Last War of the Superfortresses

Brief Summary

"Last War of the Superfortresses" by Leonid Krylov is a meticulous historical analysis focusing on the air battles between Soviet fighters and the United States Far East Air Force's B-29 'Superfortress' bombers during the Korean War from 1950 to 1953. The book draws from a vast array of sources, including military documents from the Central Archive of the Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation and western publications. Krylov provides an in-depth examination of the battles, with crucial insights coming from pilots who directly participated in these historical events. This work aims to offer a comprehensive account of the confrontation, focusing particularly on the combat effectiveness and strategic impacts of the air engagements on both superpowers' military aviation development.

Main Themes and Topics

The primary theme of the book is the aerial warfare strategies and technological advancements during the Korean War. Krylov delves into the specific engagements between the MiG-15s and B-29s, emphasizing key battles that significantly influenced the outcome of the war. The author explores the tactics employed by both sides, examining how these strategies evolved in reaction to each other's advancements. A significant portion of the narrative also concerns the influence of these battles on military aviation, especially the shifts in tactical bomber development from piston-engined aircraft to jet-powered bombers such as the B-52 'Stratofortress.' The work also provides a technical assessment of the aircraft involved, shedding light on their strengths and limitations in combat scenarios.

Writing Style and Tone

Krylov's writing is characterized by its detailed and scholarly approach, aiming to provide a fact-based and objective account of the Korean War air battles. The book contains a wealth of statistical data and technical specifications, making it an informative read for those particularly interested in military aviation history. Despite its factual density, Krylov's narrative is engaging, interweaving personal anecdotes from pilots with broader historical analyses to create a vivid recounting of the aerial confrontations.

Criticism

While "Last War of the Superfortresses" is praised for its depth and comprehensive coverage, some readers may find it dense due to the sheer volume of technical details and statistical data. The focus on exact figures and extensive military terminology could be challenging for those not already familiar with the subject matter or who prefer more narrative-driven historical accounts. However, for enthusiasts and scholars of military aviation, Krylov's methodical approach offers invaluable insights.