Russia's Military Aircraft in the 21st Century

by Yefim Gordon

This interesting survey looks at Russian military aviation in the post-Soviet era. While difficulties with funding means that the large new aircraft programs of the Cold War era are likely to remain... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1857802241
• ISBN13: 9781857802245
• Release Date: May 2006
• Publisher: Midland Publishing
• Length: 127 Pages
• Weight: 1.20 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.3" x 8.5" x 10.9"

Customer Reviews

Newest Red Star Release offers detail and insight into current Russian combat aircraft programs

In the world of aviation books, Midland Publishing can be considered a leading authority on a diverse range of civil and military aircraft. The Red Star book series, by noted aviation expert Yefim Gordon, deals entirely with Russian and Soviet aircraft. Red Star's new release, entitled Russia's Military Aircraft in the 21st Century, offers valuable insight into new production plans and upgrade programs for existing aircraft in Russia's current fleet and what the fleet may look like by 2015. This volume is an excellent companion to the Red Star volumes on individual aircraft. Gordon breaks down the book into 6 sections, each offering an analysis detailing current usage of specific aircraft as well as details on upgrade options or new production potential. The six sections are: Sukhoi, MiG, Yakolev, Tupolev, MiL, and Kamov. Noticeably absent from this volume is Antonov and Ilyushin, possibly because their aircraft fall into transport or support and Gordon decided to focus on combat aircraft for this volume. The programs discussed in this volume are primarily programs for the Russian forces only, though some will be offered for export, and readers hoping for information on purely export modifications may be disappointed. The bulk of Gordon's research has been received from the manufacturers themselves and from air shows where new programs have been displayed. Sukhoi, the largest current supplier to the Russian Air Force receives the first analysis. According to Gordon, Sukhoi has offered several upgrade options for the Su-24 FENCER tactical strike aircraft, which is entering its midlife. These options, mainly focusing on avionics and electronics would permit the FENCER to serve until the Su-27IB FULLBACK strike fighter is in service. FENCER upgrades would also be offered to export customers. The FLANKER is the subject of multiple programs, including the Su-27SM upgrade with new avionics and engines that is entering service now, the Su-27IB FULLBACK twin seat tactical strike fighter program which has received low rate production funding, and the Su-33KUB twin seat naval trainer/multi-role fighter program for the Russian Navy carrier Kuznetzov and for Russian Naval Aviation. Sukhoi has received authorization to upgrade the Su-25 FROGFOOT to the SM standard, which all new avionics, but progress has been limited to date. MiG has produced upgrades for the MiG-29 FULCRUM fleet, offering to convert FULCRUM C's to the new SMT standard, which incorporates new avionics offering air-ground strike capability, new electronic systems, and a larger fuel capacity. This upgrade is already in service with Yemen's FULCRUMS and a contract with Algeria for 36 MiG-29SMT2s was just announced. With export upgrades being produced, and the technical kinks being worked out, this will be the most likely choice for both the Russians and for other existing export customers. The MiG 29OVT demonstrator aircraft, which is to SMT standards but equipped with thrust vectoring en