Price range: £95.00 through £300.00
Squadron Leader Bob Tuxford’s Victor K2 XL189 refuelling Vulcan XM607 en-route to attack Stanley airbase, East Falkland, with 21 x 1000lb bombs.
The night of 30 April-1 May 1982 – Operation BLACK BUCK 1 – The first mission, and the longest night for the air and ground crews involved.
On 29 April, at RAF Waddington, the crews of the first two Vulcans that had been readied for bombing operations in the South Atlantic with 1000lb bombs were making their final preparations for deployment to Ascension Island. Meanwhile, Victor K2 tanker aircraft were already flying extreme long-range reconnaissance missions to the area around South Georgia Island in support of the assault led by 42 Commando on 25 April to recapture the island.
Michael Rondot’s dramatic painting captures the power and beauty of the Handley Page Victor in action during Operation BLACK BUCK, the name given to the series of extreme long-range attacks on the airfield at Stanley, East Falkland. Vulcans from Ascension Island flew the 15-hour round trip, attacking the runway and airfield installations, and targeting radar sites with AGM-45 Shrike missiles.
The Vulcan missions required multiple refuelling, using as many as 18 Victor K2 tanker aircraft sorties with the aircraft operating in concert, including tanker-to-tanker refuelling. The RAF had never before flown anything remotely resembling the scale of this complicated operation. It was a success because of the determination, courage, ingenuity and resourcefulness of the air and ground crews involved in the operation, but the real shining star was the Victor K2. Vulcan bombers wore the laurels after the Falklands War, but it fell to the Victor tankers and their aircrews, engineers and ground support to make any of it possible.
The edition is limited to 20 signed and numbered canvas giclée prints (30×17 ins) and 300 signed and numbered copies on heavyweight paper, with multi-signed artist’s proofs and remarque prints within the numbered edition.
Signatures:
Signed and Numbered
Artist Proof and Remarques also signed by:
The Handley Page Victor stands as a triumph of British jet-powered engineering. Specifically, Handley Page developed this strategic bomber during the Cold War as the third member of the V-force. This high-quality limited edition print showcases the futuristic, crescent-wing design of the aircraft. The Victor entered service in 1958 to bolster the UK’s airborne nuclear deterrent. However, the RAF removed the Victor from the nuclear mission in 1968. Structural fatigue from low-altitude flight forced this change. Consequently, the Royal Navy’s Polaris submarines took over the deterrent role.
Following the nuclear mission, the RAF repurposed the Victor fleet for new roles. For instance, engineers modified many aircraft for strategic reconnaissance using advanced radar and cameras. Furthermore, several units became aerial refueling tankers. These tankers performed a legendary role during the “Black Buck” raids of the Falklands War. Indeed, they refueled Vulcan bombers over vast distances across the Atlantic. The Victor remained in service longer than any other V-bomber. This limited edition print serves as a tribute to its versatile history.
The Avro Vulcan remains the most famous delta-wing strategic bomber in history. Specifically, it served as the backbone of the V-force from 1956 until 1984. This limited edition print highlights the massive wing area that enabled high-altitude flight. Avro designed the Vulcan as a technically advanced but high-risk project. To test the design, the company produced several reduced-scale Avro 707 aircraft first. As a result, the final B.2 version utilized powerful engines and improved electronic countermeasures.
Although the Vulcan typically carried nuclear weapons, it also performed conventional missions. Most notably, it successfully attacked targets during Operation Black Buck in 1982. Similarly to the Victor, several Vulcans also served briefly as K.2 tankers. If you collect these historic giants, you should explore our full V-Bombers collection. To learn more about surviving B.2 airframes, visit the RAF Museum Avro Vulcan page.
Today, dedicated restoration efforts preserve the legacy of the Vulcan. Specifically, the famous XH558, known as “The Spirit of Great Britain,” flew until 2015. Meanwhile, volunteers keep other examples like XL426 in taxiable condition for ground runs. Owning a high-quality limited edition print allows you to honor the history of British aviation. Finally, these assets offer a detailed look at the machines that defined the Cold War. In fact, no collection is complete without a record of the mighty V-force.
| Dimensions | 70 × 50 cm |
|---|---|
| Print Type | Signed and Numbered, Artists Proof, Remarque, Double Remarque, Canvas Print |
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