The Handley Page Victor

Presents the history of the Victor aircraft by describing the improved Mark 2 that was primarily conceived to carry Britain's Blue Steel nuclear deterrent. This book includes appendices on all Marks and detailed historical information, the testing of many new systems, modifications throughout service life, and operational records.

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The first volume of Roger Brooks' detailed reference to the Victor covers the conception, design and test-flying of the prototype HP 80 and then the production and operation of the Mark 1 in its many roles. This second volume completes the history of the aircraft by describing the improved Mark 2 that was primarily conceived to carry Britain's Blue Steel nuclear deterrent. The aircraft was to be re-engined with the Rolls-Royce Conway and the enlargement of the air intakes in the wing are one of the more noticeable external differences on these models. When the V-Bomber Force lost its primary raison d'etre as the delivery vehicle for the nuclear deterrent, the Victors were adapted for the air-to-air refuelling tanker role, a task they successfully carried out until their airframe life was exhausted.This volume also includes lengthy appendices on all Marks that include a mass of detailed historical information, the testing of many new systems, modifications throughout service life, the author's first-hand experiences as a Victor crew chief, operational records and a complete list of all Victor accidents with a detailed analysis and official reports.