Harrier Boys: Volume 2 - New Technology, New Threats, New Tactics, 1990-2010

Harrier Boys: Volume 2 - New Technology, New Threats, New Tactics, 1990-2010

by Bob Marston
Harrier Boys: Volume 2 - New Technology, New Threats, New Tactics, 1990-2010

Harrier Boys: Volume 2 - New Technology, New Threats, New Tactics, 1990-2010

by Bob Marston

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Overview

In the second volume of Harrier Boys, as with the first, the history of this remarkable aircraft in service with UK armed forces is illustrated through personal reminiscences of the people who worked with it. The book begins with explanations of the mature concept of operations with the Harrier GR3 in the Cold War. It then progresses through the evolution of Harrier II, starting with the GR5, and updates to the Sea Harrier, while the potential battles to be fought necessitated ever-changing tactics and technology. The new Harriers used digital developments for airframe, engine and weapons control. Conflicts in Iraq, Bosnia, Kosovo, Sierra Leone and Afghanistan saw ground-attack missions move towards the delivery of smart weapons from medium level, rather than the dumb bombs and low level of the Cold War era – meaning that the Harrier had once more to demonstrate its legendary versatility. The introduction of the Sea Harrier FA2, with its beyond visual range air-to-air missiles and improved radar, gave much improved air defense. The UK Harrier story ends with the closer integration of the RN and RAF forces, before the aircraft's all-too-early retirement in 2010, possibly decades before other countries forsake this unique capability.

Product Details

ISBN-13: 9781910690178
Publisher: Grub Street
Publication date: 08/05/2016
Pages: 192
Product dimensions: 6.10(w) x 9.30(h) x 1.10(d)

About the Author

After completing the Harrier course on 233 Operational Conversion Unit, Bob Marston joined 1 (Fighter) Squadron finishing the tour qualified as a fighter reconnaissance instructor. After two years of flying Harrier displays, he became a Hawk qualified flying instructor before returning to Wittering as a Harrier QFI on 233 OCU later being awarded the Air Force Cross. Promoted to squadron leader, he became a flight commander on 3 (Fighter) Squadron based at Gütersloh. Finishing the tour as the squadron executive officer he was awarded the Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service in the Air. Promoted to wing commander, he flew the Jaguar as OC Operations Wing at RAF Coltishall, before moving into the training world at RAF Cranwell, where he was made group captain and became OC 1 Elementary Flying Training School, responsible for all light aircraft flying training for UK armed forces. On retirement he became a reservist flying instructor, eventually completing a forty-year flying career. He flew some 6,400 hours in his RAF career, 3,300 of them in the Harrier.

Table of Contents

Introduction Bob Marston 7

Contributors 11

Chapter 1 The Thick Of It Keith Marshall Keith Grumbley Gerry Humphreys Bob Marston Jock Heron 16

Chapter 2 Each to His Own Roger Robertshaw 30

Chapter 3 Looking Ahead Jock Heron 40

Chapter 4 Across The Pond Don Fennessey Marc Frith Jon Davis 47

Chapter 5 Unrelated Uncles Tony Harper Keith Skinner 62

Chapter 6 Bridging The Generations Bernie Scott 73

Chapter 7 Another Racing Start Andy Sephton Heinz Frick 80

Chapter 8 GR5 Introduction Jonathan Baynton Chris Benn 87

Chapter 9 Displays Bob Marston Graham Williams Jock Heron Art Nalls 98

Chapter 10 Crossover Mark Zanker 108

Chapter 11 In With the New Simon Turner 118

Chapter 12 Night Attack - Proof of Concept Mike Harwood 128

Chapter 13 Night Attack - Realisation Chris Burwell 136

Chapter 14 Harrier II Becomes Operational Stuart Atha 143

Chapter 15 Combat Operation Commence - The Balkans Stuart Atha 152

Chapter 16 Operation Allied Force Mark Zanker 157

Chapter 17 Boys? Mitch Webb 165

Chapter 18 The Sea Harrier Dave Baddams Brian Johnstone 170

Chapter 19 Rescue and Faith Mark Leakey Bob Marston 183

Chapter 20 All At Sea Mark Zanker Steve Long 188

Chapter 21 Transition Jim Arkell 200

Chapter 22 The Final Product James Blackmore 208

Chapter 23 The End Of An Era Gary Waterfall 213

Glossary 218

Index 222

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