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.
