Handley Page Victor K.2

INTRODUCTION

The Victor, designed by Handley Page was the solution to the government requirement at the time to design a bomber capable of carrying a nuclear weapon to fly faster and higher than any bomber previously in service. Introduced as part of the V-Force together with the Avro Vulcan, and the Vickers Valiant. It was later redesigned from a K.1 to a K.2 to be used for aircraft refuelling. The fatigue associated with this new role meant that its service life was shortened but it did participate in conflicts including the famous Black Buck raids on the falklands in the Cold War, which the aircraft proved instrumental in its overall success.

OUR AIRCRAFT

The Victor acquired by the foundation has already been fully restored inside, we have had the benefit of this Victor being almost complete inside which means everything present is how it would have looked in service. The aircraft was used as an instructional trainer at RAF Marham on 232 Operational Conversion Unit, this simulator was produced by rediffon and will have been the starting point for all new Victor pilots. The aircraft is powered by the Rolls Royce Conway engine, and features a very distinct design which remains advanced today. The fleet and the training simulator were retired in 1993.

WHAT'S NEXT

The Victor is currently preserved inside at the Air Defence Radar Museum on the former RRH Neatishead site near Norfolk. It accompanies the existing museum exhibits on the cold war and the radar operations and battle command through the ages. With your donations we can further develop the exterior of the aircraft to commission and reapply the appropriate fuselage markings, and we intend to consider the feasibility of bringing 'live' some of the instruments and illumination within the cockpit. This aircraft is due to be relocated in 2022, and therefore applications are now being taken from registered UK museums who may be interested in displaying Victor.