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Valiant

The first of the RAF's V-class bombers, the Valiant flew for the first time on 18 May 1951 and entered service with No. 138 Squadron early in 1955. Three prototypes and 104 production Valiants were built, the last of these being completed and flying on August 27, 1957. Apart from the initial production B.Mk. 1 long-range medium bomber, three versions of the Valiant were produced; the B.(P.R.) Mk. 1 dual-purpose version equipped for long-range high-altitude photo-reconnatssance, the B.K. Mk. 1 and the B.(P.R.).K. Mk. 1, both of which had provision for in-flight refuelling. The Valiant can carry a 10,000-lb. bomb load internally, but by the mid-1960s was relegated largely to the photo-reconnaissance and tanker roles.

Specifications
Primary Function: medium bomber
Contractor:
Power Plant: Four Rolls-Royce Avon 204 turbojets
Thrust: 10,050 lbst each
Length: 108 ft. 3 in.
Height: 32 ft. 2 in.
Wingspan: 114 ft. 4 in.
Speed: Maximum - 567 m.p.h. at 30,000 ft. (Mach 0.84)
Maximum - 414 m.p.h. at sea level
Cruising - 553 m.p.h. at 30,000 ft. (Mach 0.82)
Cruising - 495 m.p.h. [economic]
Ceiling: 54,000 ft.
Weight: 75,881 lb. - Empty
Maximum Takeoff Weight: 175,000 lb.
Range:
Armament:
Crew:
Unit Cost:
Date Deployed:
Inventory:

Sources and Resources


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Updated Monday, June 02, 1997 1:12:26 PM