Vliegtuigfabrieken - Rusland / USSR: boeken - historie

Soviet aircraft industry was an essential part of the USSR's campaign for global dominance in the twentieth century. Thanks to the thick fog of secrecy that enveloped it throughout the Cold War, it has long inspired the fascination of analysts and enthusiasts in the West; until the collapse of the USSR in 1991, details of Soviet aircraft were often a matter of conjecture.
This book aims to uncover fully the mystery surrounding this topic.

Drawing on original and previously unpublished information obtained directly from the former USSR, Soviet Aircraft Industry examines the unique characteristics of Soviet-designed aircraft - particularly military types, which were the cause of great concern to the West.
Further, by virtue of the industry's central role throughout Soviet history, this book provides a rare and important perspective into the broader theme of Russia's great communist experiment.

By the mid-1950s the export of Soviet arms expanded into Africa with Algeria being amongst the first African countries to receive Soviet combat aircraft. By the 1960s and 1970s, a large number of African states had gained independence and the Soviet Union increased supply. This situation persisted until the early 1990s when most of the former Soviet allies shed socialism and switched allegiance to the West.
Having often been flown by foreign volunteer or mercenary pilots such as the Cubans in Angola and South Africans in Sierra Leone, Soviet/Russian military aircraft can now be seen in countries as varied as Algeria, Libya, the Congo, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Uganda, and Sudan.
Combat types from the MiG-15 to the latest Su-30MK fighters, Su-24MK tactical bombers, Su-25 attack aircraft, Mi-24/25/35 helicopters and transports from the Antonov An-12 to the Il'yushin Il-76 can all be seen across Africa.

Arranged by country and using previously classified sources, "Soviet and Russian Military Aircraft in Africa" includes comprehensive fleet lists of all known Soviet/Russian military aircraft together with their Chinese derivatives. Highly illustrated with contemporary photographs, air force insignia and colour profiles this book forms an invaluable reference.

The first recipient of Soviet military hardware in the Americas was Cuba in 1959. Since then the Cuban Air Force has operated the MiG-15 to the MiG-29, An-26 and Il-76MD transports and more. Cuban combat aircraft have seen action against the ships and aircraft used by the CIA in its subversive activities against Cuba.

Other Latin American nations have also ordered Russian military aircraft - based on common sense and economic expediency rather than political affiliations. These include Mexico; Brazil; neighbouring Colombia; the Argentina Air Force and Bolivia which is among the latest customers for the Mi-17, which it plans to use for drug-busting operations.

Another major customer for Soviet aircraft was Peru, which ordered An-26 and An-32 transports, MiG-29 fighters, Su-20/Su-22 fighter-bombers and Su-25 attack aircraft. Peruvian Su-22s have been involved in the border conflict with neighbouring

Ecuador and Soviet aircraft (notably Mi-17 and Mi-24 helicopters) have been actively used by the Sandinista regime in Nicaragua against the US-backed Contras insurgents during the civil war.
More recently, Venezuela, another country noted for its anti-US stance, purchased a large batch of Su-30MKV multi-role fighters, as well as Mi-17 and Mi-26 helicopters.

Written by the acknowledged experts in the field and illustrated throughout with photographs and colour artwork, this is the definitive record of Soviet and Russian military aircraft and their combat operations in this region.

After the end of the Second World War, the Soviet Union tried to exert its political influence on the Asian continent. A major pillar of this cold-war policy was the widespread supply of arms to the Continent including many combat, transport, training and utility aircraft.
"Soviet and Russian Military Aircraft in Asia" reviews in detail the Soviet and Russian aircraft types used throughout Asia, starting in the 1950s and continuing through to the present day. Each nation is reviewed individually with an overview of the types used, their service record (including combat in conflicts of varying intensities) and extensive tables of individual aircraft with serials, construction numbers, versions and notes.

Although the ubiquitous MiG fighters and Mil helicopters feature prominently, there are many other types to consider and aircraft from all the leading design bureaux, including Antonov, Beriyev, Ilyushin, Kamov, Sukhoi, Tupolev and Yakovlev are covered in this book. Chinese 'copies' of Soviet designs are reviewed and also included are those quasi-military and ostensibly civilian transports which have clearly been operated largely on behalf of the military.
"Soviet and Russian Military Aircraft in Asia" is a treasure trove of exotic colours and markings, combined with a mass of unpublished, original information including over 320 photos, over 140 colour profiles and around 50 insignia to delight modellers and fascinate all readers.

By the mid-1950s the export of Soviet arms expanded into the Middle East and were immediately sent to war. Forming the backbone of, amongst others, the air forces of Iraq and Syria, Soviet aircraft were involved in major conflicts such as the Suez Crisis, the Six-Day and Yom Kippur Wars, the Iran-Iraq War, the First and Second Gulf Wars and, more recently, the civil war in Syria.
Mikoyan MiG-15 and MiG-29 fighters, Sukhoi Su-7 and Su-22 fighter-bombers, Su-24MK tactical bombers, Su-25 attack aircraft, Mil' Mi-8/Mi-17 and Mi-24/25/35 helicopters, Antonov An-12, and Ilyushin Il-76 transports all played their parts in the region's conflicts.
Wars which included Egyptian and Iranian forces also took place entirely in the Middle East and full details of both forces using genuine Soviet types (obtained either from Russia or from Iraq) and their Chinese derivatives are examined.

Arranged by country and using previously classified sources, "Soviet and Russian Military Aircraft in the Middle East" includes details of combat use and comprehensive fleet lists of all known Soviet/Russian military aircraft. Highly illustrated with over 375 photographs, national insignia and over 150 colour profiles the book forms an invaluable reference

A detailed volume uncovering a wide range of Soviet aviation projects that, for a variety of reasons, never progressed beyond the drawing board. Packed with over 800 illustrations including photos, drawings and diagrams.