Adding to the huge and authoritative books on Russian aircraft, this one is on the superlative Sukhoi Su-27, probably one of the finest modern fighters around. Needing an aircraft to best what was then the current crop of modern US fighters; the F-14/15/16/18, Sukhoi started work on what was then needed, a long range air superiority interceptor.

Though the initial pre-production aircraft started flying in 1981, it wasn't until 1984 that they started entering normal service. Though eventually nearly 700 were built, only a bit more than half that number are still in Russian service. However, the plane has been quite successful in the export market and improved variants of the aircraft are still being developed today.

Those who have any interest in Russian aviation surely know of the work of Yefim Gordon, as he has written dozens of quality books on the subject. This one is the most thorough work on the Su-27 Flanker and follow-on types that has yet been done. Nearly 600 pages of history, specs, drawings, profiles and easily a thousand color photos.

The book is divided into twelve sections that covers, among other things, the development, initial production, early variants, development of the shipboard version, the Su-30 family, the large two seat version, those used by display teams, a detailed look at the aircraft and systems, reports on how the aircraft compares to other modern fighters, and a section on all the various nations that have or are operating the type. A production list is included in the appendix.

Without a doubt, this is the finest work on this aircraft yet done. It is a huge book and will offer many hours of enjoyable reading and browsing. It is one that I can give my highest recommendation and I know you will agree.

August 2007

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