Vulcan Boys

From the Cold War to the Falklands: True Tales of the Iconic Delta V Bomber

By: Tony Blackman

Narrated by: Roger Davis

The Vulcan, the second of the three V bombers built to guard the UK during the Cold War, has become an aviation icon like the Spitfire, its delta shape instantly recognizable, as is the howling noise it makes when the engines are opened for takeoff. Vulcan Boys is the first Vulcan book recounted completely firsthand by the operators themselves. It tells the story of the aircraft from its design conception through the Cold War, when it played out its most important job as Britain's nuclear deterrent - before unbelievably, at the end of its service life, also playing a significant role, with its bombs and missiles, in liberating the Falkland Islands, for which it gained much celebrity. The individual accounts detail how hours at a time were spent on readiness, waiting to be scrambled to defend their country in the event of a third world war. In addition they detail how their aggressive skills were honed by carrying out Lone Ranger sorties flying to the States and westward around the world and taking part in Giant Voice and Red Flag, competitive exercises against the United States Strategic Air Command. The attacks in the Falklands using Shrike missiles are described accurately and in great detail for the first time, including the landing at Rio de Janeiro alongside a vivid account of Black Buck 2. Vulcan Boys is a fascinating and completely authentic listen, reminding us of the Cold War, how it was fought, and the considerable effort required to prevent all-out nuclear war.

©2014 Grub Street LTD (P)2015 Grub STreet LTD

Loved It

A great audiobook sharing first hand stories from the operators who flew the Vulcan. Loved every minute of it

a compelling work but slow to start

This is a great book about a very interesting aircraft and amazing people who flew it. Because it is first-person accounts, there are a few not as gifted storytellers. a few of the first stories particularly were dull but the vast majority of the book was very well-told and fascinating.