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The Valiant was the shortest lived of the post-war V-bomber force, first flying in 1951 and with production of 104 aircraft ending in 1957, and an official withdrawal in January 1965 after investigation had shown that the main wing spars were suffering from metal fatigue. It operated in four versions, the B.1 bomber, B(PR)1 bomber/photo-reconnaissance, B(K).1 flight refuelling tanker and B.PR(K).1 covering all three roles. Additionally several aircraft were modified for a variety of special roles. The all-black B.2 low level pathfinder bomber was flown as a prototype in 1953. Valiants participated in British atomic bomb tests and made noteworthy long-distance flights, principally operating from Marham and Gaydon. In a change of task shortly before retirement, the aircraft were painted in a camouflage scheme better suited to their new low-level penetration role. In addition to the many photographs and drawings the book also includes a full history of each aircraft built.
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent detail but somewhat brief,
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This review is from: Vickers Valiant: The First V-bomber (Aerofax) (Paperback)
The first of the Aerofax V-Bomber volumes that have reached my desk. This is by far the best treatment of the Valiant that I have read and it is pleasing to see this important but overlooked aircraft receive attention.
Written by a 20-year veteran of Vickers, the depth of research shines through. I particularly enjoyed the first chapter which discusses the constantly-evolving Ministry specifications in a clear and readable manner. Subsequent chapters detail the prototypes, initial service, proposed developments including the B Mk. 2 and Conway-powered variants, nuclear duties, the switch to low-level attack and the premature retirement. Also documented are trials with flight refuelling, rocket boost, Blue Steel, crew ejection and the Bristol Pegasus. There are 12 pages of Vickers draft drawings which reveal much of the inner structure of the aircraft though unfortunately there is no narrative to explain some of the mysteries of these illustrations ( why is there a sextant bubble under the emergency escape hatch? ). Finally a compilation of trivia enlightens us as to how many drafting hours were expended, amongst other nuggets. On the negative side the book seems constrained by its page count; the narrative occasionally feels rushed and the later chapters in particular are rather sketchy. It is a shame that the author was not given the opportunity to fill the larger 176-page Aerofax standard as this would have provided the scope to flesh-out many points. Otherwise the usual Aerofax production quality is evident and I revelled in the colour photo plates. Can we have one about the Sperrin now, please? Or do I have to write that myself?
5.0 out of 5 stars
Best Valiant reference to be read!!!,
This review is from: Vickers Valiant: The First V-bomber (Aerofax) (Paperback)
For anyone interested in the Vickers Valiant this is the book to get, it is a technical publication rather than a colour schemes and markings book, great reproductions of some technical manual illustrations... and heaps of good detail photos. Highly recommend this book but don't pay over the odds!
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