Soviet and Russian Military Aircraft in Africa [9781902109275]
Date Added: Wednesday 21. August, 2013
ONE MIGHT HAVE thought these two authors had covered every conceivable aspect of Russian aviation, but this new title is the first of three in a mini-series. The second will cover the Middle East and the third Asia and the Pacific Region.
The present volume contains 41 countries from Algeria to Zimbabwe and includes a very useful map showing those countries which do not have Russian equipment: Liberia. Togo, Tunisia, Gabon, the Central African Republic, Malawi, Botswana and Swaziland, while South Africa only had Russian aircraft for evaluation or development. Egypt will feature in the Middle East volume.
Aircraft are given in alphabetical order by manufacturer and by category – fighters etc, with the usual good quality photographs and colour profiles, also insignia for each air force and a fleet table giving type, serial, c/n where known, and notes - for example, the Angolan fleet occupying 13 pages at 60 per page, Ethiopia 6~ pages, Kenya 10 and so on.
There are interesting details of South Africa's ATE and Denel companies developing an upgrade for the Mil-24 helicopter designated Super Hind Mk III, using a former Algerian Mi-24V for the prototype - helicopters feature in large numbers in this book. Another surprise was the pair of Libyan Air Cargo An-124s, SA-DKL and 'DKN. Many Russian types have seen action over Africa and there are plenty of interesting accounts of each country's use of aircraft. The next two volumes are awaited with interest.
MIKE HOOKS – Aeroplane
The present volume contains 41 countries from Algeria to Zimbabwe and includes a very useful map showing those countries which do not have Russian equipment: Liberia. Togo, Tunisia, Gabon, the Central African Republic, Malawi, Botswana and Swaziland, while South Africa only had Russian aircraft for evaluation or development. Egypt will feature in the Middle East volume.
Aircraft are given in alphabetical order by manufacturer and by category – fighters etc, with the usual good quality photographs and colour profiles, also insignia for each air force and a fleet table giving type, serial, c/n where known, and notes - for example, the Angolan fleet occupying 13 pages at 60 per page, Ethiopia 6~ pages, Kenya 10 and so on.
There are interesting details of South Africa's ATE and Denel companies developing an upgrade for the Mil-24 helicopter designated Super Hind Mk III, using a former Algerian Mi-24V for the prototype - helicopters feature in large numbers in this book. Another surprise was the pair of Libyan Air Cargo An-124s, SA-DKL and 'DKN. Many Russian types have seen action over Africa and there are plenty of interesting accounts of each country's use of aircraft. The next two volumes are awaited with interest.
MIKE HOOKS – Aeroplane
Rating: 
[4 of 5 Stars!]
[4 of 5 Stars!]
