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

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 Britains 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 detre as the delivery vehicle for the nuclear deterrent, the Victors were adapted for the air-to-air refueling 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 authors 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.

Detailed profile artworks and descriptions of 14 different RAF jet aircraft types.

The Handley Page Victor was the third and final aircraft in Britain's V-bomber fleet, built to carry the nuclear deterrent during the Cold War. Built during the 1950s and 1960s, the bomber was designed to fly higher and faster than contemporary fighter aircraft so that it could penetrate Soviet airspace with its deadly load unopposed. In later years, it switched to a conventional role and saw service during the Falklands War in the 1980s and 1991 Gulf War before withdrawal later that year. This book on the Handley Page Victor V-Bomber covers design and development and parts of the type's service history. Numerous photos are published here for the first time.

The Victor story

The first volume of a detailed reference to the Victor covers the conception, design and test-flying of the prototype HP 80, and the production and operation of the Mark 1. 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.

This versatile single-seater aircraft was a joint development between the UK and France. It first flew in 1968, but its robust and flexible operational uses led to its long service life, only being retired from RAF service in 2008. It has seen front-line action in all major conflicts since introduced and has been exported to India, Ecuador, Nigeria and Oman.This book contains the world famous color profiles created by Dave Windle of the type in different operational modes, con

When Andrew's family moves house, he strikes up an unexpected friendship with his neighbour Victor. There isn't a thing Victor doesn't know about the RAF planes flying overhead and the two boys are soon busy tracking their movements. Then Andrew discovers that Victor's beloved Lightnings are due to be scrapped... Thunder and Lightnings won the Carnegie Medal in 1976.