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Sukhoi Combat Aircraft: Illustrated History Books and Deployment

Explore the best illustrated books on Sukhoi combat aircraft. Discover the history, models and evolution of Sukhoi combat aircraft.

Su-57 Felon

In December 2020, the first Sukhoi Su-57, codenamed Felon by NATO, entered service with the Aerospace Forces, making it Russia's most recent combat aircraft. It is a multirole aircraft combining the functions of both a fighter and strike aircraft, with design features that include stealth, supersonic cruising speed and maneuverability, the latest sensors and weaponry, and network-centric warfare capability.

Fully illustrated with over 170 full-color photographs, this book describes the trials of the T-50 prototypes and the implementation of the Su-57 into series production, as well as looking at the design, characteristics and combat capabilities of this fifth-generation fighter.

Product details

Author:Piotr Butowski
Details:96 pages, 9.7 x 6.7 x 0.55 in (24.5 x 17 x 1.4 cm), paperback
Illustrations:170+ color photos
Language:English
Publisher:Key Publishing Ltd (GB, 2022)
Series:Modern Military Aircraft
ISBN:9781913870447
Book cover: Su-57 Felon | Modern Military Aircraft | Key

Su-57 Felon

Language: English

Sukhoi Interceptors: The Su-9, Su-11 and Su-15 - Unsung Soviet Cold War Heroes

Closed in 1949, the Sukhoi Design Bureau was reborn in 1953 to meet an urgent demand for a fast interceptor that would counter the threat posed by NATO bombers. It wasted no time developing a succession of missile-armed, Mach 2 interceptors characterized by delta wings; the single-engined Su-9 entered service in 1960, followed by the up-armed Su-11 in 1964 and the twin-engined Su-15 in 1967.
Though built in modest numbers, the three types became an important asset for the Soviet air defence force-particularly the more capable Su-15, which unfortunately became notorious for shooting down two intruding South Korean airliners within five years.

The Su-15 outlasted the Soviet Union, the last being retired in 1996. There were also several Sukhoi interceptors that remained in prototype or project form. All known versions are described, as are operational details. The book features many rare and previously unpublished photos.

Product details

Author:Yefim Gordon, Dmitriy Komissarov
Details:320 pages, 11.4 x 8.9 x 1.1 in (29 x 22.5 x 2.8 cm), hardback
Illustrations:805 b&w and color photos
Language:English
Publisher:Schiffer Publishing Ltd (USA, 2020)
ISBN:9780764358685
Book cover: Sukhoi Interceptors: The Su-9, Su-11 and Su-15 - Unsung Soviet Cold War Heroes | Schiffer

Sukhoi Interceptors: The Su-9, Su-11 and Su-15 - Unsung Soviet Cold War Heroes

Language: English

Sukhoi Su-15 : The Boeing Killer (Flight Craft)

In the late 1950s, the Sukhoi Design Bureau, already an established fighter maker, started work on a successor to its Su-9 and Su-11 single-engined interceptors for the national Air Defence Force.
Similar to its predecessors, the new aircraft designated Su-15 had delta wings; unlike the Su-9/Su-11, however, it had twin engines and lateral air intakes freeing up the nose for a powerful fire control radar.
First flown in May 1962, the Su-15 officially entered service in 1965 and was built in several versions, the late ones having cranked-delta wings and a more capable radar.

Being an air defence fighter, the Su-15 frequently had to deal with intruders. Unfortunately the aircraft gained notoriety in two separate incidents involving shoot-downs of Boeing airliners (a 707 in 1978 and a 747 in 1983), both of which were South Korean and had intruded into Soviet airspace on what was very probably clandestine spy missions.

This book describes the developmental and service history of the Sukhoi-Su-15, containing a comprehensive survey of all model-making kits currently available on the market.

Product details

Author:Yefim Gordon, Dmitriy Komissarov
Details:96 pages, 11.8 x 8.25 x 0.35 in (30 x 21 x 0.9 cm), paperback
Illustrations:extensively illustrated
Language:English
Publisher:Pen & Sword Books Ltd (GB, 2015)
Series:Flight Craft (5)
ISBN:9781473823907
Book cover: Sukhoi Su-15 : The Boeing Killer | Flight Craft (5) | Pen & Sword

Sukhoi Su-15 : The Boeing Killer

Language: English

Sukhoi Su-25 (Famous Russian Aircraft)

The Su-25 ground attack aircraft made its first flight on 22nd February 1972. After five years of tests the aircraft reached its definitive configuration with new engines, a revised airframe and new armament, entering certification trials which were completed in 1981. A year earlier, however, the initial production Su-25 had received its baptism of fire in the Afghan War.

Gradually the Su-25 became the progenitor of a family. The Su-25UB combat trainer came first; the single-seater and two-seater were also built for export as the Su-25K/Su-25UBK.
A new line of development began in 1979 with a series of single-seat 'tank buster' variants based on the Su-25UB's airframe but featuring more advanced sighting systems and weapons. The first of these was the Su-25T of 1984, followed by Su-25TM (Su-39) of 1993 making the Su-25 in the end the sole Russian light attack aircraft.

The Su-25 has been widely exported, serving with air forces in Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Africa and South America. Apart from the Afghan War, it has seen action in Iraq, Angola, Congo, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Macedonia, Côte d'Ivoire, Sudan and in conflicts between the former Soviet republics.
More recently the Frogfoot has been used in the Russian participation in the civil war in Syria War.

The book describes the full development and service history of the Su-25, featuring fleet lists and a design descriptions. It is illustrated throughout with numerous photos and colour profiles.

Product details

Author:Yefim Gordon, Dmitriy Komissarov
Details:256 pages, 11 x 8.5 x 1.5 in (28 x 21.5 x 3.8 cm), hardback
Illustrations:600+ b&w and color photos, profile illustrations in color
Language:English
Publisher:Crecy Publishing (GB, 2020)
Series:Famous Russian Aircraft
ISBN:9781910809402
Book cover: Sukhoi Su-25 | Famous Russian Aircraft | Crecy

Sukhoi Su-25

Language: English

Sukhoi Su-25 Frogfoot (Osprey)

The Sukhoi Su-25 Frogfoot was the Soviet Air Force's first mass-produced jet purposely designed for the close air support (CAS) role and was a simple, effective and durable attack aircraft that, by 2012, had seen combat in no fewer than 40 conflicts.
Some 630 Su-25s were built between 1979 and 1991, as well as 185 export Su-25Ks, 70 Su-25UB/UBK Frogfoot-B two-seaters that rolled off the production line at the aviation plant in Ulan Ude (UUAP), Russia. The Frogfoot is known as the most cost-effective ground attack aircraft available to the Russian Air Force (RuAF) and, between the RuAF and the Russian Navy's aviation assets, there are some 200-220 Su-25s still in operation.

This title examines the development history, evolution and combat performance of the Su-25 Frogfoot, and details its effectiveness and reliability. Such is the reputation the Su-25 has earned, 19 of the 25 nations to have deployed a Frogfoot variant continue to operate them today.

Product details

Author:Alexander Mladenov
Details:64 pages, 9.7 x 7.3 x 0.2 in (24.5 x 18.5 x 0.5 cm), paperback
Illustrations:photos and drawings (in b&w and color)
Language:English
Publisher:Osprey Publishing (GB, 2013)
Series:Air Vanguard (9)
ISBN:9781782003595
Book cover: Sukhoi Su-25 Frogfoot | Air Vanguard (9) | Osprey

Sukhoi Su-25 Frogfoot

Language: English

Sukhoi Su-25 Frogfoot: Flying with air forces around the world (Duke Hawkins)

This beautiful Duke Hawkins photo book extensively presents the Sukhoi Su-25 Frogfoot, in service with air forces around the world.
The book contains not only action shots, but also many "walkaround" photos that show details of the aircraft from different angles . Chapters on cockpit, fuselage, armament and maintenance work.

The series "Aircraft in Detail" arose from the collaboration between pilots, aircraft technicians and modellers. This volume (No. 17) on the Sukhoi Su-25 Frogfoot, including modernized versions, is illustrated with a large number of very high quality color photographs, most of which have never been published before.

Product details

Author:Robert Pied, Nicolas Deboeck, Marcus Fülber
Details:116 pages, 9 x 9 in (24 x 24 cm), paperback
Illustrations:many color photos
Language:English
Publisher:HMH Publications (B, 2021)
Series:Aircraft in Detail (17)
ISBN:9782931083079
Book cover: Sukhoi Su-25 Frogfoot: Flying with air forces around the world | Aircraft in Detail (17) | HMH

Sukhoi Su-25 Frogfoot: Flying with air forces around the world

Language: English

Sukhoi Su-27 Flanker (WarbirdTech)

Recognized as one of the best fighters of the 1990s, the Su-27 Flanker is a single-seat supersonic interceptor that is often declared the finest and most successful fighter of the Cold War era. Designed by Sukhoi OKB, the imposing fighter quickly gained popularity and respect from countries all across the globe. Intended to be a direct competitor to the new generation of American fighters such as the F-15, the Su-27 was designed with outstanding range, heavy armament, and high agility. Excellent performance, handling, and serviceability have made the aircraft popular with its pilots and ground personnel alike.
Equipped with an analog fly-by-wire control system, a full avionics suite, and up to 10 air-to-air missiles, the Flanker also features a rearward-facing radar between the engines, allowing it to fire at targets behind the aircraft. Outfitted with two Lyul'ka AL-31F turbofans, each 12,500 kgp (27,557 lb st) with afterburning, the Su-27's high thrust-to-weight ratio and refined aerodynamics allow superb flight characteristics at high angles of attack.

Yefim Gordon and Peter Davison are the authors of several books on Soviet aircraft including the Specialty Press titles Mikoyan Gurevich MiG-29 Fulcrum and Mikoyan Gurevich MiG-15 Fagot. Over 300 photos illustrate the story of the Su-27. Topics covered include design, development, structural detail, international production, trials, upgrades and generations, comparisons, overseas sales, and much more.

Product details

Author:Yefim Gordon, Peter Davison
Details:104 pages, 11 x 8.5 x 0.24 in (28 x 21.5 x 0.6 cm), paperback
Illustrations:290+ b&w photos
Language:English
Publisher:Specialty Press (USA, 2006)
Series:WarbirdTech (42)
ISBN:9781580071963
Book cover: Sukhoi Su-27 Flanker | WarbirdTech (42) | Specialty

Sukhoi Su-27 Flanker

Language: English

Sukhoi Su-35s Flanker E: Flying with the Russian Air Force (Duke Hawkins)

This beautiful Duke Hawkins photo book extensively presents the Sukhoi Su-35s Flanker E, in service with the Russian Air Force.
The book contains not only action photos, but also many "walkaround" photos that show details of the aircraft from different angles. Chapters on cockpit, fuselage, armament and landing gear.

The series "Aircraft in Detail" arose from the collaboration between pilots, aircraft technicians and modellers. This volume (No. 20) on the Sukhoi Su-35s Flanker E is illustrated with a large number of very high quality color photographs, most of which have never been published before.

Product details

Author:Robert Pied, Nicolas Deboeck
Details:116 pages, 9 x 9 in (24 x 24 cm), paperback
Illustrations:many color photos
Language:English
Publisher:HMH Publications (B, 2021)
Series:Aircraft in Detail (20)
ISBN:9782931083109
Book cover: Sukhoi Su-35s Flanker E: Flying with the Russian Air Force | Aircraft in Detail (20) | HMH

Sukhoi Su-35s Flanker E: Flying with the Russian Air Force

Language: English

The Sukhoi Su-27 : Russia's Air Superiority and Multi-role Fighter, 1977 to the Present

This detailed, illustrated look at the Russian Sukhoi Su-27 fighter aircraft features complete discussions of its design, construction, and operational use, as well as all technical systems and weapons. Developed in the 1970s as a match for the American F-15 "Eagle," the aircraft remains one of the most important fighters in the current Russian arsenal, and has formed the basis for many variants including the Su-30, Su-34, and Su-35.
Though larger than Russia's famed MiG-29, it is extremely maneuverable and considerably more powerful.

The Su-27 can also fly at extremely high angles of attack-an ability it is fond of demonstrating at airshows, along with its legendary "Cobra" maneuver. The Su-27 remains in production, and nearly a dozen countries-including China, India, and Vietnam-currently operate this high-performance aircraft.
The book is superbly illustrated with more than 210 color images, and includes more than thirty color aircraft profiles displaying color schemes.

Product details

Author:Andy Groening
Details:224 pages, 11 x 8.5 in (28 x 21.5 cm), hardback
Illustrations:210+ color photos
Language:English
Publisher:Schiffer Publishing Ltd (USA, 2018)
ISBN:9780764356377
Book cover: The Sukhoi Su-27 : Russia's Air Superiority and Multi-role Fighter, 1977 to the Present | Schiffer

The Sukhoi Su-27 : Russia's Air Superiority and Multi-role Fighter, 1977 to the Present

Language: English

Sukhoi - du Su-27 au Su-57

A look back at one of the most legendary fighter planes of the last forty years: the Sukhoi Su-27 fighter and its derivatives, direct descendants of the Su-30, Su-34, and Su-35.
With views in action or in flight, and from spectacular angles, this book reveals all the secrets of this legendary Soviet manufacturer.

The author brings his expertise on the subject, giving details and technical explanations on each version, including the Su-57, the 5th generation stealth fighter in the shape of a manta ray, which is making headlines in Defense circles.

Product details

Author:François Brévot
Details:160 pages, 11.8 x 9.8 x 0.71 in (30 x 25 x 1.8 cm), paperback
Illustrations:300 color photos
Language:French
Publisher:ETAI (F, 2022)
ISBN:9791028305451
Book cover: Sukhoi - du Su-27 au Su-57 | ETAI

Sukhoi - du Su-27 au Su-57

Language: French

Su-27

The Russian air superiority fighter Sukhoi Su-27 was developed in the mid-1970s as a counterpart to the American F-15 Eagle. The extremely maneuverable machine is still considered one of the most important fighters in the Russian arsenal and formed the basis for numerous further developments.

Pages of the book Su-27 (1)

Pages of the book "Su-27"

The model is extremely maneuverable and can fly at extremely high angles of attack - a capability that is often demonstrated at air shows. The Su-27 is still at the cutting edge and is still in series production today. In this volume by Andy Gröning, the reader learns everything there is to know about the fighter.

Pages of the book Su-27 (2)

Product details

Author:Andy Gröning
Details:224 pages, 10.4 x 9.1 in (26.5 x 23 cm), hardback
Illustrations:18 b&w and 191 color photos
Language:German
Publisher:Motorbuch Verlag (D, 2017)
Series:Flugzeugtypen
ISBN:9783613039513
Book cover: Su-27 | Flugzeugtypen | Motorbuch

Su-27

Language: German

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