Category: Ten years of GAR

Continuing our coverage of the long career of the RAF’s Puma Force, we turn our attention to operations in the 1990s and into the 2000s. Paul Dunn talks to two former Puma pilots to get their perspective on flying the helicopter in combat.

The RAF in the 1980s was a large and diverse force, primarily tasked with preparing for a potential war with the Soviet Union, but also dealing with domestic problems with the Troubles in Northern Ireland being a long running and bloody conflict. Friend of the site, Ron Gridd*, was a Puma pilot in that era, having previously served on the Westland Wessex. Here he gives us a glimpse into the joys and challenges of the Puma Force in the 1980s.

After 54 years of sterling service, the Royal Air Force’s Puma helicopters completed their final flights last week as the type headed into retirement, in the UK at least. Gareth Stringer looks back at the Puma’s history with a selection of photography from the GAR archives and friends.