The Hush-Kit Book of Warplanes
By Joe Coles (editor)
The Hush-Kit Book of Warplanes
By Joe Coles (editor)
A brand new illustrated book from the highly acclaimed Hush-kit online magazine.
Unbound Exclusives
About the book
'Irresistible . . . My aviation title of the year' Rowland White
'Stupendously brilliant . . . Completely addictive' James Holland
'The most explosive book about aircraft ever' Jim Moir, aka Vic Reeves
From the terror and exhilaration of First World War dogfighting to the dark arts of modern air combat, here is an enthralling ode to that most brutally exciting of machines: the warplane.
The Hush-Kit Book of Warplanes is a beautifully designed, highly illustrated collection of the very best articles from Hush-Kit – the world’s leading alternative aviation online magazine – combined with a heavy punch of new and exclusive pieces. It contains a wealth of brilliant material, from Top 10 lists and historical deep-dives to interviews with legendary fighter pilots and expert analysis of weapons, tactics and technology.
This knowledge and impeccable research is balanced throughout with the irreverent attitude, wicked satire and sharp eye for the absurdities of the aeronautical world that have made the magazine so popular with its readers.
More information
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Joe Coles
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"
- How long will it take for my book to get dispatched?For books in stock we usually dispatch orders within a few working days. You will receive a dispatch email when your order is on the way.Where can I get my book delivered to?We have temporarily stopped taking orders for published books going to EU destinations due to BREXIT restrictions, but we deliver to most other countries worldwide. Enter your delivery address during checkout and we'll display the shipping cost when we know where to send your book. If your country does not appear on the list we are not currently taking orders to that destination.If I buy an ebook, when will I receive this?Ebook files are sent via email after checkout, or you can download them from your Unbound account.Where can I buy a copy if there's none available through the Unbound website?The book should be available to order from most bookshops, or you can support your local bookshop online by ordering from bookshop.org.
Joe Coles (editor) has written 4 private updates. You can pledge to get access to them all.
8th September 2023 The fighter with no nation, the Fiat G.56
The G.56 had the misfortune to emerge after the country it was built for had temporarily ceased to exist. Italy’s aircraft industry was wholly located in the new Italian Social Republic, formerly the north of Italy, which was a German puppet state nominally ruled by Mussolini. As a result Italian aircraft design and production after mid 1943 was largely undertaken under German oversight…
2nd July 2023 What is your favourite interview pilot on the Hush-Kit site? (We want your opinion for volume 2)There is space in the editorial plan for The Hush-Kit Book of Warplanes Vol 2 one more pilot interview. So, which interview for the Hush-Kit site do you think it should be? Let me know in the comments below.
Cheers,
HK10th June 2023 The sexiest combat aircraft never made (teaser)Here's a teaser from The Hush-Kit Book of Warplanes Vol 2. This was a real design study from 1956, and featured some extremely innovative technology. Intrigued?
28th April 2023 Answers to last aviation quiz and new extra hard aviation quizHi, sadly no one got all the answers right to our last quiz so I'll put you out of your misery with the answers:
A. Nord-Aviation 5000 Harpon (to be featured in Hush-Kit Book Vol 2)
B. Sukhoi T-12 (to be featured in Hush-Kit Book Vol 2)
C. P-51D Mustang
New quiz (add answers below in comments)
1. What do these aircraft have in common?
2. Name three Su-25 national air arms that…
25th April 2023 Can you identify these aeroplanes before your coffee gets cold? Vol 2 shapes upDozens of artworks for the Hush-Kit Book of Warplanes Vol 2 have already been created by Andy Godfrey, among them the most exceptionally rare, beastly and charismatic aeroplanes ever to scare a drawing board. Here are three teasers, can you identify them? For volume 2 we have gone more technical, more disrespectful and even weirder. This is an even more dangerous dive into the dark exciting world…
17th March 2023 Joe Coles talks warplanes at Battle of Britain Bunker tonightIf you live in London and fancy visiting the Battle of Britain Bunker, I'll see you tonight.
The Hush-Kit Book of Warplanes Vol 2 is now 96% funded, now is a good time to jump in with your pre-order. If you already have supported volume 2 - a massive thanks you!
17th March 2023 Joe Coles talks warplanes at Battle of Britain Bunker tonightIf you live in London and fancy visiting the Battle of Britain Bunker, I'll see you tonight.
The Hush-Kit Book of Warplanes Vol 2 is now 96% funded, now is a good time to jump in with your pre-order. If you already have supported volume 2 - a massive thanks you!
5th March 2023 Did you know supporters of The Hush-Kit Book of Warplanes get a say in contents of Vol 2?I think you're very cool for supported the first book, and deserve a say in the 2nd. If there is a subject you'd like covered in the second volume please put it in the comments below and if any are particulary excellent I will use them.
It's the final countdown, ba ba ba ba, ber ber ber ba ber! Still time to support The Hush-Kit Book of Warplanes Vol 2 through a pre-order and get your name in…
21st February 2023 Discount code for book twoIf you fancy 10% discount code on The Hush-Kit Book of Warplanes Vol.2 use HUSHKIT10 - it's valid on pledges up to £100.
17th February 2023 Can you identify the aircraft in our artwork?To get this book together as fast as possible we need to get 100% funded this month, which needs your help. If you have enjoyed volume 1 please do ensure that the sequel happens: the power is in your hands. If you haven't already you can support it here. Also, please do pop over to Amazon and add a nice review for the first book if you enjoyedn it. Love & aeroplanes as ever, Hush-Kit
9th February 2023 The death of the Republic XP-69 superfighterThe Republic XP-69 would have been a fast and well-armed menace, capable of blasting enemy aircraft to pieces, even at extreme altitudes. But, it was swatted from history by bad luck.
Contra-rotating propellers (two sets of propellers sharing an axle and counter-rotating) are fuel efficient and offer a far great amount of power for a given frontal cross-section, but they’re frightening…
25th January 2023 P-64 + book newsHopefully Unbound have got everyone their books now? Much heartbreak and frustration here but hoping this is now sorted? Think only the top trumps crew haven't got the book but Unbound (the publisher) saying this is now a two-week thing.
If you have got your book and you enjoyed it, then please do pre-order your copy of vol 2 today. As you no doubt now know, this is a long process so the sooner…
8th January 2023 Happy New Year! Volume 2 needs youHappy New Year! Thanks for making volume 1 happen, volume 2 is going to be even better. Pre-order your copy and help vol 2 reach full funding here. If your friends want a copy of vol 1 it is currently unavailble directly from Unbound, but is available from Amazon, WHSmiths, Waterstones etc.
8th December 2022 We need your reviews on Amazon pleaseHello,
if you've enjoyed The Hush-Kit Book of Warplanes then do please leave a favourable Amazon review. This means a great deal. It's a bonus if you can include an obscure aircraft type in your review.
Yours in-line & radial
HK
1st December 2022 The 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 2022 I got my hands on a copy of The Hush-Kit Book of Warplanes and it is flipping gorgeousYesterday, 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 2022 Author events coming up - looking forward to thanking you in personI 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 2022 An 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 2022 Release 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 2022 Update and discount code for book 2Phew, 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 2022 Last chance to have your name included: We’re closing the supporter list 27/3 at midnight on Sunday 27 MarchWe’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 2022 Book reaches final creation stages! + Avia S-92 TurbínaIt'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 2022 Latest update & The terrible Messerschmitt Me 210A 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 2022 The impossibility of choosing a favourite World War II aircraftThere 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 2021 10 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 2021 Hush-Kit Volume 2 crowdfunding campaign launchedIt's started! Please support and pre-order now
18th September 2021 Hush-Kit Volume 2 crowdfunding campaign launchedIt's started! Please support and pre-order now
3rd September 2021 Hush-Kit Book of Warplanes: New frontcover, RELEASE DATE announced...and launch of VOLUME 2Dear 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 2021 Hush-Kit Book of Warplanes: New frontcover, RELEASE DATE announced...and launch of VOLUME 2Dear 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 2021 How 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 2021 Joe Coles in conversation with Al Murray & James Holland : Top 5 World War WarplanesHad 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:
https://play.acast.com/s/wehaveways/330.bestfightersofthewar-notcomplete-
4th March 2021 Happy Birthday Spitfire! Our favourite 6 or 7 types of SpitfireThe 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 2021 The Great British Fighter That Never was: The Miles M.20Artwork 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 2021 Jan 4 is the date that the Tejas, Fulmar and Vindicator all took their first flights: discount code FIRSTFLIGHT10Jan 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 2021 The manuscript edges closer to completionI 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 2020 Russian World War II fighter to carry the inscription 'Pussy Riot' in CyrillicFollowing 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 2020 Contest: you choose war graffiti on Soviet fighter planeNikitin-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 2020 The 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 2020 A pacifist’s guide to military aircraft: Warplanes as a guilty pleasureThe 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 2020 We 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 2020 I did it because I was drunkI 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 2020 Weird fact of the day: British Rail designed an interplanetary flying saucer in 1970British 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 2020 It'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…
- Please sign in to ask a question.
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.