Suhkoi Su-24/24M

Sergey Moroz
Major-Avia, ©2001
Softbound, 72 Pages

Reviewed by Chris Banyai-Riepl

When it comes to Soviet aircraft, references are generally hard to find and often slim in content.  This has slowly been changing, and this title from Major-Avia is an excellent example.  The Su-24 is a twin-engine, two-seat ground attack aircraft with swing-wings similar in mission and outline to the F-111.  The first thing that jumped out at me was the number of quality photos in this book.  There are a handful of color shots, but the majority of the photos are black and white, with a mix of general views and close-up details.  The only thing missing is photos of some of the exported models (although examples from the Ukraine are shown in photos).  I personally would have liked to seen some photos of the Iraqi (and later Iranian) Su-24s, as well as some of the former Soviet Union states such as Azerbaijan & Kazakhstan. 

In addition to the photos, a very nice set of drawings are included, with side views of all the variants from the prototype on to the last mark shown and six-view drawings for two of the most common versions used.  The text provides a fairly complete design history of the type as well as a timeline of the major events in the Su-24's life.  There's also an overview of the operations of the Su-24, mainly in Afghanistan.

This is probably the best single reference on the Su-24 out there, which makes the circulation a bit of a problem.  Limited to only 900 copies, you'll definitely want to grab this book as soon as you see it.

Available from Skyway Hobbies for $24.00