In 1913, Frank Barnwell designed the Bristol Scout, which was the fastest and most manoeuvrable warplane for the first eighteen months of the First World War, and became the prototype single-seat fighter from which all later fighters were derived. As a result Barnwell became one of the seminal figures in the development of aircraft design. In 1916, Flt Sub Lt F. D. H. Bremner RNAS flew Bristol Scouts for No. 2 Wing in the eastern Mediterranean. In 1983, his grandson David discovered three aircraft parts from Scout no. 1264 in his late grandfather's workshop and twenty years later he, together with his friend Theo Willford, researched the possibility of rebuilding her from these three parts. This book interweaves the previously unpublished early life of Barnwell and his brother Harold, the operational and technical history of his creation the Bristol Scout, Bremner's flying career, and the challenges faced by Theo together with David and his brother Rick in recreating 1264 and getting her back in the air. Neither Frank Barnwell nor the Bristol Scout have received the acclaim due to them in the history of military aviation and this lavishly illustrated book attempts to put the record straight.

The Bristol Scout was a single-seat rotary engined biplane. It's origin were as a racing aircraft. Like similar fast it was used by the Royal Naval Air Service and the Royal Flying Corp as a 'scout' or fighter/fast reconnaissance type.

Although used as a fighter it was not possible to fit it with an effective forward-firing armament until the first British-designed gun/engine synchronisation system became available later in 1916, by which time the Scout was obsolescent. Single-seat fighters continued to be called "scouts" in British usage into the early 1920s.

It was an impressive aircraft in its day and well regarded by its pilots.

 ** Includes individually numbered copy of the original parts list signed by David, grandson of 1264's pilot Flt Sub Lt FDH Bremner. **

 

The Bristol Scout was a single-seat rotary engine biplane. Originally designed as a racing aircraft, it was initially used by the RNAS and RFC for reconnaissance, but became one of the first single-seaters to be used as a fighter aircraft. This fascinating documentary DVD shows the trials, tribulations and triumphs as David Bremner and his team take the only known remaining components of a Bristol Scout (belonging to his grandfather's aircraft) and rebuild an exact replica.

The Sea Vixen was the aircraft of British naval aviators for 20 years and the first in the world to have its Arrow wings which were foldable for use on aircraft carriers. In 1964, the Fleet Air Arm introduced FAW 2, a much-improved version of the Sea Vixen equipped with modern air-to-air missiles. 

Highly detailed kit
Cockpit with many details
Extensive external loads
2021 70th anniversary of first flight
Authentic representation of the following versions:

DeHavilland Sea Vixen FAW2, 890NAS, RNAS Yeovilton, England, July 1971
DeHavilland Sea Vixen FAW2, 899NAS, HMS Eagle, November 1970

Ready to assemble plastic model kit requiring glue and paint to complete (not included).

• Build Skill Level: 4
• 131 Parts in total
• Model Dimensions (once built): 23.6 x 21.1cm
• Brand: Revell

The Airco DH4 was a British two seat bomber aircraft of WWI. Designed by the great Geoffrey de Havilland (hence 'DH') it was the first British two-seat light bomber to have an effective defensive armament. It entered service with the RFC in March 1917. 

It had a forward firing 0.303 in Vickers machine gun for the pilot, an 0.303 in Lewis gun for the observer and was capable of carrying over 460lb's of bombs.

Brand: Oxford Diecast

The Fairey Firefly two-seater strike-fighter emerged from troubled beginnings to become one of the most widely used and effective aircraft of the Royal Navy’s Fleet Air Arm. It first saw service in 1944 during the attacks on the battleship Tirpitz as it lurked in the Norwegian fjords, then served in the Far East as the Fleet Air Arm tussled with the kamikaze threat. It went on to form an important part of several embryonic naval air arms in the early years of the Cold War and performed a vital combat role in Korea in the early 1950s. In this book, naval aviation historian Matthew Willis tells the story of this important aircraft using more than 160 photographs, many of them rare or unpublished, accompanied by a detailed commentary covering every aspect of the Firefly’s varied career from fighter, to sub-hunter, to pilot-less target drone, in air forces all over the world.

This smart black flying suit is perfect for all young flying enthusiasts and would make a great gift.

Now a lucky child can look just like a real Fleet Air Arm pilot.

The good quality suit comes with 4 velcro areas where patches can be applied.

Supplied with 3 patch badges worth over £15

1. Royal Navy
2. Fleet Air Arm Wings
3. Navy Wings Heritage Flight

Baseball cap (not supplied with flying suit) and badges also available separately.

Our thanks to George for modelling it. A Fleet Air Arm pilot in the making perhaps?

Any occasion, iconic, high quality gift wrap paper.

Perfect for all Fleet Air Arm personnel both retired and present (excuse the pun).

Each pack contains:
2 x Sheet size: 594 x 841mm - 115g uncoated 

 

Proudly wear the Fleet Air Arm wings crest & zig zag design on these high quality baseball caps.

Recently upgraded to even a higher quality, these durable caps feature a carefully embroidered crest, fabric adjuster (no more cracked plastic) and sandwich peak.

Enjoy a proud cuppa in the Fleet Air Arm Crest Mug. The bold design is Fleet Air Arm plain and simple.

Handwash recommended.

 

We think that you can't say 'Fly' or 'Flew Navy' plainer than this car sticker.

Big and bold, it's 1.75" x  9.3"and we're selling them in pairs because if you're going to say it on your car, you can say it pointing in two directions!

Self cling vinyl.

Just peel, press and be proud.

 

Our exclusive Fleet Air Arm 'Fly Navy' bunting is finally here..

Whatever the occasion, if you're part of the FAA fraternity, these will be just the job.

These large size, double sided pennants are made in the UK and are heavy duty so they will last for years.

Only available from Navy Wings.

• Made in the UK
• Heavy duty, double-sided
• Dimensions: W20cm x H30cm
• Length: 10m - 24 pennants 

This kit authentically recreates the FM-1 featuring four machine guns with both the U.S. Navy and Royal Navy markings and one sitting pilot figure.

The deployment of the Grumman F4F-3 Wildcat, which was one of the main U.S. Navy carrier-based fighter, started in 1940, and in 1942, the F4F-4 was introduced into service. This aircraft employed a foldable wing for efficient use on flight decks while 12.7mm machine guns were increased from four to six. With its bullet proofing, rigid fuselage and its pilots' tactics, the F4F-F was more than equal to the Zero fighter. Although the F4F-F gave its position to aircraft equipped with 2,000hp-class engine such as the F6F Hellcat and F4U Corsair after WWII onward, this aircraft, which was suitable for use on small flight decks, constructed its presence as the aircraft to be deployed on escort carrier and to enhance air force. While the Grumman focused on the F6F production, Eastern Air Lines took over the production of the F4F-4 variant which was called as the FM and its first production variant FM-1 was mostly the same as the F4F-4 except for decreased (from six to four) machine guns. The Wildcat was introduced to the Royal Navy and was known as the Martlet (fictitious bird often seen in the English coats of arms). This aircraft continued to see action as anti-submarine patrol and convoy escort until the end of war.

• The kit faithfully depicts the wing equipped with four machine guns; parts depict wing top surface without machine gun access door and wing under surface without cartridge exhaust port and with enlarged magazine panel.
• Includes a new rear-view mirror part to recreate the Martlett Mk.V of the Royal Navy.
• Features realistic renderings of fuselage surfaces with panel lines and rivets.
• The complex structure around the main landing gear is realistically recreated.
• Comes with decals to depict 3 marking options: 846th Fighter Squadron, Royal Navy, HMS Tracker (D24), Normandy, June 1944 (*), 58th Mixed Fighter Squadron, U.S. Navy, USS Guadalcanal (CVE-60), North Atlantic, January 1944, 33rd Mixed Fighter Squadron, U.S. Navy, USS Nassau (CVE-16), California Coast , September 1943
• *Invasion stripe: black and white stripe paints on the fuselage and wing of the Allied forces' aircraft to identify allies during the Normandy Landings
• Masking stickers for the canopy, one sitting pilot figure and black-and-white painting guide are included.
• Fuselage length: 184mm.

Paints and glue are required to complete this model kit. Not included. Available separately.

Somerset has played an important part in the history of British aviation. Aircraft have been built in the county since the time of the First World War and the county's airfields played an important part during the Second World War. The growth of Westland, at Yeovil and Weston Super Mare, has seen Somerset become a world-renowned centre for the design and construction of rotary-wing craft. Before their reliance on helicopters, Westland made such famous aircraft as the Lysander and Whirlwind, as well as the Wapiti and Wildebeast (and the rather bizarre Wendover!). Airports at Weston Super Mare and Whitchurch became important for passenger travel while the Royal Navy's Air Station at Yeovilton continues to home several Naval Air Squadrons. In times past, the aviation industry was important to the county and today, while still important, aviation heritage brings many tourists to Somerset. Colin Cruddas tells the story in words and pictures of the airfields, manufacturers and aircraft that were made or flown over the county of Somerset.

...Memoirs of the RNAS in the first World War.

Technology has changed at a frightening pace since aircraft first took to the skies. During WW1 not only did the technology change, but also the way in which aircraft were used as all sides learned to understand the potential of this powerful new influence on the battlefield.  'Philip Bartlett's account is a unique and fascinating record of a pilot's life in the dawn of aerial warfare and, as history, of the first use of the bomber in war, strangely, by the Navy's aircraft.'

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Pen & Sword Military; Reprint edition (17 Oct. 2013)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 159 pages
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 9781783461813
• Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 16.51 x 1.91 x 24.13 cm

Perhaps contrary to popular belief, the Royal Naval Air Service played a considerable part in actions on the Western front and were ahead of their RFC counterparts in the use of the Sopwith Pup, Triplane and Camel. This book contains a wealth of information and illustrations about the men and the planes that made a mark in the conflict.

Part 2 A fascinating insight into the Naval pilot aces and their aircraft from both sides of the conflict. Unusually, this was a period when flying boats and seaplanes were often in the thick of the action, so this book delves down paths that are not well trodden.

Paperback.

 

The author is artist David Gibbings MBE. Founder member of the Guild of Aviation Artists and Senior Engineer on numerous projects at Westlands including the Lynx World Speed Record.

This little booklet is the perfect accompaniment for the poster by the same name which commemorates the event when, on the evening of August 11th 1986, a Westland Lynx helicopter flew at 400.87 kph (249.1mph) over a 15km course at Sedgemoor, near Glastonbury, Somerset, breaking the existing world speed for any helicopter.

The artist, David Gibbings, was Head of Department at this time and concluded his illustrious career as Chief Flight Test Engineer at Westlands in 1993.

 Limited copies available.

The artist is David Gibbings MBE. Founder member of the Guild of Aviation Artists and Senior Engineer on numerous projects at Westlands including the Lynx World Speed Record.

This exceptional picture commemorates the event when, on the evening of August 11th 1986, a Westland Lynx helicopter flew at 400.87 kph (249.1mph) over a 15km course at Sedgemoor, near Glastonbury, Somerset, breaking the existing world speed for any helicopter.

A record it still holds in its class.

Signed by

 

Limited Edition of 850

WWI was a time for pioneering in the science of using aircraft in warfare. Perhaps surprisingly, the Royal Naval Air Service played a major role on the Western Front and in many other theatres of war at the same time as it was also mastering the challenges of flying aircraft from ships at sea. A marvellously detailed look at technology and tactics in flux.

Paperback.

The Royal Naval Air Service and the Fleet Air Arm have a long, illustrious and intermingled history. Wearing RNAS insignia shows respect for that history.

A detailed diecast replica of the powerhouse that is the Hawker Sea Fury, replete in 804 NAS livery.

The Sea Fury represented the last front line piston engine fighter of the Royal Navy and the pinnacle of propeller/piston engineering and performance before the carrier borne jet era commenced.

Very fast, agile, versatile and capable of carrying a decisive payload, the Sea Fury was used to great effect in the Korean War (where one shot down a MiG15) and is one of the great (and now rare) icons of British aviation.

Taken from an original painting by Peter Hogan, this dramatic print shows a Fairey Swordfish MkII patrolling over an Atlantic convoy as it forges its way through a forbidding sea. Another Swordfish is about to fly over a tiny MAC ship. 

A MAC (Merchant Aircraft Carrier) ship was a converted merchant ship and many, as illustrated, didn't have an internal hangar so the technicians and aircraft were constantly exposed to the elements.

This painting clearly illustrates the tiny decks from which the aircraft had to operate - barely wider than the aircraft and very short!

Overall size 59.5cm x 42cm.

Supplied as print only. (Frame shown is purely for illustration purposes.)

The Aerospatiale / Westland Gazelle is one of the longest serving and most successful reconnaissance and light attack helicopters. The Gazelle soon made an impression with its high speed, smooth looks and design innovations such as the Fenestron ducted tail rotor and composite main rotor blades. In this readable book, aviation expert David Oliver tells the full story of the development of the Gazelle as well as its various air force, military and naval roles and deployments.

...Aircraft & Events as recorded in official documents.

It's unbelievable to see how much fascinating detail has been packed into this tome. It draws on 5 key documents.

1) Diary of Important Operations, Flanders, 1916
2) Disposition of Aircraft, 24 February, 1917
3) Royal Naval Air Service Communiques Nos 1 to 14;
4) Truing up of Aeroplanes: Issued by the Air Department Sept 1st, 1916.
5) The Grain drawings

This unique treasure trove of visual reference will appeal to historians, students and enthusiasts.

Hardback.

'In the few short years after 1914 the Royal Navy practically invented Naval Warfare, not only producing the first effective aircraft carriers, but also pioneering most of the techniques and tactics that made Naval air power a reality.' This is a details book about the operational and technical achievements of the RNAS, the operations, the technology that underpinned them and the people who carried them out - all during a revolutionary period of development that changed naval warfare globally forever.

Hardback.

Aerial attack by Zeppelin was a daunting spectre in Britain as the prospect of war came closer. After hostilities commenced the Royal Naval Air Service had the responsibility of attacking the Zeppelins in their hangars where they were most vulnerable. This was Britain's first strategic bombing campaign.

Paperback.