It's Warbird Wednesday ✈️ Meet the Vickers Valiant — Britain’s first operational jet-powered strategic bomber and a critical component of the Royal Air Force’s Cold War nuclear deterrent. Built by Vickers-Armstrongs, the Valiant was developed to meet the United Kingdom’s need for a high-altitude, long-range bomber capable of delivering nuclear payloads. As the first of Britain’s famed “V bomber” fleet, the Valiant paved the way for the Handley Page Victor and Avro Vulcan. It also holds a unique

29 reactions | There were multiple variations in the Valiant design centered on the radial engine that was available when produced. Initial production of the BT-13A/B and the Navy versions, the SNV-1 and SNV-2, had the more powerful R985. Great video from @alexme71 & @cwehephoto | Covington Aircraft | Facebook

31K views · 290 reactions | Vickers Valiant at The Royal Air Force Museum Midlands. The Valiant was the first of the V-Bombers to see service, and the only one to drop live nuclear weapons. She was also the first to leave service after the new low level attack role proved too stressful for the Valiant fleet. #coldwar #vickers #valiant #bomber #warbirds | Daniel J Wheatcroft | Facebook