Handley Page Victor

The Handley Page Victor was the longest serving V-Bomber to serve with the RAF. It was conceived in 1945 and after much research and development the Mk 1 entered service in the 1950s to become part of the UK’s deterrent force. Its claim was that it could fly faster, higher and further than any comparable aircraft of that era. It boasted a unique crescent wing shape and was the most handsome of the three types of V bomber. It was later extensively modified to become the RAF’s main tanker aircraft for in-flight refueling purposes and served in that role until 1993.

Commencing with the first design trials and test flights, each chapter includes personnel recollections from pilots and design staff, and is solidly based on official government and company reports, many of which are included. The text explains the introduction and operation once it was in RAF service and explains the nuclear weapons role and the many experiments that took place to perfect the weapon systems. The Mk 2 was a much improved model and many were adapted for tanker duties.