| Aircraft | |
|---|---|
| Registration / Serial: | XD818 |
| Aircraft Original Type: | Vickers Valiant |
| Aircraft Generic Type: | Vickers Valiant |
| Aircraft Version: | Vickers Valiant BK1 |
| C/n (msn): | [ XD818 ] |
| Operator Titles: | UK - Air Force |
| Unit Markings: | 49 Sqn |
| Location | |
|---|---|
| City / Airport: | CosfordMap |
| Region / Country: | England, United Kingdom |
| Airport Codes: | ICAO: EGWC IATA: - Local: - Other: - |
| Collection: | RAF Museum Cosford |
| Photo Date: | 21 May 2012 |
| Photo by: | Arjun Sarup |
| Photo ID: | 290882 |
| Photo Comment |
|---|
|
Only complete Valiant out of 107 built that survives at RAF Museum Cosford, which also has on display a Victor and a Vulcan. This triad of V-bombers formed Britain's airborne nuclear deterrent. A Valiant test dropped Britain's first A-bomb in 1956. XD818 from No. 49 Sqn. dropped Britain's first live H-bomb in 1957 during Op. Grapple. It was converted to a tanker in 1961. By Dec. 1964, all Valiants were grounded due to metal fatigue and withdrawn in 1965. This photo is copyright © Arjun Sarup, and may not be used or published in any way without permission. It was added on 20 October 2020, and has since been viewed 279 times. |