Description
All Editions are signed and numbered by the Artist.
You will also receive a Certificate of Authenticity.
The first squadron to be equipped with the Valiant was 138 Squadron, which formed at RAF Gaydon on 1 January 1955, with 232 Operational Conversion Unit forming at Gaydon on 21 February 1955 to convert crews onto the new bomber.
Since the Valiant was part of an entirely new class of bomber for the RAF, the crews for the new type were selected from experienced aircrew. First pilots required 1,750 flying hours as an aircraft captain, with at least one tour flying the Canberra. Second pilots needed 700 hours in command and the remaining three crewmembers had to be recommended for posting to the Valiant by their commanding officers.
Valiants were originally assigned to the strategic nuclear bombing role, as were the Vulcan and Victor B.1s when they became operational. At its peak, the Valiant equipped nine RAF squadrons.
Size Calculator
70cm x 50cm = 27.5” x 19.5”
66cm x 40cm = 26” x 15.5”
48.3cm x 39.2cm = 19” x 15.5”
46cm x 34cm = 18.5” x 13”
38cm x 30.5cm = 15” x 12”
