Ian Hall (5)

Jaguar Boys

ISBN: 9781909808157

Author: Ian Hall    Publisher: Grub Street

Originally intended as a trainer, the Anglo-French Sepecat jet, equipped with the very latest in weapon-aiming and navigational equipment, eventually became the...


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.


Bind: hardback


Pages: 208


Publication Date: 18-07-2014


Tag: Military
$55.00
Tornado Boys

ISBN: 9781910690130

Author: Ian Hall    Publisher: Grub Street

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, th...


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 among 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, currently as a key player in Middle East operations. With focus on the GR1/GR4 versions of the Tornado (and not the F3 interceptor), readers will enjoy fascinating insights on what it is like to operate this multi-role bomber/reconnaissance aircraft against the backdrop of modern-day scenarios.


Bind: hardback


Pages: 208


Dimensions: 156 x 234 mm


Publication Date: 16-05-2016


Tag: Military
$59.99
Fast Jets and Other Beasts

ISBN: 9781910690420

Author: Ian Hall    Publisher: Grub Street

Over a thirty-two-year military flying career which spanned a period when the RAF regularly replaced its fighter/bombers, Ian Hall had seven front-line flying t...


Over a thirty-two-year military flying career which spanned a period when the RAF regularly replaced its fighter/bombers, Ian Hall had seven front-line flying tours on five different types. His story starts in Bahrain in the early 1970s, just before the massive contraction that saw the RAF withdraw from the Middle and Far East. This first, Hunter experience is followed by a home-based tour on a ground-attack Phantom squadron. But as the Phantom is about to be transferred to air defence duties, Ian is posted back to the Hunter on the staff of the tactical weapons unit. This tour, as a qualified weapons instructor, is cut short by a return to the front line on the Jaguar, which he flies in the strike/attack role in Germany. Following an exchange with the Royal Norwegian Air Force during which he enjoys flying the F-5A Freedom Fighter, Ian returns to the Jaguar as a flight commander, then converts to the Tornado and commands a squadron.All these flying tours provide a rich seam of material for incisive, amusing and, sometimes, reflective observations from the cockpit. As do his periods on the ground, from which he recalls impressions of various other types in which he flew as a guest: Lightning; Harrier; F-14 Tomcat; F-16; and so on. He also relates observations of his varied experiences with the army, the navy and foreign air forces, and these are interspersed with musings on the political interface and on friends lost in accidents.Later, Ian surprised himself somewhat by switching to civil aviation, and the book touches upon the twelve-year experience of a fast jet pilot who became a direct-entry turboprop captain. Finally, attired in pipe and slippers, he reflects on a great life of flying, as well as taking a brief look at the things that keep a retired pilot amused. An ideal read for anyone fascinated by tales of exploits in the air.


Bind: hardback


Pages: 192


Dimensions: 156 x 234 mm


Publication Date: 01-08-2017


Tag: Military
$49.99
Jaguar Boys (PB)

ISBN: 9781911621232

Author: Ian Hall    Publisher: Grub Street

Originally intended as a trainer, the Anglo-French SEPECAT jet, equipped with the very latest in weapon-aiming and navigational equipment, eventually became the...


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.


Bind: paperback


Pages: 192


Dimensions: 153 x 234 mm


Publication Date: 30-04-2019


Tag: Military
$35.00
Tornado Boys (PB)

ISBN: 9781911621911

Author: Ian Hall    Publisher: Grub Street

Since the 1970s, when it was first used as a Cold War nuclear deterrent, the Panavia Tornado played a vital role in the RAF until its retirement from service in...


Since the 1970s, when it was first used as a Cold War nuclear deterrent, the Panavia Tornado played a vital role in the RAF until its retirement from service in April 2019. Serving in both Gulf Wars and more recently as a key player in Middle East operations, this unique aircraft achieved many great things. This includes being the first aircraft to be flown by men and women in the RAF following the introduction of female pilots to the force in 1994. In Tornado Boys, there are stories of Scud hunting in Iraq and Red Flag exercises in the US, along with the tale 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. There are also tales from those who flew Tornados on exchange, loan and contract service with foreign air forces. Finally, the book highlights the essential part played by ground crew in the Tornado story, with chapters by front-line engineers and an army ground liaison officer. All in all, through the eyes of the 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.


Bind: paperback


Pages: 200


Dimensions: 156 x 234 mm


Publication Date: 30-04-2020


Tag: Military
$35.00
© 2024 Nationwide Book Distributors