Jaguar Boys: True Tales from the Operators of the Big cat in Peace and War (Jet Age) - Tapa dura

Within the cockpits were pilots who had tales to tell, of stories spanning four decades of service. However, these accounts were often untold or unheard, apart from within the Officers Mess or across the concrete apron with the rich odour of aviation fuel drifting on the breeze. They were tales that only a privileged few were privy too but that, it seems, is set to change with the publication of a new book on this famous Norfolk aircraft entitled Jaguar Boys. Behind the project is former Jaguar pilot Group Captain Ian Hall, though what sets the book apart is that it is far more than one man's account. Jaguar Boys is the story of the ground attack and reconnaissance aircraft told by several of those who flew in it, and also some of those who were responsible for ensuring it was well-maintained and ready to pounce as and when required. The book begins with accounts of the early days of the aircraft and its initial role, testing and training for pilots, operations as part of NATO in the Baltic and from bases in Denmark and Norway, operations in Africa and the Middle East in Oman, and its role in the Gulf War and later policing the no-fly zones over northern Iraq. With introductions to each chapter from Group Captain Hall, now retired, the book also has a fascinating account from Jaguar display pilot Flight Lieutenant Ian Smith including his recollections of a very near miss between his plane and a Pitts Special Display Team plane over RAF Innsworth with the crowd of thousands spread out below. Jaguar Boys is one of a series of publications, which also includes Lightning Boys and Buccaneer Boys with the people who flew their aircraft telling their own story. For the latest book, Group Captain Hall drew on the knowledge of former RAF colleagues for the chapters, contacting Jag mates to write a section. --Eastern Daily Press - Norfolk

The book tells the story of the development of the 'Jag' from trainer to backbone of the RAF's tactical strike-attack and recce forces. Pilots, engineers 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. Stories appear from the Cold War, Gulf War and Balkan eras and are enjoyable and educational. --Jets

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.