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Tornado Boys
- Narrated by: Roger Davis
- Length: 10 hrs and 26 mins
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Publisher's Summary
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, listeners 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.
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- Anonymous User
- 23-10-2021
Not really the best format
This is the first of the 'boys' series book I've listened to. While the stories were all great and I did enjoy it, I feel this kind of collection of stories would be better told in the voices of those who contributed. After a while you kind of loose track of which story you are listening to as it's all the same narrator. Overall, pretty good and a look into the culture (especially the drinking culture) of the RAF in the 80's and 90's. Would be better suited to a series of interviews though - podcast style.
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