SEPECAT Jaguar in Action

The SEPECAT Jaguar is a twin-engine strike aircraft designed with a wing loading that provides a stable release platform at low-level/high speed flight. This aircraft can carry a sizable weapons load into harms way and get the job done well, as proven by RAF and French Air Force pilots during Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm.

SEPECAT was a joint venture between the UK and French governments to develop a common strike aircraft at a lower overall cost by sharing development costs. The original design was intended to be a counter to the General Dynamics F-111K that was being considered by the RAF in light of the cancellation of the TSR.2 program. In the end, the RAF embraced a simpler solution that would become Jaguar.

The Jaguar was also considered for French Navy service as it was a better political option to buy from a joint UK/French company than to buy another US aircraft. After a near-crash due to slow engine spool-up times during a bolter, the French Navy dropped Jaguar in favor of the all-French-developed Super Etendard.

The author walks the reader through the development of this combat aircraft and its adaptation and employment within the RAF and French Air Force. Coverage is also given to its use in defending the peace during the Cold War as well as its experiences in the Gulf War.

A brief look is also given to the export Jaguars, those in service with the Air Forces of Oman, India, and Nigeria. Other Arab nations considered the Jaguar but eventually selected its fiercest competitor, the Mirage.

The standard 'In Action' centerfold has a nice selection of colorful Jaguars in RAF and French service with a Nigerian example as well.

This is a great reference for the modeler and aviation historian alike.

My sincere thanks to Squadron/Signal Publications for this review sample!