This is the first I've seen of the 'Famous Russian Aircraft Series' and it starts with the MiG-31 Foxhound. Now most of us do not think about the MiG-31 when we think of modern MiG aircraft. In fact, it is an airplane that few even know exist, yet it is obviously a development of the mach 3 MiG-25 Foxbat. The basic design of the aircraft is quite similar though there are several distinctive differences like the twin seat cockpit area and the somewhat smaller engines.

This plane is not designed as a B-70 interceptor as was the MiG-25. Instead, it was designed to be a pure interceptor, much in the same vein as the F-14 Tomcat. Its primary weapons systems are relatively long range missiles and the ability to track multiple targets, much as with the Tomcat's Phoenix system. As the MiG-31 entered service considerably later than the F-14, it is still a prime interceptor while the Tomcat is now ending its long career.

The author, Yeflim Gordon, is probably the foremost expert of Soviet/Russian aviation in the world. At least, he has written about their aircraft more than just about anyone else I can think of. He must eat and breathe the stuff. This means that you are going to get a very well researched book that doesn't rely on a lot of secondary research.

As with all his books, this one starts out with the basic design development of the aircraft. Initial models are quite different from what we all see on the cover! This then goes into the various systems and integrating those with the airframe. Then through the various prototypes into production aircraft. There are not a lot of variants to the MiG-31, only the initial versions and the current MiG-31M, which has an improved and larger radar as well as an increased fuel capacity.

There is a section on the operational capabilities of the plane as well as the units to which it is assigned. This is followed by a section comparing the capabilities of the F-14 with the MiG-31 (anyone want to guess who comes out second?). The final section is on the structural design and systems of the Foxhound. This includes a walk-around section of the airframe.

Finally, one comes to a section of three views and color profiles, all segments of Midland books that we have come to expect.

Throughout the book are a plethora of photographs (over 400), most of them in full color and most quite large. With the MiG-31 being such a relatively unknown aircraft built is somewhat small numbers, it is up to pictures to fill many of the pages.

Overall, an outstanding book on the subject which will be difficult to supplant. Russian aircraft enthusiasts will find this one to be a 'must have' while others will find a well written and well researched history of one of Russia's best.

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