Where is XH558 now?
Doncaster Sheffield Airport
Though it hasn’t flown in nearly five years, the XH558 is now the last surviving airworthy Vulcan bomber and is based at Doncaster Sheffield Airport which has become a memorial to its era.
Will XH558 ever fly again?
The last airworthy Vulcan, the XH558 was renamed ‘The Spirit of Great Britain’ and returned to the skies in 2007. And, probably, the last of the Vulcans will never fly again… But its journey is not yet over. Dr Robert Pleming is chief executive of the Vulcan to the Sky Trust. From an early age, flying was in his blood.
Where is the Vulcan XH558 kept?
Vulcan XH558 is based at Doncaster Sheffield Airport ahead of becoming the centrepiece of a new visitor centre. Richard Clarke, from Leicestershire-based charity Vulcan to the Sky Trust, which maintained and operated the aircraft, said the bomber has always been the “people’s aircraft”.
Can you visit Vulcan XH558?
The story of Vulcan XH558: her RAF career, restoration to flight and operation in air displays. Visitors will be able to watch and take part in demonstrations and hands-on activities – the Tinkering Zone.
When was XH558 built?
May 1960
Royal Air Force A total of 136 Vulcans were produced at Woodford Aerodrome between 1956 and 1965, with the first entering operational service on 20 May 1957. XH558 was the first of the upgraded B2 version to enter service with the RAF, making its maiden flight from Woodford on 25 May 1960, and being delivered to No.
Why was XH558 grounded?
From 2011 it moved to a new year-round base at the commercial Doncaster Sheffield Airport. The prospect of grounding and sale due to lack of funds was regularly averted, and XH558 flew long enough for fundamental engineering life-expectancy issues to become the main threat to continued operation.
Are there any Vulcan bombers left?
The Avro Vulcan is a British jet-engine strategic bomber operated by the Royal Air Force from 1956 until 1984. Of the 134 production Vulcans built, 19 survive today. None are airworthy, although three (XH558, XL426 and XM655) are in taxiable condition.
What has happened to Vulcan XH558?
Through a combination of public donations and lottery funding, it was restored to airworthy condition by the Vulcan To The Sky Trust, who returned it to flight on 18 October 2007. Since its last flight, XH558 is now kept in taxiable condition, in common with two of the other surviving Vulcans, XL426 and XM655.
Does Vulcan have your name?
Have your name inscribed on the wings of the iconic Vulcan Bomber22nd March 2018. Names will be added permanently to the underside of Vulcan XH558’s Wing and each dedication comes with a personalised certificate that acts as a commemorative receipt for the requested donation of £30.
When did XH558 retire?
XH558 is an aircraft of many firsts and lasts. On 1 June 1960, just one week after her test flight, XH558 was the first Vulcan B. 2 to enter RAF service. She went on to become the RAF’s longest serving Vulcan and was the very last Vulcan to retire from RAF service on 23 March 1993.
When did the Vulcan XH558 come into service?
That aircraft was immediately taken to Boscombe Down for engine and performance trials by Avro and Bristol Siddeley. XH558 was therefore allocated to be the first B.2 aircraft ready for service delivery and made her maiden flight at Woodford on 25 May 1960.
When was the last time a Vulcan flew?
It last flew on 28 October 2015. Vulcan XH558 first flew in 1960, and was one of the few examples converted for a maritime reconnaissance role in 1973, and then again as an air-to-air refuelling tanker in 1982. After withdrawal in 1984 it continued with the RAF’s Vulcan Display Flight, performing until 1992.
Is the spirit of Great Britain an Avro Vulcan?
Avro Vulcan XH558 (civil aircraft registration G-VLCN) The Spirit Of Great Britain is the only airworthy example of the 134 Avro Vulcan V bombers that were operated by the Royal Air Force from 1953 until 1984. Vulcan XH558 served with the RAF between 1960 and 1985 in the bomber, maritime reconnaissance and air-to-air refuelling roles.
What can you do at Vulcan to the sky?
Technical innovations in the British aircraft of the time and the weapons they carried. The story of Vulcan XH558: her RAF career, restoration to flight and operation in air displays. Visitors will be able to watch and take part in demonstrations and hands-on activities – the Tinkering Zone.