V-Force

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The V-Force was created in response to a 1947 requirement (B35/46) for a four engined nuclear bomber. The aircraft would need to carry a 10,000lb weapon at 500kt to a target 1700 miles away with a ceiling of 50,000ft over the target. Interestingly, Moscow is 1557 miles from London.

The V-Force was solely responsible for the UK independent nuclear deterrent from 1955 to 1968, During this period aircraft were on 24-hour standby on Quick Reaction Alert (QRA). QRA was maintained until 1969 when the V-Force handed over its deterrent role to the Royal Navy's Polaris submarines.

The resulting aircraft were:

The V-Force aircraft names were a significant departure for the RAF which previously had named its bombers after either inland towns in the British Commonwealth (e.g. Canberra) or towns associated with British history (e.g. Lancaster).