IRIAF 2010

Book excerpt: This richly illustrated book describes the current organization and equipment of the Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force (IRIAF). Drawing on a wide range of digital photographs, IRIAF 2010 presents all types of combat, transport and training aircraft, as well as helicopters, currently operated by the IRIAF, many of which are supported by captions detailing individual aircraft histories. Following a summary of the air force's development since its early days in the 1920s, the centerpiece of this volume are 12 chapters that cover all major IRIAF bases and flying units stationed there, as well as a summary of the order of battle, in which all units are also represented in the form of patches worn by their pilots. Covering an often under-reported and misinterpreted topic, and one that is directly influential in the current standoff between Iran, the US and Israel, this book is a unique reference source for scholar and enthusiast alike.