The aircraft was one of nine converted to a SR2 Maritime Radar Reconnaissance configuration in 1973 and flew with 27 Sqn. For the maritime reconnaissance role the
terrain-following radar (TFR) was removed and replaced by
LORAN C equipment. XH558 was subsequently one of six Vulcans converted to the
aerial refuelling variant K2 in 1982. The aerial refuelling variant was assessed on 1 May 1982. Go-ahead for modification was given three days later and the first aircraft (XH561) made its maiden flight on 18 June 1982 and flew to Waddington five days later.