Vulcan Bomber
Maritime Radar Reconnaissance
On 1 November 1973, the first of nine B.2 (MRR) aircraft was delivered to No. 27 Sqn at RAF Scampton reformed for its main role of Maritime Radar Reconnaissance. The main external visual difference was gloss paint and the lack of the Terrain Following Radar (TFR) "thimble" below the air-to-air refuelling probe. The gloss finish, with a light grey undersurface, was due to the secondary role of air sampling. As both roles were high altitude, the TFR system was removed.
Only five of the B.2(MRR)s were capable of the air sampling role and these aircraft were distinguished by the additional hard points outside the Skybolt points. These additional points sometimes carried modified Sea Vixen drop tanks with the nose section replaced by a larger diameter nose. Another external, but much smaller, piece of equipment was carried just outboard of the port undercarriage main door.
During the late 1970s some of the non-air sampling aircraft were exchanged with other squadrons whose aircraft had a high fatigue usage.
All B2(MRR) aircraft were equipped with Olympus 201 ECUs. Three of the aircraft had the small Mk 1 style of engine air intake. The B2(MRR) was withdrawn from service on 31 March 1982, some of the aircraft going on to be converted for use as tankers.