The twin-engined Petlyakov Pe-2, or ?Peshka', formed the mainstay of the Soviet dive- and light-bomber force in World War Two. Of advanced design, and sleek appearance, the twin-engined Pe-2 was an extremely fast and reliable aircraft. Aviation historian Peter C Smith tells the full story of this remarkable aircraft, and places it in the context of the Russian campaign, the success of which owed much to this reliable and very numerous machine. Using official sources, including the official Pe-2 handbook, and numerous colour and black-and-white photographs from private sources, this deeply-researched book will be invaluable for historian, enthusiast and modeller alike. AUTHOR: Peter C Smith has worked as both book and magazine editor and has been a full-time historian and writer for many years. Peter is well known for his meticulously researched books on aviation, military and naval topics, and he received the Royal Marine Historical Society Award for 1987/88. Many of his books have been translated and published around the world, and are acknowledged as the definitive works on their subjects. His expertise is in demand as a consultant on television documentaries. He is a memeber of the Society of Authors, London and American Aviation Historical Society and has written several titles in the Crowood Aviation Series. 209 b/w photos c8 page colour section
