Soviet Airborne Forces 1930–91

Author:   David Campbell ,  Johnny Shumate (Illustrator)
Publisher:   Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
Volume:   231
ISBN:  

9781472839589


Pages:   64
Publication Date:   20 February 2020
Format:   Paperback
Availability:   In Print   Availability explained
This item will be ordered in for you from one of our suppliers. Upon receipt, we will promptly dispatch it out to you. For in store availability, please contact us.

Our Price $29.99 Quantity:  
Add to Cart

Share |

Soviet Airborne Forces 1930–91


Add your own review!

Overview

Established in 1932, the Vozdushno-desantnye voyska (‘air-landing forces’, or VDV) of the Red Army led the way in airborne doctrine and practice. Though they were initially handicapped by a lack of infrastructure, due in part to a turbulent political climate in the 1930s, they still conducted major drops during World War II, including at the Dnepr River in September 1943. After the war ended, the VDV became independent of the Air Force and were elevated to the role of strategic asset. The newly rebuilt divisions were now organized and trained to conduct deep insertions behind enemy lines, attacking command-and-control facilities, lines of communication, and key infrastructure targets such as nuclear power plants. This training came into play in numerous Cold War confrontations, including Soviet operations in Hungary (1956) and Czechoslovakia (1968). During the Soviet war in Afghanistan (1979–89), the VDV proved to be the most formidable of the Mujahideen’s opponents, with the development of the air assault concept – the transport, insertion and support of air-landed troops by helicopter rather than parachute. This title explores the development of the VDV from their conception in 1930 to their role in the Cold War and in the later invasion of Afghanistan. Supported by contemporary photography and specially commissioned artwork of uniforms and battlescenes, this title is a comprehensive and engaging guide to the history of airborne forces in the Soviet period.

Full Product Details

Author:   David Campbell ,  Johnny Shumate (Illustrator)
Publisher:   Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
Imprint:   Osprey Publishing
Volume:   231
Weight:   0.218kg
ISBN:  

9781472839589


ISBN 10:   1472839587
Pages:   64
Publication Date:   20 February 2020
Audience:   General/trade ,  Professional and scholarly ,  General ,  Professional & Vocational
Format:   Paperback
Publisher's Status:   Active
Availability:   In Print   Availability explained
This item will be ordered in for you from one of our suppliers. Upon receipt, we will promptly dispatch it out to you. For in store availability, please contact us.

Table of Contents

Introduction Chronology Early Years of the VDV The VDV Goes to War The VDV in the Cold War The VDV in Afghanistan Conclusion Select Bibliography Index

Reviews

Author Information

David Campbell is the author of numerous Osprey titles, including Russian Soldier vs Japanese Soldier and Soviet Paratrooper vs Mujahideen Fighter. He has a broad range of interests in literature and history, including the Middle Ages, the Napoleonic era, naval warfare and the genesis of the 'Military Revolution'. He lives in Hampshire, UK. Johnny Shumate began his career in 1987 after graduating from Austin Peay State University. Most of his work is rendered in Adobe Photoshop using a Cintiq monitor. His greatest influences are Angus McBride, Don Troiani and Édouard Detaille. He works as a freelance illustrator and lives in Tennessee.

Tab Content 6

Author Website:  

Customer Reviews

Recent Reviews

No review item found!

Add your own review!

Countries Available

All regions
Latest Reading Guide

wl

Shopping Cart
Your cart is empty
Shopping cart
Mailing List