MiG-15bis with guns blazing (avoiding the expense of an artist would be understandable in this parsimonious era), then there are hundreds of attractive photos of an F-86 that would have been superior to the one used.
 
I was called in by our head art director yesterday to get my thoughts on three cover roughs. This is a new artist who we've hired on a freelance basis. It's always about the cost. On the other hand, I could see the obvious talent and skill of this man. With a photo, even a stock photo, someone has to be paid.

For some publishers, the author has no say regarding covers. His only responsibility is to hand in the manuscript and related photos or art. That's it. There are people who specialize in cover design, which takes a bit of time to learn to do well. Good covers do help sell books, and they at least get potential buyers to look inside should that book appear in the local shop.
 
Owens Z said:
Norman Friedman's forthcoming book Cold War Anti-Submarine Warfare is now shown on the Naval Institute Press website, with a publication date of mid-August 2025; see < https://www.usni.org/press/books/cold-war-anti-submarine-warfare >.
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BigD said:
As much as I'm looking forward to this book, I feel like the overall production quality of Naval Institute Press titles has taken an absolute nosedive over the last decade, especially when compared with what Seaforth has been pumping out recently. I've owned the reprint edition of his US Battleships, Cruisers, and Submarines since 1945 design histories, and they all look worse than the original editions, and no attempt was made to incorporate the new data organically in the revised edition of the submarine book. I'm sure it'll be an absolute goldmine, and while I've bought most of Friedman's books the same month they were published, I'm having a hard time justifying spending $125 (or even $75...) on something printed by a publisher who clearly doesn't care anymore.
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edwest4 said:

Cold War Anti-Submarine Warfare​

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Bruno Anthony said:
Hopefully, unlike his otherwise good book Fighter Over the Fleet which had very little info on the 80s, this will have real info on the period 1980-91.
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TomS said:
FYI, this appears to be out now. I just ordered it from USNI. The 40% discount for members (from $125 to $75) would tidily cover the cost of a one-year digital membership...
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Yes, I too am looking forward to Norman Friedman's new 432-page book, TomS. If you and I read it and like it, and the printing (especially figure legibility) proves to be crisp, then maybe we can convince BigD to buy a copy.
 
Owens Z said:
Yes, I too am looking forward to Norman Friedman's new 432-page book, TomS. If you and I read it and like it, and the printing (especially figure legibility) proves to be crisp, then maybe we can convince BigD to buy a copy.
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It's funny that you mentioned that, because my copy arrived a few days ago. I've had to cut my "defense budget" this year, so to speak, and wasn't ready for Norman Friedman to publish two full books back-to-back. So, I basically just rolled the dice and picked this one.

So far it reads like classic Friedman - lots of facts and figures, concise analysis, and no extraneous fat. A sizeable chunk of it is devoted to a recap of the Battle of the Atlantic, new submarine designs in the immediate post-war era, the fears of a mass Soviet submarine production program and a second battle of the Atlantic, and NATO's ASW mobilization in the 50s. I've only read about 90 pages so far, but the three appendixes on aircraft, surface ship, and submarine sonars, and torpedoes, look pretty substantial.

At the moment, though, I'd recommend waiting for the price to drop a little. The book feels like a typical late-80s/early-to-mid-90s Naval Institute title, with good paper and decent photographs, but nothing justifies the $125 price. I didn't spend quite that much, but I still feel like treating every sentence like it's written in gold ink. There isn't any fold-out plans or razor-sharp beauty shots like in his Seaforth books. I wasn't expecting any, but I kind of wish I'd bought British Aircraft Carriers in Two World Wars instead, even if Cold War Anti-Submarine Warfare is more interesting to me.
 
BigD said:
It's funny that you mentioned that, because my copy arrived a few days ago. I've had to cut my "defense budget" this year, so to speak, and wasn't ready for Norman Friedman to publish two full books back-to-back. So, I basically just rolled the dice and picked this one.
So far it reads like classic Friedman - lots of facts and figures, concise analysis, and no extraneous fat. A sizeable chunk of it is devoted to a recap of the Battle of the Atlantic, new submarine designs in the immediate post-war era, the fears of a mass Soviet submarine production program and a second battle of the Atlantic, and NATO's ASW mobilization in the 50s. I've only read about 90 pages so far, but the three appendixes on aircraft, surface ship, and submarine sonars, and torpedoes, look pretty substantial.
At the moment, though, I'd recommend waiting for the price to drop a little. The book feels like a typical late-80s/early-to-mid-90s Naval Institute title, with good paper and decent photographs, but nothing justifies the $125 price. I didn't spend quite that much, but I still feel like treating every sentence like it's written in gold ink. There isn't any fold-out plans or razor-sharp beauty shots like in his Seaforth books. I wasn't expecting any, but I kind of wish I'd bought British Aircraft Carriers in Two World Wars instead, even if Cold War Anti-Submarine Warfare is more interesting to me.
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I'm relieved to hear from you that the printing of Cold War Anti-Submarine Warfare is professionally done, with clear figures on good paper; thanks BigD (a review on Amazon USA and Amazon UK by 'Ron Owen' had asserted otherwise). The $125 cover price is indeed steep. It's too bad Naval Institute Press's longtime half-off-everything Christmas sale was discontinued after 2023.

Aware of my impertinence, I remind the eminent Dr Friedman that a Soviet submarine onslaught would have been a third Battle of the Atlantic. (The first was during World War 1, when the U-boat campaign spanned the ocean; e.g. armored cruiser USS San Diego was mined and sunk just off Long Island, NY by U-156, which also shelled Cape Cod. Even outside the two periods of unrestricted sub warfare, German and Austro-Hungarian U-boats were a menace.)
 
From what I've seen in reviews so far its a pretty generic look at the V-Force. Aeroplane Monthly only gave it a 2.5 star rating due to several errors, but from what I've seen elsewhere on FB groups it seems a solid read aimed more at the general reader.
 

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ISBN-13: ‎978-3031926549
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.

The Bristol Belvedere​

​

Not exactly "secret", but rare ;



This book provides a comprehensive look at the Fairey Belvedere, the first British twin-rotor helicopter to enter operational service. It covers the aircraft’s development, technical specifications, service history, and operational use with the Royal Air Force. Richly illustrated with rare archival photographs, detailed technical drawings, and high-quality colour profiles, the book offers valuable insights into both the design and deployment of this unique helicopter. It is an excellent reference for aviation historians, enthusiasts, and scale modellers seeking accurate visual and historical information.

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ MMP Books
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ 30 Jan. 2026
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 180 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 8368377145
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-8368377149

PLEASE NOTE :- MMP books can actually "disappear" from Amazon and other main booksellers and are only available from specialist book shops.

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I only discovered recently that the Belvedere shares the same cockpit cross-section as the little Sycamore. Had Bristol broken away from that constraint it might have had a more useful cabin width and capacity.
 
Kiltonge said:
I only discovered recently that the Belvedere shares the same cockpit cross-section as the little Sycamore. Had Bristol broken away from that constraint it might have had a more useful cabin width and capacity.
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GEtting Off Topic, but ISTR that the Belvedere was derived from an ASW helicopter design, which didn't need a large fuselage for it's mission . . .

cheers,
Robin.
 
Nick Sumner said:
Just seen this. Exciting! :)
Is that a navalised SEPECAT Jaguar with Sea Eagles, enlarged air intakes and a big radar on the nose?
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Hood said:
It is indeed. To be precise EAG.8469, a navalised version of the developed STOVL Jaguar for AST.396.
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uk 75 said:
Any News on this one appearing soon
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Hi, uk75. Looks like James Jackson's new book Wings Over the Fleet: British Naval Aircraft since 1945 will be available for you in another week or so. In about two months for American customers like me.
 
uk 75 said:
Has anyone bought this and can describe? Osprey books can be a bit padded with photos and poor artwork.
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I see that nobody here has yet responded to your query, uk75. Edwest4, Zaltys, and I had flagged Michael Napier's new book Over Cold War Seas: NATO and Soviet Naval Aviation 1949–89 in this thread. From the marketing copy, this book looks good, but like you I would welcome reader feedback before I make a purchase (list price £30, US$40).

Why do you say that books of Osprey Publishing have poor artwork? If you are referring to the bespoke color illustrations of their series titles (of which I own a few dozen), I have always found those illustrations, whether of people or ships/aircraft/vehicles or fortified landscapes, to be very well executed, with precise detail and attractively artistic composition.
 
Owens Z said:
I see that nobody here has yet responded to your query, uk75. Edwest4, Zaltys, and I had flagged Michael Napier's new book Over Cold War Seas: NATO and Soviet Naval Aviation 1949–89 in this thread. From the marketing copy, this book looks good, but like you I would welcome reader feedback before I make a purchase (list price £30, US$40).

Why do you say that books of Osprey Publishing have poor artwork? If you are referring to the bespoke color illustrations of their series titles (of which I own a few dozen), I have always found those illustrations, whether of people or ships/aircraft/vehicles or fortified landscapes, to be very well executed, with precise detail and attractively artistic composition.
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I should have been more specific. The book I had in mind was the one on postwar British aircraft carriers where the colour drawings looked like a 70s children's book.
 
phil gollin said:
More naval books listed on Amazon.co.uk;
Russian Cruisers of the Tsarist Era: 1880–1918 - Hardcover – 30 Sept. 2025
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Publication of Stephen McLaughlin's book Russian Cruisers of the Tsarist Era 1880-1918, the follow-up to the author's well-received Russian and Soviet Battleships, has been delayed until mid-2026; see < https://www.pen-and-sword.co.uk/Russian-Cruisers-of-the-Tsarist-Era-Hardback/p/53288 >. According to the publisher, a companion volume Russian Cruisers of the Soviet Era will follow in due time.
 
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Erdosain said:
I don't know if it counts as a variant. But the preliminary project of the Marut was started by Kurt Tank when he was in Argentina, where he was known as I.Ae.43 Pulqui III. Top view of the wind tunnel mockup of the I.A. 43 that is preserved in the CEASO of the Rio IV Material Area of the Argentine Air Force (photo Guillermo Landa, Río Cuarto, circa October 2004).
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Erdosain said:
Model of the FMA I.Ae.43 Pulqui III
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Justo Miranda said:
Developed by Kurt Tank in Argentina between 1947 and 1955, the IAE 33 was a transonic interceptor derived from the Focke-Wulf Ta 183. Two test gliders and five prototypes were built of this aircraft. The scheduled production of 100 operational units was cancelled for political reasons in 1957...
When the firm Bristol Siddeley published the features of its new turbojet Orpheus in early 1954, a team of German designers integrated by Kurt Tank, Wilhelm Basemir and Ludwig Mittelhuber began to work in the project of an all-weather supersonic fighter, called IAE 43, in Argentina...
The Indian Government decided to solve the problem by hiring 31 German specialists from Argentina. In response to the Indian invitation, Kurt Tank and his assistant Dipl.-Ing. Ludwig Mittelhuber arrived in Bangalore in August 1956 with the purpose of continuing the development of the IAE 43...
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I had long known that famed Focke-Wulf engineer Kurt Tank fled the wreck of Germany to Argentina to design aircraft, and later to India where he schemed the (less than successful) HAL HF-24 Marut, before returning to Germany. But until I read your 2023 comment this week, Mr Rivas (Erdosain), I didn't know that Maruts were based on a fighter Tank had planned in Argentina. Very interesting. I just received my purchased copy of your impressive new book Wings of Argentina: Argentina's Aircraft Industry Since 1927, and I find that the Pulqui III is described on page 119 (the book names this project the I.A.40 rather than the I.Ae.43). If you weren't 8500 km away I would ask you to kindly autograph my copy.

While the widely shared front cover image (attached) credits a co-author, Fernando Benedetto, I notice the actual book (and I'm holding it as I type this) mentions no such person, except in the Acknowledgements on page 378.
 

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Owens Z said:
I had long known that famed Focke-Wulf engineer Kurt Tank fled the wreck of Germany to Argentina to design aircraft, and later to India where he schemed the (less than successful) HAL HF-24 Marut, before returning to Germany. But until I read your 2023 comment this week, Mr Rivas (Erdosain), I didn't know that Maruts were based on a fighter Tank had planned in Argentina. Very interesting. I just received my purchased copy of your impressive new book Wings of Argentina: Argentina's Aircraft Industry Since 1927, and I find that the Pulqui III is described on page 119 (the book names this project the I.A.40 rather than the I.Ae.43). If you weren't 8500 km away I would ask you to kindly autograph my copy.

While the widely shared front cover image (attached) credits a co-author, Fernando Benedetto, I notice the actual book (and I'm holding it as I type this) mentions no such person, except in the Acknowledgements on page 378.
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Dear Sir,

I'm not Santiago Rivas.

I just posted about his new book about FMA in the unbuilt Argentine aircraft topic of this forum.

I live in Córdoba, 700 km from Buenos Aires, where Santiago Rivas lives.

Best regards.
 
Erdosain said:
Dear Sir,
I'm not Santiago Rivas.
I just posted about his new book about FMA in the unbuilt Argentine aircraft topic of this forum.
I live in Córdoba, 700 km from Buenos Aires, where Santiago Rivas lives.
Best regards.
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Apologies, Erdosain; my mistake!
 
This 424-page monograph on the IAI Dagger & Finger is being published in Argentina this month. It includes information on the Nesher program, its service in the Israeli Air Force, the Nesher's service and combat history in Israel, and later in Argentina as the Dagger, including improvements and modernizations (Finger Program) until the decommissioning of the last examples in 2015.

Regards

GwIkSd1W4AAFnmA
 
crecy.co.uk

Wings Over the Fleet | Crécy Publishing

The Royal Navy emerged from the Second World War with the second largest fleet of aircraft carriers in the world and a year later had achieved the world’s first landing and take-off by a jet-powered aircraft from an aircraft carrier. The traditional roles of reconnaissance, aerial defence of the...
crecy.co.uk crecy.co.uk

Got my copy of Wings Over the Fleet yesterday and would highly recommend it based on just the initial flick through. Great looking book James!
 
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This book is a detailed exploration of the specialized aircraft used during World War II to help organize and assemble bomber formations. This book delves into the vital role these assembly ships played in ensuring successful bombing missions by the US Eighth Air Force. Featuring meticulously researched text and a rich collection of period photographs, the book also includes color profiles by Jacek Jackiewicz, offering a comprehensive visual representation of these unique aircraft.

  • Language: English
  • Author: Jacek Jackiewicz, Robert Bock
  • Illustrator: Jacek Jackiewicz
  • Date: 2025-11
  • Format: A4, pb
  • Pages: 184
  • Product code: 9155
  • ISBN: 9788367227858
 
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  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Osprey Publishing
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ 3 March 2026
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 480 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1472862864
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1472862860
  • Item weight ‏ : ‎ 454 g
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 15.29 x 2.54 x 23.39 cm
 
Not so much a future title as it was actually released in September but still will be of interest for some nevertheless:

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Air Mobility Workhorse recounts the operational history of the Lockheed C-130 Hercules in Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) service, spanning the A, E and H models from 1958 to 2012, leaving the current J model to be covered in the future.

The C-130 was the catalyst for a transformational shift from Second World War technology to leading-edge aircraft systems in RAAF air mobility and the broader Air Force. The Hercules has become iconic in Australian culture as the first thing viewers often see of news reports when Australia reaches out to the rest of the world to offer aid in times of disaster.

The author’s intimate knowledge of the aircraft, along with his extensive service on them, brings an insight that only someone who has flown them in testing times can bring. His extensive connections within the Hercules community have brought their stories ‘from the inside’ to give readers a rare glimpse of service in military aviation.

It is a detailed and balanced reflection of what the mighty Hercules did for Australia and how it affected those who flew it, maintained it, supported it, flew as passengers or benefited from the missions it conducted. This aircraft was truly Australia’s Air Mobility Workhorse.

Two full-colour hardback volumes, limited edition, presented in a slipcase.

About the Author
Air Commodore Bill Kourelakos recently retired from the RAAF in 2020 after 32 years of military service in both the Canadian Forces and the Royal Australian Air Force. His career consisted of four tours as a C-130 Navigator; over 20 deployed operations; a variety of staff appointments in Air Mobility Group, Air Force Headquarters, and Joint Operations Command; and Commands / Deputy Commands in No 36 and 37Squadrons, Task Group 633.4, No 86 Wing, Air Mobility and Training Development Unit, Northern Command, Headquarters Air Command, and Air Mobility Group.

Along with being a qualified teacher specialising in History, his broad career makes him eminently qualified to write the history of the mighty C-130 Hercules.

Bill has two adult children, and although ‘retired’ in the Hawkesbury region, he maintains an active lifestyle by devoting his time to writing, podcasting, guitar, playing ice hockey, some reserve work, and his 1972 Chevelle.
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Big Sky Publishing
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ 16 September 2025
  • Edition ‏ : ‎ Not for Online
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 1216 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1923300091
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1923300095
  • Item weight ‏ : ‎ 2.6 kg
 
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