The latest from the fine folks at Aerofax is a volume on the IL-18 family of turbo-prop transports. This aircraft is in the same league as the Vickers Viscount, Bristol Brittania, and Lockheed Electra in that it was developed in the 1950s, saw widespread use as a medium range airliner and, like the Bristol and Lockheed aircraft, was developed into an ASW platform. In the case of the Bristol aircraft, it was the Argus (though that reverted to piston engines) and for Lockheed it was the long serving P-3 Orion.

This was not the first IL-18. That aircraft, which looked a lot like a passenger version of the B-50, was too much too soon and so never got beyond a single prototype. This second IL-18 was developed in the late 1950s and started service soon thereafter.

Like all long-serving Russian aircraft, the IL-18 was developed into a plethora of different variants and variations. Most of them were test aircraft or designed for special duties, such as Ice Patrols. Typical of Aerofax books, the development has been thoroughly researched and all of the versions are catalogued. There is also a full description of the IL-18, including structures and systems as well as a history of those countries and airlines that are or have used the IL-18 in service.

As I mentioned, the aircraft was also used as a military ASW platform and that version, the IL-38 'May' has been given equal attention. There is also the history of its development as well as a rundown on the different variations, a history of its service life and some fine color photos of the interior.

A full production listing is provided as well as excellent three view drawings of many variants. This is concluded by several pages of color photographs of both the transport and ASW versions.

In all, it is an excellent publication and one that I thoroughly enjoyed reading. If you are an enthusiast of Russian aviation or just like prop-liners, then this is a book that you must have on your shelves.

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