|
|
|
In 1947
the Chiefs of Staff issued
Operational Requirement
OR.229 |
|
This demanded
a 4 engined jet bomber
capable of delivering
a 10,000lb nuclear bomb
at 500 knots from a height
of 45,000ft, with a range
of 3,500 miles.
|
| The
result was... The V Bombers. |
|
|
|
|
The Vickers
Valiant won the race
into service. However
as a result, though a
worthy aircraft, it was
not as advanced as its
rivals. It dropped the
UK's first test atomic
bomb in 1956, and saw
active operations during
the Suez crisis. It was
also the first to leave
service, when serious
structural flaws forced
its demise. |
|
The Avro
Vulcan followed the
Valiant into service,
a stunning wing shape
giving it the most radical
appearance of the three.
It became an integral
part of the UK's nuclear
deterrent, and was based
all around the country,
ready to react to any
attack. RAF
Valley was such a
dispersal airfield. The
Vulcan took part in the
Falklands war and was
retired soon afterwards. |
| The
Handley Page Victor
was the last of the three
into and out of service.
All three V bombers were
designed with high-level
attacks in mind, but ended
up being asked to perform
low-level missions. As
the cold war ended, Victors
were re-tasked to recce
and tanking duties. |
|
|
|
