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• IPMSUSA.ORG • 2010-07-18
• www.aerostories.org • 2010-07-18
• hyperscale.com • 2010-07-18
• Internetmodeler.com • 2010-07-18
• www.geoffcoughlin.com • 2010-07-18
• Model Airplane International June 2009 • 2010-07-18
• Aeroplane July 2009 • 2010-07-18
• Amazon.co.uk customer review • 2010-07-18
• Amazon.co.uk customer review • 2010-07-18
• IPMS UK Magazine 4/2009 • 2010-07-18
• MiniReplika 61 • 2009-05-08

• IPMSUSA.ORG • 2010-07-18

  Reviewed By Jeff Leiby, IPMS# 30429

  This book is the third in a series covering Polish military aircraft from Poland's independence after World War One through the present. This particular volume covers three fighters from the 1920s & 30s; the PWS-10, Avia BH-33 and PZL P-7. The book is published in Poland, but all of the text is in english. There are three chapters in the book, one for each aircraft type, with an additional subchapter that covers the PWS-10 in Spanish service

  Each chapter is full of black and white "in-action" photos and full color drawings of many of the aircraft in the photos. A large proportion of the drawings cover the planes from all angles and are very useful for painting and decaling model kits. Further, each chapter contains a chart with a short descrition of the service life of every airframe constructed during the life of each type.

  If you are looking for intricate details of the three aircraft, or extensive history of the units that flew them, this book is not for you. If you want photos and drawings that clearly show the colors and markings of these three Polish fighter aircraft, then I can heartily recommend this book. Now to get a copy of Volume 7 covering the PWS 14/16/16 bis/26 and PWS 18!

• www.aerostories.org • 2010-07-18
  Polish some years ago, this English edition is nevertheless welcomed because it gives, to many for whom the Polish language remains a mystery, the opportunity in having much more knowledge on the Polish aviation between the wars.
  
  This book offers a very good overlook on three Polish fighters on the thirties, the BH-33, a Czech fighter built under license, the PWS 10, the first indigenous Polish fighter, and the PZL P.7a, the first gull wing monoplane fighter to see service, gull-wings which have become since then the symbol of the Polish aviation during the invasion of this country in September 1939.
  
  Each part is profusely illustrated with photographs (over 100 in total), most being of top quality, and colour profile (over 50 in all). Furthermore, each aircraft’s history is listed, giving today the best reference for anyone interested in Polish aviation or interested in fighters between the wars. In providing many useful and valuable information, this “ Polish Wings 3 ” can be recommended without hesitation, and to encourage MMP to make some books like this is the least we can ask and hope.
  
  Phil Listemann
• hyperscale.com • 2010-07-18
  Reviewed by Steven Eisenman
  
  F i r s t R e a d
  First, let me clarify that this monograph has not been lost in my review pile. While I did just review Polish Wings 8, it appears that Stratus has re-released some of the earlier Polish language only monographs in full English text. So after 8, there is 3, with regard to the English language editions.
  
  Polish Wings 3 covers the development of three Polish built fighter aircraft, two of which were Polish designed, during the interwar period – the Avia BH.33/ PWA A, the PWS 10 and the PZL P.7.
  
  During the late 1920s, the Polish Air Force used the Spad 61 and 81 fighters. But, to read between the not so subtle lines, the Spads were just junk. They had a high accident rate, parts wore out quickly and there was a shortage of spare parts.
  
  Poland’s first efforts to create its own modern fighter grew out of its friendly technological relationship with Czechoslovakia. It seems that the Czechs were willing not only to make their newest fighter, the Avia BH.33 available to Poland under license production, but also make the design more modern. Under Polish manufacture, this aircraft became the PWS A (Type 4 aircraft) and entered service in 1930-1931, but in limited numbers.
  
  Poland then ventured into designing its own fighter and the result was the PWS 10 (Type 5 aircraft), which was produced in greater numbers than the PWA A. These entered service in 1932. There is one interesting observation on the way aircraft design was carried out. It seems one of the major shortcomings of the PWS 10 was its high fuel consumption and, therefore, its short range. The fix was to put in a larger fuel tank. Of course, and left unsaid, was that this would increase weight and reduce speed.
  
  The final aircraft covered by the monograph is the PZL P.7a (Type 6 aircraft), the famous inverted gull wing creation of Zygmunt Pulawski. The P.7a began production in 1932 and ended in 1933,with 150 aircraft being produced. Although out classed, and replaced by the PZL P.11, by the beginning of the Second World War, the P. 7a was credited with seven kills, including a Bf 110, but none against another single engine fighter.
  
  The monograph covers all three aircraft in a similar manner. There is a brief overview of the development of the aircraft. This is followed by a short service history of the type. In the case of the PWS 10, there is also an interesting discussion of is “illegal” sale to and use by the Spanish Nationalists. For each of the three aircraft, there is a service record of each aircraft produced.
  
  There is a brief description of camouflage and markings. In the case of the camouflage it can be summed up in one word: Khaki. Although to be fair, the PZL P.7A did have light blue undersides - for something completely different.
  
  Finally there are the photographs and profiles. As has always been the case with the Polish Wings series, the photographs are amazingly quite extensive, given the time period. The profiles are uniformly excellent and are supported by the photographs.
  
  What I do find most annoying is the absence of any technical information. We learn nothing about the armament these fighter had or what ordnance they could carry. There is nothing about the engines, speed, range, dimensions, etc. Even a simple chart listing the characteristics of each of the three aircraft would have added greatly to our knowledge.
  
  For modelers there is a tie-in with Techmod decals. Techmod produced a sheet of 1/72 decals (No. 72140A) for the PZL P.7A, based on the profiles in this Polish Wings monograph. However, the decals must be purchased separately. As for a model of the P.7A, there appears to be only a 1/72 scale kit from Mastercraft, and it seems to be only available on ebay.
  
  C o n c l u s i o n
  For those seeking an overview of Poland’s interwar fighters with the emphasis on excellent photographs and profiles, Polish Wings 3 will be of interest to you. But if you are looking for more about the aircraft, then it will not meet your expectations.
• Internetmodeler.com • 2010-07-18
  By Chris Banyai-Riepl
  PWS-10, Avia BH-33, & PZL P.7a
  Authors: Bartlomiej Belcarz & Tomasz J. Kopanski
  Publisher: Stratus
  ISBN: 978-83-89450-89-0
  Binding: Softbound
  Pages: 56
  
  The newest title in the growing Polish Wings series examines a trio of lesser-known aircraft: the PWS-10, Avia BH-33, and PZL P7a. These aircraft filled a niche in pre-war Polish aviation from 1930 to 1939. The first section covers the Avia BH-33, also known as the PWS A. This Czech biplane aircraft was developed from the Avia BH-21, and while it was not markedly better in performance over the SPAD aircraft it was destined to replace, it was much more reliable. This reliability led to a license production contract in 1929, and the BH-33 (redesignated PWS A) flew in the Polish Air Force until mid-1938, when the last few were scrapped.
  
  The second aircraft covered in this title is the PWS-10, which was the first Polish fighter to enter production. This parasol aircraft began in the late 1920s as a design study, and by the end of 1930 had finished its factory testing. Production began in 1931, and for the next couple of years, the PWS-10 was the most numerous aircraft in the Polish Air Force. Advances in aircraft technology saw the PWS-10 relegated to training units in 1933, though, where it continued to soldier on. The PWS-10 also managed to get some combat experience, with a handful sold to Spain in 1936, where they took part in the Spanish Civil War.
  
  The third and final aircraft in this book is the PZL P.7a. The P.7a marked the beginning of a long line of gull-wing parasol fighters from PZL. Production began in 1931, and follow-on orders soon followed to bring the total aircraft to over 100. Initially delivered to training units, the P.7a soon found its way into fighter regiments. By mid-1935, the P.7a was with a large number of fighter regiments, although it was beginning to be replaced by the more advanced PZL P.11. The P.7a was still in service when the war with Germany began, and although outdated, it still managed to fight well in the hands of a good pilot. Kpr. Jan Malinowski of the 162nd Fighter Flight shot down a Messerschmitt Bf 110, for example, and six other German aircraft fell to P.7a aircraft.
  
  In addition to the background history of these aircraft, this book provides extensive color and marking information. There are dozens of color profile illustrations, along with extensive photos showing the various aircraft. In addition to the illustrations and photographs, comprehensive tables outline the individual aircraft histories. Overall, this is a very thorough book on three lesser-known aircraft types, and makes a great addition to a small air force library. My thanks to Mushroom Model Publications for the review copy.
• www.geoffcoughlin.com • 2010-07-18

  by Geoff Coughlin

  Polish Wings 3 - PWS-10, Avia BH-33 and PZL P.7a

  By: Bartlomiej Belcarz and Tomasz J. Kopanski

  Polish Wings Series

  56 pages profusely illustrated throughout, mainly black and white images plus colour all-aspect profiles of types featured

  This Polish Wings series is now rapidly growing into a major reference sourse for all those interested in aviation history. 9 titles are now listed and this new release from Stratus (www.mmpbooks.biz) is an excellent addition to that stable.

  The three types featured are interesting because they chart the progress made in Polish fighter aircraft design ranging from around 1933 to 1939. Progress was considerable from the WWI vintage PWS A (Avia BH.33) biplane to the better known and more effective PZL P.7a high-wing monoplane.

  The number of period photographs is extraordinary for what many might consider less well known types as are the individual aircraft records idenfifying the fate of each aircraft.

  A real highlight for me are the schemes applied to the PWS 10 when in Spain around 1937 (see images above) Very tempting for a scale modelling project!

  For scale modellers?

  Yes, definitely. From the all colour, all-aspect colour profiles to the unique images it contains this book will be attractive to all those interested in wartime aviation. And of course because scale models exist of most of the aircraft featured.

  Verdict: Recommended.

• Model Airplane International June 2009 • 2010-07-18
  
• Aeroplane July 2009 • 2010-07-18
  
• Amazon.co.uk customer review • 2010-07-18

  By B. Olsen (Norway)

  5.0 out of 5 stars (1 customer review)

  Very interesting and well illustrated book is a must for anyone interested in early Polish aviation

• Amazon.co.uk customer review • 2010-07-18

  Excellent!, 30 Jun 2010 By B. Olsen (Norway)

  Very interesting and well illustrated book is a must for anyone interested in early Polish aviation.

• IPMS UK Magazine 4/2009 • 2010-07-18
  
• MiniReplika 61 • 2009-05-08