Nighthawk One

Flying light helicopters in Northern Ireland during the Troubles was a dangerous and demanding task.

Terrorists were determined to prosecute a campaign against military aircraft operating in South Armagh and beyond, while roadside bombs made the security forces dependent on helicopters for surveillance and troop movements. The Westland Gazelle is one of the longest serving and most successful reconnaissance and observation helicopters. Drawing on his experience as a Gazelle pilot during a real time four-month tour of duty, the author describes what it was actually like to fly as a squadron pilot in the fight against terrorism. This interesting book takes you on an aerial odyssey of the province during 1990 when the conflict was at its heights.

This narrative non-fiction account is unique because previous authors on the subject have not been pilots. The author describes the daily experience of being on the front line operating with different organisations in the security forces and how aerial support contributed toward keeping the peace. With plenty of technical flying content, and some historical context, the book will appeal to both aviation enthusiasts and military historians.

About the Author

Peter Shaw was born in Aldershot and educated at Cranbrook School and the RMA Sandhurst. After a sixteen-year career in the British Army during which time he served as a pilot in the Army Air Corps, he became an airline pilot flying for a major carrier. A qualified flying instructor and keen sailor, he recently retired from aviation. He is the author of several online guides including Zero to Hero. Nighthawk One is his first book. He is married, has two grown-up daughters, and divides his time between Hampshire and Spain.

19 colour photos, 1 b/w map, 1 line drawing