Damon said: > Weren't the Vulcan's converted to aerial tankers?
Mo. Originally the RAF's strategic nuclear deterrent was to be delivered by the "V-force" of Victor, Valiant and Vulcan bombers. The first Valiant squadron became operational in 1955, the Victors in 1958, and the Vulcan squadrons were fully equipped by 1960. All three could carry the Blue Steel nuclear stand-off bomb (which is an impressively huge missile - they have one on display at the Imperial War Museum at Duxford, just outside Cambridge). The Valiants were all scrapped in 1965. Eventually, all the Victors were converted to reconnaissance aircraft or tankers and many of the Vulcans to reconnaissance variants. The Vulcans were the last to remain in service, and were eventually replaced by Tornado squadrons. The very last one to fly for the RAF was converted into a high-altitute research aircraft, with a bomb-bay full of atmospheric sampling equipment. Currently none are flying, but there is a group attempting to make one airworthy again. Rich, trying to avoid being ensnared by his _Jane's Encyclopedia of Aviation_. _______________________________________________ http://www.mccmedia.com/mailman/listinfo/brin-l
