The V-Force-Vickers Valiant, Avro Vulcan, and Handley Page Victor-redefined Britain's nuclear might during the Cold War. Entering service from 1955 to 1957, these iconic jets captivated the public with their sleek designs and awesome power. In 1956, Valiant dropped Britain's first operational atomic bomb over South Australia, a chilling milestone.
As Britain's frontline Cold War aircraft, the V-bombers faced evolving threats, from advanced Soviet radar to surface-to-air missiles, prompting a shift to the Royal Navy's Polaris submarines by 1968. Yet, the V-Force adapted, with Vulcans executing record-breaking bombing runs during the 1982 Falklands War.
V-Force weaves these formidable aircraft into the broader narrative of twentieth-century nuclear arms, geopolitical rivalries, and Anglo-American tensions. This evocative account celebrates the V-bombers' legacy while offering a fresh perspective on Britain's Cold War journey.
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