Soviet Air Defence Aviation 1945-1991 Hardcover – December 15, 2012

This text is the third in a series of texts on various aspects of Soviet Aviation (Long-Range Aviation, Tactical Aviation, Air Defense) and provides a unique view into the mindset of Russian authors when dealing with defense of the Motherland. The recounting of interceptions of US and British overflights ( and there were a lot of them) in the first chapter is the first such list that I have seen in print. Subsequent chapters on the buildup and modernization of the PVO are deft and concise, and are a useful reflection for anyone who remembers the concurrent equally large buildup of US Interceptor forces during the 1950's - 1970's against the threat of Russian overflights and possible attacks. The book is at its best when dealing with the period up to 1975 or so. The closer to current times , the more vague the text becomes , reflecting perhaps the continued lack of more current accessible sources, or perhaps simply the Russian obsession with matters of Security.While it is an educational ( I hesitate to say "enjoyable" ) read in retrospect , it may prove arduous for most U.S. readers who have to slog through Russian words, phrases and locations and the general unfamiliarity/ignorance most Americans (including me) have regarding the "Evil Empire" . It is however also likely to be the best such history of its topic for some time. As such I consider it Very Good value for the money and highly recommended for the serious Aviation Historian.

A great source of info and photos of the first (could a second be coming?) Soviet air defence force. For someone who grew up during the cold war, info on Soviet aircraft was hard to come by and rather speculative at best. I have most of Gordon's books on Soviet era aircraft, and have enjoyed them all though they DO sometimes seem just a bit overpriced.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in military aviation. The book is thorough and includes a lot of information on aircraft such as the Il-28 and Yak-28, both of which had proven to be notoriously hard for me to research due to limited data. This book fills the informational void between the post WW2 period up to the collapse of the Soviet Union. The book also has several color illustrations and photos for each aircraft covered in the text. Along with color illustrations and photos there's technical specifications and first-hand testimonials taken from Soviet pilots and ground control. They discuss how situations unfolded during test flights, crashes, as well as the shoot downs of Korean airlines and several other engagements between Soviet and NATO aircraft. I had not known about most of those events until I read them in this book. You will also learn how complicated the Soviet air defense network was configured and managed. Whether you build scale models or are interested in military aviation this book is a must have.

Detail, detail, detail. Yefim Gordon gives you a behind the Iron Curtain look at Soviet air defence fighters and the men who flew them. Many detailed descriptions of interceptions of Nato aircraft and stories I'd never heard of SR-71 intercepts. Great stuff! If you are an aviation buff or modeller this book is for you. Color side views abound as well as excellent artwork of unit emblems.It is refreshing to hear the history from another perspective. Much attention is paid to the different models of aircraft as they matured the designs and weapon systems.

I've always been fascinated by almost everything to do with the Cold War. Being an American, most everything written from that era that I had access to is from the western perspective. It's good to see the other side of the coin. This is loaded with pictures and anecdotes from the cold war Soviet AD fighter force. As a modeler and cold war geek, I rate this book 5 stars.

This volume tells the Soviet side of the Cold War as it affected Soviet air defenses in the 50's thru the fall of the Soviet Union. It's amazing how both parties mis-estimated what was going on on the other side.

This book is very well written and the translation is excellent. The book is complete in its coverege of the subject and the illustrations are of excellent quality.

this author has never deceived me with russian aviation.i knew this book would met my expectation.very well written and the pictures are fantastic.highly recommended.thank you.Gary B

Real in-depth coverage of Soviet air power. If it's detail you need, this is the book. Escalation of technology on both sides well covered.

The former Soviet air defense aviation (IA-PVO) is hardly known in western countries. This branch is the Soviet army didn't belong to the Air Force and was tasked with defending the Soviet air space from any attack or violation. The book introduces us with it, from the post-war years until 1991, when USSR collapsed (these units helped to build newly-independant former Soviet republics air forces).We can find interesting photos of Migs-15/17/19/21/23/25/31, Sukhoï Su-9/11/15/27, Yak-25/28P, Tupolev Tu-126 and 128, Beriev A-50 not to forget Lavochkin La-9/11/15 from the "early days". Iconography is very good, some photos were previously issued (from TASS agency) but I didn't know most of them.Order of battle charts are accurate and depicts organisation structure with location and equipment in 1970, 1980 and the 1987-1991 period.The books details aircaft but also air-to-air missiles specifications. Tu-126 Moss and A-50 Mainstay used for airborne early warning and control are not forgotten.Of special interest is the topic about incidents with South Korean airliners.With a keen interest about Soviet armed forces, I can say that this is a very serious work, bringing additionnal information.I definitely recommand this book.

期待通りの内容で非常に満足しました。待ち時間も少なかったです。本も全然傷んでいませんでした。