Airmen of Chernobyl: Aviation and the Chernobyl Nuclear Disaster, 1986

Four decades have passed since the Chernobyl nuclear disaster, the most sever nuclear disaster to have taken place to date and one of the greatest man-made disasters ever. Much has been written about this catastrophe as well as its aftermath, films have been made and television series produced. In view of this at first glance it seems not much of value can be added. Yet, despite a plethora of material on the subject being available when getting acquainted with most English language sources regarding this matter it is impossible not to notice that certain aspects of that event are treated in a rather superficial manner. Namely the efforts to deal with the disaster's aftermath included a substantial commitment of aviation, helicopters in particular. While men involved in the clean-up of the disaster site, especially the physical removal of radioactive debris, usually receive most attention the contribution of aviators, principally helicopter crews also deserves recognition. It is the purpose of this volume to give them due credit by presenting their part. In order to do that it still remains indispensable to provide the broader context which includes at least a brief description of the development of nuclear power in the Soviet Union, of the Chernobyl disaster and efforts to deal with its consequences. Obviously helicopter development in the USSR can not be omitted either. Further, the Chernobyl disaster due to its nature can not be separated from the broader context of the nuclear age, the Cold War as well as a hypothetical nuclear war which mercifully we have been thus far spared. Last but not least the after-effects of this calamity also deserve a look especially that they were far reaching and are felt till this very day.