Jefim Gordon Books

This is the second title in the Midland Famous Russian Aircraft series, which examines in great detail some of the most significant aircraft produced by the Soviets over the years. This complete monograph covers the MiG-29 from every possible angle. It not only details all the latest versions of the MiG-29 which have not been covered in the Western press, such as the MiG-29M2 (MRCA), MiG-29OVT, and the Indian version of the MiG-29K/KUB currently under development, but it also covers the insignia carried by the MiG-29 in the various air forces operating the type, including regimental and squadron badges and nose art. The book also includes a full listing of the Russian air force units operating the MiG-29 and fleet lists of the MiG-29s operated by non-Russian air arms which acquired the aircraft. As well as being of great interest to aviation historians, the book will also attract aviation modelers. Much of the content will appeal to this market, as it contains a large selection of scale drawings of MiG-29 variants from the files of the Mikoyan Design Bureau, as well as three cutaway drawings. Numerous color side views depict the MiG-29 in service with Russian air force units and those of other nations.

First flown in 1956 and entering service in 1959, the MiG-21 'Fishbed' has proved to be one of the most successful of all Soviet era jet fighters, seeing service not only with the Soviet air force but with numerous other air forces worldwide. Among jet fighters, theMiG-21 holds a wide range of records covering total production figures and the number of nations that operated it. For the first time this book will provide a detailed description of every single member of the MiG-21 family, from the Ye-2 swept-wing development aircraft to the latest 'distant relatives' of the 'Fishbed' developed in China. The book covers the MiG-21's combat career, including the Vietnam War, the Arab-Israeli conflicts, the Indo-Pakistani clashes, and various local wars in Africa. Also included are the fleet lists for each operator featuring known serials and construction numbers. A separate well-illustrated chapter will deal with the Chinese derivatives that were supplied to Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Iraq, Iran, and other nations.For many years the Soviet designers deemed the MiG-21 to be the best light fighter in its category - until a Northrop F-5E Freedom Fighter captured in Vietnam found its way to the Soviet Union and met the MiG-21 in mock combat. The book details results of this 'flyoff', which came as a rude awakening for Soviet pilots and designers. Today, upgraded MiG-21s with state-of-the-art avionics still serve with the air arms of Romania.

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.

The book explores the development and operational history of the M-4 "Bison," a high-speed strategic bomber created by the Myasishchev design bureau in response to NATO threats. Notable for its innovative design features, including a bicycle landing gear and powerful jet engines, the Bison served as a crucial nuclear deterrent for 40 years. The narrative also covers the evolution of its variants, particularly the 3M, which was adapted for space transport as the VM-T Atlant. The text highlights both the challenges faced and the bomber's significant impact during its service.

This unique book provides an in-depth look at an active-duty Russian supersonic bomber, offering insights that are not available in any other English-language publication. It explores the aircraft's design, capabilities, and operational history, making it an essential resource for aviation enthusiasts and military history buffs. The detailed analysis sheds light on the strategic significance of this powerful bomber within modern warfare.

By the turn of the century, China had established itself as a leading military power, focusing on fleet renewal. The People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) and Naval Aviation are now emphasizing indigenously developed aircraft and helicopters over local derivatives of Russian or Western designs. This volume examines the current PLAAF/PLANAF order of battle, detailing advanced aircraft in service or set to enter service. Among those featured are the Chengdu J-10, a single-engine fourth-generation fighter operational since 2003, and fifth-generation fighters like the twin-engine Chengdu J-20 and the lighter Shenyang J-31. The Xian H-6K missile carriers, a Chinese version of the Tupolev Tu-16 bomber, continue to be delivered, with the H-6N, which has in-flight refueling capabilities, entering service in 2019. The book also covers transport aviation and the development of an aircraft carrier fleet, including the Shenyang J-15 Flying Shark, derived from the Sukhoi Su-33. Additionally, the Harbin Z-20 medium utility helicopter, resembling the Sikorsky S-70 Black Hawk, and operational numbers of the CAIC Z-10 and Harbin Z-19 attack helicopters are highlighted. Unmanned aerial vehicles are also included in this comprehensive survey.

Profiles of iconic types including the Yakovlev Yak-25RV 'Mandrake' and the MiG-25R 'Foxbat'. Summary of design histories and careers Colour reference for paint schemes Critical review of available kits Over 180 colour and black and white illustrations, including 20 full colour side-views and a range of various 3-view line-drawings.

This comprehensive book shows how the imports of German aircraft and engines and the use of German scientific and technical achievements in the field of aeronautics have influenced the development of aircraft construction, air transport, and military aviation in Russia and the Soviet Union.The book covers the very first aircraft to reach Russia before World War I, plus the Russian design bureaus' efforts to copy aircraft that were captured during the war. It goes on to cover all of the various imports throughout the years, right up through the renewed cooperation between Germany and Russia in the 1990s.Aircraft covered in the book include the Heinkel HD-37c fighter, Heinkel He 5c, Heinkel HD-55 flying boats (known as the KR-1 in Soviet service), Dornier Wal flying boats, the Messerschmitt Bf 109b, the Heinkel He 111B bomber, the Bf 109E, Bf 110c, He 100, Ju 88A-1, He 111E, Do 17, Do 215B-3, Focke-Wulf Fw 58, Bücker Bü 131 Jungmeister, Bü 133 Jungmann, and Fieseler Fi-156 Storch.