Sukhoi Su-27: Famous Russian Aircraft (Famous Russian Aircraft S.) (Hardcover)

by Yefim Gordon (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

In the late 1960s, the Soviet Union became aware that the U.S. was developing a new generation of jet fighters that had an exceptional range, heavy armor, and great agility in the air. These U.S. aircraft, the F-14 Tomcat, F-15 Eagle, F-16 Fighting Hornet, and F/A-18 Hornet dominated U.S. air power for three decades. In the context of the Cold War, the Soviets could not be seen to be lagging behind the Americans. Their response to these new U.S. aircraft was the Sukhoi Su-27 Flanker, which was designed as a long-range air superiority aircraft and interceptor.

The first of the modified pre-production aircraft appeared in 1981, but it was not until 1984 that significant numbers of the Su-27 started to enter service. Eventually some 680 Su-27 were built for the Soviets, of which 400 remain in service with the Russian Tactical Air Force today. Outside of Russia, the Su-27 is also in service with the Chinese, and on the inventories of the air forces of Vietnam, Malaysia, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Syria, and Angola.

This book describes in depth the development, operational career, history, and variants within the Su-27 family. The book incorporates color and black and white photos to portray some of the various camouflage schemes carried by the type in Soviet, Russian, and other air forces over the past two decades.

Book Description

In the late 1960s, the Soviet Union became aware that the U.S. was developing a new generation of jet fighters. These U.S. aircraft, the F-14 Tomcat, F-15 Eagle, F-16 Fighting Hornet, and F/A-18 Hornet dominated U.S. air power for three decades. In the context of the Cold War, the Soviets could not be seen to be lagging behind the Americans. Their response to these new U.S. aircraft was the Sukhoi Su-27 Flanker, which was designed as a long-range air superiority aircraft and interceptor This book describes in depth the development, operational career, history, and variants. The book incorporates color and black and white photos to portray some of the various camouflage schemes carried by the type in Soviet, Russian, and other air forces over the past two decades.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 544 pages
• Publisher: Midland Counties Publ. (December 1, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1857802470
• ISBN-13: 978-1857802474
• Product Dimensions: 11.1 x 8.9 x 1.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.9 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #478,380 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Truely Breathless - Yefim Gordon's Best Work - 10 Stars, March 26, 2008

By	paul_cheng "K.F." (Hong Kong) - See all my reviews

First Impression

I have been anxiously waiting for the delivery of this book and honestly, I was not disappointed at all. This book is heavy, hardcover with dust-jacket, 592 pages (glossy paper) in total. It is filled with countless number of pictures (most colour), colour profiles and line drawing of all types of SU-27 and variants.

I owned a copy of Yefim's earlier book (1999) "Sukhoi Su-27 Flanker - Air Superiority Fighter" published by Airlife. I thought that one was already a great book and gave it 5 stars. With this new book in front of me, I could only say that the earlier one was some sort of an "Executive Summary" only. All the pictures, colour profiles and line drawings in this book are of the highest quality and I would have no hesitation in giving it 10 stars!!

The Book

A brief description of the 12 parts of this book:-
(1) A Fighter Is Born - Design and concept (27 pages)
(2) The Recipe For A Better Fighter - Prototypes and testing (46 pages)
(3) The Family Starts Growing - Production and deployment (42 pages)
(4) Enter A New Generation - Su-27 variants (56 pages)
(5) Ship Ahoy! - Russian Navy Su-27 (70 pages)
(6) The Su-30 Family - (44 pages)
(7) Big Head Flanker - Su-34 in detail (30 pages)
(8) Flankers In Service - (32 pages)
(9) Show Business - Aerobatics (32 pages)
(10) The Flanker In Detail - Close-up photos and line drawings (128 pages)
(11) The Su-27 vs The Competition - (24 pages)
(12) Flankers Far And Wide - Flankers in foreign services (48 pages)

I do not think there will be a better book on Su-27 in the market for some years unless Yefim decides to do a revision in a few years time. All Russian military enthusiasts should not miss this one. This is still a bargain at this price.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Superb value Su-27, December 16, 2008

By	G. J. Kennedy (Wellington New Zealand) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This is an excellent book with a vast number of full colour photos and drawings. One of the best aviation books I have purchased and great value for money.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Another Great Book!, October 13, 2008

By	Ong Tso Sheng (Singapore) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This is a fantastic book about the Su-27; Do not let the fact that the author had written another book of the same subject (Su-27 ) discourage you from buying this. This is a brand new book- not a re-hash of the old book. Lots more pictures and information and naturally more up to date. I own both and I would say this covers more than the earlier book but is more detailed and more research orientated- nuts and bolts stuff. The earlier book is more orientated for general reading. Best advice? Buy both!