On This Day, 1988: Sheila Scott died on 20 October 1988, leaving a legacy of solo world flights, polar exploration and record-breaking…
Read the entry →Cold War Articles
In-depth articles, analysis and long reads from The RAF Chronicle.
Reserve Flying Units End in a Turning Point for RAF
Cold War
On 10 March 1957, Royal Auxiliary Air Force and Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve flying squadrons were disbanded, marking a turning point in reserve air power.
Read the article →RAF Aircraft Engines, Cooling and Propulsion in Service
How RAF propulsion evolved from piston engines to jets, with cooling, reliability and engine design shaping performance and…
The RAF in the Berlin Airlift and the Cold War Airlift
How the RAF helped sustain West Berlin during the Berlin Airlift, turning transport aviation into a strategic tool…
RAF Vulcans Deploy to Ascension Island
The arrival of RAF Vulcans at Ascension in 1982 set the stage for the long-range bomber operations of…
RAF Strategic Air Command Cooperation in the Cold War
How RAF cooperation with Strategic Air Command shaped basing, alliance planning and Anglo-American deterrence in the Cold War.
RAF Cold War QRA and Britain’s Nuclear Deterrent Role
How RAF Quick Reaction Alert kept the V-force ready to launch and sustained Britain’s airborne nuclear deterrent in…
RAF Airborne Early Warning: Shackleton, Sentry and E-7
How RAF airborne early warning evolved from Shackleton and the failed Nimrod AEW.3 to E-3D Sentry service and…
Cold War RAF Operations, Readiness and Strategy Explained
How the RAF organised nuclear deterrence, air defence, reconnaissance and support during the Cold War, from the V-Force…
Anglo-French Military Air Transport Agreement Signed
Anglo-French military air transport agreement: Britain and France agreed reciprocal military overflight and servicing in 1948, strengthening post-war…
RAF Transport Command: From Wartime Airlift to Global Mobility
How RAF Transport Command grew from wartime airlift into a global force supporting overseas operations, reinforcement and post-war…
Victor Tankers Arrive at Ascension for Falklands Operations
RAF Victor K2 tankers reached Ascension in 1982, laying the air-refuelling foundation for Britain’s long-range operations in the…
The V-Force and Britain’s Cold War Nuclear Deterrent
How the RAF’s V-Force became Britain’s early Cold War nuclear deterrent through the Valiant, Vulcan and Victor bomber…
Thor Missile Test Launch Marks RAF’s Nuclear Missile Age
Thor missile test launch: RAF trainees launched a Thor missile from Vandenberg in 1959, highlighting Britain’s nuclear deterrent…