Imperial Russian Air Force 1898-1917

"This book is dedicated to the pioneers of Russian aviation and aeronautics who operated from the end of the 19th century until 1917. G.F. Petrov's collection of photographs which feature in this book has been the basis for many historical studies, but the images have never before been published in one volume. The book also contains photos from the Central State Archives of Cinematic and Photographic Documents of St. Petersburg and the National Library of Russia. Photographic highlights include - the first Russian flights in hot air balloons and airplanes; Russian aviation festivals; airplane factories; the creation of Russian naval aviation; the Russian Air Force's participation in World War I, as well as charting the combat activity of that unique Squadron of 'Iliya Muromets' Airships, which was the prototype for future aviation strategy. The book contains over 400 black and white images illustrating this pioneering and extraordinary period of Russian aviation." --Back cover.