Vulcan Bomber Test flights

Over the past three days, the newly restored Vulcan bomber, based at Bruntingthorpe Airfield has been under going testing in advance of seeking CAA approval to perform flying exhibitions at airshows around the country.

The former RAF bomber, now operated by The Vulcan Operating Company, took off from Bruntingthorpe to visit RAF Cottesmore, to undertake the additional tests.

Unfortunately, during the flight to RAF Cottesmore, the pilots of the plane noticed a fire warning light.  The plane landed at Cottesmore 15 minutes earlier than expected and fire crews attended the scene, however, it was found to be a minor electrical fault causing the light to light up for no reason.  The test however, was still seen as successful.

The restored Vulcan bomber took to the skies again today, on a test flight from RAF Cottesmore.

The restored bomber from the cold war took to the air at 1.45pm to fly back to her home at Bruntingthorpe airfield just 30 miles away.  Unfortunately, the plane was once again spooked with minor technical problems, this time with the undercarriage door, causing the test flight to be cancelled.  The plane has now returned to Bruntingthorpe safely.

XH558 is the only flying example of the Vulcan bomber out of 137 that were built during the 1950s and onwards.

With around £2.7m from the Heritage Lottery Fund and individual donations from the 20,000 fans, the Vulcan certainly has the backing of a large group of people.  Even the media has followed the ongoing development as the plane seeks CAA certification.

To learn more, visit The Vulcan Operating Company website and please join and donate.

Published by: Andy Skinner