Handley Page Victor

From any viewpoint, the Handley Page Victor is an impressive machine. Despite its late 1940s design, the powerful jet’s striking features make it look ‘futuristic’ even today. Like its V-Bomber sisters, the Valiant and the Vulcan, it was born out of urgent necessity, initially sharing the responsibility of maintaining Britain’s nuclear deterrent in a world armed with previously unimaginable destructive power. Following task changes that led it to serve in strategic reconnaissance and air tanker roles, it clocked-up 35 years of service, earning its place in history as the longest serving V-Bomber type. That its development and remarkable operational performance were achieved in an era of post-war austerity is a tribute to the British aircraft industry of the day.