Customer Reviews

Sukhoi S-37 and Mikoyan MFI: Russian Fifth-Generation Fighter Demonstrators - Red Star Vol. 1

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Yefim Gordon discussed both the project history, prototypes, technical details (From Fuselage, Landing gear, control System... etc, basically everything), and a little bit about Russian's next-generation fighter's prospect and how US fighter projects affects Russian.

In sum, it's a good book. However, my friend (who is a die-hard fan of Russian aviation) told me that if you are already familiar with these two projects, you won't get anything new out of it except nice pictures. Personally I am very satisfied because I need a reference like this. So whether this book is for you will depend on how will you know Russian fighter projects.

While a fairly good overview of these 2 aircraft, the evaluation of their capabilities is more than a little "soviet" sounding. In other words these 2 development projects are described as the greatest things since sliced bread. A more objective and blunt account of their drawbacks would have made this a great book. With the extremely limited funding available and the isolated nature of these aircraft as weapons systems (as compared to the F22 which will be a fully integrated theatre weapon and probably the last US manned air superiority fighter) the compromises made by the Russian manufacturers are major and would be interesting to read about.

First thing I like about this book is fact that it's the only book I can find information about S-37 and Mikoyan-MFI (1.44). I love the pictures of the planes but don't care about some of information, like the fact that everything about the planes little far from the truth especially from a soviet view, but l still think it a good book to have for people who love worlds coolest looking jet planes.