The latest in the superb Red Star series covers the four Antonov heavy lift transports. Three of these four aircraft have held the title of world's largest aircraft with the An-225 Mirya still the holder of that record that doesn't seem to be surpassed any time soon!

The first aircraft covered is the An-22 which was first shown to the west at the Paris Air Show of 1965 and entered service soon after. The aircraft was developed primarily to be able to air lift ballistic missiles but soon proved that it was able to carry an even wider range of materials, making it in great demand for work around the Soviet Union and in the war in Afghanistan.

The advent of the C-5A demanded that the Russians come up with something to surpass it and that was done in a most impressive manner by the An-124 Ruslan. Though initially used as a military heavy lift aircraft, with the fragmenting of the old Soviet Union, it has been used in a great number of civilian applications where its ability to carry ultra-heavy cargo has made it a huge asset. Several are currently in operation with civil carriers.

This lead to the current holder of world's largest aircraft, the An-225 Mirya. Designed to carry the Soviet space shuttle Buran, when that project went away with the loss of funding, the Mirya was also laid up for seven years until recently refurbished and is now operating as an ultra-heavy lift freighter.

The newest Antonov heavy lift aircraft is the An-70, a project that has been fraught with difficulties both technical and financial. Thanks to its impressive capabilities, it seems that this aircraft may finally be entering series production.

In line with other Red Star titles, this one offers a full development history as well as brief descriptions of variants and project aircraft. Technical descriptions of all the aircraft is provided and a list of those aircraft built and their current disposition or fate is given. This is all complemented with a well thought out selection of photographs, both in color and black & white.

Once again, a superb book and on very interesting aircraft that I found a delight to read. Most highly recommended to all and especially those whose interest lies in either Russian or transport aircraft.

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