HANDLEY PAGE VICTOR - PICTURES

HANDLEY PAGE VICTOR

PICTURES - FUSELAGE

HANDLEY PAGE VICTOR
PICTURES - FUSELAGE

K.1A XH648's tail, showing the position of various markings and the distinct upward sweep of the tailplane. The strakes below the fin flash are on the edge of the airbrake; this opens up on either side leaving the tailcone in place. On the K.2 variant the fuel dump pipe exits through the tailcone, but not on this K.1A.
XH648's nose now. The bump below the refuelling probe is transparent normally and contains a light for use when refuelling. Good job it was a dismal day when I took these pictures, or the camouflage wouldn't have looked half as good as it does here; it's very badly faded from years out in the open.
Closeup on the starboard NACA intake; one on each side of the nose. The small strakes were added to make the crew's life liveable when it was found there was a large amount of noise from these intakes.
Closeup on the visual bomb aiming position, which was not used. The vague boxy shape you can see inside is an air conditioning unit, so at least Duxford haven't completely abandoned this Victor to the elements...
K.2 XM715's rather appealing nose art - an easy enough reference for UK readers, but for everyone else, the character depicted is called Victor Meldrew, a cantankerous old git in a BBC comedy show. This is on XM715's starboard side...
...and this is on the port side. Even more appealing... :) Teasin Tina, a piece of gulf war nose art, beautifully done as was just about all the RAF nose art from that war.