Vulcan and Buccaneer crews are recalled competing to fly low during Red Flag, including Vulcans flying inside the Grand Canyon. A separate account describes Vulcans flying above the altitude that American F-104s and F-105s could reach quickly enough to intercept them. Specialist Vulcans carried no bombs and instead jammed tracking systems to protect the bomber force. A proposed heavy escort version carrying twelve AIM-54 Phoenix missiles is also mentioned. These examples cover both flight-profile choices and electronic support, while the missile escort remains an unbuilt proposal.
Notable Point · 32:25-34:24
Vulcans challenged Red Flag from low and high altitude
Vulcan exercise accounts combine low-altitude flying, high-altitude interception problems, and specialist jamming support; a missile-armed escort version remained a proposal.