Midland Publishing

Famous Russian Aircraft: Tupolev Tu-95 / Tu-142

by  Yefim Gordon & Dmitriy Komissarov

Reviewed By  Ben Guenther, IPMS# 20101

MSRP: $79.95 ISBN: 978-1-85780-310-5 Website: www.specialtypress.com Hardcover, 8.5 x 11 inches, 416 pages, 700 color and b/w photos Review copy provided by Specialty Press Yefim Gordon and Dmitriy Komissarov have assembled a massive reference book in the Famous Russian Aircraft series, this time on the Tu-95 and Tu-142. These Tupolev bombers have been flying for over 50 years now and while they have been eclipsed as front line nuclear bombers, they have soldiered on in other duties. Given the code name of "Bear" it is an iconic image, especially for US Naval fighter pilots to mention that more than a mile from intercept that they could hear the throaty roar of the four big Kuznetsov turboprop engines and their counter rotating propellers. Midland has published a book with clear, sharp pictures, color where possible and b/w for the earlier years; such as, the first fight of the prototype "95/1" on Nov.12, 1952. Practically every page has photographs, diagrams or drawings on them, only thirteen pages out of 416 have only text. The Tu-95/Tu-142 is presented from every angle in flight and on the ground. However, this is not just a picture book as the text goes into depth on the history, development and operational use of these long range heavy bombers. The chapter breakdown is as follows: Part 1. The Early Projects – The Soviets realized that when they developed their nuclear weapon they would need a way to deliver it, if it was to be an effective weapon. They began by copying the Boeing B-29 as the Tu-4. Demands for further range and higher speeds led Tupolev to design new bombers to meet these requirements, resulting in the Tu-80 and the Tu-85. Part 2. The Beginning – With the switch from reciprocating engines to turboprop engines and the redesign of the wing to a swept wing, the Tu-95 was born. Trials and tribulations with the first prototype are discussed along with the first flight and the crash several months later along with the ensuing repercussions. Part 3. The Bear Family – Details the various versions of the Tu-95. Part 4. Missile Carriers – Walks one thru the various Tu-95Ks that were made a missile carriers and lots of photos on the Ku-20 missile. Part 5. Special Mission Aircraft – Tu-95V the 100 megaton hydrogen bomb carrier, Tu-95KM mother ship for the lifting body "Spiral" and the Tu-95LAL nuclear propulsion technology demonstrator that made 34 test flights from May to August 1961. Part 6. The Maritime Bears – The Council of Ministers called for a reconnaissance/target designator aircraft for naval use. Tupolev response was the Tu-95RT and later the Tu-142 Maritime patrol/ASW aircraft. Part 7. Cruise Missile Carriers – With the US making the B-52 into a cruise missile carrier the Soviets decided to do the same thing, so the Tu-95MS and Tu-142 MS were created carrying the Ku-55. Part 8. Tu-95 Operational History – Descriptions of missions flown form the 60’s to 2007, many good photos and comments. Part 9. Maritime Bears in Action – Many long range missions described searching for carrier groups, subs or flights from and to Cuba and photos of every type of US Navy fighter escorting the Bears as well as two pages of Soviet photos on US carriers taken by Bears. Part 10. The Operators – Lists all the Tu-95 / Tu-142 flown by the Soviet/Russian Air Force and Navy. Also lists the Ukrainian Air Force and Indian Navy use of the Bear. Part 11. The Tu-95 in Detail – This is the chapter for the modeler with a technical description of each part of the aircraft and lots of photos as well. Especially useful are the color photos of the landing gear and the crew stations (interior shots). Technical drawings are a great asset as is the cutaway drawing of the aircraft, 28 side views of various models and a 5-view of the Tu-95 RT. Appendix 1. Accident Attrition – Every accident is listed, date and cause if know. Appendix 2. World records held by the Tu-95/Tu142. If you only wanted one reference for the Tu-95/Tu-142 then without a doubt this would be it. The only thing I wished it had was an index, but you can use post-it notes to mark interesting items as I have done. I can highly recommend this book and want to thank IPMS/USA and Specialty Press for the chance to review this book.