File:Handley Page Victor K.2 ‘XH672’ “Maid Marian” (32184537347).jpg

Built 1960 but remained with Handley Page for investigation into engine surge and then for trials on auto pilot and auto landing systems. In 1964 she was one of nine Victors allocated for modification to SR.2 standard for maritime reconnaissance and photography. This was completed in August 1965 and she was delivered to 543sqn at RAF Wyton. In May 1969 she took part in the Daily Mail Transatlantic Air Race, celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Alcock and Browns first non-stop crossing of the Atlantic. Between 1974 and 1978 she was converted to a K.2 tanker and was the last of the 24 conversions made. She was allocated to 57sqn at RAF Marham and on 30th April 1982 she was one of 13 Victors involved in ‘Black Buck 1’, the first Vulcan strike on Port Stanley Airfield during the Falklands Conflict. She was initially one of the outbound tanker aircraft but after a two hours turnaround back at Ascension she was back out to refuel again during the recovery. She covered four ‘Black Buck’ missions in total and returned to the UK in June. In 1991, having transferred to 55 sqn in 1986, she took part in operation ‘Desert Storm’, gaining her “Maid Marian” art work and carrying out 52 tanking missions, more than any other Victor. She was later also involved in operations ‘Warden’ and ‘Jural’. The remaining Victors were retired in October 1993 and XH672 was delivered to RAF Shawbury on 30th November 1993 making the last ever Victor flight. She was then dismantled and moved to Cosford where she is currently on display as part of the National Cold War Exhibition. RAF Museum, Cosford, Shropshire, UK.