First-hand accounts

Avro Vulcan pilot John LeBrun on bomb loads

Whilst the Vulcan was capable of carrying conventional payloads, it originally formed the backbone of Britain’s nuclear deterrent, as retired Vulcan pilot John LeBrun discusses

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An in-depth look at the A-4 Skyhawk

When the Douglas A-4 Skyhawk entered service with the US Navy 65 years ago, it was the beginning of a legend: this diminutive warrior served a number of nations in many conflicts

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Sea Harrier FRS.1 to FA.2: A Capability Odyssey

Paul Stone, a former commanding officer of both 800 and 801 Naval Air Squadrons, charts the journey of this famous fast jet from its early days, where it saw action in the Falklands Campaign, through to the far more capable FA.2.

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Belgium’s Multi-Role Mirages

Gen Michel Mandl (ret’d), former Chief of Staff of the Belgian Air Force and a Mirage 5 pilot, recounts the type’s service with the air arm, which included helping British preparations for the Falklands War

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Learning to fly the Harrier

To mark the 50th anniversary of the Harrier entering RAF service, Roy Gamblin describes learning to fly the legendary type

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How the UK scrambled to stand up Sea King AEW fleet after HMS Sheffield attack

The deadly Exocet attack on HMS Sheffield brought home the need to rapidly regenerate airborne early warning in the Royal Navy, which had disappeared with the Fairey Gannet. As the service’s last Westland Sea Kings are retired, we recall Project LAST — the programme that brought the helicopter into operation in this role

No 1(F) Squadron Harrier GR3 XV789 recovers to HMS Hermes after an Operation ‘Corporate’ mission. PRM AVIATION COLLECTION Feature Premium

RAF Harrier GR3 Falklands War Diary

When No 1(F) Squadron took the Harrier GR3 to war in the Falklands conflict, it had many chalenges to overcome, but did so in the best RAF traditions. Using recently released official documents, this is the unit’s Operation ‘Corporate’ diary

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Falklands War Sea Harrier pilot tales

Lt Cdr David ‘Mog’ Morgan DSC describes his first brush with enemy aircraft during the Falklands conflict

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Victor crewmember recounts Falklands War action

Concluding his two-part look at his career as an Air Electronics Officer, Mike Beer talks about when he and the Victor saw action