Vulcan XH558 over Cottesmore 23-03-1993

The Vulcan bomber was built in the 50s as one of 3 unique V bomber designs as a cold war deterrent to the Russians. Designed as a nuclear standoff bomber until the navy took over the duty. The fleet was converted to air to air refuelling, XH558 was the last remaining airworthy example and carried on as the RAFs display plane until budget cuts meant 1992 was her last display season
. Sold to aviation enthusiast and entrepreneur David Walton to be based at his extensive ex USAF Bruntingthorpe airfield in South Leics, on her last service flight, she went on a tour of the country over her former bases on her way to being handed over. Here she is seen on a blustery day as she flies over the centre line of Cottesmore before her trademark high G climb out on full power from her RR Olympus engines (similar to Concords but without re-heat)
Destined to become a static exhibit with occasional fast taxi runs down the massive Bruntingthorpe runway, amazingly, she was eventually restored and received a CAA permit to fly at displays again, although funding uncertainties continually dog her life outside of the protection of the RAF

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• vulcan
• XH558
• Cottesmore
• RAF
• VBomber

[stapleford]

Yes they dont fly her like that these days saddly. Appologies for the shaky vid, the little lad there is my son who turns 21 in Feb!!! At least he can say he was there when the last RAF owned Vulcan flew its final mission. I have some video of her at Leicester airshow which i must transfer as well along with the TNTE Tornados departing Cottesmore in the 90s when one got very very close to the tower on its flypast!!

[robpeter1]

this is just one of the best power climbs ever, when they could still use millitary full power, awsome