The "V bombers" were the Royal Air Force (RAF) aircraft during the 1950s and 1960s that comprised the United Kingdom's strategic nuclear strike force known officially as the V force or Bomber Command Main Force.

The Vickers Valiant was a British high-altitude jet bomber designed to carry nuclear weapons, and in the 1950s and 1960s was part of the Royal Air Force's "V bomber" strategic deterrent force. It was developed by Vickers-Armstrongs in response to Specification B.35/46 issued by the Air Ministry for a nuclear-armed jet-powered bomber.

It was the third and final V bomber to be operated by the Royal Air Force (RAF), the other two being the Vickers Valiant and the Avro Vulcan.

Jan 7, 2024 · The V bombers, including the Vickers Valiant, Handley Page Victor, and Avro Vulcan, were key to Britain's nuclear deterrent force. The Vickers Valiant was the only bomber of the three to drop live nuclear weapons and was retired by 1965.

Nov 28, 2017 · The V bombers not only impressed the public but also friend and foe alike. The Vulcans Delta wing gave it a high altitude performance that allowed it to turn tighter than the swept wing fighters of the day like the lightning and Mig 15.

Aug 5, 2023 · The UK built a series of three early jet bomber aircraft called the V-bombers, which were designed to carry and release nuclear weapons. The Vickers Valiant, Handley Page Victor, and Avro Vulcan were the three different V-bombers that fulfilled this role.

Dec 24, 2019 · Enter the “V” bombers, strategic jet bombers meant to take the (nuclear) fight to the enemy in the enemy’s homeland. The first of these “V” bombers was the Vickers Valiant, introduced into service in 1955.

Dec 8, 2018 · Most importantly, the V-Bombers were all primarily intended to carry a single air-dropped nuclear bomb. The docile-looking Vickers Valiant (107 built) was the simplest of the designs,...

May 18, 2023 · British V bombers were advanced combat aircraft that could deliver nuclear weapons accurately and quickly.

On 11 October 1956, during Operation Buffalo, Valiants from 49 Squadron became the first British aircraft to drop a live atomic bomb, doing so at the Maralinga range in the Australian outback. In production from 1959, Red Beard was in operational service by the early 1960s.