Royal Air Force VC10 - St Athan

Image: © Mick Lobb Taken: 9 Jul 2013

She was the queen of our skies, then they converted her to a bowser! Originally designed as a passenger aircraft the VC10 quickly grew out of favour being too thirsty, too noisy and carrying fewer passengers than the US upstart, the Boeing 747. Contracts were cancelled in favour of the 747 and those in the hands of the BOAC were moved on to the RAF. VC10's flew then as a military passenger aircraft but were readily converted to cargo carrying by removing their seats. The need for tanker aircraft had previously been met by converted V bombers but in 1978 it was decided to convert a number of VC10's to the refuelling role. The first came into service in 1982 but the grand old lady will not grace our skies for much longer as the remaining fleet's last major services have been completed and her replacement, the Airbus A330 Voyager is gradually assuming her role.

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