Soviet and Russian Military Aircraft in the Americas

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Review "...a tremendous amount of data with a compelling and readable storyline." (Frank Landrus IPMS/USA 2017-02-23)"It’s hard to imagine a better source for this subject. In addition to numerous photos and scores of color profiles of Soviet and Russian aircraft in North, Central, and South America--there’s a section for each nation--there is a list of individual aircraft in military, government, and civilian service in those places. There’s more than 100 pages on the United States! If you enjoy building MiGs, Sukhois, Antonovs, Ilyushins, Kamovs, Mils, and Yaks, and want to dress them in exotic uniforms this book is for you." (FineScale Modeler 2017-03-22) Read more From the Back Cover The Soviet Union was always willing to supply arms and military equipment to ‘friendly’ nations around the world in support of political influence. In the Americas and the Caribbean, possibly the best known Soviet client and recipient of Soviet aircraft was Cuba, where a Communist government led by Fidel Castro came to power in 1959 and proved to be a political thorn in the side of the United States thereafter. The Cuban Air Force has operated Mikoyan fighters from the MiG-15 to the MiG-29 plus a wide range of transports and helicopters and although not involved in any major wars, Cuban combat aircraft saw action against the ships and aircraft used by the CIA in its subversive activities. Other major users of Soviet military aircraft in the Americas include Peru, whose aircraft have seen combat in the border conflicts with Ecuador and Venezuela. Even so, the extent of Soviet and Russian arms supply to the region has been more extensive than might be imagined, including some unexpected operators such as the United States itself, who acquired a significant number of Soviet types over many years, for evaluation in secrecy at the Groom Lake facility. In all Soviet and Russian Military Aircraft in the Americas covers no less than 14 countries and each is reviewed individually, with an overview of the types used, their service and combat record and extensive tables of individual aircraft with serials, construction numbers, versions and notes. The wide range of unusual colors and markings, an impressive swathe of extensively researched information, supported by over 500 photographs (many previously unpublished), around 180 color profiles and numerous insignia, make this an invaluable companion to the modelers, historians and enthusiasts with any interest in post-war military aircraft, the Cold War and the modern history of the continent. Read more See all Editorial Reviews