ARMAMENT

The Vulcan was designed to carry the massive Blue Danube nuclear bomb, soon replaced by the

Violet Club and Yellow Sun bombs. In 1963 these were replaced by Yellow Sun Mk. 2s for Vulcan

B.1s and the Blue Steel nuclear missile for Vulcan B.2s. Vulcans could also carry 21 454-kilogram (1,000-pound) conventional bombs, which became standard after the Royal Navy took on the strategic nuclear deterrent in 1969. The tactical WE177 nuclear bomb could also be carried. In 1982, Shrike anti-radar missiles were fitted for ‘Black Buck’ operations.

The Vulcan could carry 21 454-kg conventional bombs, or a Blue Steel nuclear missile