Read on Twitter
Handley Victor Thread
As with all the V bombers, their origins were linked with the British atomic weapons programme and nuclear deterrent policies.
As with all the V bombers, their origins were linked with the British atomic weapons programme and nuclear deterrent policies.
Air Ministry drew up requirements for bombers to replace the existing piston-engined heavy bombers such as the Avro Lancaster and the new Avro Lincoln.
Handley Page in response proposed the HP.80. To achieve the required performance.
The HP.80's wing was tested on a ⅓-scale glider, the HP.87, and a modified Supermarine Attacker, which was given the Handley Page HP.88.
The HP.80's wing was tested on a ⅓-scale glider, the HP.87, and a modified Supermarine Attacker, which was given the Handley Page HP.88.
2 HP.80 prototypes, WB771 and WB775, were built. WB771 was broken down at the Handley Page factory at Radlett and transported to RAF Boscombe Down for its first flight.
24 December 1952, piloted by Handley Page's chief test pilot Hedley Hazelden, WB771 made its maiden flight,
24 December 1952, piloted by Handley Page's chief test pilot Hedley Hazelden, WB771 made its maiden flight,
Production B1 Victors were powered by the Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire engines rated at 11,000lbs of thrust.
June 1956, a production Victor XA917 flown by test pilot Johnny Allam inadvertently exceeded the speed of sound.
June 1956, a production Victor XA917 flown by test pilot Johnny Allam inadvertently exceeded the speed of sound.
The RAF required a higher ceiling for its bombers.
Phase 2 followed by Phase 3 Victor with much greater wingspan and more powerful engines was proposed.
Phase 3 aircraft would have delayed production, so an interim "Phase 2A" Victor was proposed, the B2.
Phase 2 followed by Phase 3 Victor with much greater wingspan and more powerful engines was proposed.
Phase 3 aircraft would have delayed production, so an interim "Phase 2A" Victor was proposed, the B2.
9 B2 aircraft were converted for strategic reconnaissance purposes to replace Valiants which had been withdrawn due to wing fatigue.
A variety of cameras, a bomb bay-mounted radar mapping system and wing top sniffers to detect particles released from nuclear testing were added.
A variety of cameras, a bomb bay-mounted radar mapping system and wing top sniffers to detect particles released from nuclear testing were added.
The withdrawal of the Valiant fleet also meant that the RAF had no front line tankers.
So the B1 aircraft, now judged to be surplus in the strategic bomber role, were refitted for this duty.
So the B1 aircraft, now judged to be surplus in the strategic bomber role, were refitted for this duty.
The low-level mission profiles that the RAF had adopted for carrying out strategic bombing was not suited for the Victor.
This meant the victors role switched primarily to a tanker.
This meant the victors role switched primarily to a tanker.
It served in the tanker role until withdrawn in October 1993.
It was operated by 10, 15, 55, 57, 100, 139, 214, 543, 232 Sqn’s
It was operated by 10, 15, 55, 57, 100, 139, 214, 543, 232 Sqn’s
