Valiants served in a photo-reconnaissance role with No. 543 Squadron , commencing in the second half of 1955 . At least seven Valiants were configured to the ECM role , serving with No. 199 Squadron from 30 September 1957 . These aircraft were ultimately fitted with APT-16A and ALT-7 jamming transmitters , Airborne Cigar and Carpet jammers , APR-4 and APR-9 " sniffing " receivers , and chaff dispensers . After the Valiants were grounded , the timetable for the development of a photo-reconnaissance version of the Victor , known as the SR. 2 , was accelerated . A prototype ( XL165 ) was flown for the first time on 23 February 1965 , and the first aircraft ( XL230 ) was delivered to No. 543 Squadron on 18 May 1965 . The Victor SR. 2s carried out extensive photographic survey work , which assumed increased importance after the bombers switched to low-level operations . No. 543 Squadron was disbanded on 31 May 1974 , but a flight of four remained until 30 March 1975 to participate in French nuclear weapons testing in the Pacific . Responsibility for the reconnaissance role passed to No. 27 Squadron , which had been re-formed in November 1973 , and operated the Vulcan SR. 2 . No. 27 Squadron was disbanded in March 1982
French nuclear weapons testing
1971–74 French nuclear tests
V bomber