ePub Soviet Strategic Aviation in the Cold War by Yefim Gordon in History

Review

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful. Soviet Strategic Aviation in the Cold WarBy Michael BrizuelaYefim Gordon's "Soviet Strategic Aviation during the Cold War is a well written book that follows the expansion of the "long range" aviation component of the Soviet Armed Forces from the introduction of the Soviet copy of the B-29 (TU-4) and the development of the Soviet atom bomb; to development of the TU-160 and it's arrival in the time of "Glanost" and "Perestryka" as well as the fate of air assets at the time of the disolusion of the Soviet Union. The informaton in it is a good balance between the techincal as well as the added anecdotal showing the human element missing in most other books on the topic of Russian aviation (most notably written by western authors during the cold war). Even though many of the technical information passages mirror those found in other of Gordon's books they are well balanced with new information. The technical; human perspective; program development; as well as the provided insight of how the different Soviet bureaucracies interacted with each other gives genuine feel of life from the Soviet point of view; and keeps the the reader interested. The illustrations are well rounded with line and side drawing of many aircraft types. While many may be new to most readers; many were previously published in older Russian as well as in other of Gordon's books. To be fair; the sources for photos taken during the Soviet era were far fewer and very restricted. Still the book is well illustrated and the photos of the loading and delivery of the Soviet atomic weapons is well worth the price. Overall; the book is a recommended read covering a subject of Soviet Aviation during the cold war that was even more closed to the public; provides a glimpse into the operations; structure; organizational relationship; aircraft development; as well as giving the reader a feel for the human element.8 of 8 people found the following review helpful. While SAC was defending the U.S......By James PernikoffHikoki; of Manchester; England; has long been known for doing definitive books on certain topics; their book on "Latin American Air Wars" remains my favorite aviation book of the decade. Now they are working with the noted Lithuanian author Yefim Gordon to unlock more secrets of the Cold War; and this book describes the Soviet equivalent to SAC during those tense times. While all the aircraft types from Tu-4 through Tu-160 are well-illustrated with both photos and color side-views; they are not described technically; as that has already been done elsewhere. Instead the book deals with units; organizations and procedures. There are chapters on Arctic operations; involvement with nuclear testing; assistance to "friendly" nations; the Afghanistan conflict; and the effects of the demise of the Soviet Union. If you're curious as to what went on in the USSR during those years; or if you just want another marking scheme for a Badger or Bear model that you're working on; you'll want this book.10 of 10 people found the following review helpful. About as good as it getsBy JGA357Gordon hits another home run! More than just a laundry list of Soviet strategic bombers; this book begins the immediate post WWII era with the formation of the Long Range Aviation force and traces the fleet up to the present day. Along with tons of great bw and color photos that are typical Gordon; there is also fine artwork; relevant anecdotes from bomber crewmen; and plenty of information on related issues such as the roles of the bombers in Soviet atomic bomb tests; combat in Afghanistan abd Chechnya; and the supporting aircraft like the Il-78 MIDAS tankers and the navigation trainers. And; like all of Gordon's titles in the "Aerofax" series; there are plenty of photos to please the modeler or the Russian military avaition enthusiast. A SUPER book..if the topic at all interests you; buy it!