Full Description
The RAF's first Cold War strategic bomber, the Vickers Valiant, was procured as an insurance measure in case either the Vulcan or Victor was found to have a serious flaw.
The Valiant was the equivalent of the US B-47 Stratojet, and it blazed the trail for the British airborne nuclear deterrent as the aircraft enjoyed a far more active service career than later V-bombers. It was the launch platform for all British free fall nuclear weapons tests both in the Pacific and in central Australia, it took part in the Suez campaign in 1956 and it was the only V-bomber to drop (conventional) weapons in anger until the Falklands operation in 1982.
The Valiant was modified to serve in the electronic warfare, strategic reconnaissance and airborne tanker role, but it had to be grounded in early 1965 when the aircraft succumbed to metal fatigue. Featuring photographs throughout, as well as detailed profile artwork, this volume explores the entire history of this aircraft.
Contents
CHAPTER ONE
BIRTH OF A BOMBER
CHAPTER TWO
TRAILBLAZER
CHAPTER THREE
THE SUEZ CAMPAIGN
CHAPTER FOUR
NUCLEAR TRIALS
CHAPTER FIVE
TRAINING DAYS
CHAPTER SIX
VALIANT TANKERS
CHAPTER SEVEN
VALIANT AND VIGILANT
CHAPTER EIGHT
READY FOR ARMAGEDDON
CHAPTER NINE
ON THE WAY DOWN
APPENDICES
-COLOUR PLATES COMMENTARY
-BIBLIOGRAPHY
-INDEX
