Forty years ago, on 2 April 1982, Argentinian troops invaded the Falkland Islands, a UK territory in the South Atlantic Ocean. A British task force was quickly assembled and sent to take back the islands. Although defending the Falkland Islands posed a logistical nightmare for the British task force - there is over 3,700 miles between the Islands and the nearest RAF Airfield (on Ascension Island), which is, itself, over 4,000 miles from the British mainland - the Falklands War lasted just 74 days and was an impressive demonstration of the British military’s reach and adaptability. The controversial war also went some way to restore some national pride during a challenging political climate. British air power was undergoing a transitional period as many aircraft types, such as the iconic Avro Vulcan, were due to be retired, whilst newer, more capable aircraft, such as the Panavia Tornado, were not yet available. Additionally, some of the RAF’s frontline aircraft lacked the range and capabilities to take any meaningful part in the war. This book will look at the amazing story of the RAF, Royal Navy and Army Air Corps aircraft that did reach the islands. Detailing how, in many cases, aircraft types were given roles for which they were never designed, whilst engineers and flight crew were forced to overcome numerous issues to ensure that the conflict was resolved swiftly and efficiently. Illustrated with over 150 high-quality images of surviving aircraft, it will include museum aircraft as well as a range of airworthy examples and future restorations. Alongside the history readers can also gain an insight to where these modern-day surviving aircraft can be viewed. Although the book will focus on the aircraft, it will also pay tribute to the staff and crew involved, 255 of which lost their lives.
