Mushroom Model Publications

Polish Wings No.9 Sukhoi Su-7 & Su-20

by  Dariusz Karnas

Reviewed By  Ben Guenther, IPMS# 20101

MSRP: £9.99 ($16.15) ISBN: 978-83-89450-96-8 Website: www.mmpbooks.biz Soft cover, A4 format 8.25 x 11.75", 56 pages, 75 b&w photos, 60 color photos, 51 color side profiles and two top profiles From 1964 through 1997 the Polish Air Force used the Sukhoi's heavyweight fighter-bombers, starting with the delivery of the Su-7BM, then later the -BKL variant and finally the 2 seat Su-7U trainers. The Polish Air Force also operated the swing-wing Su-20 (export version of the Su-17) starting in 1974 thru 1997. A brief history of the aircraft types and use by the Polish military is spread over several pages. The strength of this work for modelers is in the many fine photos and the profuse use of color profiles. Most of the photos of the Su-7s in the 60s & 70s are b&w, so the color profiles are very useful in this case. The photo coverage of the Su-20s is mainly in color, but the color profiles are still an asset. There is even a short section on the colors of the Su-7s and the Su-20s which is useful for the color of the undercarriage and main gear well, etc… Finally, there are two charts that list all of the Sukhoi's fighter-bombers used by the Polish Air Force listing their serial numbers, code numbers, production/delivery dates, units and disposition, very useful for the modeler or historian. This is one handy book if you are interested in Polish aviation or Sukhoi aircraft. The previous volumes dealt with WWII Polish aircraft, while this was the first volume to handle post WWII jet aircraft in Polish service. In fact, the next volume in the series will be about the Mig 23 MF/UB and should be a great volume. I can highly recommend this work for use by modelers as a source of information and inspiration. I would like to thank IPMS/USA and Mushroom Model Publications for the opportunity to review with book.