 Mil
Mi-8/Mi-17
Red Star Volume 14
By Yefim Gordon and Dmitriy Komissarov
Midland Publishing, ©2004
ISBN 1-85780-161-X
Softbound, 128 Pages
Available from Specialty
Press for $29.95
After the Second World War, a new arena of aviation exploded on the
scene, that of helicopters. As the Cold War increased tensions worldwide,
both sides developed many useful helicopter designs, along with new tactics
to employ them. While the histories of Western helicopter designs are
generally well known, those of the Soviet Union have remained shrouded
in mystery. With the collapse of communism in Russia, though, archives
have opened up, and previously inaccessible records are now open to researchers.
The people behind the Red Star series by Midland Publishing have taken
advantage of this openness with this latest title detailing the history
of probably the most useful Soviet-era helicopter, the Mi-8/17 family.
The first Mi-8 first flew over 40 years ago, and the type shows no signs
of slowing. Easily the most prolific helicopter of its type, with over
11,000 currently built. Additionally, the Mi-8 has the distinction of
being the only helicopter to be used in every single role a helicopter
could be used for, from transport to attack. This one of a kind helicopter
deserves a good book about its life, and this title provides just that.
Starting with its origins in the mid-1950s, this book covers the development
and initial production of the Mi-8, as well as the second generation development
and creation of the Mi-17. Operations are also covered, along with a section
on the helicopter in detail.
In addition to the text there are ample photos throughout, both in color
and in black and white. Many tables are also included, covering just about
anything you would want to know about the Mi-8/17. A small selection of
drawings is also presented. This is an amazing amount of information packed
into a small number of pages and will be an invaluable reference for the
new Trumpeter 1/35 Mi-8/17 kit that is due out this summer.
My thanks to Specialty
Press for the review sample. Check out their website for this and
other great titles in the Red Star Series.
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