Scud Ballistic Missile and Launch Systems 1955-2005

Description

The Scud missile was developed as the centerpiece of Soviet plans to fight nuclear war in the heart of Europe. However, it was never used in its intended role and has instead become a symbol of the changing nature of warfare in the aftermath of the Cold War. Saddam Hussein's Iraqi armed forces were almost helpless in the face of the Coalition forces in the 1991 Gulf War; the only weapon that Iraq could use to injure the Coalition forces was its arsenal of Scud missiles. This book explores the development and variants of the missile and its launch systems, its proliferation outside of the West, and its role in conflicts around the world.

Steven J Zaloga was born in 1952, received his BA in history from Union College, and his MA from Columbia University. He has published numerous books and articles dealing with modern military technology. His main area of interest is military affairs in the former Soviet Union and Eastern Europe in World War II, and he has also written extensively on American armored forces. He lives in Maryland, USA. Jim Laurier is a native of New Hampshire. He graduated with honours from the Paiers School of Art, Connecticut, in 1978 and has worked as a freelance illustrator ever since, completing assignments in a wide variety of fields. Jim has a keen interest in military subjects, both aviation and armour, and is a Fellow member of the American Society of Aviation Artists, the New York Society of Illustrators and the American Fighter Aces Association. Lee Ray has over ten years' experience in computer graphics and 3D design, primarily in the video games industry. He enjoys all areas of digital illustration. He currently lives and works in Australia.

"Highly recommended for anyone interested in Soviet or Russian military equipment or in particular, artillery and ballistic missiles." --Jacques Duquette, Armorama (April 2008) "...Steven Ja Zaloga, an authority on Russian military vehicles, presents a well-rounded history of the Scud." --Military Vehicles