Vulcan Flies At Airshow For First Time Since 1992
Wednesday 9th July 2008
The last Vulcan in an airworty condition has returned to the British airshow circuit by displaying at RAF Waddington at the weekend. Not only did the crowd see the Vulcan displaying in a wonderful return solo flight, but it also took to the skies with the only airworthy Lancaster World War II bomber, as a tribute to Avro aircraft and a feast for the eyes for all who attended the event.
The Vulcan and Lancaster Display Together at RAF Waddington
The Vulcan, designated XH558, has been restored at a cost of £6.5 million which has been assisted along the way by members of the public, the National Lottery and business. The culmination of years of hard work by all involved has resulted in one of the most iconic aircraft the RAF has ever operated returning to the skies.
Unfortunately those who could not make the Saturday display were in for a disapointment on Sunday as the aircraft was grounded due to a fault on a voltage regulator on the alternator on engine number three. A replacement unit was available however was located back at Bruntingthorpe and the decision was made not to retrieve the unit for a Sunday display. The aircraft would have flown in an operational scenario however being the only remaining Vulcan in an airworthy condition understandably the crew did not want to take any risks at all, few i am sure would blame them for that. A high speed aborted take-off was demonstrated by the aircraft however for the enjoyment of the crowd on the Sunday that apparently was a fantastic sight as the runway was also wet!
XH558 remained at Waddington for a few days after the airshow to complete further practice runs and will the head for Farnborough for a validation flight and then on to RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire to display at the International Air Tattoo. The crowds are sure to be huge to see XH558 continue her display circuit that so many members of the public have been waiting fifteen years for.
Image used with kind permission of Anna Haworth
