This latest book from Aerofax is on what many call 'Russia's A-10', the Su-25 'Frogfoot'. That appellation has considerable merit as the Soviets did not start development of this aircraft until the competition for the latest US battlefield attack aircraft was well underway.

Of course, it was the Soviet aircraft industry that pretty well defined the role of battlefield attack aircraft during WWII with the famous IL-2 "shturmovik". Every other aircraft built specifically to  interdict tanks and troops has followed a similar arrangement of heavily armored cockpit, engines and fuel systems.

The Soviets themselves had a competition for this aircraft with Ilyushin and Myasishchev losing out to Sukhoi, who had a design that was quite reminiscent of the losing Northrop YA-9A  entry.

Of course no aircraft is perfect the first time out, and this book covers the development history and its full combat career. Initially used in Afghanistan, the type was also found in the Balkans campaign as well as far away Peru. All of the variations are covered including the original single seat Su-25, the two seat Su-25UB and the special tank busting Su-25TM. There is a full 'walk-around' section as well as a ton of quality black and white and color photographs. A section that always draws my interest is the section on users, and it is quite surprising that number of countries that have operated the Su-25. This is all further enhanced by excellent drawings and several pages of superbly drawn color profiles.

In all, another superlative book from the folks at Aerofax and one I know you will find useful and enjoyable.

October 2007

Review book courtesy of Specialty Press , where you can order your copy of this and many other superb aviation and modeling books. Visit their website at the link above or call them at 1-800-895-4585

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