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Tornado Boys
by Ian Hall
Grub Street Publishing | August 2016 | ISBN-10: 1910690139 | ePUB | 22.9 mb
https://www.amazon.com/Tornado-Boys-Ian-Hall/dp/1910690139
Tornado Boys is the latest in the ever-popular 'Boys' series, and differs from earlier titles. With the introduction of female pilots to the RAF in 1994, the Tornado was the first aircraft to be flown by both men and women. This is acknowledged in the book with a chapter written by one female pilot.
Another aspect that makes this book different from the rest of the series is that it covers an aircraft which is still in active service, especially as a key player in current Middle East operations. With focus on the GR1/GR4 versions of the Tornado, readers will enjoy fascinating insights on what it is like to operate this bomber/reconnaissance aircraft against the backdrop of modern-day scenarios.
The book starts in the 1970s with stories from operators and ground crew of the Tornado as a Cold War nuclear deterrent and with tales of later 'hot' wars as seen by operational leaders in both Gulf conflicts and in Kosovo. There are also stories of Scud hunting in Iraq and Red Flag exercises in the US, as well as of a stunning competition victory over the USAF's Strategic Air Command in their own backyard. The short-lived anti-shipping role is not neglected. With the transformation of the Tornado to the GR4 standard, the book continues with chapters covering active service in support of Britain's increasingly complex international commitments and the employment of new weaponry and sensors.
All in all, through the eyes of men and women who have operated this extraordinary aircraft, the volume presents an entertaining and illuminating series of tales and anecdotes. These light and informative stories come from those who were proud to serve on and loved to operate the impressively versatile Tornado.
About the Author
Ian Hall joined the RAF at 18 and during seven fighter-bomber tours flew five different operational types. He served in Bahrain, Germany, Belgium, Norway and Canada. Ian had the pleasure of commanding a Tornado squadron in the early 1990s, before retiring as a group captain. Ian is also the author of Jaguar Boys (9781909808157).
CONTENTS
Introduction
Chapter 1: To Be, or Not to Be
Chapter 2: Giant Voice
Chapter 3: International Training
Chapter 4: Brown Among the Bats
Chapter 5: The Gulf Conflict - 'Gulf War One'
Chapter 6: Still Learning after All Those Years
Chapter 7: Achtung - Englander's Boots!
Chapter 8: Scud Hunting
Chapter 9: Keeping the 'Fin' Airborne
Chapter 10: A Cold War Reflection
Chapter 11: Advancing the Training
Chapter 12: Battle Damage Assessment - Better Late than Never
Chapter 13: Blind and Deaf
Chapter 14: The Iraq War - 'Gulf War Two'
Chapter 15: All at Sea
Chapter 16: Leading from the Front
Chapter 17: Storm Shadow
Chapter 18: Desert Tornados
Chapter 19: Afghan Ops
Chapter 20: The Long and Winding Road
Glossary of Terms
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