MIKOYAN MiG-21. OSPREY AIR COMBAT. by Gunston, Bill - 1986

London: Osprey, 1986. 200 pp, 10 9/16" H. "Today the MiG-21 is beginning to become a trifle long in the tooth. But the latest version is still in mass-production in India, while almost the first version is not only being manufactured in China but is a new contender in the world market for fighters! Meanwhile, every second or two, MiG-21s thunder aloft wearing the colours of more air forces than any other warplane before or since. Opinions of it vary. 'Fabulous', said an Egyptian. ' A supersonic sports plane' said an Indian (but of a very early version). 'Formidable in the air combat role' said a Frenchman. 'Formidable, simply because of its numbers' said an American general (who called it the Fishbed, the NATO code name). (The author) homes in on the most numerous jet aircraft in history. For the first time we have not just a description of a modern Soviet warplane but a thoughful account of its background (with a wry glance at the confusion its emergence caused in the West), discussion of why it came out as it did, and in particular a detailed look at its many curious design features, developed through more than 20 variants. Even today many Western descriptions have got it wrong. This epoch-making 200-page book will put many misconceptions right. Illustrated with over 160 black and white photographs (many previously unpublished) and 12 photographs in full colour." Light edge wear at top of rear hinge, two soft corner creases on front cover one small and one large, light wear at corners of front cover, light rubbing causing dullness to covers. . First Edition. Soft Cover. Very Good -.