Guardians of the Skies: RAF Aircraft of the Cold War
Embark on a thrilling journey through the tense and turbulent era of the Cold War, as we explore the iconic aircraft that formed the backbone of the Royal Air Force’s defense strategy. From supersonic interceptors to strategic bombers, these magnificent machines stood ready to protect the skies of Britain and deter any potential aggression from the Soviet Union.
V-Bombers: The Nuclear Deterrent
Witness the awe-inspiring power of the RAF’s V-bomber force, the spearhead of Britain’s nuclear deterrent. These majestic aircraft, including the Avro Vulcan, Handley Page Victor, and Vickers Valiant, carried the awesome responsibility of delivering nuclear payloads should the Cold War ever escalate into a full-blown conflict. Explore the intricate design, technological advancements, and the brave crews who manned these mighty aircraft, ensuring the delicate balance of power during one of the most precarious periods in history.
Lightning Strikes: The Supersonic Interceptor
Experience the sheer speed and agility of the English Electric Lightning, a supersonic interceptor that embodied the cutting edge of Cold War aviation technology. With its distinctive twin-engine configuration and delta wings, the Lightning was a force to be reckoned with, capable of scrambling in minutes to intercept any potential threats. Learn about the daring pilots who pushed this aircraft to its limits, protecting Britain’s airspace with unwavering vigilance.
Phantoms and Buccaneers: Versatile Warriors
Discover the versatility and firepower of the McDonnell Douglas Phantom II and the Blackburn Buccaneer, two iconic aircraft that served in a variety of roles during the Cold War. From air defense to ground attack, these aircraft showcased the RAF’s adaptability and determination to maintain a multi-faceted defense capability. Witness their impressive performance in action, from high-speed intercepts to low-level bombing runs, and the skill of the pilots who mastered these complex machines.
Beyond the Fighters and Bombers:
The RAF’s Cold War arsenal extended far beyond fighters and bombers. Explore the vital role of transport aircraft like the Bristol Britannia and the Lockheed C-130 Hercules, which ensured the rapid deployment of troops and supplies across the globe. Discover the maritime patrol aircraft like the Avro Shackleton and the Hawker Siddeley Nimrod, which tirelessly patrolled the vast oceans, hunting for Soviet submarines and protecting vital shipping lanes.
A Legacy of Service:
Though the Cold War is long over, the legacy of these remarkable aircraft and the brave men and women who flew them lives on. They represent a time of unwavering courage, technological innovation, and a steadfast commitment to defending freedom. Through rare archival footage, expert interviews, and captivating storytelling, this documentary pays tribute to the RAF’s Cold War heroes and the iconic aircraft that helped preserve peace during one of the most challenging periods in history.
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In actual fact they managed to preserve the second TSR2 prototype which can be seen on static display in the hanger at IWM Duxford, I've actually stood underneath and touched the aircraft, the first time I touched her I had to fight back tears of frustation and anger that such a beautiful, world beating and for its time hyper advanced aircraft could have been treated so woefully by the vested interests of the political class. Harold Wilsons Labour government in my opinion commited treason against the British people over the way they treated the whole affair. I did hear a rumour a few years ago now that the American aerospace industry and its vested interests were behind it all as they had nothing that could even come close so took clandestine measures to wipe out all traces of the aircrafts existence.
……….which is possibly why after spending millions and millions of pounds of public tax money developing the thing to then order that every last part of its inception from jigs, toolings and airframes to even the blue prints had to be destroyed utterly with indecent haste – totally unheard of in British military history. Treason to my mind. Mountbatton doesnt come out of this well either was HE copping a back hander as well ???
back when they had FREE SPEECH! Sad what has become of this shadow of an empire.
The communists in cabinet cancelled the TSR2 and insisted that all records, jigs etc were destroyed so it couldn't be restarted. That's how scared the soviets were.
The Canberra sort of looks like a jet engine powered B-26.
Government "we need as much control over the project as possible, including huge committees and tiny design considerations". Also government " we are cancelling this project as it has become too expensive". The one thing that is a constant objective reality is that government interference causes overruns and failures. If politicians stayed in their lane, life would be so much better.
I liked the Attenborough voice, or should I say Bottenborough?
Luckily in the end britain got a better suited to tactical attack in the Cold War the more flexible platform in the Panavia Tornado.
Avro Arrow
I remember as a little boy the day they cancelled TSR2 – I thought the Brits must be crazy they were so far ahead
T.S.R.2 Bloody LABOUR/ U.S.A sticking there noses in. And LABOUR is SREWING the country AGAIN in 2024!!😢😢😢
Still love the HP Victor.. unique lines semi organic style.
Tsr-2 , avro arrow, strange how they met the same faith….
Providing you don't have to go to war, flying fast jets must be one of the best jobs going!
I’m old enough to have witnessed the Lightning flying at airshows…the power was incredible.
you just started this channel to talk as much shit as you possibly could..
Excellent video but why so quiet? had to turn my monitor up from its usual 12 volume to 25.
Modern day RAF aren't worth anything. Wasting millions training over the English channel for wars they are to afraid to fight.
The Swedish J-37 Viggen had the same landing gear as the TSR2 and it worked very well. The Saab 37 first flew on 8 February 1967 and was delivered to the air force in 1971. The Saab 37 was developed under a Swedish Labor government and was a very successful aircraft that became the backbone of the Swedish Air Force for 35 years. Development began in 1952 (before the Saab 35 Draken had even completed its first flight) but was delayed until 1961 due to disagreement on the cost increase for the entire project. Curiously, mostly due to the influence of the British politician Duncan Sandys, who declared in 1957 that Britain would not develop any more manned fighter aircraft, but instead focus all development on robots.
Wow a real interview with someone who dropped a nuclear bomb. Amazing. And scary.
Now we cant stop rubber dinghies, pay fortunes to house illegal entrants , and can barely afford to house ourselves 😂
We were still using the T7 on the Buccaneer squadrons in the 80’s as taxis and local training Aircraft
The Victor as a tanker was the first aircraft I worked on out of training, excellent plane
All that hard work from the designers, engineers, factory workers, pilots and ground crew and all they wanted was a free, safe, decent place to live.
And what have the politicians given us?
Absolutely brilliant work! You should be proud of this video.
Did I spy XH558????? My name, my Dads, my Sons name and my father in law's name are all on her bombay doors!!!🇬🇧✌️
Why is this aircraft carrying Jacques Cousteau Submersibles?
Wish we had a venue like this . Awesome detail.
@gooner72 I'm sure u will agree with me that the TSR2 was the beginning of the end for the British aircraft industry.
Wish my name too were on those doors.
Cheerio!
Everything designed by English Electric struck gold.
I met up today with an ex pilot ,from 5 SQN,now an author , still holds the record from Binbrook to Leuchars , 17 mins .