Paving the Way

摘要

Such was the advanced nature of the new wing shapes selected for the 'second generation' of V-bombers-the Avro Vulcan and the Handley Page Victor-that it was thought prudent to prove the radical designs before the full-scale hardware was built. The Valiant, from Vickers, was seen as the 'safe' bet in the original three-cornered V-bomber programme. Its moderately swept wing did not really push the boundaries, unlike the delta-winged Avro 698 and the crescent-winged HP. 80 proposals which generated much concern in the Air Ministry. Means to address these anxieties were soon to be followed up.