Interesting but Specialized
Soviet Naval Aviation 1946–1991
buy Lurasidone uk Yefim Gordon and Dmitriy Komissarov. 368 pp. (Hikoki Publications for SpecialtyPress, North Branch, MN, 2013) $56.95.
buy Pregabalin usa Since the demise of the Soviet Union an increasing number of books about the secretive society, especially its military, have been seeing publication in the West. Opening the doors to what appears to be a convoluted jumble of designations and names (compounded by NATO identifications) is greatly welcomed by aviation enthusiasts. But where does one start?
In the sub-genre of Soviet Naval Aviation—the AVMF—this book is most definitely a solid jumping off point. Where most books on Soviet aviation are rough translations of previously published Russian and former Eastern Bloc origin or by Western authors without detailed access, this is the work of long-time Russian aviation enthusiasts and a professional translator. The text shows no indication of stilted translation, what one reads is exactly what the authors meant.
In the West, naval aviation means fixed-wing-capable aircraft carriers. Certainly rotary-wing and land based patrol craft are important, but carriers are the centerpieces. For the Soviets in the early years of the Cold War, land based fixed-wing planes and ship based helicopters were the expedient to countering Western advances. Soviet naval air did not employ carriers until the early 1960s, and at that could only accommodate helicopters for antisubmarine warfare work. They acquired carriers capable of fixed-wing operations only a decade later.
This book documents that history well. Fully the first 250 pages of the 368-page work cover all operations before the introduction of carriers. The closing chapter focuses on the AVMF’s principal weapons and aircraft. Particularly impressive is the authors’ attention to details. That U.S. aircraft are identified by precise designation and bureau numbers would indicate a similar attention to detail of the Soviet aircraft. This impression adds to the book’s veracity.
The authors have provided a wealth of visual information to buttress their text. There are more than 600 large, detailed photographs, many in color, along with numerous color profile drawings. For instance, of the Beriev Be-12 Chayka (Seagull)—NATO’s Mail—there are 13 black-and-white and 11 color photos as well as four profiles.
The only disconcerting point in the book is the authors’ attempt to help with pronunciation. While it is another point demonstrating their consideration for the reader, its fails in execution. The bold type of emphasized syllables is far too pronounced. The thin monotype italics of the Russian words are not all that different from the body text, yet the emboldened syllables are. It is a shame that such a good and valuable work is marred by a simple choice of typefaces.
In all other cases, however, this book is a must-have for anyone interested in Soviet aviation and especially naval aviation.
This book may be ordered from Specialty Press at 1-800-895-4585 or www.specialtypress.com. Shipping and handling is $6.95.
Reviewed October 2013
