Red Star Volume 2 By Yefim Gordon Midland Publishing, 2001 ISBN 1-85780-121-0 128 Pages, Softbound $27.95
When it comes to modern Russian fighters few are as impressive and imposing as the Sukhoi Su-27 Flanker. This big beast of an airplane has proven time and time again that just because it's large doesn't mean it's not maneuverable. The impressive displays put on at airshows around the world attest to the soundness of this design, and over the years much has been written about the Flanker family.
This title from Midland Publishing covers the new generation of Flankers, so many different designations that it's hard to keep track of just what is what. The text does a good job of trying to clear up some of this confusion relating to these planes, but it's something that will have to be read a few times before it all falls into place, I'm afraid. But to help bring you back to this book are the hundreds of excellent color photos, many showing some absolutely incredible color schemes. If you are bored with the US gray modern aircraft, build up a handful of Flankers. These planes have been painted in just about every scheme imaginable! So far I've found at least two that I've absolutely gotta do, and I'm sure that after several thumbing-throughs I'll find a few more.
In addition to the great selection of photos there are dozens of well done profile illustrations showcasing many of the more interesting schemes worn by these new Flankers. About the only thing I would have liked to have seen in this book is a series of line drawings showing the differences between all the types, but if they had included that I'm sure that would have resulted in a reduction of either the photos or the profiles, so I can let that slide.
If Flankers are your game this is one book you do NOT want to pass up! Even if you never read the text, the photos alone are worth the price of the book and you'll be stocking up on Flanker kits for months to come.
Available from Specialty Press either from their website or by calling 800-895-4585.
800-895-4585 .