Mikoyan MiG-19: Famous Russian Aircraft Hardcover – Illustrated, 1 Sept. 2017

Fans of Yefim Gordon and Dimitriy Komissarov will know what to expect from this book, an interesting and hugely informative text which provides everything you will ever want to know about the design and service history of the MiG-19 along with a huge number of photographs, diagrams and colour profiles. As well as the actual MiG-19 the book covers the Chinese derivatives (J6 and Q5) which form an important part of the MiG-19 story.I'll admit to being a Russophile when it comes to aircraft, tanks and warships, although I grew up in the cold war when we in Western Europe and the USA and other parts of the "Western" world were assured that we were superior in technology and that the aircraft our own air forces used were superior. At the time I largely swallowed that whilst liking the appearance of Soviet designs. Following the cold war as relations thawed and information became more widely available it became clear that smug assumptions about the superiority of NATO equipment were rather questionable and that the USSR produced some superb designs, and indeed Russia still does.The MiG-19 is probably one of the less famous Soviet combat aircraft designs, it never had the fame of the MiG-15 which fought in Korea, or the ubiquity of the MiG-21, and Soviet aircraft of the 50's and 60's didn't get promoted to the world in the way that later designs such as the MiG-29 and Su-27 would. Yet it was a huge milestone for Soviet aviation as the first of their fighters to be supersonic in level flight, quite possibly the best day fighter in the world for a brief time and a very striking looking aircraft. I've always had a real soft spot for the type as there is something about the slightly homespun yet sleek design I find hugely attractive. To my eyes there is a bit of a steam punk look to the design which is terrific. And although it was not produced in particularly large numbers by the USSR for a Soviet type it was manufactured in Czeckoslovakia and in large numbers in China as the J6. China would further develop the design into the Q5 attack fighter/bomber with side intakes and a conventional nose. Although the MiG-19 was retired by most users a long time ago the Chinese J6 served with China and Pakistan for much longer and remained in production for a couple of decades after Soviet production ended while the Q5 derivative remained in production until comparatively recently.This is a beautifully produced book with a quality feel. Images are reproduced to a good standard and the coloured profile drawings are superbly done. The text is excellent, very readable and very informative. I'm struggling to think of anything negative to say and at the price it is a bargain.Very highly recommended, 5*+.

This is an excellent work though not without its faults. In particular I enjoyed reading from the Soviet side the interception tales via spy baloons RB47 and U2 interceptions attempted between 1956 and 1962 which from a Western perspective were absolutely fascinating. The coverage of Chinese 'Fantan' variants is comprehensive too as is the development of this first Soviet supersonic combat aircraft . Why it doesnt get a full 5 stars from me is in its lack of comparison with its directly comparable Western types i.e the F100 super Sabre and the SMB2 Super Mystere of which I dont doubt the Soviet fighter was superior in its short range point defence day fighter role but it was inferior to both types in its range of course. The authors have finally learned that people arent really interested in the West about stiff portraits of Soviet prestigious flight crews or dry meaningless nomencluture for various systems on the aircraft and have delivered quite an enjoyable read for any 'buff' of the period. I recommend the recent previous Mig 17 work too in this regard. That the Soviets had for a (very) short time the best day fighter in the world has never been acknowledged in the West and even with the with advent of the subsequent F8U Crusader this fighter would certainly have been able to hold its own in good hands . The fragility of its RD9 powerplants was emphasised but from a Soviet perspective they still had an aircraft which ( if they had chosen to) would have smashed the F100 s air speed record with ease a while before the British did in 1956. This is an often overlooked aircraft that is given fairly comprehensive coverage here and has my highest recommendation. It is unlikely that a superior work on this highly significant type will ever be published in the future in my view

another great study from Mr Gordon & Komissarov for an aircraft not known enough (for me at least).the chinese version J6/F6 and the derivative Q5/A5 was a novelty for me.the FRA series is to recommend for anyone interested on such combat russian aircraft post WW2

If you are into Russian and Soviet aviation, you surely must have all the books from this great series. Comprehensive and well-illustrated. The ultimate book on this airplane

Another masterpiece from these two experts on Russian Military aircraft which I found hard to put down once I started to read it. Hundreds of excellent images and good value for the price being asked.

The definitive source on the MiG-19. An amazing amount of information. And the profile art is superb. This is the bible on the MiG-19!

Excellent book, excellent service

Simply a fine book by Yefim Gordon again.This is my number 40 by this author,never deceived .Great work.