Air International 2008-07
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A.Brookes - Handley Page Victor /Aircraft profile/
Originally ordered as a B.1, XH672 was upgraded to B.2 standard on the production line. It entered service in June 1960, and was converted four years later as an SR.2 model and subsequently as a K.2, serving with 55 and 57 Squadrons. It is seen here in September 1993 in the markings of 55 Squadron, about to refuel a Tornado and Buccaneer. Two months later, on November 30, this aircraft made the final flight by a Victor.
Handley Page Victor B.1 XA933, 232 OCU, circa 1963, in the original all-white anti-radiation glossy finish. Note the numerous differences between the B.1 and K.1A, and later variants.
Handley Page Victor K.1A XH589, of 214 Squadron based at Marham. This aircraft was originally delivered to the RAF in 1958 and was scrapped at St Athan in 1978.
Handley Page Victor B.2R XL189 after its retrofit from B.2 standard. This included adding Kuchemann 'carrots' on the wing training edge. It is illustrated in the typical glossy finish of the mid-1960s and carries a Blue Steel missile.
Handley Page Victor B.2 XM717, Wittering Wing, circa 1968. Victor B.2s were flown by 100 and 139 Squadrons at RAF Wittering. They originally sported individual unit markings on the tail, but when the base changed to a centralised maintenance system these were replaced by the 'yellow lion' of the Wittering Wing.
Handley Page Victor SR.2 XL161, of 543 Squadron, based at RAF Wyton. The unit's strategic and maritime reconnaissance roles were carried out with Victor SR.2s from 1965 until 1974, when they were taken over by 27 Squadron Vulcans.
Handley Page Victor K.2 XL188, of 55 Squadron, in the hemp and grey colour scheme circa 1985. This was the last camouflage scheme applied to the type.
This photograph of the second production aircraft, XA918, clearly illustrates the Victor's distinctive crescent wing and T-tail configuration. The first four production aircraft were finished in the standard RAF lightweight aluminium colour overall.
Бомбардировщики V-сил имели белую окраску, а опознавательные знаки выполнялись в пастельных тонах, чтобы на обшивке не было ярких пятен. На снимке - Victor B.Mk 2(BS).
Victor B.2 XV158 of 139 (Jamaica) Squadron carrying a Blue Steel nuclear stand-off missile. Note the tail radome housing electronic counter measures