RAF in Camera: 1985-1989 (eBook)
Imprint: Air World
Series: RAF in Camera
File Size: 82.1 MB (.epub)
Illustrations: 100 colour illustrations, 100 mono illustrations
ISBN: 9781036138776
Published: 28th February 2026
| Other formats available | Price |
|---|---|
| RAF in Camera: 1985-1989 Hardback Add to Basket | £32.00 |
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 Wilson’s earlier work examines the RAF’s 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 RAF’s 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 RAF’s 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 RAF’s evolution, blending iconic imagery with insightful analysis of this critical period in its history.
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Military History Research Group
"Brilliantly researched and utterly fascinating, it details year-by-year events... An absolute must on the bookshelves of anyone interested in the history of the RAF..."
Microlight Flyer - May 2026
"Like the previous volumes this is a visual feast of high quality and interesting images with accurate and helpful captions. Highly recommended."
FlyPast - June 2026
"Best described as ‘coffee table’ books, the RAF in Camera series covers blocks of RAF activity, both in the air and on the ground, with high-quality Air Historical Branch images accompanied by detailed captions, previous volumes in the series covered the 1960s, 1970s and 1980 – 1984. The captions are further enhanced by an accompanying narrative of the events throughout the years covered that affected the RAF, such as the retirement of the Lightning, the cancellation of the Nimrod AEW3 and the introduction of the ‘plastic’ Harrier GR5. Non-aircraft related events are also covered such as President Gorbachev’s visit to the UK who flew into RAF Brize Norton in 1987, the role of RAF Fighter Controllers and the disbandment of the RAF Marine Branch. Also included are images of allied aircraft during joint exercises and the occasional Soviet aircraft interception approaching UK air space. A nice reminder of the times."
Aviation World - The Air-Britain Trust Ltd
About Keith Wilson
KEITH WILSON has been actively involved in aviation publishing for more than 35 years and is a prolific author. Keith is probably best known for his striking air-to-air images in Pilot magazine, during which time he has photographed almost 2,000 different aircraft; featuring a very broad range of subjects, from gliders, microlight, vintage and veteran, aerobatic 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 and RAF in Camera: 1970s - all published by Pen and Sword Aviation.
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