Tupolev Tu-22M: Soviet/Russian Swing-Wing Heavy Bomber Hardcover – August 30, 2022

Tupolev Tu-22M - Soviet/Russian Swig-wing Heavy Bomber is the latest of the cooperative efforts of authors Yefim Gordon and Dmitriy Komissarov to cover Soviet and Russian bomber and fighter aircraft.Only one word applies: SUPERB !The high-gloss paper volume is organized into six chapters and three Appendices (p. 305-225), plus a Line Drawings (p. 326) section at the end. These Chapter's include:- Chapter 1 - From Blinder to Backfire - "M" is for Misinformation- Chapter 2 - The Tu-22M: Becomes Reality- Chapter 3 - The Backfire in Production- Chapter 4 - The Tu-22M in Detail- Chapter 5 - Peacetime Service- Chapter 6 - The Tu-22M at War- Appendix 1 - Tu-22M Family Specifications- Appendix 2 - Tu-22m Production List- Appendix 3 - Accident AircraftIn this regard, those familiar with earlier volumes of the authors will find the format and style familiar.Each chapter contains extensive drawings (including cutaway's of aircraft and engines), photos and graphs (specifications, etc).In this volume, the photos (both color & B&W are up to the standard of earlier volumes. Included in group photos of OKB-156's chief designers, including Andrey Tupolev and First Deputy Alexander Arkhangel'skiy - had this been available in the Cold War days, it might have given the West a clue as to what was coming!The Tu-22M-3 did not emerge without competition within the Soviet system: Sukhoi was active throughout, with its impressive T-4 candidate. Both Tupolev and Sukhoi went through a process of several designs. Clearly, Sukhoi's T-4 was not only highly maneuverable, it was possibly well ahead of its time (though one might say it had a lot in common with the U.S. B-70 Valkriye). In some respects, Tupolev - infamous for past bomber designs - probably always had a leading edge in the competition, but in the end, the production of Tu-16 (Badger; 1,631-plus) and Tu-22 (Blinder; only 311) was coming to a close and there was a serious need for new production assignment.The authors unprecedented access to aspects of all the variants, cockpit view, electronic systems, weapon options, and other aspects, makes this a fine addition to railer books (upholding the standard of earlier volumes). Chapter 5 also includes a section called the "Ukrainian Affair" - where the Ukraine took possession of 64 Backfire bombers (one Tu-22MO, 18 Tu-22M2 and 45 Tu-22M-3). Most of these had belonged to the Russian 185th GvTBAP at Poltava-4 air base. Post breakup of the USSR, Russian and Ukrainian air forces included Tu-22M's in joint exercises! Ultimately, the U.S. pressed for destruction of the Ukrainian aircraft, rather than have them returned to Russian hands. Ultimately, they were scrapped - imagine today if those aircraft are in Ukrainian Air Force (UAF) inventory!A great volume - HIGHLY RECOMMENDED !