For decades, the Detail & Scale series has been a gold standard in aviation publishing, particularly for aviation history buffs and scale modelers. The series covers some of the most iconic aircraft in military history with an unmatched level of detail and accuracy.
Retired U.S. Army second lieutenant, aviation historian, and civilian consultant Bert Kinzey brings a lifetime of expertise and an impeccable military reputation to his books. He initially began compiling and writing detailed histories of military aircraft while teaching air threat and air defense suppression classes at Fort Bliss because he was dissatisfied with the existing manuals.
Kinzey’s writing is well respected among military and historical communities for chronicling the technological advancements of U.S. military aviation and providing a meticulously researched reference for enthusiasts and other historians.
The Detail & Scale series stands out in the crowded field of aviation literature for several key reasons, namely the quality of its photography and illustrations and its incredibly detailed technical specification
Each volume in the Detail & Scale series is the result of extensive research conducted by Kinzey and other experts in aviation history and military aircraft. Many of the other authors are also former military pilots, engineers, and aviation historians who have spent years studying and documenting the aircraft they write about.
Likewise, Kinzey has taken many of the photographs featured in the series himself, and he insists that authors use firsthand photos whenever possible so that the imagery matches up precisely with the details discussed in the text.
With the help of art director Rock Roszak, Kinzey and team have included a variety of archival photographs, digital recreations, and meticulously crafted illustrations that bring each aircraft to life.
Because of the visual accuracy and fidelity of the Detail & Scale series, modelers tend to use these books extensively for reference material. Kinzey and his team go beyond general aviation history to provide intricate technical details that are invaluable to model designers. These include precise component dimensions, weapon configurations, color schemes, and even the subtle differences between various production blocks/runs of the same aircraft.
At the FLYING Store, we’re proud to feature several standout titles from the Detail & Scale collection, including these staff and fan favorites:
Jet Fighters of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps Part 2: Mach 1 and Beyond
This volume takes readers into the era of supersonic flight, covering some of the most powerful and technologically advanced jet fighters in U.S. naval aviation history, as well as the evolution of the U.S. Navy’s aircraft carriers. The scope of this publication includes all Navy jet fighter designs that reached at least the flying prototype stage. Many of the fighters covered in this book did eventually become operational with fleet squadrons and saw (or continue to see) plenty of combat around the world.
Attack Aircraft of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps
Focusing on strike aircraft rather than dogfighters, this book explores the machines designed to deliver firepower with precision. Featured aircraft include:
- A-6 Intruder – A carrier-based all-weather attack aircraft with a long service history
- A-7 Corsair II – A compact but powerful attack jet known for its accuracy in bombing runs
- AV-8B Harrier II – A unique vertical/short takeoff and landing (V/STOL) aircraft used by the Marine Corps
- F/A-18 Hornet – Its dual role as both a fighter and attack aircraft makes it a standout in naval aviation history
The book delves into the technological advancements that made these aircraft successful, from radar and avionics upgrades to changes in weapons systems.
If you’re passionate about military aviation, the Detail & Scale series offers an incredible depth of information and insight into aircraft development and production. Especially if you dabble in any advanced modelling, the highly detailed images and specifications herein are a necessary reference for creating accurate scale models.
These books also make excellent gifts for aviation enthusiasts or anyone with an appreciation for military technology.
The FLYING Store is proud to offer these and other Detail & Scale books. Explore our full selection and find the perfect addition to your aviation library today!
- Written by Matt Herr