Typhoon

by Mike Sutton

The thrilling account of the Typhoon FGR4s in the war against ISIS, from the RAF Wing Commander who led them into combat'Adrenaline-fuelled. A rare insight into the high-pressure, high-stakes world of an RAF fighter squadron at war' JOHN NICHOL________'Dragon, we've got reports of a mortar firing team to the west of Mosul. We need you to redeploy now . . .'Mike Sutton commanded the RAF's top Typhoon squadron across Iraq and Syria in the war against ISIS. Flying a Eurofighter Typhoon FGR4, the most advanced multi-role combat aircraft in the world, across treacherous skies, he was dodging ground fire, anti-aircraft artillery, and surface-to-air missiles.Split-second decisions and actions made the difference between life and death in the air - and on the ground . . .Typhoon tells the dramatic story of an air-combat squadron in action, putting you in the cockpit, hands gripping the controls, the sounds of battle crackling in your ears.Buckle up!________'A fabulous insight into the mind of an accomplished fighter pilot and leader as he takes on the biggest challenge of his career' FLYER'Gripping, nerve-shredding, captivating, visceral, fascinating' DAILY MAIL

Genres: Aviation, Military Fiction, Audiobook, Biography, Leadership, Military History, Autobiography

358 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 25, 2021

Reviews

[Natassha Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

An interesting insight into the world of an RAF fast jet pilot; one which a non-military bod would usually be privy to.
Alongside the educational aviation and war lingo, were well written anecdotes and stories that kept you enthralled and interested as you read along.
I completed this book in three days as each chapter kept me wanting more.
Well done on a great book, and cheers to a fantastic career. Thanks for your service.

[Darren · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good read but it didn’t blow me away. There was quite a lot of glossing over and dumbing down to appeal to a generalised audience; I was hoping it would be more technical. I suspect the author’s draft, before the publishers got their hands on it, would be much better.

[Roberto]

A mix between the adrenaline of high speed jets, the training of being an operational fighter pilot and the hard questions of the long term effects and trauma of a dangerous line of work. Highly recommended for flight enthusiasts and readers with military taste.

[Carl Nicholas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written book and very accurate depiction of life on a Typhoon Sqn - something I’m very familiar with. Unexpectedly very good!

[Iskandar Muhammad · Rating 2 out of 5]

Overall, the book gives an interesting insight into the modern RAF. However, the author spent too much time flashing out his background on how he became a fighter pilot and journey in school.

Combat and operational stories were interesting but lacked emotional engagement. My biggest criticism is that the book lacked a central theme and came across as a random collection of memories.

[Oliver · Rating 5 out of 5]

An awesome book.

[geoff Bridgman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent Read

What a book and story on par with John Nichols Tornado. A very interesting book ,well worth reading , hopefully will become a classic .

[Simon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it to anyone interested in aviation or considering a career in the RAF as a fast jet pilot. The author has been featured on YouTube recently as the subject of 'Flight Crew Interview'. I saw these before reading the book, which I think helped with my enjoyment of it. Who said nice blokes can't succeed and get to the top of their profession? It seems to me that Mike is an archetypal example of an individual who has suceeded through sheer determination and ability despite a lack of self-confidence and suffering with a bit of imposter syndrome. He is clearly a credit to the Royal Air Force. The book won't go down in the annals of aviation literature but as a work of easy reading, modern biography it is superb stuff.

[Robert Hepple · Rating 4 out of 5]

Published in 2021, 'Typhoon' is a biographical account of one man's life as pilot of a Typhoon FGR4 combat aircraft with the RAF. It also covers his prior time with the RAF and his progress through the training process and his operational posting to a Jaguar squadron, before being posted as Commander of the RAF No. 1 Squadron flying Typhoons and combat against ISIS. As an account by an RAF pilot this stands alongside the best, yet stands apart in its description of just how much the RAF has moved on in technology terms. The combat elements are a world apart from the poorly researched news bulletins of the events described and are both gripping and honest in their approach. Terrific.

[Peter · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great and easy flowing read. It certainly gives a strong feeling of life in the squadron and the career of a pilot who reached the highest level of flying with no service or flying background. There are occasional bits of what seem like lists but overall it maintains high momentum and saves its best until the last quarter.

[James · Rating 3 out of 5]

A decent, if somewhat superficial account of the author's career and experience flying combat missions against ISIS.
I actually found the earlier sections about his time with the Jaguar more interesting than the combat tour, and would have loved to have heard more.

[Martyn Legg · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an exceptional record of the pressure, relentless training, and discipline required to become a fighter pilot. Mike's account of missions and action is truly remarkable; he has the gift of storytelling.

A gripping read, right to the end.

[Joshua Serpis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not what I expected but a very enjoyable book, not only about the plane but the story of what it takes to get to fly one in the RAF and the fast pace of mission sets they go on during single runs and entire tours

[Tom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best book I've ever read.

[Neil Clarke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Undoubtedly the best book I’ve read in a long while.

[Greg Donaldson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. A great insight into pilot and life in the services. 5 star for me

[Chris Lightfoot · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this in a couple of days and thoroughly enjoyed it. A really good insight into the training regime, squadron life and first-hand experience in modern conflict.

[Daniel Dearden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exciting and very informative

I enjoyed a lot of military books. This is one of my faves. Got a great insight into squadron 1 and their deployment to Syria.

[Ricardo Motti · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's Top Gun's fault.

[Alison Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn’t put it dow. Exceptional honest and a candid insight to the highs and lows of being a fast jet pilot.

[Dan Lindop · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars.

[ZebZebs · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not as well written as some In this genre, however the stories and information were very interesting.

[Saul Warren-Howles · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really great book.

[Joel Barratt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great insights into what life is like for fast jet pilots and the capability of the Typhoon. "The RAF is back, dude!"

[Geffrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thrilling read. Mainly the part when the RAF Typhoons are deployed to Akratori, Cyprus and fly their missions into Syria and Iraq.

[Bradleigh Wrighton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyable. Almost a cockpit view of the action.

[Kristian James · Rating 5 out of 5]

great read!

[Lachlan Massey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great read overall. Was worried it took a little while to get into the good stuff, seemingly just an ordinary pilot at the start but ended up quite exciting.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this a really engaging read that gives you a fascinating insight to the challenges these pilots face.

[David Effer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing

The dedication, and application of huge amounts of knowledge and continuous training for perfect application. Eye opening, staggering and immense pride in the performance and professional manner in which the RAF put their lives on the line for our country. Written in such irresistible and detailed manner. Couldn’t put it down. Simply brilliant!