Sukhoi Su-27 & 30/33/34/35: Famous Russian Aircraft Hardcover – February 20, 2019

Okay, I know that "monsterpiece" isn't a real word, but when considering books such as this, it seems appropriate. This is the biggest single-aircraft history I've ever owned and among the most beautifully illustrated and in-depth. At 720 pages, it's the biggest book in the "Famous Russian Aircraft" series to date, and of the eight I've purchased so far, certainly the best. Although it does occasionally veer towards self-indulgence, and the editing could be better in places (the "Tupolev Su-27" on the jacket and spine is one of the more perplexing publishing errors I've encountered), there's no denying that this is the definitive English-language book on the "Flanker" series, and it's unlikely a better one will be published any time soon.Originally published in 2007, this new edition describes a number of new developments, including the development of new variants, further export orders, the type's combat debut in the Syrian Civil War, and the reorganization of the Russian Air Force. This new edition boasts more than 1,700 photographs (most in color), 300 color profiles, and more than 180 line diagrams. The format is essentially the same as other Crecy-published "FRA" titles, with introductory chapters on the design and development of the type, chapters on each member of the Flanker family with descriptions of each sub-variant, a history of the aircraft in Russian service, and a final chapter briefly describing the aircraft's service with foreign air forces.I don't have a physical copy of the 2007 edition to do a direct side-by-side comparison, but I CAN compare it with the digital copy on Scribd. Unlike many "updated" books, this is a complete top-to-bottom revision rather than a simple surgical grafting of new material. The format is completely different, the text has been expanded a great deal and updated to early/mid-2018, and there's a huge number of new illustrations. The development of the T-10 and the early service SU-27s is now described in much greater detail. The technical material has been spread around quite a bit, with three-views and photographs incorporated into each type's chapter, rather than dumped into a single "in detail" chapter. The photographs tend to be smaller, but seem to be sharper and more colorful this time. The section on airshow performances has been cut down substantially, and the chapter comparing the "Flanker" with Western fighters has been omitted altogether. Some may find this disappointing but considering that the type is now combat-tested in Syria, and the latter chapter was largely an exercise in hypothetical grandstanding, I didn't miss them too much.Although Yefim Gordon and Dmitriy Komissarov aren't exactly the world's most compelling aviation writers (they struggle with English colloquialisms, and can't keep their political opinions to themselves), it's impossible to ignore the sheer scale and audacity of this work. It's huge, beautiful, and definitive, and if you're a fan of these planes, or couldn't justify spending the $200+ the original edition currently goes for, it belongs on your shelf.

The First edition of the "Flanker" books by Yefin Gordon was edited exclusively by him and covered only the Su-27 variant of the NATO code name "Flanker" series. This volume now adds his relatively recent co-writer, Dmmitriy Komissarov and the volume now includes more recent Su-30 family, Su33, Su-34, and Su-35 - including an extensive chapter necessary to cover the Russian navy variants. Each of the 14 chapters, Ch. 13 covering military operations in Syria and elsewhere, and Ch. 14 covering export successes worldwide.Each section devoted to a particular aircraft (Su-30, etc.) includes a summary of its development and a chapter section called "in detail", devoted to the specifics of the aircraft (fuselage, engines, wings, tail, landing gears, control systems - including fire radar and fire control components, defensive systems - including decoys, warning systems, etc, crew details, and, armament. Throughout, Russian designations and a translation of specific terms from the Russian are provided.In the 705 pages, the books is also extensively illustrated with color photos, including cockpit photos, armament options, and most impressive color plates of individual development thru operational aircraft - of not only the Russian aircraft, but those of air forces (Uzbekistan, Algeria, Angola, Eritrea, Kazakhstan, Indonesia, Ukraine, etc.). Included in this section is coverage o the original Chinese (PLAAF) bought Su-27SK aircraft.A complete chapter covers Chinese variants (Flankers with a Chinese flavour), beginning with initial J-11 and proceeding thru the latest J-15 and new J-16D ECM aircraft variant. Included are extensive color profiles rarely see of PLAAF aircraft.Excepting the Chinese-variant chapter, each of the others includes complete known production aircraft listings, a listing of Specifications for variants from prototypes thru production aircraft (including latest PLAAF J-16), 3-view drawings, unit (squadron and regiment) badges, and weapon options available for each variant.Bottom line: intelligence officers during the Cold War would have given eye teeth (maybe more....) to have this detail about the Sukhoi "Flanker" family, which continues in production today, and continues to be upgraded for both Russian and foreign air forces. If one has an interest in modern Russian aeronautics, aircraft designs, weapon system and their operation - this is a must volume!

I was skeptical about this book until I look at it being 700 plus pages it has to be good and with the author that I know. the book is very detail and it covers from the very 1st prototype to the production SU-27! and further go to the SU27 sub variants. What suprise me is the inclusion of the CHinese SU-27/30 series plus the J11, J15 and J16.... wow!Very good and detail close up shots. Illustrations and color plates was really good to show the different aircraft configuration in camouflage pattern.This book also include the SU34 and SU35 showing off the latest photos...Finally the inclusion of different country's SU and their color plates. All in all a very satisfied customer .. any researcher, military buff and Aviation MOdeller need to have this book on the SU series! and I am looking to get the MIG29/35 and the MIG23/27 series book to come...

This updated volume will be the authoritative tome on the Flanker family for a long time. Yefim Gordon kills it again with incredible photographs, detailed analyses, and thorough history describing this nemesis of the western fourth generation fighter. He leaves no stone unturned as he describes every sub type of the aircraft, its systems, armament, markings, foreign customers, and users around the globe. At 720 pages you literally cannot put it down. This came out just in time as I was about to pay $300 for the first edition from a decade ago. I have nearly all Mr. Gordon’s books and I plan on adding all the new volumes in the series. These books are irreplaceable references for the historian, modeler, and aviation enthusiast!