Osprey Publishing Valiant Units of the Cold War COM95

Vickers Valiant: The RAF's First Cold War Strategic Bomber

Discover the complete history of the Vickers Valiant, the RAF's pioneering Cold War strategic bomber and the first of Britain's legendary "V-bombers" to enter service. Procured as an insurance measure in case either the Vulcan or Victor encountered serious flaws, the Valiant became the trailblazer for the British airborne nuclear deterrent and enjoyed a far more active service career than its successor V-bombers.

Key Features & Historical Significance

• Nuclear Deterrent Pioneer: Served as the launch platform for all British free-fall nuclear weapons tests in both the Pacific and Central Australia
• Combat Proven: Participated in the 1956 Suez Campaign, making it the only V-bomber to drop conventional weapons in anger until the Falklands operation in 1982
• Multi-Role Capability: Modified to serve in electronic warfare, strategic reconnaissance, and airborne tanker roles
• Strategic Equivalent: British counterpart to the US B-47 Stratojet
• Comprehensive Documentation: Features photographs throughout and detailed profile artwork exploring the aircraft's entire service history

Table of Contents

• Chapter One: Birth of a Bomber
• Chapter Two: Trailblazer
• Chapter Three: The Suez Campaign
• Chapter Four: Nuclear Trials
• Chapter Five: Training Days
• Chapter Six: Valiant Tankers
• Chapter Seven: Valiant and Vigilant
• Chapter Eight: Ready for Armageddon
• Chapter Nine: On the Way Down
• Appendices:
  • Colour Plates Commentary
  • Bibliography
  • Index

What You'll Learn

This historical volume chronicles the complete service career of the Vickers Valiant from its inception through its premature grounding in early 1965 due to metal fatigue. The text provides detailed accounts of:

• High-level nuclear bombing tactics development
• The aircraft's role as the UK's initial airborne nuclear deterrent
• Combat operations during the 1956 Suez Campaign
• Nuclear weapons testing missions in Central Australia and the Pacific
• Transition to low-level operations for the Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR)
• Secondary roles in electronic warfare, strategic reconnaissance, and aerial refueling

Illustrated with numerous photographs, tactical diagrams, and meticulous color aircraft profiles accompanied by historical captions, this volume is essential reading for aviation historians, military enthusiasts, and Cold War scholars.

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