The latest volume in the Red Star series from the most prolific Yefim Gordon is this book on Soviet Heavy Interceptors. The heavy interceptor category of aircraft isn't one that can be easily transposed to Western aircraft. This is because these planes were designed to operate in areas of the Soviet Union where air fields were few and far between. As a result, in addition to being fast, they also had to have quite a long range. Since stopping for in-flight refueling wasn't really an option when it comes to speeding off to  knock down enemy bombers, the resulting aircraft were quite large. I guess that the only Western airplane that could come somewhat close to this would be the Lockheed YF-12.

In typical fashion for the series, there is detailed design and development history provided for each of the types that are covered. Understandably, there is quite a bit of space given to the only aircraft in the book that actually reached front-line service, the Tu-128 'Fiddler'. The book provides a wealth of drawings of all the planes covered as well as the missiles carried; a most important part of the overall weapons system. Full color profiles are also included with at least one on each type. This is followed by several pages of color photographs of the aircraft covered.

I found the subject to be fascinating and for those who really want to know more about the La-250, MiG Ye-150/152, Sukhoi T-37, Tupolev Tu-128 and others, then this is the book to have. Highly recommended along with the others in this series.

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