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.