Introduction:

The 2K11 Krug (NATO code SA-4 Ganef) is a Soviet-made medium-range air defense missile. The development of the system started in 1958, with the first version, Krug-A, entered service in 1967. Modified versions, the Krug-M and the Krug-M1 were developed in 1971 and 1974, respectively, to rectify problems discovered during army service. The 2K11 was briefly operated by the Soviet army during the war in Afghanistan in 1979 and 1980, but was withdrawn several months after the initial invasion.

(adapted from: http://www.armyrecognition.com/)

Review:

SA-4 was first released in 1/35 scale as full resin kit under Tank Mania label back in 2009. After producing number of Soviet anti-aircraft systems in 1/35 scale, Trumpeter offered their 2K11A TEL with 9M8M Missile, Krug-A, "SA-4 Ganef" in 2017. Both kits provide a nice basis for a great 2K11 model, but modelers with “advanced modeling disorder” were craving for photo reference material on the system to upgrade these kits and get more authentic looking models. WWP to the rescue with the latest photo reference title in company catalogue: SA-4 Ganef in Detail, Soviet Long Range AA System 2K11 Krug (G056).

Title: SA-4 Ganef in Detail (Soviet Long Range AA System 2K11 Krug)
Publisher: Wings & Wheels Publications (WWP)
Code: G056
Authors: Jan Horák and František Kořán
Format: softcover (22x24 cm)
Pages: 108
Color: full color
Language: English
ISBN: 978-80-87509-59-3
Retail Price: $35 (€27)

The book is printed on high-quality paper and comprises of 108 pages filled with large high-resolution photographs of the subject showing all the possible detail inside and out, accompanied by short image captions. This particular title delivers over 380 color photographs covering SA-4 Ganef system in great depth. The book is organized in 8 chapters which are color coded on the page edges, allowing easy navigation:

• Introduction (002-005)
• Launcher Hull Exterior (006-015)
• Hull Interior (016-025)
• Launcher Ramp (026-050)
• 3M8M Missile Details (051-059)
• 1S32 Radar Vehicle (060-073)
• Radar Vehicle Interior (074-087)
• Radar Details (088-107)

The book opens with Introduction, briefly outlining the development of 2K11 Krug along with providing some technical data on the system. This chapter also includes several large photographs of the entire system taken at Piestany Military Museum in Slovakia. The more detailed images of the SA-4 Ganef continue throughout Launcher Hull Exterior chapter, showing hull details, as well as suspension and tracks. The insides of the vehicle are covered in Hull Interior, with driver's compartment, sighting periscopes, radio and all the rocket launch control blocks of the operator's and commander's area. Next up is the Launcher Ramp chapter, which displays the transport support frame in detail, showing missile cradle, mounts and launcher ramp body, as well as the elevation mechanism. The chapter also deals with ramp storage boxes and power gear. 3M8M Missile Details display the large anti-aircraft missiles: the warhead, front and rear wings and booster rockets. The book continues with 1S32 Radar Vehicle chapters, displaying the guidance radar vehicle photographed at Piestany Military Museum. The complete exterior is shown in several large photos of the entire system, and very detailed images of various components, opened hull boxes with electronic equipment and coolers, folding aluminum frame, etc. The Radar Vehicle Interior is covered next, with driver's compartment and electronic blocks of the radar interior. An absolutely amazing wealth of resource. The book closes with Radar Details, which show the main search antenna and its holding frame, together with the frame boxes and the electronics, as well as the traverse power electromotor and the gearbox, guidance radars and support TV cameras.

Conclusion:

Once again WWP managed to impress me… SA-4 Ganef in Detail (G056) is an absolutely fantastic photo reference material covering the subject in great detail, both exterior and interior. Printed on high-quality paper, the photos are large and clear, displaying the entire vehicle but also the tiniest system details from several different angles. The information supplied is kept short and concise; the intro gives interesting details on the origins of the vehicle, while the captions provide a very informative read, explaining various details presented in the photos.

Altogether, SA-4 Ganef in Detail (G056) from WWP is a fantastic photo reference book for anyone interested in Soviet/Russian anti-aircraft systems.