vro Vulcan B2 photographed in flight carrying the Blue Steel nuclear missile. Captured by Stuart H. Bourne, this image showcases Britain’s Cold War airborne deterrent in action.
© Stuart H Bourne / Quality Aviation Photos International.
Photographer: Stuart H. Bourne
Aircraft: Avro Vulcan B2
Configuration: Inflight with Blue Steel stand-off missile
Livery: Anti-flash white – RAF strategic bomber scheme
This dramatic photograph by Stuart H. Bourne captures the Avro Vulcan B2 in flight, armed with the formidable Blue Steel nuclear stand-off missile. The Vulcan, with its iconic delta wing and tailless design, was one of Britain’s three “V bombers” developed during the Cold War to deliver nuclear payloads deep into enemy territory.
The Blue Steel missile, mounted semi-recessed beneath the fuselage, allowed the Vulcan to launch from outside the range of enemy defenses. This pairing represented the peak of Britain’s airborne deterrent strategy before the transition to submarine-based systems in the late 1960s.
Painted in anti-flash white to reflect thermal radiation from nuclear blasts, the Vulcan’s livery and payload configuration in this image reflect its operational role during the height of Cold War tensions. The aircraft’s elegance and power are captured mid-flight, making this a must-have archival print for aviation historians and Cold War enthusiasts.
