JULY 19, 1963 - TODAY IN AVIATION HISTORY

 

JULY 13, 2022 - NEW AVIATION BOOK

Now available to order, Boeing 707 : A Legends of Flight Illustrated History by Wolfgang Borgmann. Beginning in the late 1950s, the Boeing 707 revolutionized passenger aviation like almost no other aircraft, as the elegant four-engine aircraft made it possible to serve intercontinental long-haul routes quickly and economically.

Planejunkie is always adding new Military Art Prints, Aviation Art Prints, Books and Collectibles, so check back to stay up to date. 

 

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JUNE 22, 2022 - NEW AVIATION ART BY PETER CHILELLI

Now available to order, Scooter Launch by Peter Chilelli. The Douglas A-4 Skyhawk is a single-seat subsonic carrier-capable light attack aircraft developed for the United States Navy and United States Marine Corps in the early 1950s. The delta-winged, single turbojet engined Skyhawk was designed and produced by Douglas Aircraft Company, and later by McDonnell Douglas. It was originally designated A4D under the U.S. Navy's pre-1962 designation system.

JUNE 13, 2022 - NEW MILITARY BOOK

Now available to order, The 29th Waffen-SS Grenadier Division "Italienische Nr.1": And Italians in Other Units of the Waffen-SS : An Illustrated History By Massimiliano Afiero. This work includes histories of the Italian Legion and the 29th division, extensive interviews with Italian SS veterans from various units, and many excellent photographs from private collections in Europe.

 

Planejunkie is always adding new Military Art Prints, Aviation Art Prints, Books and Collectibles, so check back to stay up to date. 

 

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JUNE 6, 2022 - NEW AVIATION ART BY SIMON SMITH

Now available to order, Pegasus Dawn by Simon Smith. Adding great authenticity and in tribute to all those who fought so valiantly throughout the invasion of Normandy, every print carries the original autographs of British veterans who served during the campaign. These include ‘Tich’ Rayner who, as part of the Ox & Bucks Light Infantry, fought to secure Pegasus Bridge in the early hours of D-Day.

 

Always check back for new Aviation Art Prints, Books and Collectibles being added daily. 

 

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MAY 27, 2022 - NEW AVIATION ART BY JOHN SHAW

Now available to order, Battle For The Island - The Seige Of Malta by John Shaw. A powerful piece depicting the bitter fight for Malta and the Battle for the Mediterranean during WWII.

 

Planejunkie is always adding new Military Art Prints, Aviation Art Prints, Books and Collectibles, so check back to stay up to date. 

 

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MAY 24, 2022 - NEW AVIATION ART BY PETER CHILELLI

Now available to order, Doc and Friends by Peter Chilelli. The U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels, fly in formation with the B-29 Superfortress “Doc” during the 2019 California Capital Air Show in Sacramento.

MAY 13, 2022 - NEW AVIATION ART BY KEITH BURNS

Now available to order, Bomber Boys by Keith Burns. The three pieces forming Keith Burns’ moving triptych Bomber Boys pay a fitting tribute to the thousands of RAF ground crew whose often untold but dedicated duty did so much to keep the aircraft of Bomber Command flying.

 

MAY 5, 2022 - NEW AVIATION BOOK - KRIEGSMARINE 1935-1945: HISTORY • UNIFORMS • HEADGEAR • INSIGNIA • EQUIPMENT BY ENZO BERRAFATO & LAURENT BERRAFATO

Now available to order is a New Aviation Book by Enzo Berrafato and Laurent Berrafato; Kriegsmarine 1935-1945: History • Uniforms • Headgear • Insignia • Equipment by Enzo Berrafato & Laurent Berrafato. The history, uniforms, headgear, insignia, and equipment of the German Kriegsmarine from 1935 to 1945 are described and illustrated in over 1000 color photos in this book.

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MAY 2, 1977 - TODAY IN AVIATION HISTORY

At Williams AFB, Arizona, on May 2, 1977, First Lieutenant Christine E. Schott, USAF, became the first woman in the Air Force Undergraduate Pilot Training Program to solo in a Northrop T-38A Talon. She was in Class 77-08, which started on September 19, 1976. Captain Christine E. Schott would go on to become the first woman in the Air Force to qualify and fly the C-9A Nightingale medical transport plane.

 

APRIL 20, 2022 - NEW AVIATION ART BY MARK KARVON

Now available to order, F-89D Scorpion - "The Interceptor" by Mark Karvon. The F-89 Scorpion was an all-weather interceptor with two jet engines. It was the first jet-powered aircraft to enter service exclusively for that purpose. It was also the first combat aircraft to be equipped with nuclear air-to-air missiles. It had a two-person crew, with the pilot in the front and the radar operator in the back.

 

Always check back for new Aviation Art Prints, Books and Collectibles being added daily. 

 

 

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APRIL 13, 2022 - NEW AVIATION ART BY RICHARD TAYLOR

Now available to order, Destiny Dawns by Richard Taylor. This elaborate piece, recognized for the precision of his drawings, recalls the valor of all men who jumped into Normandy with the American Airborne Divisions on D-Day. The addition of actual veteran autographs in a portion of the edition will undoubtedly ensure that this eye-catching limited edition will hold a particular place in the hearts of people who admire the bravery of the famed 'Band of Brothers.'

 

MARCH 30, 1982 - TODAY IN AVIATION HISTORY

March 30, 1982: Space Shuttle Columbia landed at White Sands Space Harbor, the auxiliary space shuttle landing location at the White Sands Test Facility west of Alamogordo, New Mexico, at 9:04:46 a.m. Mountain Standard Time. The flight lasted 192 hours, 4 minutes, and 46 seconds.

 

 

 

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MARCH 23, 2022 - NEW AVIATION ART BY ROBERT TAYLOR

Now available to order, Lancaster Under Attack - The Masterwork Drawingby Robert Taylor. This high-quality giclée fine art print is limited to only 25 copies globally. Each print is issued mounted to complete conservation standards as the centerpiece of this release to contain the original autographs of both RAF Lancaster crews and Luftwaffe night-fighter veterans, commemorating the duels that took place in the night skies over Europe during WWII.

 

MARCH 18, 2022 - NEW AVIATION ART BY JAMES DIETZ

Now available to order, Sitting Pretty by James Dietz.

Pre-order now and we'll send them out as soon as they're ready!

Prints will be ready to ship the week of April 4th - stay tuned for additional details!

During 'Big Week' in early 1944, the majority of the 91st Bomb Group return safely to Bassingbourn after a tough daylight mission to Germany, but one critically damaged B-17F is forced to make an emergency landing. Fortunately, assistance arrives swiftly.

Planejunkie is always adding new Military Art Prints, Aviation Art Prints, Books and Collectibles, so check back to stay up to date. 

 

 

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MARCH 11, 2022 - NEW AVIATION ART BY PETER CHILLELI

Now available to order in multiple variations, Put Me In Coach by Peter Chilelli. Choose from Paper or Canvas Open Editions, also available as a L/E Canvas.

The A-10 distinguished itself during the First Gulf War (Operation Desert Storm), an American–led intervention against Iraq's invasion of Kuwait. Other battles in which the A-10 was involved included Grenada, the Balkans, Afghanistan, Iraq, and the Middle East's fight against the Islamic State.

 

 

MARCH 9, 2022 - NEW AVIATION ART BY ANTHONY SAUNDERS

Now available to order, Back From The Fight by Anthony Saunders. Every copy in the edition bears the original and authentic autographs of three outstanding fighter pilots and crews who flew in combat during the Battle of Britain, faithfully reproduced as a fine art limited edition and printed onto borders that were personally signed many years ago. Each guy fought valiantly for the right to be called one of "The Few" and has since died away, giving the release even more meaning and creating a wonderful collector's piece to be cherished for future generations.

 Always check back for new Aviation Art Prints, Books and Collectibles being added daily.

MARCH 4, 1942 - TODAY IN AVIATION HISTORY

The Imperial Japanese Navy (IJN) was determined to return to Pearl Harbor in the months following the attack, to have a look around as the United States ramped up its war preparations. This was an opportunity to put the new Kawanishi H8K1 "Emily" flying boat, an amphibious bomber developed for long-range bombing attacks, to the test for the IJN.

 

FEBRUARY 28, 2022 - NEW AVIATION ART BY JOHN YOUNG

Now available to order, Moonbeam Mc Swine by John Young. Scene depicts a P-51 Mustang escort over the sky's of Europe. This is an "original", signed oil painting by John Young, framed.

Always check back for new Aviation Art Prints, Books and Collectibles being added daily.

 

 

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FEBRUARY 16, 2022 - NEW AVIATION ART BY MARK KARVON

Now available to order, MIG-25 Foxbat - "Chasing The Blackbird" by Mark Karvon. The Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-25 prototype flew for the first time in 1964, although the aircraft did not reach service until 1970. The aircraft, which was mostly made of stainless steel, had a top speed of Mach 2.83. It could exceed Mach 3 without causing serious damage to the plane and its engines. The aircraft, which was designed as an interceptor, had a sophisticated radar and could carry four air-to-air missiles.

 

Always check back for new Aviation Art Prints, Books and Collectibles being added daily.

 

 

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FEBRUARY 11, 2022 - NEW AVIATION ART PRINT BY ROBERT TAYLOR

Now available to order, Duty Of The Day by Robert Taylor. Designed by Geoffrey de Havilland and built almost entirely of wood, the Mosquito was one of the fastest, and probably the most versatile, aircraft of World War II. In tribute to this legendary aircraft, Robert’s detailed painting has been faithfully reproduced as a Limited Edition print which has been personally signed and authenticated by veterans who flew the ‘wooden wonder’ in combat during the war.

 

Always check back for new Aviation Art Prints, Books and Collectibles being added daily. 

 

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FEBRUARY 9, 2022 - NEW AVIATION BOOK - D. B. COOPER AND FLIGHT 305 : REEXAMINING THE HIJACKING AND DISAPPEARANCE BY ROBERT H. EDWARDS, PHD

Now available to order is a New Aviation Book by Robert H. Edwards, PhD, D. B. COOPER AND FLIGHT 305 : Reexamining the Hijacking and Disappearance.

The "D. B. Cooper" case is the only unsolved act of air piracy in US history. On November 24, 1971, a polite, nondescript, and dark-complexioned man calling himself "Dan Cooper" hijacked Northwest Airlines Flight 305, Boeing 727, between Portland, Oregon, and Seattle, Washington. At Seattle International Airport, he demanded and received $200,000 and four parachutes, released the passengers, and ordered the crew to take him to Mexico. Somewhere along the way, he jumped. He was never found or identified. Forty-five years later, the FBI gave up the hunt. This book looks at the case from the perspective of a mathematician and pilot. It uses previously unexamined data and original-source documents, combined with the tools of statistics, aeronautics, and meteorology, to show where and how the FBI could resume the search and possibly find out at last who "D. B. Cooper" really was.

Always check back for new Aviation Art Prints, Books and Collectibles being added daily. 

 

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FEBRUARY 4, 2022 - NEW AVIATION ART BY PETER CHILLELI

Now available to order, Doom 32 And 33 by Peter Chilelli. Operation Secret Squirrel: the story of the top-secret ultra-long range B-52 Stratofortress mission that opened strikes of Operation Desert Storm. Operation Senior Surprise, also known as Secret Squirrel, was a long range B-52G Stratofortress cruise missile strike against Iraqi targets that initiated the bombing campaign during the Gulf War in 1991. But was given the unofficial nickname Operation Secret Squirrel by the B-52 crews. The mission took place from January 16, 1991 and ended January 17, 1991. Lt. Col John "Jay" Beard, was the mission commander and Barksdale AFB's 596th Bomb Squadron's commanding officer. The 2 cell plane formations were given "Doom" call signs.

 

Planejunkie is always adding new Military Art Prints, Aviation Art Prints, Books and Collectibles, so check back to stay up to date. 

 

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FEBRUARY 2, 1974 - TODAY IN AVIATION HISTORY

At Edwards Air Force Base in California, test pilot Philip F. Oestricher flew the General Dynamics YF-16 Light Weight Fighter prototype, 72-1567, for the first time. The plane achieved 400 knots (740.8 kilometers per hour) and 30,000 feet during the 90-minute flight (9,144 meters).

The prototype was unveiled on December 13, 1973, in Fort Worth, Texas. It was flown to Edwards on a Lockheed C-5A Galaxy heavy-lift cargo plane. The YF-16 began to wobble on the roll axis during high-speed taxi tests on January 20, 1974, threatening to touch the wingtips to the ground.

To avoid further damage, Phil Oestricher took off to regain control and landed six minutes later.

The right horizontal stabilizer of the plane had been damaged. The airplane's roll control was overly sensitive, and the exhaust nozzle was poorly wired, resulting in too much thrust at low throttle levels, according to engineers. On February 2, the YF-16 was repaired and ready for its first test flight.

JANUARY 25, 2022 - NEW AVIATION BOOK AND PRINT PORTFOLIO BY ROBERT TAYLOR

Rhubarb Incursion Book & Print Portfolio by Robert Taylor a Tribute To The Men of RAF Fighter Command. Each portfolio includes a copy of the Pilot's Log Book as well as a matching numbered print of 'Rhubarb Incursion,' which has been conservation matted to display the signatures of THIRTY highly recognized RAF Fighter Pilots who flew with distinction during WWII.

A mint copy of Stanford Tuck's Flying Log Book, an exact facsimile edition, completes the portfolio. This book, which comes in a specially designed presentation sleeve and comes with a numbered certificate of authenticity, is limited to only a few hundred copies worldwide and covers Stanford Tuck's entire RAF career from 1935 to 1954.

 

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JANUARY 21, 2022 - NEW AVIATION ART BY MARK KARVON

Now available to order, Avro Vulcan B.2 - "Spirit Of Great Britain" by Mark Karvon.  The Avro Vulcan, one of Britain's renowned "V" bombers, served with the Royal Air Force from 1956 until 1984 as a strategic bomber. It was primarily equipped with nuclear weapons, although it also had the capability to carry conventional bombs.

All Giclees Prints are Signed by the Artist and feature an extra 1" border to allow for matting and framing.

JANUARY 20, 2022 - NEW TAIL CARD HOLDERS

Now available to order, Prime Air (Amazon) 767 Tail Card Holder. This card holder measures in size 10 inches in Width and 4 inches in Height. Fast-turn, usually ships in 3 weeks.

With many to choose from, these Tail Card Holders would be the perfect give for the Pilot in your life.

Always check back for new Aviation Art Prints, Books and Collectibles being added daily.

JANUARY 12, 2022 - NEW AVIATION ART PRINT BY ANTHONY SAUNDERS

This new Aviation Art Print is now available to order, Bavarian Wolves by Anthony Saunders. Each edition features the actual autographs of two outstanding Luftwaffe Aces who took part in many crucial combat missions across the European theatre during WWII, now reproduced as a fine art Limited Edition and printed onto borders that were personally signed many years ago. Both pilots have regrettably passed away since signing the contract, giving the release much more significance and adding historical value.

 Always check back for new Aviation Art Prints, Books and Collectibles being added daily.

JANUARY 7, 2022 - NEW AVIATION BOOK BY DAVID DOYLE

This new Aviation Book, The Huey in Vietnam: Bell's UH-1 at War By David Doyle is now available to order.

Few military vehicles are as emblematic of the United States' presence in Vietnam as the Bell Huey UH-1-series helicopters. The Huey was practically everywhere, whether it was functioning as troop transport for airborne assault, supply transports, aerial gunships, or medical evacuation. The "Iroquois," as it was officially named, was fondly known as the "Huey," a nickname derived from its early model designation of HU-1A. During America's participation in Vietnam, the Huey, later dubbed UH-1, was a workhorse, and 11 Huey crewmen were awarded the Medal of Honor. This illustrated book tells the tale of this renowned aircraft and the soldiers who flew it through meticulously researched archive documents and images.

Always check back for new Aviation Art Prints, Books and Collectibles being added daily.

JANUARY 5, 2022 - NEW AVIATION ART BY MARK KARVON

This new Aviation Art Print is now available to order, YB-49 Flying Wing by Mark Karvon. The YB-49 was a jet-powered evolution of the XB-35 and YB-35 Flying Wing designs, which were propeller-driven. It took off for the first time on October 22, 1947.

The first YB-49 took off from Muroc AFB in California on February 9, 1949, and flew 4 hours and 29 minutes to Andrews AFB in Washington, DC. That flight is depicted in this print.

Planejunkie is always adding new Military Art Prints, Aviation Art Prints, Books and Collectibles, so check back to stay up to date.

DECEMBER 2 - 28, 1955 - TODAY IN AVIATION HISTORY

The prototype de Havilland DH-106 Comet 3, G-ANLO, took off from Hatfield Aerodrome in Hertfordshire, England, on December 2, 1955, with Chief Test Pilot John Cunningham and Per Buggé in the cockpit. The navigator/radio operator was R.W. Chandler. E. Brackstone Brown, Chief Flight Engineer, and flight engineers R.V. Ablett and J. Hamilton were also on the crew.

Among the passengers were were de Havilland executives and engineers. Captains A.P.W. Cane of British Overseas Airways Corporation and I.D.V. Ralfe of Qantas were on board to see the new plane in action.

The flight was supposed to leave at 5:30 a.m. local time, however it was delayed due to severe fog. After flying 2,076 nautical miles, the Comet 3 landed in Cairo, Egypt, 5 hours and 3 minutes later.

G-ANLO took out from Cairo with refueling stops at Bombay, Maharashtra, India; Singapore, Colony of Singapore; and Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia; the airplane arrived in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, on 4 December, after a total flight time of 19 hours and 5 minutes. The journey was 8,728 nautical miles long. The Comet 3 cruised at 44,000 feet throughout the Singapore-Darwin route.

G-ANLO then flew 1,166 nautical miles to Auckland, New Zealand, in 2 hours and 43 minutes. It took 2 hours and 52 minutes to go 1,153 nautical miles from Auckland to Nadi Airport in Fiji.

On December 13, the following stage of the around-the-world voyage, from Fiji to Honolulu in the Hawaiian Islands, was accomplished. The Comet 3 flew 2,791 nautical miles in 6 hours and 44 minutes. G-ANLO remained in Honolulu for two days.

The Comet 3 departed Honolulu on December 15 on a 2,408-nautical-mile journey to Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. This flight lasted 5 hours and 40 minutes. The Comet 3 flew 1,898 nautical miles across Canada to Toronto, Ontario, in 3 hours and 56 minutes, then on to Montreal, Quebec, arriving on December 20.

On December 27, 1955, the final leg of the journey, 2,907 nautical miles from Montreal to London Heathrow Airport, was completed in 6 hours and 9 minutes.

This was the first time a jet-powered aircraft flew around the world. The Comet 3 covered a total distance of 24,324 nautical miles (27,991.6 statute miles/45,048.1 kilometers). The flying time was 56 hours and 17 minutes.

DECEMBER 22, 2021 - NEW AVIATION ART BY PETER CHILELLI

This new Aviation Art Print is now available to order, One For The Gunner By Peter Chilelli. The crew of the B-52D, tail number 55-083, took off from Utapao Royal Thai Naval Airfield that day in 1972. Their mission was to bomb the North Vietnamese railroad yards at Thai Nguyen as part of Operation Linebacker II, which took place Dec. 18-29, 1972.

Planejunkie is always adding new Military Art Prints, Aviation Art Prints, Books and Collectibles, so check back to stay up to date.

DECEMBER 14, 1972 - TODAY IN AVIATION HISTORY

The Ascent Stage of the Apollo 17 Lunar Module Challenger lifted off from the landing location in the Taurus-Littrow Valley, The Moon, at 4:54:36 p.m. CST (Houston time). Mission Commander Eugene A. Cernan and LM Pilot Harrison H. Schmitt were on board.

The two astronauts had spent 3 days, 2 hours, 59 minutes, and 40 seconds on the Moon's surface. They went outside the lunar lander three times during that time, for a total of 22 hours, 3 minutes, and 57 seconds.

Apollo 17 was the twentieth century's final manned trip to the Moon. Gene Cernan was the final man to walk on the Moon's surface.

DECEMBER 9, 2021 - NEW AVIATION BOOK BY MARTIN IRONS

This new Aviation Book, Corsair Down!: Tales of Rescue and Survival during World War II by Martin Irons is now available to order.

The Vought F4U Corsair was the greatest fighter plane in the WWII Pacific theater. For its pilots, survival was not guaranteed. Enemy planes and antiaircraft fire were dangerous, but aerial mishaps, poor flying, mechanical gremlins, weather, and bad luck took their toll too. American, British, and New Zealander Corsair pilots often found themselves with just seconds to escape. Some disappeared as POWs. A few, such as Major Gregory "Pappy" Boyington, emerged alive at the end of the war. Others had to rely on their training and the means at hand to escape do-or-die situations. Coast watchers, submarines, blimps, and air-sea rescues saved many. Even the French Foreign Legion smuggled a pilot to safety in the most daring Corsair pilot rescue of WWII. Others escaped death initially only to have to fight alongside their rescuers. Included are firsthand accounts from surviving pilots and tales of many of the great WWII Corsair aces.

Always check back for new Aviation Art Prints, Books and Collectibles being added daily.

DECEMBER 7, 2021 - NEW AVIATION ART BY KEITH BURNS

This new Aviation Art Print is now available to order, Attack On The Arizona by Keith Burns. Award-winning artist Keith Burns has created Attack on the Arizona – a dramatic painting capturing the heart-stopping moment when Japanese Aichi D-3A1 dive-bombers launched their devastating attack on the Arizona – to commemorate the 80th Anniversary of the infamous attack that brought America into World War II and to remember those Americans who fought and died at Pearl Harbor.

Planejunkie is always adding new Military Art Prints, Aviation Art Prints, Books and Collectibles, so check back to stay up to date.

DECEMBER 1, 2021 - NEW AVIATION ART BY ANTHONY SAUNDERS

This new Aviation Art Print is now available to order, Breaching The Mohne. Anthony Saunders has once again created a beautiful painting representing the situation at 'Target X,' the codename initially given to the Möhne dam, to maintain the mystique of the Dambusters. Always a master of his trade, Anthony depicts Lancaster AJ-A pilot 'Dinghy' Young as he clears the dam wall minutes after releasing his bomb. On his starboard side, Guy Gibson valiantly draws enemy fire with his navigation lights ablaze, while below Young, the flame generated by Hopgood's bomb lights up the sky.

Always check back for new Aviation Art Prints, Books and Collectibles being added daily.

NOVEMBER 26, 2021 - NEW AVIATION BOOK & PRINT PORTFOLIO BY ROBERT TAYLOR

Now available to order, The Rising Mist – Book & Print Portfolio by Robert Taylor.

Adding great authenticity, each print has been hand signed and personally titled by the artist and is issued mounted to full conservation standards to include the original autographs of some of the most famous names to serve on B-17s during WWII, such as the Pilot and Captain of the Belle, Bob Morgan. Completing each portfolio is a matching-numbered copy of the book ‘The Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress – In Air Combat Paintings by Robert Taylor’ produced exclusively for the release and beautifully illustrated from the archives of the Military Gallery using a selection of memorable Robert Taylor pieces featuring this legendary aircraft.

This new Aviation Art Print is now available to order, Snow Birds by Peter Chilelli. Photographs from the United States Air Forces were used to make this digital art piece.

In the tough winter conditions at Minot AFB, North Dakota, two B-52 bombers are serviced.

All Peter Chilelli's prints come in many options to choose from just like this one, to see those options click on the link above.

Planejunkie is always adding new Military Art Prints, Aviation Art Prints, Books and Collectibles, so check back to stay up to date.

NOVEMBER 18, 2021 - NEW AVIATION BOOK – WITH ORIGINAL PENCIL DRAWING BY RICHARD TAYLOR

Now available to order limited to only 19 Collector's Editions is this new Aviation Book, Guy Gibson’s Pilot’s Flying Log Book – with Original Pencil Drawing by Richard Taylor. 

With an ORIGINAL PENCIL DRAWING by Richard Taylor and a specially printed Certificate of Authenticity, it comes in its own luxurious embossed presentation box.

 

Always check back for new Aviation Art Prints, Books and Collectibles being added daily.

TODAY IN AVIATION HISTORY - NOVEMBER 16, 2004 - BOEING NB-52B “MOTHERSHIP”

During its final flight, Balls 8, the NASA Dryden Flight Research Center's Boeing NB-52B "mothership" (based at Edwards Air Force Base, California), makes a farewell flyover. 52-008 was the oldest B-52 Stratofortress in the US Air Force inventory, as well as the B-52 Stratofortress with the shortest operational time.

 

(Boeing RB-52B-10-BO) The Stratofortress 52-008 was manufactured in Seattle, Washington, and took to the skies for the first time on June 11, 1955. It was given to NASA on June 8, 1959, to be used as a launch vehicle for the X-15 rocketplane.

On January 23, 1960, 52-008 flew an X-15 for the first time. Balls 8 hauled the X-15s aloft on 159 flights, dropping them 106 times, sharing the mothership duties with the previous NB-52A 52-003.

 

NOVEMBER 11, 2021 - HONORING OUR VETERANS

Salute to those who served for America's freedom.

With many Aviation Art Prints and Books honoring our Veterans, here are a few to choose from The Last Veterans of WWII: Portraits and Memories by Richard Bell and Final Briefin by Anthony Saunders.

NOVEMBER 4, 2021 - NEW AVIATION ART BY RICHARD TAYLOR

This new Aviation Art Print is now available to order, Long Night Ahead by Richard Taylor. This new Aviation Art Print is available as a Limited Edition and Artist Proof, both signed by Artist Richard Taylor and a highly regarded Mosquito Navigator who flew many critical combat missions during World War II: Flight Lieutenant DES CURTIS DFC - 618 & 248 Squadrons. 

Always check back for new Aviation Art Prints, Books and Collectibles being added daily.

TODAY IN AVIATION HISTORY - OCTOBER 29, 1998 - THE FIRST AMERICAN TO ORBIT THE EARTH

Senator John Herschel Glenn, Jr., the first American to orbit the Earth, joined the Discovery STS-95 crew and returned to space. John Glenn was the oldest human to fly into space at the age of 77.

The STS-95 mission took 8 days, 21 hours, 44 minutes, and 2 seconds to complete. Senator Glenn's overall space mission time is 9 days, 2 hours, 39 minutes, 49 seconds, when combined with his orbital trip on the Mercury spacecraft Friendship 7 on February 20, 1961. He has orbited the Earth 137 times.

OCTOBER 27, 2021 - NEW AVIATION ART ROBERT TAYLOR

Now available to order is a new Aviation Art Print, Sir ARTHUR HARRIS – Book & Print Portfolio by Robert Taylor.

Both drawings have been meticulously created as Giclée proofs by one of the top English master print-makers and reproduced on museum quality archival papers. What happens next is where the real magic takes place; Robert personally takes charge of proceedings, transforming each Giclée proof into a unique work of art through the application of subtle embellishments, elegant highlights and tonal applications of muted colour wash. Only when Robert is entirely satisfied with the finished result, does he personally title and write the captions before signing and hand-numbering each copy.

Two separate pieces in one composition!

Only 25 of this memorable edition are available worldwide. Each pair of drawings is professionally matted to full conservation standards in a single composition that includes museum-quality reproduction RAF King Crown Wings and an ORIGINAL and fully authenticated autograph of the legendary leader depicted which have been sourced and collected over a number of years:

Marshal of the Royal Air Force Sir ARTHUR HARRIS Bt GCB OBE AFC

But that isn’t all – to complete the portfolio, accompanying the matted compilation is a copy of a matching-numbered book ‘THE AVRO LANCASTER in Air Combat Paintings by Robert Taylor’, specially written and created for the release. 

OCTOBER 22, 2021 - NEW AVIATION ART ANTHONY SAUNDERS

This new Aviation Art Print is now available to order, Return To Ridgewell by Anthony Saunders. This Aviation Art Print Commemorating the U.S. Eighth Air Force in Britain during WWII comes as a Limited Edition, a Matted Collector’s Edition and Artist Proof. To see more details about this print click the link above.

Always check back for new Aviation Art Prints, Books and Collectibles being added daily.

TODAY IN AVIATION HISTORY - OCTOBER 20, 1956 - FIRST FLIGHT OF THE BELL MODEL 204

The Bell Model 204 (designated XH-40-BF serial number 55-4459 by the United States Army) made its first flight at Bell's helicopter facility in Hurst, Texas, with Chief Pilot Floyd W. Carlson and Chief Experimental Test Pilot Elton J. Smith. The XH-40 is a light helicopter with six seats and a turboshaft engine. Its primary duty is battlefield medical evacuation.

This helicopter was the prototype for what would become known as the "Huey" around the world. The helicopter was originally designated as HU-1 by the US Army, but due to a service-wide rearrangement of aircraft names, it was renamed UH-1.

OCTOBER 15, 2021 - NEW AVIATION ART BY PETER CHILELLI

This new Aviation Art Print is now available to order, Beauty And The Bones by Peter Chilelli. The Bones made a spectacular return to naval aircraft at that time, with the first F-4Bs of VF-84 displaying a waving Jolly Rogers over their tail surfaces. Flamboyant color schemes were not lacking on the US Navy at the time, but this one made a lasting impression.

All Peter Chilelli's prints come in many options to choose from just like this one, to see those options click on the link above.

Planejunkie is always adding new Military Art Prints, Aviation Art Prints, Books and Collectibles, so check back to stay up to date.

OCTOBER 13, 2021 - NEW AVIATION BOOK - NO WAY OUT: THE UNTOLD STORY OF THE B-24 "LADY BE GOOD" AND HER CREW BY STEVEN R. WHITBY

This new Aviation Book, No Way Out: The Untold Story of the B-24 "Lady Be Good" and Her Crew by Steven R. Whitby is now available to order. 

The first and only combat mission for the B-24 Liberator “Lady Be Good.” On April 4, 1943, she left her base on the North African coast of Libya to bomb the port city of Naples, Italy. She never returned to base. It was not until the spring of 1959 that "Lady Be Good" was discovered by a BP oil exploration team almost 500 miles deep in the Libyan Desert, virtually intact, with no trace of the crew. What happened to the "Lady Be Good" is explored in this book.

Always check back for new Aviation Art Prints, Books and Collectibles being added daily.

TODAY IN AVIATION HISTORY - OCTOBER 9, 1943 - VIII BOMBER COMMAND MISSION NUMBER 113

The Focke-Wulf Flugzeugbau AG aircraft facility in Marienburg, East Prussia (Malbork, Poland), where the Luftwaffe's Fw 190 fighter was being manufactured, was attacked by approximately 100 American heavy bombers as part of VIII Bomber Command Mission Number 113. Marienburg was supposed to be outside the range of Allied bombs early in the war because German fighter production had been scattered.

Here is one of our favorite prints Schweinfurt / Regensburg by Jim Laurier, which features FW-190 and B-17 aircrafts.

Planejunkie is always adding new Military Art Prints, Aviation Art Prints, Books and Collectibles, so check back to stay up to date.

OCTOBER 5, 2021 - NEW AVIATION ART BY KEITH BURNS

Now available to order is a new Aviation Art Print Preparing For Action by Keith Burns. In his exciting painting Preparing for Action, award-winning artist Keith Burns gives us a fine depiction of a Typhoon from the 2nd Tactical Air Force, refueled and re-armed, preparing for another death- defying, low-level mission to strike fear and destruction into the enemy.

Always check back for new Aviation Art Prints, Books and Collectibles being added daily. 

SEPTEMBER 30, 2021 - NEW AVIATION ART BY PETER CHILELLI

This new Aviation Art Print is now available to order, Ruhr Valley Gauntlet by Peter Chilelli. On the night of May 17th 1943, British Royal Air Forces bombed the Moehne Dam, using a special bomb developed for this purpose. The bombardment resulted in a huge tidal wave, that rolled from Möhnesee through the Ruhr Valley to the Ruhr area.

Operation Chastise was an attack on German dams carried out on 16–17 May 1943 by Royal Air Force No. 617 Squadron, later called the Dam Busters, using a purpose-built "bouncing bomb" developed by Barnes Wallis.

All Peter Chilelli's prints come in many options to choose from just like this one, to see those options click on the link above.

Planejunkie is always adding new Military Art Prints, Aviation Art Prints, Books and Collectibles, so check back to stay up to date.

TODAY IN AVIATION HISTORY - SEPTEMBER 27, 2021 - CAPTAIN MICHAEL N. ANTONIOU

On September 27, 1964, Captain Michael N. Antoniou flew the number two Bell YUH-1D-BF Iroquois, 60-6029, Bell Helicopter for World Record for Distance Without Landing from from Edwards Air Force Base in the high desert of southern California, non-stop to Rogers, Arkansas. The distance flown was 2,170.70 kilometers (1,348.81 miles).

 

 

SEPTEMBER 20, 2021 - NEW AVIATION ART BY RICK HERTER

Now available to order in muliple options is a new Aviation Art Print, Winchester Over The Hammurabi by Rick Herter. Operation Iraqi Freedom A-10 Warthogs had a critical role of destroying ground targets throughout the country. One mission in particular featured A-10's flown by pilots from the 110th Fighter Wing, a unit of the Michigan Air National Guard. 

Always check back for new Aviation Art Prints, Books and Collectibles being added daily.

SEPTEMBER 17, 2021 - NEW AVIATION ART BY PETER CHILELLI

A new Aviation Art Print by Peter Chilelli, Aerial Firefighting is now available to order. This Aviation Art Print depicts Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules aerial firefighting. All Peter Chilelli's prints come in many options to choose from just like this one, to see those options click on the link above.

Planejunkie is always adding new Military Art Prints, Aviation Art Prints, Books and Collectibles, so check back to stay up to date.

TODAY IN AVIATION HISTORY - SEPTEMBER 15, 1961 - JACKIE COCHRAN

On September 15, 1961, Jackie Cochran a consultant to Northrop Corporation flew a T-38A-30-NO Talon to set a Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI) World Record for Distance Over a Closed Course of 2,166.77 kilometers (1,346.37 miles). Jackie Cochran set nine world speed, distance and altitude records while flying the Northrop T-38A-30-NO Talon 60-0551.

Check back to stay up to date on all new Military Art Prints, Aviation Art Prints, Books and Collectibles being added daily. 

 

SEPTEMBER 13, 2021 - NEW AVIATION BOOK - TOPGUN: THE LEGACY: THE COMPLETE HISTORY OF TOPGUN AND ITS IMPACT ON TACTICAL AVIATION

This new Aviation Book, TOPGUN: The Legacy: The Complete History of TOPGUN and Its Impact on Tactical Aviation by By Brad Elward is now available to order. TOPGUN: The Legacy provides a unique, detailed, and never-before-told history of the Navy Fighter Weapons School. Based on over 450 interviews with graduates, instructors, and commanding officers, and thousands of pages of archival documents, this definitive study covers the early history of air combat tactical development, the school’s founding in 1968, and its progression throughout the decades to the present day.

Always check back for new Aviation Art Prints, Books and Collectibles being added daily.

 

SEPTEMBER 9, 2021 - NEW AVIATION ART BY ANTHONY SAUNDERS

Now available to order is a new Aviation Art Print commemorating the aircrews of RAF Bomber Command, Lucky Jane by Anthony Saunders. Flying until the end of the war, QR-J Just Jane survived 123 operational sorties, and was one of four Lancasters from 61 Squadron to join the select ‘One Hundred’ club.

 

SEPTEMBER 2, 2021 - NEW AVIATION ART BY RICHARD TAYLOR

A new Aviation Art Print by Richard Taylor, Eagles Of The Eighth is now available to order. This Aviation Art Print is a veteran-signed edition remembering the P-51 Mustang pilots of the USAAF, it is available as a Limited Edition,  Artist Proof and Collector's Edition.

Planejunkie is always adding new Military Art Prints, Aviation Art Prints, Books and Collectibles, so check back to stay up to date. 

SEPTEMBER 1, 2021 - NEW AVIATION BOOK - MYASISHCHEV M-4 AND 3M: THE FIRST SOVIET STRATEGIC JET BOMBER

Now available for order is a new Aviation Book, Myasishchev M-4 and 3M: The First Soviet Strategic Jet Bomber by Yefim Gordon & Dmitriy Komissarov. The book charts the first Soviet strategic jet bomber’s development and operational history. It includes the story of how the 3M was adapted to carry components of the Energiya/Buran space transport system as the VM-T Atlant outsize cargo transporter.

Always check back for new Aviation Art Prints, Books and Collectibles being added daily.

TODAY IN AVIATION HISTORY - AUGUST 20, 1945 - VOYAGER 2

Voyager 2 was launched from Launch Complex 41 at the Kennedy Space Center, Cape Canaveral, Florida, aboard a Titan IIIE-Centaur launch vehicle.

Two years later, July 9, 1979, Voyager 2 passed within 350,000 miles of Jupiter making its closest approach to the planet.

AUGUST 17, 2021 - NEW AVIATION ART PRINTS BY ANTHONY SAUNDERS

Now available to order are two new Aviation Art Prints by Anthony Saunders, Skytrain To Normandy and  Ace Over Normandy. Both Aviation Art  Prints commemorating the brave aircrews who valiantly played their part in the skies over Normandy as the Allies fought to liberate Europe after D-Day.

Always check back for new Aviation Art Prints, Books and Collectibles being added daily.

AUGUST 10, 2021 - NEW AVIATION ART BY PETER CHILELLI

Now available to order is a new Aviation Art Print, Fat Man Away by Peter Chilelli. This Aviation Print depicts the "Bockscar", sometimes called Bock's Car, is the name of the United States Army Air Forces B-29 bomber that dropped a Fat Man nuclear weapon over the Japanese city of Nagasaki during World War II in the second – and last – nuclear attack in history.

Planejunkie is always adding new Military Art Prints, Aviation Art Prints, Books and Collectibles, so check back to stay up to date. 

TODAY IN AVIATION HISTORY - AUGUST 6, 1945 - ENOLA GAY

At 0245 hours, a four-engine, long range heavy bomber of the 509th Composite Group, United States Army Air Forces, took off from North Field on the island of Tinian in the Northern Mariana Islands, on the most secret combat mission of World War II. The Martin-Omaha B-29-45-MO Superfortress, 44-86292, under the command of Colonel Paul W. Tibbets, Jr., was carrying Bomb Unit L-11, the first nuclear weapon to be used during war. On the morning before the mission, Colonel Tibbets had his mother’s name painted on the nose of the airplane: "Enola Gay".

For those interested in "Enola Gay" Aviation Collectibles, we have many that would be a great Aviation Gift, like the B-29 "Enola Gay" Nose Art Panel , Framed Enola Gay Returns to Tinian Print With B29 Skin Signed or The Peacemakers Aviation Print. Shop any of our Military Art Prints, Aviation Books and Collectibles today.

JULY 23, 2021 - NEW MILITARY BOOK - THE 4TH WAFFEN-SS PANZERGRENADIER DIVISION "POLIZEI": AN ILLUSTRATED HISTORY

JULY 19, 2021 - NEW MILITARY BOOK - ALL OF WHICH I SAW: WITH THE US MARINE CORPS IN IRAQ

All of Which I Saw: With the US Marine Corps in Iraq by Lucian Read takes the viewer across the Pacific aboard ship, into the Battle of Najaf and Second Battle of Fallujah, during some of the most dramatic and important moments of the Iraq War. Throughout, the book also contains Read’s own contemporaneous accounts that tell the stories behind the photos, including Sgt. Maj. Kasal’s, and captures the grim truths about the war in all its violence, tragedy, heroism, and sacrifice.

Planejunkie is always adding new Military Art Prints, Aviation Art Prints, Books and Collectibles, so check back to stay up to date.

JULY, 14 2021 - NEW AVIATION ART BY ANTHONY SAUNDERS

Now available to order is a new print Tiger Fight by Anthony Saunders, Commemorating the legendary American Volunteer Group – The Flying Tigers. This Aviation Art Print can be ordered as a Limited Edition and a matted Collector's Edition and Artist Proof with two authentic autographs of the AVG’s most famous pilots.

Always check back for new Aviation Art Prints, Books and Collectibles being added daily.

 

TODAY IN AVIATION HISTORY - JULY 6, 1944 - ROSE OF YORK

In honor of Her Royal Highness "The Princess Elizabeth", a United States Army Air Forces heavy bomber, 42-102547 B-17 Flying Fortress was christened "Rose of York" by Princess Elizabeth on her royal visit to the airfield R.A.F. Thurleigh (U.S.A.A.F. Station 111), 5 miles north of Bedford, Bedfordshire, England. It was part of the 306th Bomb Group throughout it's 62 successful missions. It was destroyed on the return from a raid to Berlin on it's 63rd mission over the English channel with all 9 crew and a reporter.

                                                            

"Back from Berlin" our past featured Aviation Art Print and Book combo would make for the perfect Aviation Gift. Shop any of our Military Art Prints, Aviation Books and Collectibles today.

 

JUNE 28, 2021 - NEW MILITARY ART BY RICHARD TAYLOR!

Now available to order are these two Great Escape pieces by Richard Taylor. Both come matted and include original artefacts recovered from the POW camp at Stalag Luft III.

Richard's Stalag Luft III - The Great Escape print is also individually printed and dedicated to one of the 76 men who escaped through the tunnel.

The Great Escape - Matted Collector's Piece has been signed for posterity by a veteran of Stalag Luft III who was directly involved in the Great escape: Flt Lt William 'Tex' Ash.

Planejunkie is always adding new Military Art Prints, Aviation Art Prints, Books and Collectibles, so check back to stay up to date.

 

TODAY IN AVIATION HISTORY – JUNE 23, 1961 – MAJOR ROBERT M. WHITE EXCEEDS MACH 5 IN AN X-15

Major Robert Michael White, United States Air Force, turned into the main pilot to surpass Mach 5 in an airplane. This was the 38th trip of the X-15 Program. Trips during this stage of the X-15 gradually sped up speed and height to its plan cutoff points of Mach 6 and 250,000 feet (76,200 meters).

For those interested in X-15 Aviation Collectibles, we have our X-15 Humidor or X-15 Nose Art Panel would be the perfect Aviation Gift for the pilot in your life. Always check back for new Aviation Art Prints, Books and Collectibles being added daily to Planejunkie.com

 

June 11, 2021 - OUR NEW AVIATION ART AND COLLECTIBLES BLOG IS COMING SOON!

We are currently working with a number of copywriters to deliver to you new, interesting and relevant information on Aviation Art Prints, Books, and Collectibles. So much is going on in the world of Aviation Art and we'd love to share it with you.