Aviation

Low Flying the USAF F-111 Nuclear Bomber

Hi there, due to personal circumstances I’ve been unable to produce a new episode this week, however, you will be aware of the many gems in the back catalogue and I have chosen one of my favourites today which is a rip-roaring story of service in the USAF with Rick Shreve an F111 pilot which … Read more

Cold War Nuclear Bombing Missions and a UFO Encounter

Cold War RAF pilot Jeremy Lane, shares his gripping experiences, from nuclear bombing missions to a close encounter with a UFO. Listen on Apple PodcastsListen on SpotifyListen on Amazon MusicListen on Podcast AddictBecome a Patron! He was trained to fly the Canberra aircraft on nuclear bombing missions and describes how the American weaponry they would … Read more

Cheltenham Schoolboy to Cold War Canberra Jet Pilot

For many, the dream of flying begins in childhood, staring up at the sky and wondering what it would be like to soar among the clouds. Jeremy Lane’s fascination for aviation was nurtured by countless childhood hours watching aircraft at Staverton Airport and North Weald. He shares his experiences flying the Jet Provost and later, … Read more

V-Bombers: Britain’s Nuclear Frontline in the Cold War

V-Bombers: Britain’s Nuclear Frontline in the Cold War is a new book by Dr Tony Redding that takes a deep dive into Britain’s V-bomber force’s operational nuclear war role. Listen on Apple PodcastsListen on SpotifyListen on Google PodcastsBecome a Patron! Tony reveals the intense preparations and the stark realities faced by the aircrews, who lived … Read more

Australian Cold War Maritime Air Patrols

  Leigh joined the RAAF in 1978 to train as a pilot but was scrubbed after a few months and transitioned to training as an Air Electronics Officer (AEO) at the RAAF School of Air Navigation. He flew on the P-3C Orion and was employed in operations across the Indo-Pacific region on maritime patrol surveillance … Read more

The lazy schoolboy who became a Cold War Vulcan pilot

Kevin was born in Wigan in North West England and joined the RAF as an apprentice in 1956 with only 3 O Levels. He came top of his course, but was posted into supplies at RAF St Mawgan.  However he quickly became in charge of their clothing stores and by a fortuitous route became a … Read more

Flying the Cold War A10 Tankbuster Part 2

  You are listening to part 2 of my chat with Joe who joined the USAF in 1981 and was trained to fly the A10 Warthog a single-seat, twin-engine jet aircraft designed to provide close air support to ground forces by attacking tanks, armoured vehicles, and other ground targets. Part 1 is here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode305/ In 1985 … Read more

Flying the Cold War A10 Tankbuster Part 1

  Joe’s father served in World War 2 in the USAF. His service inspired Joe to try and join the USAF or the Naval Air Force despite having no flying experience. It’s the aftermath of the Vietnam War so forces are being reduced, however with the arrival of a new President, Ronald Reagan, defence spending … Read more

Soviet MIG shoots-down a US reconnaissance plane

  On 1 July 1960, a United States RB-47H reconnaissance plane was shot down by the Soviet Air Defence Forces while performing signals intelligence in the Barents Sea, near the Kola Peninsula, off the Arctic coast of the Soviet Union. Four of the six crew members died. The shootdown occurred exactly two months after the … Read more