V bomber

Term used for the RAF aircraft during the 1950s and 1960s that made up the strategic nuclear strike force. The bombers were the Valiant?s (first flew 1951), Victor?s (first flew 1952) or Vulcans?s (first flew 1952). The V-Bomber Force reached its peak in June 1964, with 50 Valiants, 39 Victors and 70 Vulcans in service

The development of effective anti-aircraft missiles made the deterrent threat increasingly threadbare. After the failed Blue Streak missile program and the cancellation of the American Skybolt and British Blue Steel Mk. 2, the V bomber's strategic role was replaced by the Polaris missile.