Gloster Javelin: An Operation History

Michael Napier

Feb 2016 · Pen and Sword

About this ebook

The RAFs only delta-winged fighter the Gloster Javelin was also Britains first true All-Weather Fighter. Based in the UK and in Germany, the RAFs Javelin squadrons formed the front line of Britains air defences in the late 1950s and early 1960s. During this time Javelin crews pioneered the operational use of guided missiles and air-to-air refuelling by fighter aircraft. In the Far East, Javelins were involved in operations during the Indonesian Confrontation and the aircraft was also deployed to Zambia during the Rhodesian UDI Crisis. In this history, which is richly illustrated with many previously unpublished photographs, Michael Napier blends official records with personal accounts to describe the operational history of this iconic jet fighter.

About the author

The elder son of an army officer, Michael Napier joined the RAF in 1978 and served with 14 Squadron as a Tornado pilot in the late 1980s and again in the early 1990s. These two tours engendered a deep interest in 14 Squadron's distinguished history. He was appointed as Honorary Secretary of the 14 Squadron Association in 2003 and since then has carried out extensive research into the Squadron's heritage. He is the author of Winged Crusaders: 14 Squadron RFC and RAF 1915–1945, Blue Diamonds: The Exploits of 14 Squadron RAF 1945–2015, Tornado Over the Tigris: Recollections of a Fast Jet Pilot and Gloster Javelin: An Operational History all published by Pen & Sword Books. Now an airline captain, he lives in the Cotswolds with his wife and two children.