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Current Organisation and Aircraft of all Russian Air Forces While many are familiar with the aircraft of Russia, understanding of the organization of the Russian Air Forces is less common knowledge. This latest book from Midland Publications sheds significant light on that organization, which should be a great boon to modelers and historians alike. Written by well-known Russian aviation historian Yefim Gordon, this title provides extensive information both in text and photographs. The organization of the book is according to mission type. Following an introduction on the post-Soviet Union air forces, which includes an order of battle, the book starts with fighter aircraft. The fighter aircraft of Russia are responsible for air defense of the nation, escorting the Long-Range Aviation (heavy bombers) and Military Transport Aviation aircraft, establishing and maintaining air superiority in combat operations, and fly strike missions in support of bomber and attack aircraft. The main aircraft in this branch are the Mikoyan Gurevich MiG-29 and MiG-31, and the Sukhoi Su-27. The MiG-29 and Su-27 both have several variants that are specialized for different roles, and these three aircraft combined make for a very formidable fighter force. Following the fighter section is the bomber, attack, and reconnaissance section. While much attention is given to the fighter aircraft, it is these aircraft that I find most interesting. Starting with the Su-24, this section moves through the MiG-25R, Su-34, and Su-25 aircraft. Like the fighter section, this section also describes the weaponry carried by the aircraft. An aircraft is only as good as the weapons it delivers, and the modern Russian arsenal is impressive indeed. The section on ground forces support aviation documents those aircraft that fall into the category of Army Aviation. In other words, here be helicopters, and lots of them. Mil is the primary helicopter manufacturer in Russia, and their types dominate the heliborne units in their air forces. These include the Mi-8/17, Mi-24, Mi-26, and Mi-28. The other helicopter manufacturer is Kamov, and most of their helicopters serve in the naval aviation arm. That said, their Ka-50 attack helicopter is a strong competitor to the Mi-28, employing the Kamov style of co-axial contra-rotating rotors. This resulted in a more compact helicopter with high maneuverability. A small number of these, along with the improved 2-seat Ka-52, are in service with the Russian Air Force. Also contained in this chapter are the UAVs, which are extremely varied in design and function. Long-Range Aviation is next, and here we find the big bombers. Tupolev has long dominated this section of Russian aviation, and modern day is no exception. The big Tu-160, perennial performer Tu-95, and attractive Tu-22M are all included here. These are of particular interest, as Russia has recently started to re-invigorate its long-range aviation arm, deploying aircraft around the globe to regain some of the skills lost since the fall of the Soviet Union. On the other end of long range aviation are the transports, and these make up the next major section of this book. There are two manufacturers controlling this area. Ilyushin has the major jet transport, the Il-78, while Antonov provides transports surrounding the Il-78. These range from the small twin-engined An-26 to the big turboprop An-22 to the even larger An-124 and An-225. For anyone who has seen the latter three, they definitely leave a lasting impression. Naval aviation is next, receiving its own section rather than folding the aircraft types in with the air force section. There is a lot of overlap, as the naval arm also operates the Tu-22M and their variant of the Tu-95, the Tu-142. Transport aircraft are also similar to the air force, with An-12 and An-26 aircraft, but the naval arm adds the Il-18/20/38 family to their lineup. For fighter aircraft, the naval arm operates the Su-24, Su-27 and MiG-31 from ground bases. Operations from their aircraft carrier adds the Su-33 and Su-25 aircraft, and many variants of the Kamov Ka-27/29 helicopter. With all the major branches covered, the remainder of the book details some of the smaller operational sections. These include flight test, crew training and conversion, special missions units, overhaul and maintenance, and scientific research. Also included are the aviation branches of other units in Russian military forces, such as support aircraft for the strategic missile forces, police and secret service aviation, and border guards. Throughout this book there are hundreds of high quality color photos, along with beautiful color profile illustrations and drawings of various unit emblems. Quite simply, this is the best book available that documents the current state of Russian military aviation, both in text and in photos. The careful research and quality text makes this an outstanding read, and one which should be popular with anyone interested in modern aviation. My thanks to Specialty Press for the review copy. |
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