Tornado Boys

Book excerpt: The RAF veteran and author of Fast Jets and Other Beasts shares stories from the men and women who have flown the combat aircraft. 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. Another aspect distinguishing this book 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 get to see what it is like to operate this bomber/reconnaissance aircraft against the backdrop of modern-day scenarios. The book begins in the 1970s with stories from operators and ground crew using the Tornado as a Cold War nuclear deterrent, and continues with tales of later “hot” wars as in both Gulf conflicts and in Kosovo. There are also stories of Scud hunting in Iraq and Red Flag exercises in the United States, 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 supporting 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.