Latest on Russian Rockets and Artillery.

• Author: Silbergeld, David LL.
• Position: Book shelf

Is it possible that the second volume of "Russia's Arms and Technologies--XXI Century Encyclopedia"--entitled "Rocket and Artillery Armament of Ground Forces"--is not only better than the first one (see National Defense, August 2000, p.65), but a portend of more volumes to come? Let's look at this volume from different perspectives.

First, the printing, full-color pictures, technical diagrams, charts and illustrations are outstanding--something rarely seen in any encyclopedia. It is true that the costs to produce such quality have become prohibitive, but that didn't seem to faze the publisher, the Arms and Technology Publishing House or its General Director Nikolai Spassky. Amazingly, the cost of this 685-page volume has been kept at $495, plus $15 for shipping and handling (in the United States), which certainly will take a bite out of long-standing competitors in the defense marketplace, with their black and white photos and escalating prices. At this point, there is nothing in publication to equal it.

Second, the material covered here in considerable detail will tantalize both the military historian or Intelligence specialist with its reportage of current and prospective rocket and artillery systems, theater and tactical missile systems and surface-to-air missiles. The book also covers the systems' specifications and missions. There are additional, hidden assets to be found in this volume, such as details concerning:

* Small arms.

* Anti-rank guided weapons.

* Fire-control and computer systems.

* Reconnaissance radar.

* Observation and aiming devices.

* Training and simulation equipment.

* Automated battle-management systems.

* Flame throwers.

* Special-purpose weapons.

Much of this material was recently declassified and offers numerous Russian weapons-system references previously known only by NATO designations.

Third, we get to know the manufacturers and developers, their nomenclature and, most interestingly, their capabilities and potential. A section called Industrial Enterprises--which includes state enterprises and joint stock companies--provides points of contact with those industries, thereby facilitating a level of sophisticated marketing rarely seen in Russia. This book takes a page from the French and British defense industries, which banded together into national cooperatives to market their governments exports. It brings a new level of capability and expertise, as well as style, to the Russian...