Reviewed by MIck Evans

 
Osprey's Soviet MiG-15 Aces of the Korean War book is available online from Squadron.com

This is an excellent publication produced by Osprey detailing the history of Soviet MiG-15 Aces of the Korean War.  The USSR began assisting the Peoples Republic of China in its establishment of a modern air force in 1950, when Soviet Air Force regiments and divisions were sent to the Far East to train local pilots.

China’s involvement in the Korean War in late October 1950 inevitably drew Soviet pilots into the conflict as well and the latter made their first appearance over North Korea on the 1st November whenMiG-15s from the 151st GvIAD engaged USAF aircraft.  Such clashes would become an everyday part of the Korean War until the conflict ended in July 1953, by which time ten Soviet fighter divisions had fought in the skies of North Korea.

Many of the MiG pilots were aces from World War 2 and men such as N.V. Sutyagin, E.G Pepelyaev and D.P Oskin would enjoy further successes flying first generation jet fighters in Korea.  Some 52 Soviet Pilots scored five or more victories in the Korean War, and their exploits are chronicled in this unique volume.

The book contains 96 pages containing many in service black and white photographs and some gun camera footage portraying the destruction of USAF aircraft.  There are some nice colour artwork plates depicting 26 colour schemes worn by the MiGs during the war.  Two appendices complete the book listing the 64th IAK units and where they operated from and a list of Soviet Korean War aces and their achievements in aircraft shot down.

This publication is a concise history of Soviet pilots operations, their achievements and aircraft kills during the Korean War.

Thanks to Osprey Publishing for the review sample

Review Copyright © 2008 by Mick Evans
Page Created 12 August, 2008
Last updated 12 August, 2008

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