This Victor first flew in November 1959 and spent its entire career as a test frame based at Radlett, Boscombe Down and Bedford. It was placed into storage at Radlett in November 1968 but, after plans for tanker conversion fell through, SOC in October 1975 with 243 test flights to be then used as a spares source. In August 1983 the gutted hulk was scrapped with only the cockpit saved for preservation. This was bought by SWAM and will be restored to display condition, especially important as this is the last surviving section of any B.2, the others being B.1s or K.2 tanker conversions.

Broke up in flight while being demonstrated to the media at Wyton, UK, on June 30, 1966. All four onboard killed. Photo from: RNZAF/Air Force Museum of New Zealand

In the process of being broken up at Woodford in February 1983. A note on the nose says 'Retain main gear and nose section for RAF and Lincolnshire Aviation Society'.

Second production aircraft. Made emergency landing at Waddington 21st June 1960. Not repaired and allocated 9092M. Scrapped in May 1995. Cockpit preserved, last reported in Essex in 2020.

Second production aircraft. Made emergency landing at Waddington 21st June 1960. Not repaired and allocated 9092M. Scrapped in May 1995. Cockpit preserved, last reported in Essex in 2020.

With Wittering Wing tail insignia. 100 Squadron was disbanded a few months later on 30 September 1968. The forward fuselage section of XM717 is preserved with the RAF Museum at Hendon in 2020.

Twenty-three years after this photo was taken this Victor became 'Lucky Lou'. I believe that the nose section can now be seen in the RAF Museum at Hendon.

Landing after its demonstration.

Carrying a Blue Steel missile

Built in 1960 as a Victor B.2, serving with the AA&AE at Boscombe Down. it wears the 'white anti-nuclear flash scheme when In store at Woodford prior to conversion to Victor SR.2 standard.

Stored at Woodford after operation by the Wittering Wing (100/139 Squadrons). Converted to K.2 tanker. Retired in 1988.