It seems incredible that a mere 33 years separates the maiden fl ights of the Barnes Wallis-designed R.100 airship from the beautiful VC10 airliner. It is also remarkable that in 2013 the latter is still in service, albeit in dwindling numbers, but still representing a company that was formed 102 years ago! Although the VC10 was prefi xed with BAC by the time of its entry into service, the aircraft represents the rapid rise of Vickers, which actually embarked on its fi rst aeronautical project in 1908, before establishing an offi cial aviation department in 1911.