RAF in Camera: 1980s The Later Years by Keith Wilson provides a visually rich account of the Royal Air Force during the transformative latter half of the 1980s. This continuation of Wilsons earlier work examines the RAFs operational and technological evolution during a pivotal decade for British military aviation.
The period witnessed the retirement of iconic aircraft like the English Electric Lightning in 1988, symbolizing the end of a Cold War era. Simultaneously, the RAF introduced advanced platforms that redefined its capabilities, including the Tornado F.3 Interceptor, Harrier GR.5, British Aerospace BAe 146 CC.1, and Tucano T.1 trainer. Additionally, the innovative conversion of Lockheed Tristar and Vickers VC10 airliners into aerial refuelling tankers replaced the aging Victor K.2, enhancing the RAFs strategic reach.
Year-by-year coverage explores milestones such as the post-Falklands War recovery of military confidence and the integration of cutting-edge technology into RAF operations. Illustrated with numerous photographs, the book captures the RAFs modernization and the cultural shifts within the service.
Meticulously researched, RAF in Camera: 1980s The Later Years offers aviation enthusiasts and historians alike a detailed exploration of the RAFs evolution, blending iconic imagery with insightful analysis of this critical period in its history.
KEITH WILSON has been actively involved in aviation publishing for forty years and is probably best known for his striking air-to-air images in Pilot magazine. During his extensive air-to-air photographic career, he has photographed almost 2,000 different aircraft, featuring a very broad range of subjects: from gliders, microlight, vintage and veteran, aerobatics, and general aviation subjects right through to high altitude research aircraft, business jets, commercial jets, and military fast jets. Keith is the author of RAF in Camera: 1950s, RAF in Camera: 1960s, RAF in Camera: 1970s, and RAF in Camera: 100 Years on Display all published by Pen and Sword Aviation.
