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Handley Page Victor K. 2 XM717 & Vickers VC10 K. 3 ZA144 E
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Handley Page Victor K. 2 XM717 & Vickers VC10 K. 3 ZA144 E
Royal Air Force - Handley Page Victor K.2 XM717, of No.55 Squadron, refuelling Vickers VC10 K.3 ZA144 E, of No.101 Squadron. Date: circa 1985
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Media ID 23455902
© The Peter Butt Aviation Collection / Mary Evans A The Peter Butt Aviation Collection / Mary Evans
1985 Handley Refuelling Squadron Vc10 Vickers Victor
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In this evocative photograph from the annals of the Royal Air Force's (RAF) aviation history, we find two iconic British aircraft, the Handley Page Victor K.2 XM717 of No.55 Squadron and the Vickers VC10 K.3 ZA144 E of No.101 Squadron, engaged in a vital mid-air refuelling operation. Circa 1985, this scene showcases the intricate dance between these two formidable machines as they come together in the sky, bridging the gap between long-range strategic bombing capabilities and versatile transport and refuelling services. The Handley Page Victor K.2 XM717, with its distinctive hump housing the in-flight refuelling probe, is poised to transfer fuel to the Vickers VC10 K.3 ZA144 E. The VC10, an adaptable workhorse of the RAF, is seen here in its refuelling configuration, its extended fuel probe reaching out towards the Victor. This symbiotic relationship between the two aircraft allowed for extended operational reach and endurance, enabling the RAF to project power and influence across great distances. The Handley Page Victor, a stalwart of the Cold War era, was a versatile platform that served in various roles, including maritime patrol, electronic intelligence gathering, and, most notably, as a strategic bomber. The Vickers VC10, on the other hand, was a versatile transport and refuelling aircraft that saw service with the RAF, as well as several other international operators. This photograph captures a moment in time when the RAF's rich aviation heritage was at its pinnacle, with these two iconic aircraft working in harmony to ensure the success of the organisation's missions. The intricacy of the mid-air refuelling process, the elegance of the aircraft designs, and the sheer scale of the operation all combine to make this an enduring image of RAF aviation history.
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