Vulcan XH558
XH558 is the last flying Avro Vulcan, an iconic example of British aerospace engineering at its world-beating best. Its impressive list of technical achievements includes being the first successful large delta wing aircraft, innovations such as anti-lock brakes, and an agility that was so close to a jet fighter’s that it was given a fighter-style control column in place of the traditional bomber pilot’s yoke. The first Vulcan flew in 1952, just eleven years after the first flight of its predecessor the Avro Lancaster and the type remained in service until 1984. During that time Vulcans had carried the British nuclear deterrent, contributed to the development of Concorde and flew an 8,000 mile marathon to Port Stanley to help bring the Falklands conflict to a close.
Today, only one Vulcan is left flying: XH558, owned by the Vulcan To The Sky Trust, a Registered Charity. Returned to the air in 2007, she has become an airshow phenomenon, regularly increasing attendance by 20-40 percent. Airshow organisers talk about ‘the Vulcan Effect’ and have described the aircraft as a national treasure. Through airshows, educational programmes and other activities, XH558 is also playing an increasing role in teaching science, technology, maths and Cold War history and in inspiring the young engineers of the future.
Since May 2011, XH558 has been based in an original Vulcan Cold-War hangar at Doncaster Robin Hood Airport, where the Trust hopes to develop an education and engineering training centre alongside a centre of expertise for early jet aircraft.
Keeping her flying is of course a costly activity, so the ongoing support of her many supporters is always important. Please visit our website www.vulcantothesky.org to make a donation, set-up a standing order, purchase merchandise or register to receive news of events where you will be able to see her fly, meet her crew and purchase exclusive components, pictures and memorabilia.
