The Tupolev Tu-22 Blinder and Tu-22M Backfire led the Soviet Union's supersonic bomber air force from the 1960s; although the two aircraft were very different. The Tu-22--nicknamed Blinder by NATO--was the pioneering supersonic bomber in the USSR; entering production in 1960. The first Tu-22B aircraft entered Soviet service in 1962 and the aircraft continued into production until 1969 through several variants; including reconnaissance and electronic warfare versions. The aircraft was a mixed success as its performance compared unfavorably the Tu-16. It was also sold abroad to Libya and Iraq. The Tu-22M Backfire was developed by Tupolev during the 1960s when the Tu-22's shortcomings became apparent. The variable-geometry wings in the new design improved performance considerably and the new aircraft entered service in 1972 in the strategic bomber role and it was used in this capacity in the 1979-1989 war against Afghanistan. Yefim Gordon's unparalleled access to information on Russian aviation makes this the most complete book published on this fascinating aircraft.
#3169263 in Books Arms Armour 1996-03Ingredients: Example IngredientsOriginal language:EnglishPDF # 1 10.00 x 7.50 x .50l; #File Name: 1854093096208 pages
Review
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. some mistakes appear in the "Russian" platesBy Mikhail BarkovskiyNice plates. Unfortunately; several mistakes appeared in the Russian Army related plates. All officers wear moustaches; which is not correct (among the Russian regulars only officers of hussars and lancers wore facial hair). The hair style does not reflect the fashion of the period (hair is too long). Although there are some evidences; that foot officers wore moustaches and long hairs on campaign in 1812-14; this practice was not universal; limited to several individuals and officially forbidden. On the other hand; all grenadiers and foot guards' NCO and men were encouraged to wear moustaches. Private with flag (Plate 58) appears to be armed with officer' sword (taken from the fallen ensign?); since M1807 infantry hanger was shorter and slightly curved. Actually; the weapon does not remind officer's M1798 sword as well. Plate 59 shows the Pavlov Guard Regiment officer wearing mitre cap; which is not correct; since this type of headdress was authorized for officers of the Pavlov regiment for ceremonial purposes in 1825 (before that year they wore regular shakos; during the Russian campaign - M1812 saddle-shape "kiver"). Both officers have white-inside coat tails which is not correct (should be plain red). Marine private (Plate 61) is shown wearing white winter trousers and black gaiters; which is not correct; since naval regiments wore dark green winter trousers with white piping (white trousers; but without leather gaiters; were reserved for summer). Drummer's aprons had fur outside; not plain leather (Plate 62)5 of 5 people found the following review helpful. Great Plates of Russian and French Campaign Dress Uniforms!By A CustomerThis book departs from the common pattern of displaying full dress uniforms. Most of the plates depict units in their campaign dress. If you are used to seeing Grenadiers a'Cheval with plumes and white Breeches; here you'll see a horse grenadier in cape; surtout; and muddied boots. Also depicted are the many allied units that particiapted in the invasion. Overall a tremendous study of the warrior on campaign
