that was used for the anchoring point and release mechanism alike. For extended range operations, optional flexible bag-like tanks could be installed. To accommodate higher weight payloads that had been anticipated in the Viking's operations and to better withstand rougher landings, the undercarriage was reinforced considerably. Operational history During 1948, the Valetta C.1 entered service with the RAF. Its arrival in quantity led to the rapid replacement of the wartime Douglas Dakotas within RAF Transport Command, including the numerous transport squadrons stationed across the Middle East and Far East. The Valetta was used over active conflict zones, such as to perform numerous parachute drops over Egypt during the 1956 Suez Crisis. The type was frequently in its transport capacity to support a number of other British military operations throughout the 1950s and 1960s, including during the Malayan Emergency, and Aden. While the vast majority of Valettas were of the C.1 standard, there were several specialised variants inducted as well. The Valetta C.2 was a dedicated VIP passenger transport, its performance was largely similar save for its extended range capabilities. The Valetta T.3 was built to provide a navigational trainer for service with the RAF College at RAF Cranwell and with No.1 and No.2 Air Navigation Schools. They could be visually distinguished from prior variants by the presence of numerous astrodomes across the top of its fuselage. 40 aircraft were delivered from August 1951, with the last being WJ487 in September 1952. A total of 18 Valetta T.3s were subsequently converted to the T.4 standard, which featured an enlarged nose that accommodate a radar unit, enabling the model to be used for the training of personnel in the Airborne Interception (AI) role. Several individual Valettas were modified under various experimental programmes performed by Vickers. Various alternative undercarriages were trialled, although these reportedly displayed little change in ground handling performance when compared against the standard configuration. Variants Valetta C.1 - transport, 211 built Valetta C.2 - VIP transport, 11 built Valetta T.3 - aircrew trainer, 40 built. Valetta T.4 - converted from T.3 with radar fitted in nose. Operators Accidents and incidents On 18 February 1951, an RAF Valetta made a forced belly landing near Stockholm-Bromma Airport following the failure of one engine and radio problems. Airframe icing compounded the situation. Of the 22 passengers and crew, one person was killed. The aircraft was totally destroyed. On 15 January 1953, Valetta C.1