Tupolev Tu-128 'Fiddler'

The first comprehensive account in English of the development and operation of Russia's least known post-war jet fighter. Only ever operated over the former Soviet Union's vast northern territory by an elite group of Soviet Air Force aircrew, it was little known even to most Russian military personnel and the majority of Soviet citizens. Although never flown 'in anger', the Tu-128 played a hugely important part in protecting the nation's Arctic approaches against foreign incursions for almost a quarter of a century. The reader will discover the rationale behind its selection as the principal Soviet air defence fighter of the day in a critical period of the Cold War. This includes selection and training of aircrew, operation of quick reaction alerts, manual and automated ground controlled intercepts and cooperation with the Soviet Union's first AWACS, its stable-mate the Tu-126 Moss. With numerous previously unpublished photographs, diagrams and expert text, the Tu-128 Fiddler will prove indispensable to enthusiasts and historians alike.