Midland Publishing

Lisinov Li-2, The Soviet DC-3 (Red Star Volume 27)

by  Yefim Gordon, Sergey and Dmitry Komissarov

Reviewed By  Phil Pignataro, IPMS# 17254

MSRP: $36.95 Available in the US from Specialty Press (www.specialtypress.com). I recently reviewed Red Star Volume 25 about the Il-12/14 which was a replacement airliner for the Li-2. So here I am now, reviewing Volume 27 about that very Li-2, the Soviet version of the Douglas DC-3. In the mid-1930, the government of the Soviet Union sent a delegation of engineers to the United States to evaluate the status of the aircraft industry there. Among other things, the team purchased a DC-2. This aircraft piqued their interest and in 1936 they purchased the production rights to the DC-3 in addition to the outright purchase of eighteen airframes. Thus began the Soviet's use of the DC-3/C-47 throughout WW II and later. In this volume, the authors give a detailed history of the development and service of this versatile aircraft. This publication follows a similar format to earlier works, but seems to be illustrated with more photos than the earlier volumes. The chapter breakdown is as follows: 1. The DC-3 Turns Soviet: This is a detailed account of how the Soviets purchased and then manufactured their version of the Douglas Sleeper. 2. Version Variety: The authors cover all the different versions of the Li-2. I was surprised to learn the large number of variations from the basic transport to a night bomber to an ECM aircraft and everything in between. The Soviet machine was as versatile as its US counterpart. 3. The PS-84/Li-2 in Detail: This chapter recounts the structure and systems of the aircraft. As in other chapters, there are many black/white photos to supplement the text. There is also a chart giving the specifications of the more numerous versions of the Li-2. 4. Comparison and Assessment: It may not come as a surprise, but the Li-2 came out second best when compared to the DC-3/C-47. Differences in materials, radio and navigation equipment, and production techniques endowed Douglas' original machine with better performance specs in all categories. 5. The PS-84/Li-2 at War: The Russians used the Li-2 in combat everywhere and these extensive deployments produced a myriad of heroic crewmembers. Several have their accounts told in this chapter. The desperate situation the Soviets often found themselves in while fighting the Germans and the weather is vividly portrayed. 6. In Civilian Service: Aeroflot put the first PS-84/DC-3 into service in 1940, but this was short-lived, as aircraft were soon taken over by the government for the war effort. Civilian service resumed in 1945 and continued until 1957 when it was replace by the IL-12/14. The authors recount how Aeroflot then continued to use these machines in auxiliary roles particularly in the Arctic to replenish research stations. It was an interesting account of operations under quite harsh conditions. 7. The Li-2 Abroad: As with other Soviet aircraft, the Li-2 was exported to most of their client states and the authors tell about this service country by county. Also included in this chapter are three pages of color profiles for different versions and users. Next there are nine pages of color photographs of the Li-2 in service and on static display. I enjoyed reading this book and think it would be useful to any modeler who wanted to build a Russian version of the DC-3. The numerous photos in this volume would be particularly helpful. It shouldn't be too difficult to reshape the engine cowlings to match the profile of the Soviet engines. The ski-equipped aircraft with its large areas of red trim might just tempt me. Again, as with other books in this series, those generally interested in Soviet aviation will also enjoy this book. Many thanks to John Noack and Midland Publishing for the review sample.

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