
Aircraft | |
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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 | |
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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 |
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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 By Dec. 1964, all Valiants were grounded due to metal fatigue and withdrawn in 1965.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 309 times. |