Hawker Hunters At War: Iraq And Jordan, 1958-1967 (Middle East@War Book 7)

The softcover book is more than a history of the Hawker Hunter, but includes histories of the Iraqi and Jordanian air forces thru the Arab-Israeli '67 war, and years following that the Hunter served in the Iraqi air force (including after the Iraqi regime turned to the Soviet Union for aircraft).What is unique is that the Hunter, essentially a ground attack aircraft design of the mid-50s (in Iraq), t was also the first aircraft of its type to engage in a number air combats with Israeli air force, including both Mirages and Vautour aircraft designs.In both the Jordanian and Iraqi air forces, the RAF was replicated closely, from initial flight training to administration. This influence began in the 1930s and carried over post-World War Two. One immediate result was a propensity to order British aricraft designs throughout the '50s and '60s. This resulted in more than ordering Hawker Hunter aircraft, but include Vampire and Venon fighter-bombers, and a range of ex-RAF transports, trainers, and other light aircraft.The first Iraqi Hunter's arrived in late-1956, and orders continued throughout the following years. Jordan's history begins as an outgrowth of Arab League air force's light aircraft, followed in September 1955 with donated, ex-RAF Vampire FB. Mk.9s. In the wake of the 1958 formation of the United Arab Republic (UAR), a union of Egypt and Sryia, both Iraq and Jordan were hard pressed to not join the pan-Arab political union (even it was a "union" in name only).Shortly after the UAR was formed, the U.S. offered package military aid to Iraq (much as it had to Egypt), that would have included 36 Sabrejet, plus F-84G Thunderjet fighter-bombers and numerous training and transport aircraft. The bonds with the RAF traditions were so strong, this offer was turned down byRIrAF CinC, Maj-Gen. Abadi. One has to wonder what the future of both Egyptian and Iraq air forces (and military in general) would have been had the U.S. Eisenhower administration offer been accepted.What also stands out in this book is the total different attitude toward Iraq and supplying aircraft (and other weapons), compared to the persistent embargoes of Hunters and other aircraft toward Egypt, throughout the Fifties. Leads one to conclude some very strong pro-Israeli lobby dominated Antony Eden and other major British politicians.The various political coups (Tammuz Revolution and afterwards) are documented and their impact on Iraq and its air force, eventually resulting in the demise of the former British-influenced officer corps of the air force, replaced by their "new friends", the communists of the Soviet Union. Jordanian-Syrian border tensions, Lebanon tensions, and coups in the following years are documented, while orders for the Hunter aircraft continued in both air forces.The June 1967 war is covered in detail, where the Hunters of the Jordanian air force were wiped out early on at Mafraq air base (the only full service base of RJAF). Iraq's operations are detailed, including air combat around H-3+ airfield, Iraqi's Tu-16 (Badger) and Hunter air attacks into northern Israel (Kfar Sirkin and Netanya air base). Included in detail are pilot interviews and impressions of the air combat between Iraqi Hunters and Mig-21F-13/PFM (Fishbed C/D) and Israeli Mirages IIICJ and Vautour IIA/IIN aircraft. Both sides lost aircraft, though Israel continue to claim otherwise (always the very best propaganda!). This is a highly readable book, well written, and a treasure for any Hawker Hunter fan!Highly Recommended!

Lots of interesting details and important information.

This was a well written and documented book, with some excellent photographs of the Hawker Hunter. As a pilot that has flown the Hunter, I really appreciated the quality of the photos and the written material.

Fantastic resource

...and a historically significant one around the world. However, this book focuses strictly on Middle East usage by the Jordanian and Iraqi Air Forces. Very interesting, it was the first truly modern jet for either air force, and as such introduced technology and problems that in some cases required unusual solutions to overcome. Nice artwork and a well flowing text made it an enjoyable read. One of the better volumes in this series.

A detailed history of the venerable Hawker Hunter in Iraq & Jordan.

Mais um bom livro desta excelente série

A good reference for the Arabian users of this beautiful aircraft and handy now that you have choices in 1/48th scale with the new moulds for airfix. A brief but informative history of the type in this period of aviation combat; many B&W as well as colour photographs with some profiles

Nice book about the subject Hawker Hunter in Iraq an Jordan.Nice sideview.

second time of asking