Air International 2009-01
R.Pleming - Vulcan - Delta Display Delights /Military/
Vulcan XH558 took to the air at RAF Waddington for its first public display since 1992, thanks to the efforts of the Vulcan To The Sky Trust and its many supporters. An added bonus was that the aircraft flew in trailing formation with another famous RAF bomber, the Avro Lancaster. These two aircraft were both designed by Avro's Roy Chadwick. Unfortunately, due to a technical problem the Vulcan was unable to fly on the Sunday.
A formation of two classic aircraft, the Lancaster and Vulcan, at RAF Waddington International Airshow on July 5, 2008. Incredibly, the maiden flights of these two Avro designs were only eleven years apart: 1941 and 1952 respectively. During the season, the Vulcan accumulated 35hr 55min in the air.
Vulcan XH558 blasts off from Farnborough's runway at the start of its four displays there that week in mid-July. The routine lasted six minutes, though this is planned to be extended by two minutes in 2009, when it may feature more energetic manoeuvres.
XH558 in the hangar at Bruntingthorpe where, over the winter, funds permitting, the aircraft will receive 14 and 28-day anti-deterioration work and an annual service. The engines will be swapped with spares to even out flight hours in the coming season. The Vulcan can be viewed on Sundays between 10am-4pm and on other days by groups by prior appointment. VTST is considering moving the aircraft away from Bruntingthorpe and is looking at alternative locations.