From any viewpoint, the Handley Page Victor is an impressive machine. Despite its late 1940s design, the powerful jet’s striking features make it look ‘futuristic’ even today. Like its V-Bomber sisters, the Valiant and the Vulcan, it was born out of urgent necessity, initially sharing the responsibility of maintaining Britain’s nuclear deterrent in a world armed with previously unimaginable destructive power. Following task changes that led it to serve in strategic reconnaissance and air tanker roles, it clocked-up 35 years of service, earning its place in history as the longest serving V-Bomber type. That its development and remarkable operational performance were achieved in an era of post-war austerity is a tribute to the British aircraft industry of the day.