Midland Publishing

German Aircraft in the Soviet Union and Russia

by  Yefim Gordon and Sergey Komissarov with Dmitry Komissarov

Reviewed By  Floyd S. Werner, Jr., IPMS# 26266

MSRP: $59.95 ISBN13: 9781857802924 ISBN10: 1857802926 US Distributor: Specialty Press: www.specialtypress.com The latest offering from Midland Publishing is an interesting look at German aircraft in Russia. Now you would think that this is about World War II but this is much more. Starting with the very first German aircraft in 1909 until the present day this book is nicely written by period and aircraft type alphabetically. Aircraft that were either bought or captured are covered in interesting detail. This book is different than most books in that it is written from the Russian perspective and research. Printed on high quality paper, this hardbound book is 320 pages of beautiful photos, many previously unpublished. This is due to the fact that some of them are from Russian sources. The first chapter is broken down from 1909 until the 1917 revolution. Everything from Albatros to the Rumpler are covered. There are some nice clear photos and some excellent color profiles that will benefit the modeler. The inter-war years are covered in chapter two covering 1918-1936. In this period you are exposed to how important Soviet cooperation with German was to the development of both air forces. I was impressed by the uniqueness of these aircraft, some I had never seen before. On aircraft that is particularly well covered is the Junkers F 13. Some particularly good line drawings are presented on this and a few of the other machines. The first trimotors in the Junkers line are presented and you can see the progression of aircraft designs. One thing that was amazing to me is just how many front line German aircraft the Soviets had prior to the outbreak of the war and how some of them the German aircraft designs were incorporated into the Soviet machines. There is a special section on the clandestine German flying school at Lipetsk. The Spanish Civil War and World War II take up a large part of the book. It is interesting again how much front line aircraft were given to the Soviets. Five each He-100, Bf-109E-3, Bf-110C, two each Ju-88A-1, Do-215, three each Fw-58, Bu-131 and Bu-133 and two Fi-156 Storch and this is just prior to conflict. These aircraft no doubt caused the Soviet air arm to speed up production on Yaks, Migs and LaGG fighters. The Soviets certainly benefited from the cooperation. Now comes the best part of the book for me, war booty. Again the aircraft are broken down by type (i.e. fighter, bomber) and then by alphabetical order. Some great new photos are included in this section. Detail shots are included, as well as, Soviet drawings. It is interesting to see FW-190s in Russian markings, especially some new FW-190D-9 photos. Some beautiful full color profiles are included. The He-100 has some great detail shots that will be invaluable to the modeler. Of course not to be outdone the Bf-109 is magnificently covered, everything from the B-1 captured in Spain to the last K-4. Interestingly the B-1 was evaluated to be inferior to all fighter aircraft in the inventory of the Red Army Air Force. Even with the great photos it is impossible to determine the colors of the B-1. Let the debate continue, silver dope or RLM 63. A Bf-110G-4 Night fighter with its aerials and with Russian stars is certainly an oddity. Bomber aircraft are included as well. He-111s, Ju-88s, Stukas, Dorniers and the Ju-388L, including many detail shots. Recon and attack aircraft are also included. Some oddities are included such as the Hs-130 reconnaissance aircraft. Transport aircraft and sea planes such as the Ju-52, Do-24, Fw-200 and Ar-232 are seen in Soviet markings and as they were captured. This is just a wealth of information. The Storch is shown in extra detail, including how to load casualties. Helicopters are not forgotten with the Flettner Fi 282 shown. What I didn't expect to see was a Bf-108 in Japanese markings. Testing of Captured German Jet Aircraft is another chapter all together. The AR-234 is shown even the C model. Of course the He-162 is shown along with some new photos. The Hs 132 airframe is seen to great advantage and in drawings. There are plenty of shots of the Me-163B and S. Me-262 is obviously well tested by the Soviets, including a photo of the Me-262B in Soviet markings. The V-1 and all the prototypes, including a two engined variant, that go with it are seen including some unique photos of the V-1 mounted below the wing of the Tu-4. With the end of the war the Soviets moved whole design bureaus to the Soviet Union. The ensuing years are illustrated by testing of the Ju-287 and the DFS 230. The forward swept wings of the Ju-287 is very futuristic looking. There is an entire walk around on the aircraft. Jet bombers that were developed from the cooperation produced some great aircraft such as the 150 bomber. Some of the aircraft are very unique looking, including an aircraft reminiscent of the B-47. The aircraft that I enjoyed the most is the DFS-346. There are more photos in this book of this aircraft than any other reference that I've seen. This Soviet X-1 equivalent is unique in having its pilot lying prone. This would look great under the wing of a Tu-4 (B-29) a nice comparison with the X-1 under the belly. The entire test program is included. Aircraft after the mid 1950s is the last chapter. This section is limited in its focus with Bo-105 and various light aircraft being discussed. This book is a wealth of knowledge and with its unique coverage is an essential reference guide. Well written and supremely illustrated this book is worth every penny. Modelers will find the information contained in the photos and the text to be extremely motivating. There wasn't anything about this book that I didn't like. If you are thinking of building a model and want something different then try this book. Highly recommended Thanks to Specialty Press for the review copy. You can obtain your copy by contacting Specialty Press directly at www.specialtypress.com or by calling them at 1-800-895-4585. Let them know you heard about it here.

Information, images, and all other items placed electronically on this site are the intellectual property of IPMS/USA ®.