Handley Page was a British aircraft manufacturer founded by Frederick Handley Page in 1909. It built military aircraft and pursued civil aviation businesses, while retaining its independence through much of the consolidation of Britain's aircraft industry. The company entered voluntary liquidation in 1969 and a winding-up order followed in February 1970.[1]Records of the British Aviation IndustryRAF Museum · assets.rafmuseum.org.uk · Accessed 2026-09-13Open source details
Factories and civil activities
During the First World War Handley Page established a factory and aerodrome at Cricklewood. Housing development eventually constrained flying there, prompting the transfer of flight operations to Radlett in 1929. The company also established Handley Page Transport in 1919 and acquired the Aircraft Disposal Company in 1920. In 1948 a Reading subsidiary took over the former Miles factory and projects; production subsequently moved away from Reading and the site closed in 1963.[1]Records of the British Aviation IndustryRAF Museum · assets.rafmuseum.org.uk · Accessed 2026-09-13Open source details
Wartime aircraft
The Halifax was among the company's principal military products. It carried a substantial part of Bomber Command's wartime offensive, but its employment extended beyond bombing. Halifax aircraft also towed gliders, transported agents and served in reconnaissance duties with Coastal Command. The RAF Museum records more than 75,000 bombing sorties between 1941 and 1945. These varied duties gave the type an operational life that continued after the war in both Coastal and Transport Commands.[2]Handley Page Halifax IIRAF Museum · rafmuseum.org.uk · Accessed 2026-09-13Open source details
The Victor and final years
The jet-powered Victor entered service as a strategic nuclear bomber. Early aircraft used Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire engines, while the more powerful second version used Rolls-Royce Conways. Some carried Blue Steel stand-off missiles, and others became reconnaissance aircraft or tankers. Handley Page's financial difficulties followed its founder's death in 1962; a rescue proposal centred on Jetstream production ultimately failed. The Victor nevertheless outlived its manufacturer: Hawker Siddeley undertook the conversion of 24 second-generation aircraft into tankers, which later supported operations in the Falklands and Gulf conflicts.[3]Handley Page Victor K2 (Nose Section)RAF Museum · rafmuseum.org.uk · Accessed 2026-09-13Open source details[1]Records of the British Aviation IndustryRAF Museum · assets.rafmuseum.org.uk · Accessed 2026-09-13Open source details