DRAGON'S WINGS (N)

Dragon's Wings: Chinese Fighter and Bomber Aircraft Development by Andreas Rupprecht is a highly regarded and comprehensive book, particularly for a niche audience of military aviation enthusiasts and scholars.

The book is a deep dive into the history of Chinese military aircraft development, from the establishment of the People's Republic of China in 1949 to its publication date. Before this book, information on the subject was scarce and often shrouded in mystery. Andreas Rupprecht, a noted expert on Chinese military aviation, has meticulously researched and compiled information from a variety of sources to create a detailed chronicle.

It begins with the early days of Chinese military aviation, including the acquisition and licensed production of Soviet-designed aircraft like the MiG-17 and MiG-19. It then moves into China's efforts to develop its own unique aircraft, highlighting the challenges and successes during periods of political and technological isolation. Likewise, it even includes many secret projects and design proposals that never made it to production.

The book extensively details the development of modern Chinese combat aircraft, such as the J-10, J-20 stealth fighter, and the J-11 Flanker family. It also covers bombers, attack aircraft, and anti-submarine types. The text is richly supplemented with rare photographs, detailed line drawings, and color profiles of the aircraft, which is a major selling point for aviation enthusiasts and modelers.

The book goes beyond just the technical details of the planes, drawing connections between aircraft development and the political and diplomatic history of the PRC, particularly its relationship with the Soviet Union and Russia.

It is highly recommended for anyone with a serious interest in Chinese aerospace development, military history, and aviation. While it is not a book on operational successes or failures, it provides the essential background for understanding the capabilities of the People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF).