Victor XH648 was originally built as a B1 model with its first flight on 27 November 1959. In 1960, it was converted to a B1A status and equipped with new electronic countermeasure equipment, improved radio and radar equipment and new Sapphire Mark 20701s engines. Following conversion and test flights, it was flown as part of the Far East Air Force during the Indonesian Confrontation (1962-3) and was the only Victor to drop 35 1000lb bombs over the Song Song area. In 1965, Handley Page converted it into a two-point tanker, with Mark 20B refuelling pods under each wing making it a B(K)1A model. Victor XH648 retired to Duxford airfield on 2 June 1976 and is now part of IWM’s collection.

The Victor is in good condition internally, but there are signs of corrosion externally. Conservation may take up to five years and will depend on your support. Please help to conserve the Victor for future generations by donating to this campaign.

April 2017 

The bomb bay fuel tanks have been prepared for removal. All outer wing leading edges have been conserved. One aileron, which forms the leading edge of the aircraft has been completely rebuilt, while another has been paint stripped & awaiting disassembly.

The radome which protects the radar assembly has been removed. One of the  elevators, the flight control surface at the rear of the aircraft, has been partially disassembled & work is ongoing on the rear fuselage cone. 

July 2019

The aft fuselage has been cleaned & repainted on the inside. One elevator is in the final stages of reassembly after cleaning & repair. The other elevator has been taken apart to clean & repair items. Work is continuing on the horizontal stabilizer.The right main landing gear has been removed for cleaning, corrosion removal, inspection then repainting. The upper skin has been removed from the left inboard flap for cleaning, corrosion removal & skin repairs.

Work has begun on the right bomb door.