Sukhoi Su-35S 'Flanker' E: Russia’s 4th ++ Generation Super-Manoeuvrability Fighter Paperback – July 13, 2015

Good condition thanks!

This very comprehensive book on the clearly very capable Sukhoi Su-35S, the latest iteration of the long in tooth Sukhoi Su-27/30/33 series of Russian fighter aircraft is well done. It is has almost overwhelmingly detailed information on every aspect of this, one would think, rather secretive project.My question is how did the author, Hugh Harkins, come by all this data and his clearly biased conclusions making this plane with a 1970's heritage into a 21st Century star? Did all the Russian manufacturers or the Russian Air force share this data with him? It cites very specific performance in all aspects of its flight envelope and of all the aircraft's systems and weaponry. That's truly astounding to me. In all my years reading about military aviation, I've never read anything so complete and exacting -- whether it's about an aircraft of a friendly nation, or even more unbelievably one that is not, as in this case.Mr. Harkins conclusions should make Western military aviation planners shudder. He thinks the Su-35S superior to virtually all Western fighters of the 4th, 4th++ and even 5th generation. As he has it, the latest Western aircraft, particularly America's very sophisticated and expensive Lockheed F-22 and F-35 are virtually no match for this Russian wonder aircraft, He writes off most of the advantages of stealth (it isn't perfect, I agree) and is returning to an era of dogfighting. I guess concerned Westerners like me should feel somewhat comforted that the production for the Russian Air Force currently seems limited to just 48 planes. As well as Western fighters coming off badly, it sounds like us American taxpayers are not getting a good deal in our air-to-air missiles, particularly the Raytheon AIM-120. It makes one wonder and uneasy. I hope he's wrong!The photos, charts and text (leaving out some conclusions) are very well done, assuming all data is accurate.

Excellent

If you know something about modern military aviation, this book will be waste of your time. It reminds me some entertaining books for kids. Most “facts” are from advertising of aircraft and equipment manufacturers. No analysis on anything. Questionable understanding of tactical employment of modern fighters. I can agree with author only on one point about complacency of Western powers about their military superiority over Russia.