Vickers Valiant - The First British V-Bomber & Suez Conflict When the Cold War made a new generation of British heavy bombers with nuclear capability vital, Vickers rose to the challenge and had the first Valiant flying by May 1951. In less than two years, the company delivered 108 aircraft for RAF service and production continued until 1957. The black-painted 'Pathfinder' version (B Mk II) showed extraordinary promise for high speed, ultra-low level attacks - but the need for this capability wa

Brooklands aircraft design Rex Pierson was born 130 years ago on 9th February. To mark his birthday we’ve found some great footage of the Vickers Viscount in flight in 1956 in the Pathé archive. Rex started his apprenticeship with Vickers in 1908. Putting his illustration skills to good use he moved to the newly formed Vickers aviation department in 1911 and two years later learned to fly at the Vickers Flying School at Brooklands. He went on to become Chief Designer and his incredible designs w