The Handley Page Victor: The History & Development of a Classic Jet

Book excerpt: The Handley Page Victor was the longest serving V-Bomber with the RAF. It was conceived in 1945 and after much research and development the Mk 1 entered service in the late 1950s to become part of the UK's nuclear deterrent force. 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 refuelling and served in that role from 1965 until 1993. This is the most authoritative reference to the aircraft yet to be published. 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 various roles that it undertook and the many experiments and trials that took place to perfect the various systems required for these roles. The Mk 2 was a much improved model and many were adapted for tanker duties. All is fully explained with copious diagrams and rarely seen photographs. Lengthy appendices detail Aircraft Accident Reports and other unique information that has never been published.This is the ultimate reference book on this famous and much-loved aircraft.7 Colour Profiles by David Windle, 22 Colour Photographs, 170 Mono Photographs and 66 Diagrams