Photograph
by
Andy Leitch
Avro
Vulcan B2 XL427 of No IX Squadron at RAF Waddington circa 1978. It is
not a very good picture but as it's the only one I have... 427 was delivered
to 83 Squadron at Scampton in 1962 in the Blue Steel fit and was subsequently
absorbed into the Scampton Wing, remaining there after conversion to the
free-fall role in 1971 serving on 27 Squadron, 230 OCU and, briefly, 617
Squadron. 427 was transferred to 27 Squadron (though a 'standard' B2)
in 1974 and thence to Waddington and IX Squadron in 1978 where it was
photographed after landing with gloss camouflage markings. Later, 427
received wrap-round matt camouflage and served with 50, IX and 44 (Rhodesia)
Squadrons until being put on RAF Macrihanish's fire dump in 1982.