Aerofax continues with more excellent books on interesting subjects and this one is an edition that I think many of you will enjoy. It covers what I think is one of the neatest Soviet/Russian airliners to have ever been produced, the Tu-154. Though it is now in the twilight of its operational use, thanks to more stringent noise and equipment requirements in Europe, it should soldier on for a number of years in Russia itself and many of the ex-Russian republics.

Designed in the late 1960s and entering service with Aeroflot a few years later, the Tu-154 came about as a need for a modern medium range airliner. The rage of the time was the tri-jet layout as used by the Trident and Boeing 727, so it was that Tupelov decided to use this arrangement as well, though a four engine option similar to the VC-10 was also envisioned.

Since its introduction, the Tu-154 has seen service with many different countries as well as a few serving with the military. Like most large Russian aircraft, the 154 has been used as a test bed for a number of military and civilian projects.

In addition to the usual historical background, development history and sub-type comparisons, the book has a full production listing of all aircraft built as well as details on all the Tu-154 accidents. The part that I really enjoyed were all the photographs (most in color) of the various operators of the 154. Airliner enthusiasts really like looking at photos of the planes in their various liveries and for that this book is just what is wanted. Within its 192 pages are nearly 350 black and white and color photographs, making this one a real treat.

If you've liked previous Aerofax books, or are a real fan of airliners then this is a book that you just have to own. Highly recommended.

May 2007

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