50cl 42% abv.

XO Somerset Cider Brandy is blended for age and quality. We have drawn upon over thirty years of experience to make this beautifully balanced spirit.

XO has been aged in small oak barrels and each bottle can be traced back to it's source orchard. It starts with a fruity, applely nose which leads into an elegant aromatic palate with notes of vanilla, followed by a long spicy, oak finish.

After the rapid developments in tactics and technology of WWI, the Fleet Air Arm languished during the inter-war years. Immediately upon commencement of hostilities in WWII, they immediately rose to the new challenges. These two famous actions encapsulate the remarkable spirit and endeavour of a military arm that has so often been a world leader.

Hardback.

Everyone knows about the Supermarine Spitfire and its part in the Battle of Britain and thereafter in the battle over Europe. However, few are familiar with the part its maritime counterpart, the Seafire, played with the Fleet Air Arm. Despite teething troubles and not being ideal as a carrier based fighter, it nonetheless gave the Navy a superb interceptor at a time when the allies were beginning to go on the offensive. 

Packed with illustrations, photographs and development and operational details, this is a great book set in a period when the Fleet Air Arm was growing into a formidable force on a global scale.

Softback: A4

• Brand: Airfix
• Product Code: AX06102

The Supermarine Walrus (AKA Seagull) was a versatile multi-role aircraft used by several air forces. They were much loved by their crews for their ability to get them home and more loved by those pilot's they rescued. This is a highly detailed collectors model.

 1/72 scale

Despite its rather ungainly appearance, the Supermarine Walrus was one of the most effective aircraft of its type ever built. Required to operate in particularly hostile environments, the Walrus was an excellent naval reconnaissance aircraft and became an invaluable air-sea rescue asset, responsible for saving the lives of many downed airmen.

Scheme A: Supermarine Walrus Mk.I, No. 276 Squadron, Royal Air Force Harrowbeer, Devon, England, 1944
Scheme B: Supermarine Walrus Mk.I , No. 700 Naval Air Squadron, HMS Sheffield, 1941.
Scheme C: Supermarine Walrus Mk.I, No. 5 CF Royal Australian Air Force, Australia and New Guinea, early 1943.

• Item Length – Without Packaging (cm): 23.8
• Item Width – Without Packaging (cm): 29.2
• How many pieces?: 157
• Item Scale: 1:48
• License line: BAE SYSTEMS is a registered trade mark of BAE Systems plc.
• Contents (what’s in the box) sets: Plastic model kit, instruction sheet, paint layout sheet and decals.
• Finish: Plastic
• Number of Scheme options: 3
• Skill Level: 3
• Flying Hours: 3
• Wingspan (mm): 292

The Supermarine Walrus was a British single engine amphibious biplane reconnaissance aircraft, designed by R.J. Mitchell who was also responsible for the illustrious Spitfire. The aircraft first flew on the 21st June 1933. Operated by the Fleet Air Arm, it also served with the Royal Air Force and several Commonwealth forces. It was also the first British squadron service aircraft to incorporate a fully retractable undercarriage, completely enclosed crew accommodation and an all metal fuselage. Designed for use as a fleet spotter to be catapulted from battleships or cruisers, the Walrus was later employed in a variety of roles most notably as a rescue aircraft for downed aircrew and it continued in service throughout the Second World War.

Operation Torch was the codename of the World War II joint - and first - collaboration between the US and Allied Forces in the European-African arena. The Operation took place between 8^th and 16^th November 1942 with the aim of opening up a second front against the Axis powers prevalent in North Africa, therefore diverting the offensive in Europe. The Allied landings and conquest of key areas in Morocco and Algeria in particular resulted in an Allied victory against both the Vichy French and German forces.

Here, the Walrus is decorated as it took part in Operation Torch and appears in beige and dark earth desert camouflage colours with a pale blue underside. The blue and white US Forces star is printed on the upper and lower wings. The enclosed cockpit interior and the gun positions are both green. Note particularly the two guns fore and aft of the cockpit and the omission of bomb racks under the wings on this release.

Fairey Swordfish W5856 first flew on 21st October 1941 and was built by Blackburn hence being known as a 'Blackfish'.

W5856 spent part of the war on active service in the Mediterranean.

The Fairey Swordfish earned legendary status during WWII, not just for actions like the Bismarck, Taranto and the Channel Dash, but also for the pivotal role it played in protecting Atlantic and Arctic convoys.

One of the most versatile aircraft of WWII, hence the affectionate name 'Stringbag', it could carry torpedoes, bombs, mines, depth charges, rockets and radar and was also used for reconnaissance, spotting the fall of shells and inserting secret operatives and equipment into Axis controlled territory.

This is also a rare opportunity to own the signature of John Welham who piloted a Swordfish into Taranto Harbour in the famous battle.

3 variants

1) Print

2) Print with signatures of artist and John Welham - survivor of Taranto attack

3) Print with signatures of artist and RN historic flight pilots

N.B. Frame is for illustration purposes only. Not supplied with print. Items 2 and 3 are very presentable, but show some signs of age.

The Swordfish was a truly extraordinary aircraft with a service record that few aircraft have matched. The images of LS326 and W5856 by Stephen Ward capture her in her element, prowling through troubled skies. Sentinel. Protector.

W5856 and LS326 are the last flying Fairey Swordfish in the world and your help keeps them in the air where they belong. 

Available as:

Poster: A3

Mounted print: overall size 49cms x 36cms

A detailed plan view of the Fairey Swordfish Mk.II, this lapel pin is an elegant addition to any outfit.

All the profits from our sales help keep our Swordfish and other heritage aircraft flying.

What an extraordinary aircraft the Fairey Swordfish turned out to be. Born at the end of the biplane era, this was an aircraft apparently totally unsuited to fight the war in which it became embroiled. Despite being deemed obsolete at the onset of hostilities, it not only outlived aircraft designed to replace it, but it gave sterling service, virtually unchanged, in all theatres throughout the war.

This reliable and manoeuvrable aircraft, much loved by its crews, had it's major honours at Taranto and in the sinking of the Bismarck, but it also played a huge part in the Battle of the Atlantic and with the Arctic convoys as well as campaigns across the globe.

This is the story of the marathon 26 month restoration of the world's oldest flying Fairey Swordfish, W5856, filmed at their Brough factory by British Aerospace in the 90's. 

W5856 is currently hangared with the Navy Wings Heritage Flight at RNAS Yeovilton and is still a regular and popular display aircraft at air shows around the UK.

Format: All regions

Duration: c:60 mins 

.

• ISBN: 9781472865106
• Softback

Aircraft have been decorated with art pretty much since they took to the skies whether it was just a name, some saucy nose art or something derived from a squadron crest as we have here.

801, 892 and 899 naval air squadrons all have illustrious histories.

Handmade, these tail fins will look terrific on a desk or shelf.

Limited availability! 

Dimensions:

801 - 27cms x 19cms x 5cms

899 - 30cms x 20cms x 5cms

892 - 35cms x16cms x 5cms

The Fleet Air Arm action at Taranto was a ground breaking initiative. Beyond being very successful in damaging the Italian Fleet it turned the balance of power in the Mediterranean in favour of the British and thus changed the course of the war in North Africa. As the blueprint for the attack on Pearl Harbour, it ultimately changed the course of global history. The book is copiously illustrated with illustrations and photographs and details of the plans and there execution.

Softback.

Success at Taranto changed the balance of power in the Mediterranean. This not only had dramatic repercussions in naval terms, but also in assisting the North African Campaign and providing the blue print for the Japanese attack at Pearl Harbour. It started the decline in importance of the capital ship as the aircraft carrier rose to the ascendant. Something of such significance should be commemorated properly and we think that this very special coin does just that. 

Carefully enamelled to show a Swordfish in the thick of the battle on the front and a detailed close up of a Swordfish and brave crew on the reverse, this is a dramatic collectors piece.

Specifically created to mark the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Taranto.

Telegraphist Air Gunner – The Last Line of Defiance by artist CPO(A) Horace William ‘Nat’ Gold FAASFX412

This image, the brave TAG prepared to defend his aircraft and crew from, usually better equipped, all comers, is an embodiment of the 'Can do, will do' spirit that defines the Fleet Air Arm. 

Stationed in Malta between January 1941 and January 1942, Telegraphist Air Gunner ‘Nat’ Gold survived nearly 1000 air raids, some of which were taking place as his Fairey Swordfish Mk1 was landing or taking off.

Of his 35 flights from Hal-Far, 24 included torpedo attacks, dive bombing or mine laying while others were for reconnaissance and anti-submarine patrol.

Between May and November 1941, 830 Naval Air Squadron sank 110,000 tons of enemy shipping and damaged 130,000 more – a record unequalled by any other squadron. By the end of 1942, 830 and 828 Naval Air Squadrons had a combined tally of nearly 400,000 tons sunk or damaged.

Many torpedo attacks were carried out at night despite a lack of night flying instruments or even a torpedo sight.

‘Nat’ Gold was mentioned in despatches in 1942.

He subsequently became a gunnery instructor and served with 750 NAS in Trinidad until the end of the war

Having wanted to be a pilot for as long as he could remember, Chris Taylor gained his private pilot’s license at the age of 17. He joined the Royal Navy whilst studying for a degree in Electrical Engineering and, after serving as a Navigation Officer on numerous ships, went on to operate Wasp and Lynx helicopters.

After five years instructing, he became a test pilot and flew all manner of experimental aircraft for research and development purposes before returning to the Empire Test Pilot’s School as a tutor. Having served at Boscombe Down for ten years he joined the UK Civil Aviation Authority as an aeroplane and rotorcraft test pilot. With the closure of the CAA’s Flight Test Department, he formed Dovetail Aviation Ltd and has continued to test fly a wide variety of aircraft ever since.

Chris has flown 400 different kinds of aircraft, is a Fellow of the Society of Experimental Test Pilots and is a licensed Category 1 Test Pilot and Flight Test Instructor for both aeroplanes and helicopters, which arguably makes him one of the best qualified and most widely experienced test pilots working today.

Review:

Well, what an excellent read!

Chris Taylor has that rare gift – the ability to write engagingly and in detail about a subject that is alien to most people and yet he invites them warmly onto a comfortable sofa within this unfamiliar world.

A book written about test flying by a test pilot? Surely only a pilot would understand? I’m not a pilot and that was my (soon to be confounded) expectation. This is an excellent book and it takes the reader through a career that has more variety than Heinz and which required more lives than a lucky cat.

Even the hairiest of experiences is described in a reassuringly down to earth manner that brings the reader fully into the experience. There are technical details that will fascinate the flying community and yet not baffle or bore those whose only flying experience is sitting in a commercial airliner. By the end of the book it wouldn’t be hard to convince yourself that you could fly any of a number of aircraft.

This book isn’t just a series of tales about flying and close escapes. It’s also about a man who clearly has an instinctive grasp of how the physics of flying works that is beyond mere training. It’s about that tight community of airmen, test pilots or not, who quietly share a mutual understanding of the risks and pleasures of aviation. It’s about the relationship between those who fly and those who make things fly – that intimate interplay between aircrew and engineers. Above all it’s about the pioneering spirit that must reside in every test pilot who pushes the envelope whenever they get into an untried aircraft.

Inevitably in a world where gravity leads to the final frontier, there are emotional highs and lows, but they only add to the richness of this book.

Whether you are a pilot or not, this is a terrific read. Leave yourself some time when you open it. You probably won’t put it down until the final page.

This range was Inspired by an overheard remark made by an ex Fleet Air Arm pilot. 

These designs are exclusive to Navy Wings and feature nine iconic aircraft that have played critical roles in the history of the Fleet Air Arm.

It's the very special combination of the aircraft, the aircrew and everyone involved in operating them that makes the Fleet Air Arm ROCK!

Support us and help raise awareness just by having a cuppa in a generous sized 15oz mug!

Product features
- Top quality- Glossy ceramic finish for a sleek look
- Vibrant colors achieved through advanced printing techniques
- Microwave-safe for convenient heating
- Dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning
- A generous 15oz

Care instructions
- Clean in dishwasher (put the product on top rack), or wash by hand with warm water and dish soap

Please allow 3-7 working days for dispatch - as this item is made to order.

This range was Inspired by an overheard remark made by an ex Fleet Air Arm pilot. 

These designs are exclusive to Navy Wings and feature nine iconic aircraft that have played critical roles in the history of the Fleet Air Arm.

It's the very special combination of the aircraft, the aircrew and everyone involved in operating them that makes the Fleet Air Arm ROCK!

One size fits moat

Fabric adjustment

Sandwich peak to maintain shape

This range was Inspired by an overheard remark made by an ex Fleet Air Arm pilot. 

These designs are exclusive to Navy Wings and feature nine iconic aircraft that have played critical roles in the history of the Fleet Air Arm.

It's the very special combination of the aircraft, the aircrew and everyone involved in operating them that makes the Fleet Air Arm ROCK!

Features:

• Medium fit set-in sleeve with a single jersey lined hood and round draw cords.
  
• Stitched buttonhole eyelets, herringbone back neck tape with flatlock topstitch on all seams and a kangaroo pocket with flatlock topstitch.
  

A unique digitally enhanced for DTG Print on our quality Hoodies,

Fabric: 85% Organic Ringspun Combed Cotton 15% Recycled Polyester

Recommended washing at 40 degrees or below.

Do not dry clean.

This range was Inspired by an overheard remark made by an ex Fleet Air Arm pilot. 

These designs are exclusive to Navy Wings and feature nine iconic aircraft that have played critical roles in the history of the Fleet Air Arm.

It's the very special combination of the aircraft, the aircrew and everyone involved in operating them that makes the Fleet Air Arm ROCK!

We recommend washing at 40 degrees or below.

220gsm