Russian Gunship Helicopters Book Review
By David L. Veres
| Date of Review | March 2014 | Title | Russian Gunship Helicopters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Author | Yefim Gordon, Dmitriy Komissarov | Publisher | Pen & Sword |
| Published | 2014 | ISBN | 9781781592823 |
| Format | 96 pages, softbound | MSRP (USD) | $29.95 |
Review
Looking for a handy-dandy guide to modern Russian attack helicopters?
Grab Russian Gunship Helicopters – second volume in Pen & Sword's superb new "Flight Craft" series.
The ever-reliable team of Yefim Gordon and Dmitriy Komissarov recaps three dedicated designs:
- Mil Mi-24: The "Flying Crocodile"
- Mil Mi-28: The Russian Apache
- Kamov Ka-52: The Alligator
Subject sections include design, development, variant and – where applicable – operational details. Combat coverage proved especially intriguing. Mi-24 variants fought in over 30 conflicts since 1978. In November 1980, for instance, Iraqi Hinds battled Iranian AH-1s in history's first helicopter-to-helicopter duel – and even downed an enemy F-4D Phantom II jet fighter nearly two years later.
The authors also aim to "help modellers choose the best kit and build a good and correctly painted model." And accompanying "Modeller's Corners" summarize available plastic kits, include line drawings and color schemes, and offer tips on accuratizing, constructing, modifying and finishing kits.
Over 180 color and B&W photos further illustrate this convenient compendium. Tables summarize variant and performance stats. And extended captions admirably augment the account. But are those Revell and Kangnam Hind kits really 1:1000 scale???
In the end, only Mi-24 variants achieved widespread production. Deliveries and orders for Mi-28s totaled less than 70 examples – with double that planned for Ka-50/52 derivatives, including shipboard versions. Make this terrific tome your introduction to all.
Recommended!
Available in North America from Casemate.