Red Star: Russia's Military Aircraft in the 21st Century [Paperback]

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 engines, is not likely a candidate for Russian service, but MiG plans to offer it for India's upcoming fighter tender.

Yakolev, which has been missing from service with the retirement of the FORGER, is back with the choice of the YAK-130 trainer aircraft as the new Russian Air Force trainer. Designed with Italian corporation Aeromacchi, the YAK-130 offers a training environment that can simulate a wide spectrum of aircraft. The aircraft is on order, and low rate production has begun according to Gordon. Tupolev, the strategic bomber manufacturer, is currently working on upgrades for each of its three aircraft, the Tu-160 BLACKJACK, Tu-95 Bear, and the Tu-22M BACKFIRE. Each of the types will receive new avionics and weapons capabilities to ensure the extension of their service life for many more years.

The Army Aviation helicopter fleet is also the subject of upgrades. The reliable and trusty Mi-24 HIND is being slowly upgraded with PN series models, which offer all-weather night capability. The Mi-28N HAVOC, which has seen its 2nd prototype delivered, has been chosen as the new Russian attack helicopter, but funding problems may slow its entry into service. MIL has offered a small upgrade for the HIP transport helicopters, the Mi-8MTKO, which offers a night attack capability for this venerable helicopter. Manufacturer Kamov,is still attempting to secure funding for its KA-50 attack helicopter and its tandem twin KA-52. Though very small numbers have been manufactured, it is believed that the Russian Army is hoping to secure funding for a small production batch.

Currently the Russian Air Force suffers from a funding gap that hinders the ability to procure new production aircraft as well as offer sufficient funding for all the upgrade programs mentioned above. Coupled with the desire to begin design on the 5th Generation PAK-FA fighter, resources will be extremely limited in the years to come. Gordon, utilizing his sources with the manufacturers and Russian government and military officials offers details as to which programs have the best chance and which may fall by the wayside. As in his other volumes, Gordon does a great job providing pictures and illustrations that help visualize the text. In this 128 page volume, there are over 150 color and black and white photos. As a snapshot into the current status of the Russian Air Force, Gordon does an excellent job of reporting. The only drawbacks to this volume are the lack of information on Antonov and Ilyushin, which form the bulk of the strategic airlift fleet. A section on each would have better rounded out this analysis. Once again Gordon has delivered another excellent volume, providing considerable information on programs little known in the West.

A.G. Corwin
St. Louis, MO

This book merely scratches the surface of the current modernization efforts by the Russian Air Force. Like all of Yefim Gordon's books, it is full of fantastic reference pictures--available nowhere else. However, it gives only a brief description of each program. Since most Russian modernization and new aircraft programs have produced only one to five actual finished products, this is not necessarily surprising. It might be best to look at this book as a supplement to the detailed books available on the aircraft represented. The modernization programs presented by the text constitute more of a wish list for the Russian Air Force than what may really materialize. Overall, this is a good reference if you are interested in numerous photos of the most up to date Russian hardware.