Jaguar Boys: True Tales from the Operators of the Big cat in Peace and War

Description

Originally intended as a trainer, the Anglo-French Sepecat jet, equipped with the very latest in weapon-aiming and navigational equipment, eventually became the backbone of the RAF's tactical strike-attack and recce forces for a decade from the mid-1970s. In these pages, the Jaguar Boys - pilots, engineer and ground crew - tell of the aircraft's drawbacks and joys, their sadness at losses, and their pleasure at its development into a readily-deployable and outstandingly-capable fighter-bomber for the post-Cold War era. Then came the Gulf War which signalled the start of a hectic sequence of operational adventures and upgrades for the 'Boys' and seasoned veterans tell of action over Iraq and in the Balkans. One of the best-loved of RAF types, the Jaguar commanded a fierce loyalty and affection which shines through in these accounts of an aircraft that will live forever in the memory. 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. He then flew for twelve years with the airlines. He is also the author of Tornado Boys and Fast Jets and Other Beasts.

Ian Hall is a former Commander Officer of No. 31 Squadron (1992-4), as well as being the editor and writer of the Squadron Association's three-times-a-year 32-page newsletter. He is the author of Upwards, an aviation-themed novel currently available as a Kindle download. This is his first full-length historical study, having previously penned a 80-page history of No 31 Squadron's early Tornado years.

Stories appear from the Cold War, Gulf War and Balkan eras and are enjoyable and educational. * Jets * What sets this book apart is that it is far more than one's man account. Jaguar Boys is the story of the ground attack and reconnaissance aircraft told by those who flew in it and those who were responsible for ensuring it was well maintained. * Eastern Daily Press *