Russian heavies revealed

Air Classics, Aug 2003 by Hulett, George

Inside the former enemy's Cold War bombers

With the end of World War Two and the dawn of the nuclear age, the world's new superpowers (while allied for the defeat of Germany) entered a period of hostility marked by sharply opposing ideologies, proxy wars and the continuing threat of nuclear confrontation. The Cold War spawned rapid development of dozens of new aircraft whose purpose was to enable one side to mount a devastating nuclear attack on the other, or protect against just such a strike from the opposing side.

Tupolev Bombers by David Donald ($29.95, Specialty Press) takes an in-depth look inside the Tupolev design bureau which was tasked with creating a series of long-range nuclear bombers capable of penetrating American defenses. All of the bombers captured the imagination of those with a professional or personal interest in military aviation - and continue to fascinate today. The bombers profiled include the Tu-16 Badger, Tu-95MS Bear-H, Tu-142 Bear-F, Tu-22 Blinder, Tu-22M Backfire, and Tu-160 Blackjack. The book is very heavily illustrated with 300 color photos, 250 black and white photos, and numerous color art works. A recommended reference on what was once a very secret group of aircraft.