Avro
Vulcan B2 MRR XJ825 of No 27 Squadron overflies the Soviet Union carrier
Kiev. The flares were apparently intended to warn the aircraft off.
This image has been published often enough over the years though the
airframe has never apparently been positively identified. Comparing
the enlargement [right] with a list of aircraft operated by No 27 Squadron
reduces the possibilities to two - XJ823 and 825. More detailed comparison
with contemporary photographs confirms the identity as 825. 825 served
with No 27 Squadron from December 1976 till April 1981.
Identification courtesy Craig Bulman, author of The
Vulcan B.Mk2 from a Different Angle >>
George Martin collection © Crown Copyright >>