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Special
Special
MiG-15bis ISh returns for official service anniversary
Development of the MiG-15 jet fighter lasted throughout the entirety of 1947, while over half of 1948 was spent testing it. On August 23rd, 1948, two days before the official end of the tests, the MiG-15 officially entered service with the USSR Air Force. It prevailed against its competitor, the La-15, and became the most produced military jet aircraft in history.
  • 23 August 2023
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“Sky Dragons” decal and a UH-1C XM-30 for US Airborne Day
On August 16th, 1940, 48 volunteers from the US Army performed an official parachute drop for the first time. To commemorate this event, in 2002 August 16th was named the US National Airborne Day. Airborne forces played a big part of World War II: both in the Pacific and the European theaters. The XVIII Airborne Corps was created in 1942, in 1944 it participated in Operation Overlord, and today it remains as a rapid deployment force, earning the nickname "America's Contingency Corps."
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A Decal and Lanovski's P-47M-1-RE for Polish Armed Forces Day
On August 15th, 1920 the Polish forces delivered a crushing counterattack against the Red Army during the Battle for Warsaw. This decisive moment in the Soviet-Polish War is commemorated in Poland as the Armed Forces Day — with a military parade and placing wreaths on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
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The Cuban MiG-17AS is back for GE and a Russian Air Force Decal
On August 12th, 1912 a document was signed that marked the beginning of the first air force of the Russian Empire. Later this date was used as the basis for holidays celebrating aviation: in the Soviet Union the Air Fleet Day has been celebrated on August 18th since 1931, in 1992 it was moved to the third Sunday of August, and since 2006 the Air Force Day is celebrated on August 12th.
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Incredibly Fast Lightning Jet Fighter Temporarily Available for GE
On August 4th, 1954 the Lightning jet fighter, developed by English Electric, took to the skies for the first time. Outfitted with two vertically stacked Rolls-Royce Avon engines, it could reach a top speed of over Mach 2 and perform a sustained supersonic flight without using an afterburner. Due to its amazing speed and rate of climb pilots have described flying it as "being saddled to a skyrocket".
  • 7
  • 4 August 2023
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T-69 II G and a decal to commemorate PLA Day
Each year China celebrates its army on the 1st of August. Today the People's Liberation Army is the largest in the world — over 2 million serve in it. As a part of UN missions, Chinese soldiers participated in peacekeeping missions across the entire world: from Lebanon and Sudan to Haiti and Mali.
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“Stroyny” and “Neustrashimy” for Golden Eagles
Destroyers “Stroyny” and “Neustrashimy” from the Soviet blue water research tree are available for purchase for Golden Eagles.
  • 9
  • 28 July 2023
Special
T-2 Early Available again for the Anniversary of its First Flight
After World War II Japan was left without its own jet fighters and by the mid 60s it began work on a supersonic training jet. A prototype developed by the Mitsubishi corporation performed its maiden flight on July 20th, 1971, and on November 19th of the same year it became the first aircraft developed in Japan to break the speed of sound.
  • 4
  • 20 July 2023
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Hunter FGA.9 Celebrates the Anniversary of its First Flight
On July 20th, 1951, the Hawker Hunter jet fighter took to the skies for the first time. Thanks to its speed, reliability and easy maintenance it quickly became a favorite of pilots across the world: over 20 countries used Hunters, while Zimbabwe (formerly Rhodesia) still employs them in its air force today.
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A Decal and Two Aircraft for Bastille Day
On July 14th, 1789, Parisians stormed the Bastille — a prison fortress that became one of the symbols of French absolute monarchy. Since 1880 this date has been celebrated as the main national holiday in France, with an annual military parade held on Champs-Élysées, one of the oldest and largest in the entire world.
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The Israeli A-4E is Back for the Anniversary of Its Maiden Flight
On July 12th, 1961 A-4E, a highly modernized version of the Douglas A-4 Skyhawk carrier-capable light attack aircraft, took to the skies for the first time. The A-4E boasts a new, more powerful engine, tactical air navigation system, strengthened airframe with additional weapon pylons, toss-bombing computer, and low-altitude bombing system. Around 500 units were produced, and their number one importer was Israel.
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A Decal and a 3D Decoration Commemorating 80 years from Operation Husky
Operation Husky, a large-scale landing of the Allies on Sicily, began on July 9th, 1943. After a month and a half of fighting, the Allies gained full control of the island, opening naval routes through the Mediterranean sea. Soon after, Benito Mussolini was removed from power, Italy reached a peace agreement with the Allies, and Germany was forced to weaken the Eastern front to take hold of Central Italy.
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A Tank, a Fighter, and a Decal for US Independence Day
On July 4th, 1776 the Declaration of Independence for the USA was adopted — a historic document that proclaimed equality of rights before it became a part of the Constitution. Independence Day is the main national holiday of the United States that’s celebrated across the country by parades, fireworks and picnics.
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Decal for French Air Force Day
France was one of the first countries to use aviation in combat: by the beginning of World War I it had 15 airships and almost 150 aircraft. Still, they were a part of the army until the French Air Force became independent on July 2nd, 1934. Today the French Air and Space Force employ over 40,000 people, and their main combat aircraft are the Mirage 2000 and Rafale.
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Decal for Canada Day
On July 1st, 1867, the British North America Act united various provinces in a single Dominion of Canada. However, for the first 100 years the Canadians didn’t celebrate this date: it became more prominent the more independence Canada gained from the United Kingdom. Today it is a grand national holiday with parades, carnivals, and concerts.
  • 3
  • 30 June 2023
Special
Three Different Vehicles and a Decal for The JSDF Day
On July 1st, 1954 the Japan Self-Defense Forces were founded — the new armed forces that were to replace the Imperial Army and Navy that lost in WWII. Today the JSDF employs almost 250 thousand people, and, besides defending Japan, they often participate in peacekeeping and rescue operations around the world.
  • 30 June 2023
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Two fighters and a decal for Swedish Air Force Day
On July 1st, 1926 the Swedish Air Force was created by merger of airborne divisions of army and navy. Even though it didn’t participate in World War II, it was preparing to by raising its numbers — and kept doing it in the beginning of the Cold War. By 1957 Sweden held the fourth most powerful air force in the world, consisting of a thousand modern aircraft. After the Cold War ended, Sweden massively decreased the number of aircraft in its service: currently its Air Force employs only about 200 vehicles.
  • 6
  • 30 June 2023
Special
Decal for the British Armed Forces Day
The United Kingdom celebrates its armed forces on the last Saturday of June — which is 24th this year. A week before the holiday, flags of the armed forces are raised across the country, and on June 21st a Reserve Day is held: the UK celebrates its veterans, cadets, and civil servants alike!
  • 6
  • 23 June 2023