Flying Forwards Facing Backwards: Captivating Tales From a Vulcan and Nimrod Air Electronics Officer

Jim Walls, a former RAF pilot, has written a book about his 40-year career in the RAF, including his time as an air electronics operator and officer in the Nimrod and Vulcan. He highlights the role of radar, electronic countermeasures, and signals intelligence in warfare and the peacetime role of the Nimrod and Vulcan. The book also includes photography from the author's personal collection and is a tribute to the Cold War icons, the Nimrod and the Vulcan.

Format: Hardback
Length: 208 pages
Publication date: 16 May 2022
Publisher: Grub Street Publishing

Since he was a young boy in the 1950s, watching Vampires and Meteors operating from RAF Turnhouse, Jim Walls had a burning desire to fly aircraft. However, he never imagined that his flying career would be spent predominantly in the back seat, as opposed to the front. Jim takes readers on a captivating journey through his 40-year RAF career, which began as a Boy Entrant at RAF Cosford. He then progressed to become an air radar tradesman, specializing in air electronics operator (AEOp) in the Nimrod MR1. Later, he transitioned to the role of an air electronics officer (AEO), flying in Nimrod R1s and Vulcan B2s.

In this book, Jim delves into the intricate world of radar, electronic countermeasures, and signals intelligence, providing a detailed account of their crucial role in warfare for numerous operations during the Cold War, including the Falklands campaign, First Gulf War, and Bosnian War. He also shares captivating stories from his time on 51,120, and 617 Squadrons, highlighting the peacetime role of the Nimrod and Vulcan.

Furthermore, Jim offers his perspective on matters such as Operation Black Buck and the reduced war-fighting capability of the Vulcan as it neared retirement. This fascinating book showcases the vital role that AEOs held and the importance of radar and electronic warfare in the fight against enemy forces. It is also a tribute to the much-loved Cold War icons, the Nimrod and the Vulcan.

Throughout the book, Jim has included photography, mainly from his personal collection, to enhance the reader's experience. This book will appeal to Cold War enthusiasts and fans of the iconic jets of that era, providing a unique insight into the world of RAF aviation.

Weight: 750g
Dimension: 166 x 243 x 26 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781911667322