FlyPost

摘要

The article about Duxford-based Handley Page Victor XH648 in the January issue was something I read with particular interest. 1 was a Victor captain on 57 Squadron from 1964 to 1967 and flew XH648 many times. My final sortie in her was a display at the Jersey Air Show on September 17,1964 - this included an exhilarating run along the promenade at St Helier. The quote in the Duxford article about the aircraft being delivered to 57 Squadron in 'a grey/green camouflage scheme' is incorrect. All Victors at that time entered service finished in an overall anti-flash white. They only started to receive camouflage markings in December 1963, when low-level tactics were introduced. Also, XH648 was converted to B.1A status in October 1960, later becoming one of six two-point tankers (designated K.2P) in February 1965. In this final guise it went to Duxford in June 1976. It will be interesting to see how this iconic aircraft will be displayed when the project is completed. If it is camouflaged, it will either be a B.1A or a K.2P (if the refuelling pods are installed). If it is finished in overall white, it will be a B.1 or B.1A (if the extended tailcone is included). Doubtless, Duxford will get it correct. Thank you for resurrecting many happy memories for me.