ePub Russian Aviation Colours 1909-1922. Volume 1: Early Years (Camouflage and Marking) by Marat Khairulin; Boris Stepanov in History

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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. The book then moves into the origins and organization of the military air fleet unit by unit thereby providing a look at the strBy Carl J. BobrowRussian Aviation Colours 1909-1922: Camouflage and Markings; Vol. 1 Early YearsBy Marat Khairulin and Boris StepanovPublisher: MMPBooks (April 19; 2015)12” x 8” Hardbound: 200 pagesPp.200; ISBN-10: 8363678481Language: EnglishThis book is the first in a series of four that will cover Russian Aviation from 1909 until 1922. The content of this volume deals with the period from 1909-1917. Marat Khairulin and Boris Stepanov; the authors of the original Russian language book from which this translated volume is derived should be applauded for their collective efforts; not just for the quality of their original research but also for the extraordinary efforts in providing the particulars in what is a clear; concise and logical manner. The foundation of the work is from archival documents and original photographic images. From these sources they have been able to depict the various markings; signets and emblems that appeared on aircraft and dirigibles during the Czarist period in Russia. This distinctive work contains an abundance of color drawings along with a vast collection of photographs; many previously unpublished. Most importantly the book provides a solid foundation and insight into the development of aviation in Russia. It begins with aero clubs; which were first established in 1909. The book then moves into the origins and organization of the military air fleet unit by unit thereby providing a look at the structure and nature of the Imperial Russian Air Force prior to the Great War. It becomes obvious that the Russians were relying mainly on French machines while their own domestic designs were all but ignored; except in the instance of the Il’ya Muromets designed by Igor I. Sikorsky and the series of flying boats designed by Dmitry Grigorovich. The second half of the book covers the entry into WWI; the conflict that ranged from the Baltic in the north to the Black Sea in the south; nearly a 1000-mile front. The book contains the information as to who; how and why the national emblems evolved as well as the individual markings that appeared on the aircraft. The book provides a great deal of visual information and excellent resource for historians; researchers and anyone interested in early aviation. 0 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy Courtney AllenExcellent book