This latest edition covers an aircraft from a time when the French and British cooperated on a number of aviation projects. The one most people will recall is the Concorde supersonic airliner, a type we may never see in the skies again.

This time, it was the desire for a fast jet trainer that led to the original Breguet 121 design. However, rather than just provide specs for a trainer, Breguet designed a series of aircraft, including a single seat fighter-bomber that was eventually to become the Jaguar.

When it was realized that the trainer was going to be a no-sell, the folks at Sepecat (the consortium that was developed for this aircraft) concentrated on single and twin seat versions of the same basic airframe. The airframes are generally compatible between the French and British versions, but there are equipment differences. A navalized version was developed for the French Navy, but the Admirals wanted nothing to do with any thing not totally French so opted for the slightly less capable Super Etendard instead.

Eventually the Jaguar would go on to play important roles with both the French and British services, seeing combat in the Middle East and Africa. Several countries also bought the type and India obtained a license to build them locally.

Glenn Ashley's book is in standard 'in Action' format with a brief historical overview prior to several pages of photos of the aircraft that match the overview. The development, deployment and differences in airframes are discussed along with a set of drawings showing the type differences. One thing that I must have missed is that there is no information on just what changes were made when the Jaguar GR.1 was upgraded to GR.3. They certainly are not external as far as I can see.

There are 10 color profiles and the usual excellent cover artwork by Don Greer. This returns these parts to their previous high standards and away from the less than good (in my opinion) offerings shown in the recent F-16 book. Below is an image of the book cover aircraft under 'typical' British skies.

Overall, an excellent book on the type. It will be useful to both modelers and to those who just want a good book on an aircraft that is still providing service some 30 years plus after first going into service.

August 2005

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