One of the largest and most iconic aircraft at the Yorkshire Air Museum, the Handley Page Victor XL231, is undergoing a major transformation as it is repainted in its original Cold War-era camouflage scheme for the first time in four decades. Scaffolding has recently gone up around the massive four-engine jet—measuring 117 feet wide and 114 feet long—marking the start of a month-long restoration project. The work officially begins on May 6, with scaffolding installation expected to take a couple of days. The repaint will return the aircraft to the striking camouflage pattern it wore during the 1982 Falklands War, when Victors played a vital support role flying refuelling missions from Ascension Island.
“This is such an historic project, returning XL231 to her camouflage colours after decades in the all-grey scheme,” said Jerry Ibbotson, Communications Manager for the Yorkshire Air Museum. “It’s going to look incredible when it’s done, and I think the process of painting her will be fascinating to see. We’re hugely grateful for the support of everyone involved—this is a true partnership.” The project is being supported by several key partners. Industrial services firm Kaefer is donating scaffolding work, while Bagnalls, a company with over 150 years of experience in the coatings industry, is carrying out the detailed repaint following RAF Victor K2 specifications from the 1980s. A time-lapse camera provided by Site-Eye will document the full process from atop the museum’s 1940s Control Tower.
“KAEFER UK & Ireland is pleased to support the Yorkshire Air Museum in restoring the Victor to its original combat colours,” said Trevor Woodward, Director of Business & Strategy at Kaefer. “It’s an honour to play a role in ensuring this historic aircraft can be appreciated for generations to come.” Bagnalls Marketing Director Joanne Gualda added, “We are extremely proud to have been chosen to repaint the Victor. It’s great to be involved in a project that supports the restoration of our country’s aviation history.”
Andre Tempest, leader of the Victor team at the museum, emphasised the long-term importance of the work: “The preservation of history for future generations has been at the heart of everything that has been done on the aircraft since it arrived over 30 years ago. This restoration will hopefully preserve those goals for a further 30.” The newly repainted Victor will be officially unveiled on Sunday, June 15, during the museum’s Cold War Wheels event, offering the public a first look at the aircraft in its revitalised Cold War-era appearance.
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