The author is a former Tornado pilot who has researched and spoken with former comrades to produce an excellent and unique account of the Tornado GR1 and its part in the 1990-1991 Gulf War. The Tornado was born as a multi-role swing-wing combat aircraft for use in Europe against any Soviet threats. Later marks are still in frontline service but the story of the GR1 has not previously been told well – Highly Recommended.
NAME: Tornado GR1, an Operational History FILE: R2593 AUTHOR: Michael Napier PUBLISHER: Pen & Sword BINDING: hard back PAGES: 257 PRICE: £25.00 GENRE: Non Fiction SUBJECT: Cold War Desert Shield, Desert Storm, Op Granby, Middle East. Gulf War 1990-1991, AA suppression, ground attack, anti- radiation missiles, escort fighters, F-16CG, F-4G, HARM, SA-2, SAM ISBN: 1-47387-302-9 IMAGE: B2593.jpg BUYNOW: http://tinyurl.com/yd8jcswv LINKS: DESCRIPTION: The author is a former Tornado pilot who has researched and spoken with former comrades to produce an excellent and unique account of the Tornado GR1 and its part in the 1990-1991 Gulf War. The Tornado was born as a multi-role swing-wing combat aircraft for use in Europe against any Soviet threats. Later marks are still in frontline service but the story of the GR1 has not previously been told well – Highly Recommended. Multi-national aircraft developments do not have the best reputations generally. The problems usually stem from the diverse requirements of each participating country and the arm wrestling over who gets to build which parts to total up to their agreed financial share of each aircraft. The situation is further complicated by the different economic stages of each participant with the initially agreed production numbers facing cut backs and with foreign purchasing failing to meet marketing forecasts. One helicopter project included a special system that required data cartridges to transfer information between the commanders, the aircraft, and the ground crews/engineering. A very reliable and proven cartridge was available from a country that was not part of the project. Unfortunately one of the participating countries was short of their agreed share and were given the contract to produce a new data storage device. They duly delivered an incredibly expensive device that failed to meet requirements and was later replaced at additional cost, by one participant for their helicopters, with the excellent proven device that could have been used originally at significantly less cost. Happily, the Tornado GR1 was a exception and one of the few success stories of multi-national cooperation. The author has made a fine job of describing the success, covering the aircraft in Europe and in the Gulf War. There is an equally fine selection of images, mostly in stunning full colour through the body of the book. In addition there are very helpful appendices, including colour side views of GR1 aircraft in squadron markings. A book to satisfy a wide readership, including professionals, enthusiasts and model makers.