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• Military Machines International and Airfix Model W • 2013-04-12
• Airfix Model World 18 • 2013-04-12
• ScaleModellingnow.com • 2013-04-12
• SAMI Vol 17 Iss 12 • 2013-04-12
• Cybermodeler.com • 2013-04-12
• InternetModeler.com • 2013-04-12
• ModelingMadness.com • 2013-04-12
• aerostories.org • 2013-04-12
• HELICO 99-02/12 • 2013-04-12
• Hyperscale.com • 2013-04-12
• IPMSUSA.org • 2013-04-12
• Kitmaniac.com • 2013-04-12
• Model Aircraft 01/2012 • 2013-04-12
• Skrzydlata Polska • 2011-11-09

• Military Machines International and Airfix Model W • 2013-04-12
  
• Airfix Model World 18 • 2013-04-12
  
• ScaleModellingnow.com • 2013-04-12

  This volume is the latest in the popular “Polish Wings” series, continuing the story of the MiG-29 in Polish service that was started in Polish Wings 11.

  This is the story of Mil Mi-14 (NATO reporting name “Haze”), a Soviet anti-submarine helicopter which is derived from the earlier Mi-8.

  The title contains photos and drawings from technical manuals,as well as superb colour illustrations of camouflage and markings, walk-around colour photographs and archive photographs.

  Well, what can you say in addition to that? This really does sum this impressive book up.

  It’s essential reading for aviation enthusiasts and scale aero modellers. Complete with detail walkaround-style photos of the cockpits and other areas of the airframes, the featured aircraft are covered well.

  This is a very impressive guide to Polish use of these iconic Eastern helos, for aviation enthusiasts, historians and of course, us modellers. In fact, this is a very impressive volume for us modellers!

  The photography in the book is beautiful, fresh and inspired and really is an excellent modelling reference.

  I like the colour plates and also reference to some of the special schemes worn by this fabulous helicopter – so symbolic of the Cold War era, yet still current and relevant as much today as ever. Details and histories behind all the airframes are included and is both succinct and thorough.

  You may remember that Les Venus was so impressed by Polish Wings 11 that he bought the Trumpeter 1:32nd scale model, with that book providing prime source of reference and an invaluable resource for that build. I am certain that this and all the other titles in this series will offer equally inspiring high quality information.

  At £12.99, this text offers excellent value for money and I can’t recommend it highly enough.

  Geoff C.

• SAMI Vol 17 Iss 12 • 2013-04-12
  
• Cybermodeler.com • 2013-04-12

  by Ray Mehlberger

  Review

  Stratus is based in Sandomierz, Poland. They are partners with Mushroom Model Publications (MMP) based in the UK, and they print MMP’s books and their own in English and Polish. This book was sent to me directly from Stratus in a heavily padded envelope.

  The Mi-8-derived Mi-14 amphibious helicopter (NATO reporting name Haze) served with the Polish military in both the anti-submarine and ASR roles. This new book in the acclaimed Polish Wings series describes the acquisition and operations of this helicopter in Poland.

  The many color schemes and the delightful and varied individual markings carried on these aircraft are described and illustrated, with 198 color photos and 38 black and white ones. There are 71 squadron logos illustrated in color (some of variants of the same mark). Throughout the book, on the same page as the actual helicopter being illustrated are color profile paintings. There are 38 of these for theMi-14PL version, (3 of these are 2-views) one for the Mi-14PL/R version, one of the Mi-14PX version and 12 for the Mi-14PS version. Also included are 36 photos showing the cockpit and fuselage interiors. There are 3 information charts.

  This book will prove to be essential reading for aviation enthusiasts with an interest in helicopters and Polish aviation, and an invaluable resource for modelers.

  I know of only one model kit of this helicopter, by Luedemann Resin in 1/72nd scale. It is shown on the Scale.rotors.com site. Perhaps someday an injected mold plastic one will appear.

• InternetModeler.com • 2013-04-12

  By Chris Banyai-Riepl

  The need for a dedicated ASW and SAR helicopter platform led to the Mil design bureau to adapt its successful Mi-8 helicopter to the role. This required a significant redesign of the helicopter fuselage, at least on the lower half. The new design featured a boat hull and large side pontoons, along with retractable landing gear (a first for Soviet helicopters). Production began in 1973 and in 1976 the type was declared operational. Poland was an early adopter of the type, with delivery of their first Mi-14 taking place in 1980.

  The newest title in the impressive Polish Wings series covers the Mil Mi-14 in the Polish Navy. Like other titles in this series, this book covers in exquisite detail the colors and markings of the Mi-14. The Polish Navy operated three variants of the Mi-14, and this book details all three. Each helicopter is covered in both text and photographs, and most also have color profile illustrations. For some of the airframes, the color profile illustrations are numerous, highlighting the changing camouflages worn by the type throughout its career. In addition to the general airframe photographs, there are also photographs of the smaller markings worn by the helicopters, both unit emblems and personal markings.

  This book will definitely inspire many to tackle a helicopter model. Unfortunately, your choices for the Mi-14 are notably thin. Aside from a full resin kit in 1/72 from Top Gun and a conversion from Armory, there is not much else out there. Let's hope that this book helps get some interest going in the manufacturers and we'll see one of these tooled up from one of the many companies that have done Mi-8 kits.

• ModelingMadness.com • 2013-04-12

  Reviewer: Scott Van Aken

  Every nation that has a border along a major body of water needs to have the ability to rescue ships in distress and if that body of water is international, it might be a good idea to have the ability to find and destroy submarines of a potential enemy. Poland is situated along the Baltic sea, and while there have been few 'enemy' submarines operating in the Baltic, there have been plenty of ships that run into trouble. The best way to answer the call in both instances is with a helicopter and ideally, that helicopter should be able to alight on the water while either searching for subs or rescuing ship's crews.

  Probably the most well known helicopter with this ability is the Sea King. However, when Poland needed a helo like this, buying from the West was not an option. Fortunately, Mil helicopters in the then Soviet Union, took the basic Sea King idea of a helo with a boat hull and attached the Mi-8 engine and rotor system to it. The result was the Mi-14 'Haze'.

  273 of these useful helicopters were made with 150 being exported, many to what were then Soviet client states and that included Poland. 16 were purchased initially with the majority of them being SAR helos (Mi-14 PL) with a few being the ASW type (Mi-14 PR). Over the years, two of each type has been lost in accidents with one additional airframe being purchased. All of the remaining ASW helos have been converted to SAR use (Mi-14 PL/R).

  This is the story of those 17 helicopters.

  In line with other monograph type publications in the series, there is an opening history of the type. This includes why it was purchased and then the number of helos bought, when they were delivered and their service history. This section includes a historical chart that includes data on each one and their fate or current disposition. A section on the various camouflage and markings schemes is in this opening portion. It has along with it images of all the special and unit markings that have been carried on these aircraft. This includes a few shark mouth aircraft and a commemorative scheme.

  The main portion of the book looks at each individual serial number from the day it arrived until its appearance today. The vast majority of photos in this section and the rest of the book are in full color and only the best are chosen. Each aircraft photo section also includes one or more large color profiles of the helo. These profiles cover nearly the full height of each page as they are presented in landscape format. The final section of the book is a detailed walk-around and walk-through to show all the various areas and systems of the Mi-14.

  In all, it is another superlative reference book from Stratus that those not familiar with the type should find of special interest. Like all of the books produced by Stratus, the research and presentation are superlative. It and the other books in the series are most highly recommended.

  October 2011

• aerostories.org • 2013-04-12

  Polish Wings series continues with a helicopter whose career has been rather forgotten by the spotlights, the Mi-14, derived from the famous Mi-8. In the sixties, the Soviet Navy was looking for a chopper capable of performing ASR and antisubmarine roles falling into the category of the Sikorsky SH-3. The Mi-14 was eventually born from that idea and three versions were built, the Mi-14 PL (antisubmarine), Mi-14PS (ASR) and Mi-14 BT (minesweeper). Receiving the code for NATO ’Haze’, 273 Helicopters were built between 1973 and 1986.

  Poland bought only 17 Mi-14s in two versions, the Mi-14PL and PS. Because of the very small number of machines taken in charge, Mushroom was able, after a short chapter on the genesis and career of the Mi-14 in the Polish navy, to review each Polish Mi-14 in deepth in publishing a large number of photos, most in colour, showing the various camouflage worn by the helicopter during its career, along with colour profiles. Special badges are not forgotten either, and the book ends with photos showing the inside of the machine. After all, a book very complete and it will be difficult or impossible to do better because all what you need to know on the Polish Mi-14 is inside.

  Highly recommended.

  Phil H. Listemann

• HELICO 99-02/12 • 2013-04-12
  
• Hyperscale.com • 2013-04-12

  Reviewed by Ken Bowes

  FirstRead

  The Mi-14, NATO reporting name Haze, was the product of Soviet recognition of a lack of a useful ASW helicopter in the order of battle. Taking the operational concept of the Sea King, the Mi-8 transport helicopter was adapted to the role, with a radar, avionics, boat hull and floatation devices fitted. 273 Haze aircraft were produced between 1973 and 1986. Poland first became interested in the mid to late 1970s, taking delivery of their first airframes in 1981. Altogether 17 airframes entered Polish Navy Service made up of 12 ASW variants and 5 SAR variants.

  This book volumes the now customary format of the Polish Wings Series produced by Stratus Books and Mushroom Models Publications. The first 14 pages give a brief history of the Haze, followed by a summary of its Polish Service and a discussion of camouflage and markings. Here it is worth noting that for such a small fleet they wear a wide variety of schemes and individual markings, with no less than 15 discreet schemes and more than 37 individual symbols or artwork applied. After jumping this hurdle then each airframe is documented at various stages in its service life, with side profiles supported by a range of colour and black and white photographs. To conclude the authors provide eight pages of walk-around and detail photographs. These will be very useful if a scale model of the Mi-14 is released.

  Overall this book may have limited appeal to most but it is a useful reference volume on the Mi-14 and may come into its own if a company like Zvedza, Trumpeter or Hobbyboss discovers the Haze (I had a vague recollection of a 1/72 Mi-14 from Zvedza but cannot find any reference to it on modelling sites). In the meantime for those of us who are interested in aviation history, and especially the other side of the Iron Curtin, this book should find space on the bookshelf.

• IPMSUSA.org • 2013-04-12

  Reviewed by: Dave Koukol, IPMS #46287

  Conceived and born of a Soviet requirement for a dedicated anti-submarine warfare (ASW) helicopter in the mid-1960’s, the Mi-14 was patterned after the American S-3 Sea King helicopter and leveraged components from existing Soviet equipment, such as the Mi-8, to expedite development and delivery into service. In 1976, the Mi-14 entered service with the Soviet Navy. Three variants of the Mi-14 covered a range of missions, including ASW, Search and Rescue, and minesweeping. As with other Soviet aircraft designs, the Mi-14 was exported to Warsaw Pact and other allies, finding its way into Polish service in 1981.

  Mr. Kalinowski’s account of the Polish Mi-14’s is a feast for the modeler’s eyes, packing over 400 color photographs and descriptive captions into 96 pages. Special attention is given in each photo to call out specific details of colors, markings, or configuration – a true goldmine for modelers! All 3 Polish Mi-14 variants are addressed in significant depth and breadth of operational configurations and markings spanning their service lives, including dozens of full-color profiles and unit-specific markings. A dedicated section provides detail, full color photos of cockpits, crew stations, and mission areas of the variants as well.

  I highly recommend this volume to any modeler or general fan of the Soviet helicopters – it is truly an outstanding reference piece!

• Kitmaniac.com • 2013-04-12

  The 14th title of the excellent collections of MMP Books about the polish aircraft is a comprehensive guide about the operational life of one of the most famous helicopter of history, the Russian manufactured Mil Mi-14.

  The History:

  The Mi-8-derived Mi-14 amphibious helicopter (NATO reporting name Haze) served with the Polish military in both the antisubmarine and ASR roles. Formal development of an anti-submarine warfare (ASW) version of the Mil Mi-8 transport helicopter was authorised by the Soviet Communist Party Central Commitee and Council of Ministers in April 1965, with the objective of replacing the Mil Mi-4 in the short-range, shore based anti-submarine role. The new helicopter was required to have an endurance of 2 hours on station at a radius of 222 kilometres (120 nmi; 138 mi) from base.

  The new design (with the internal designation V-14) differed from the Mi-8 in having a boat-like hull similar to the Sea King, allowing it to operate off the water, and a retractable undercarriage, with the mainwheels retracting into large sponsons on the rear of the fuselage. The helicopter was to be powered by two Klimov TV3-117MT turboshaft engines. A watertight weapons bay is fitted to the centreline of the fuselage allowing internal carriage of a single torpedo or eight depth charges, while a radome housing a search radar is fitted beneath the nose.

  The first prototype V-14, converted from a Mi-8 and powered by the older and less powerful Klimov TV2-117 engines, flew on 1 August 1967. Development was slowed by problems with the helicopter’s avionics and due to reliability problems with the TV3-117 engines, with production at Kazan not starting until 1973, and the helicopter (now designated Mi-14) entering service on 11 May 1976.

  The Book:

  The new book from the famous Polish Wings series is a comprehensive research about the operational life of the mi-14 helicopter on the Polish Air force colors. A book that give us the opportunity to know about all stages of the operations conducted by air units that operates the Russian helicopter.

  Inside the book we find a long research since the development of the helicopter in Russia, the acquisition process for the Poland forces and as I said, you operational life. The books provides a vast quantity of the photos of the unit markings, colored profiles and awesome artwork.

  A great walk around are present too, showing all details of the aircraft, cockpit, cargo and systems compartments are nicely photographed. All camouflage paint schemes are represented on awesome profiles. Both operational and special paint markings are highly documented on this nice book.The SAR and Antisubmarine operations are fully explained with data information and a mix of Black and white and colored photos.

  Conclusion:

  The book has A4 format and count with 96 pages, hard covers and an excellent quality of text, images and diagrams. This book is a essential reading for aviation enthusiasts and modelers interested in the Polish aviation history. A have other titles of this Series and I could confirm that the high quality keep in this excellent book. Higly recommended.

  Special Thanks to MMP Books for the book Review.

  Best,

  Pompeo

• Model Aircraft 01/2012 • 2013-04-12
  
• Skrzydlata Polska • 2011-11-09