The
thirty-fifth volume in Midland's Red Star series is this book on the Soviet
Union's first service jet airliner. With the advent of the turbojet, it was
thought that something like that would do wonders in the Soviet Union's state
airline, Aeroflot. In the late 1940s/early 1950s passenger service was limited
to relatively short range Li-2, IL-12 and IL-14 twin engine airliners, making
long distance trips a series of landings and take-offs. What was needed was
something with more range and turbojets seemed the way to go.
Several proposals were submitted, most of them based on
existing bomber designs, including several using the Tu-4 (B-29). This wasn't
exactly what was needed as they were still piston powered. Eventually, a design
using the flight surfaces of the Tu-16 was developed and soon became the Tu-104.
Learning from the errors of the British Comet, the Tu-104 turned out to be a
most successful aircraft and soon entered service. By the time production ceased
in 1960, over 200 aircraft had been produced. The only other airline to operate
the type was CSA, the Czech airline. Several were also used by the Soviet
military, mostly as test beds. A single example of a four engine derivative, the
Tu-110 was also developed, but never put into service.
The authors have done a superlative job of combing archives
for information on the types and have included an equally excellent selection of
photos of the aircraft, many of them in full color. A detailed history of the
type and subtypes is part and parcel of this series as is a detailed systems
analysis (walk-around). Also included is a short history of all of the aircraft
produced and a series of line drawings.
Once again, a superb book and on a 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.
April 2008
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