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“If you have any interest in aviation, you’ll be surprised, entertained and fascinated by Hush-Kit - the world’s best aviation blog”. Rowland White, author of the best-selling 'Vulcan 607'
From the cocaine, blood and flying scarves of World War One dogfighting to
the dark arts of modern air combat, here is an enthralling ode to these
brutally exciting killing machines.
The Hush-Kit Book of Warplanes is a beautifully designed, highly visual,
collection of the best articles from the fascinating world of military
aviation –hand-picked from the highly acclaimed Hush-kit online magazine
(and mixed with a heavy punch of new exclusive material). It is packed with
a feast of material, ranging from interviews with fighter pilots
(including the English Electric Lightning, stealthy F-35B and Mach 3 MiG-25
‘Foxbat’), to wicked satire, expert historical analysis, top 10s and all
manner of things aeronautical, from the site described as
"the thinking-man’s Top Gear... but for planes".
The solid well-researched information about aeroplanes is brilliantly
combined with an irreverent attitude and real insight into the dangerous
romantic world of combat aircraft.
FEATURING
Interviews with pilots of the F-14 Tomcat, Mirage, Typhoon, MiG-25,
MiG-27, English Electric Lighting, Harrier, F-15, B-52 and many more.
Engaging Top (and bottom) 10s including: Greatest fighter aircraft of
World War II, Worst British aircraft, Worst Soviet aircraft and many
more insanely specific ones.
Expert analysis of weapons, tactics and technology.
A look into art and culture's love affair with the aeroplane.
Bizarre moments in aviation history.
Fascinating insights into exceptionally obscure warplanes.
The book will be a stunning object: an essential addition to the library of
anyone with even a passing interest in the high-flying world of warplanes,
and featuring first-rate photography and a wealth of new world-class
illustrations.
Rewards levels include these packs of specially produced trump cards.
Hush-Kit is an online magazine that reminds the world of the beauty of flight. It is jam-packed with exclusive articles, news, art and gossip - all from an aeronautical perspective.
Edited & created by Joe Coles. Hush-Kit is the alternative aviation blog.
“Joe Coles is one of the brightest, funniest people I know, and the only writer who makes aviation interesting to me. He manages to find something human in the cold, war-spattered world of planes, and brings light to the darkest subjects.” Eva Wiseman, Observer
“This dude knows airplanes.” David Axe, War is Boring
“For you aviation gearheads and mil-air nerds like me, @Hush_Kit is worth a follow for great stories and analysis on fighter aircraft.” Rick Wilson, pilot and #1 New York Times best-selling author of "Everything Trump Touches Dies"
“Well-informed and always entertaining, Hush-Kit places aviation in the wider context. Flying has never seemed so thrilling.” Mark Townsend, multi award-winning journalist, war correspondent and author of "Point Man"
1st December 2022The Book is in your hands! Sunday London signing cancelled. Vol 2 reaches 46%
Hey,
Most supporters now have books! Those who don't will very soon. It was really lovely to hear from those who enjoyed the book, I was really touched, thank you. Makes it all worthwhile. You made this book happen and have shaken up the old model of aviation book publishing. Lovely to meet some of you at the launch party last week, a great bunch of people.
Sadly, The Aviation Bookshop is unable…
16th November 2022I got my hands on a copy of The Hush-Kit Book of Warplanes and it is flipping gorgeous
Yesterday, I braved the rain and headed to Basildon for a day that will live forever in Hush-Kit history. It wasn't even Basildon really, but Laindon (the birthplace of Carry On actor Joan Sims). No disrespect to Laindon, but it's not the kind of place you go to unless you have a good reason, and I certainly did, as this was the first time I would touch a copy of The Hush-Kit Book of Warplanes…
3rd November 2022Author events coming up - looking forward to thanking you in person
I will be heading to an undisclosed location to sign books (for supporters who chose this level) in a couple of weeks, then the publisher, Unbound, tell me they'll be posting out your long-awaited books a couple of days after that.
Thanks again for making this project happen. I will finally, get the chance to meet you and thank you in person at the events below.
November 24 Bristol
…
26th August 2022An invitation to our Book Launch - 24 November 2022 7PM
Bristol, Britain's aviation city, will host a launch for The Hush-Kit Book of Warplanes at the best cocktail joint in town
@CryingWolfBar in November.
All supporters are very welcome (with up to three guests). There will also be a launch in London.
Details will follow over the next few weeks. I look forward to thanking you in person.
There may even be an aviation quiz if you fancy it!
…
21st July 2022Release date reveal!
The heat is on, the heat is o-on!
It's a hot day in England as I can finally share the release date: 24 November 2022.
So, the 126 day countdown begins.
Thanks for your vital support.
Yours in Fulmars and Brigands,
Hush-Kit
4th July 2022Update and discount code for book 2
Phew, been a long time since I've updated as been rather busy.
As far as I know (Unbound hold the magic schedule wand) my involvement editorially should be complete very soon. I'm finishing off captions and making sure planes I love have a photo, and squeezing in EVEN MORE artwork, such as a stunning camo MiG-25 and wicked psychedelic lozenge Albatros.
The design is looking bloody brilliant.…
11th March 2022Last chance to have your name included: We’re closing the supporter list 27/3 at midnight on Sunday 27 March
We’re closing the supporter list at the end of this month, at midnight on Sunday 27 March. That will be the last point at which people can pledge and get their names listed in the book. Tell friends to order here. Pledges are still open for volume 2. If you have (rather cleverly) already pledged, a big thank you.
1st March 2022Book reaches final creation stages! + Avia S-92 Turbína
It's been a long journey (not physically as it just involved three trips to London) to create The Hush-Kit Book of Warplanes –and fingers crossed my input and part in volume 1 will soon be over, meaning the book is nearing completion. It has been a long time since my first meeting with Rowland 'Vulcan' White metres from the first RAF headquarters on the Strand in London, where he suggested this…
24th January 2022Latest update & The terrible Messerschmitt Me 210
A few weeks ago I went over the latest design concepts with Unbound and gave feedback, fingers crossed the next tranche will be the final version and then I can share a cheeky preview. The book will be gorgeous. I'm also awaiting the final feedback on the manuscript. It will feel great to sign this off.
Once the designers have selected the final images from the selection I have provided, I…
4th January 2022The impossibility of choosing a favourite World War II aircraft
There are millions of World War IIs, and some are more fun than others. The one your grand – or great grandparent –fought or endured was probably the least fun, though a period of (say) six years always holds countless contradictions. The most enjoyable 'version' of World War II was the retelling that was born as propaganda and became cemented to the public psyche through model kits, Commando…
12th November 202110 best-looking Hawker aeroplanes? You decide (and date of our master quiz)
From 1920 to 1963, Hawker Aircraft Limited created a slew of incredible aircraft – but which was the most beautiful? Woodcock? Hedgehog? Danecock? Or maybe the classic Hunter? Let us know in the comments below and we will democratically select the top 10 which will form the basis of a top 10 article for hushkit.net. The Hush-Kit Book of Warplanes Vol 2 is now 24% funded. It can…
21st September 2021Hush-Kit Volume 2 crowdfunding campaign launched
3rd September 2021Hush-Kit Book of Warplanes: New frontcover, RELEASE DATE announced...and launch of VOLUME 2
Dear supporter/aviation obsessive/patient friend,
There's big news at the end of this email but first:
The final design for the cover is done and it looks gorgeous. Courtesy of the sleek design skills of Art Director Mark Ecob.
I can't wait to have this beautiful badboy in my greedy hands (may need to work on phrasing here). If you have a friend who wishes to have their name…
3rd September 2021Hush-Kit Book of Warplanes: New frontcover, RELEASE DATE announced...and launch of VOLUME 2
Dear supporter/aviation obsessive/patient friend,
There's big news at the end of this email but first:
The final design for the cover is done and it looks gorgeous. Courtesy of the sleek design skills of Art Director Mark Ecob.
I can't wait to have this beautiful badboy in my greedy hands (may need to work on phrasing here). If you have a friend who wishes to have their name featured…
24th August 2021How to cheat death in an F-8 Crusader fighter, book updates and more
Been up to my elbows so the updates have not been as regular as I might have liked. So where’s the Hush-Kit Book of Warplanes up to? Currently, the manuscript is being stress-tested, Red Teamed, and microscopically fact-checked by the veteran aviation writer Jon Lake. I nervously await his feedback. This man knows his onions – but then so do I and the other Hush-Kit contributors. Basically, there…
18th June 2021Joe Coles in conversation with Al Murray & James Holland : Top 5 World War Warplanes
Had the pleasure of being a guest on the World War II history podcast We Have Ways of Making You Talk with Al Murray and James Holland, you can listen here:
4th March 2021Happy Birthday Spitfire! Our favourite 6 or 7 types of Spitfire
The Hush-Kit Book of Warplanes manuscript is now with the editor and it’s the Spitfire’s birthday! Let’s talk Spitfires!
FOR TODAY ONLY: 20% discount on The Hush-Kit Book of Warplanes with discount code: SPITFIRE20
My favourite Spitfire #1 – Spitfire Mk XIV by Paul Beaver
For some time, I have trying to decide which is my favourite of the 73 variants or sub-variants of that…
12th January 2021The Great British Fighter That Never was: The Miles M.20
Artwork for The Hush-Kit book of Warplanes by The Teasel Studio
The M.20 was a thoroughly sensible design, cleverly engineered to be easy to produce with minimal delay at its nation’s time of greatest need, whilst still capable of excellent performance. As it turned out its nation’s need never turned out to be quite great enough for the M.20 to go into production. First flying a mere…
4th January 2021Jan 4 is the date that the Tejas, Fulmar and Vindicator all took their first flights: discount code FIRSTFLIGHT10
Jan 4 is the date that the Tejas, Fulmar and Vindicator all took their first flights. To celebrate this, use discount code FIRSTFLIGHT10 for a 10% discount on The Hush-Kit Book of Warplanes (valid today and tomorrow).
3rd January 2021The manuscript edges closer to completion
I have no mixers in the house so I'm drinking gin with tap water as I research Soviet electronic warfare aircraft. The manuscript hand-in date is looming: January 31st. I will make it. Head down and keep at it. My Mac has decided this is a great time to embrace mindfulness and takes regular pauses to enjoy the moment, leaving me swearing at a spinning rainbow wheel. Unrelated crises also take the…
9th December 2020Russian World War II fighter to carry the inscription 'Pussy Riot' in Cyrillic
Following our contest to choose graffiti for our Soviet fighter aircraft artwork the winner is Stephen Caulfield from Canada with his suggestion 'Pussy Riot'.
3rd November 2020Contest: you choose war graffiti on Soviet fighter plane
Nikitin-Shevchenko IS-4 (1941)
If the Nikitin-Shevchenko IS-4 (1941) had gone into service what might pilots or ground crew have scrawled on the tail? You decide on the word or phrase - ideally in Russian and if selected it will appear on the artwork seen in THE HUSH-KIT BOOK OF WARPLANES. Let’s find out about the world’s first variable geometry wing fighter. Leave your suggestions in comments…
14th October 2020The most under-rated Soviet combat aircraft?
Speaking to a former Soviet air force pilot convinced me the Su-15 was far better, and certainly more significant, than is commonly thought. The Soviet Sukhoi Su-15 was one of the best interceptors of the 1960s and '70s. It had better acceleration and initial climb rate than the US F-106; compared to the British Lightning it had double the weapon-load and double the endurance. Vitally, this supersonic…
3rd October 2020A pacifist’s guide to military aircraft: Warplanes as a guilty pleasure
The M16 assault rifle, good enough for Goldie Hawn.
Have you ever seen a homemade gun? At the National Army Museum in Chelsea, London, there is a fascinating display of guns made for the IRA. These were not factory produced but cobbled together in sheds and workshops.
They are brutal and naïve looking tools, quite unlike the mass-produced weapons familiar to our eyes. They are…
31st August 2020We have reached 100% but the fight must go on!
The day began at 97%. I watched the figure rise with excitement. I felt a bit sick with nerves. Then we hit 100. I didn’t spit my coffee out with surprise but I did trip over the kitchen bin during my victory dance.
The ‘Hush-Kit Book of Warplanes’ is now going ahead. Thank you. To me it's more the just a screen of virtual confetti, it's the vindication of many years of obsessive writing. My fetishisation…
9th August 2020I did it because I was drunk
I was drunk when I said to Unbound that I would attempt to get the Hush-Kit Book of Warplanes to full 100% funding by 30 August 2020. I chose this date as it marks both the anniversary of the first flight of the Vulcan bomber (1952) and my birthday (YEAR WITHELD). As we are at currently at 81% this seems insanely ambitious, but the clock is ticking and there's no point in hanging around. With some…
1st August 2020Weird fact of the day: British Rail designed an interplanetary flying saucer in 1970
British Rail Flying Saucer (1970)
British Rail, the much missed national rail service, couldn't make a decent sandwich - but that didn't stop them flirting with interplanetary nuclear fusion powered flying saucers. Simply squirt liquid fuel beneath the aircraft, ignite it with a series of lasers, create a nuclear fusion explosion and contain the highly radioactive explosion within…
29th July 2020It's just a bloody plane!
Whether it's loyalty or emotional immaturity that led me to keep my boyhood obsession with aeroplanes I can't tell you. I loved the aeroplane books I read as a child. Now, 35 odd years later I am making my own. I’ve had a lot of time to think about it. This is it.
Since I started my aviation site Hushkit.net in 2012 I have had the chance to do so many things that would impress my seven-year-old…
These people are helping to fund The Hush-Kit Book of Warplanes.
Is there a reward level that gives an ebook and a physical copy?
Joe Coles replied:
Hi Justin, all the physical books come with an ebook. Many thanks, Joe
Donald DeMattia asked:
Love to get this for my father for his birthday in mid February, any update on the expected completion date ?
Unbound replied:
Hi Donald,
The book will be published in October 2022. We try to send out books to supporters prior to the publication date if we are able to.
Justin Matthews asked:
So the physical book has been printed, when will the e-book become available to people already pledged?
Unbound replied:
Hi Justin,
The ebook was released at the start of this week. You should have received an email with the download link but you can also download it via your Unbound Account.
Visit our Help Centre for more information on downloading ebooks.
Is there a reward level that gives an ebook and a physical copy?
Hi Justin, all the physical books come with an ebook. Many thanks, Joe
Love to get this for my father for his birthday in mid February, any update on the expected completion date ?
Hi Donald, The book will be published in October 2022. We try to send out books to supporters prior to the publication date if we are able to.
So the physical book has been printed, when will the e-book become available to people already pledged?
Hi Justin, The ebook was released at the start of this week. You should have received an email with the download link but you can also download it via your Unbound Account. Visit our Help Centre for more information on downloading ebooks.