Aircraft Manufacturers: Books - Russia / USSR - History

Soviet and Russian Military Aircraft in the Americas

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.

Soviet Aircraft Industry

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Drawing on original and previously unpublished information obtained directly from the former USSR, Soviet Aircraft Industry examines the unique characteristics of Soviet-designed aircraft - particularly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.

Soviet and Russian Military Aircraft in Asia

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.

Unflown Wings: Soviet / Russian Unreleased Aircraft Projects 1925-2010

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.