Vulcan Bomber Returns to the Air
October 31st, 2007Vulcan bomber XH558 (a Vulcan B2) has returned to the sky after a massive restoration effort costing approximately 6.5 million pounds.
XH558 was one of the 134 Vulcans that served with the RAF during the type’s service between 1953 and 1984. Of the 18 examples remaining intact, it is now the only example flying; the other 17 aircraft are on static display in museums in the UK, the US and Canada.
Vulcans formed part of Britain’s nuclear deterrent “V-bomber” force (along with the Valiant and Victor) during the Cold War and also served as conventional bombers during the 1982 Falklands War with Argentina when they carried out what – until then – were the longest bombing raids in history.
Around 20,000 people across the world helped to raise the funds necessary for the lengthy and complex restoration of G-VLCN, as XH558 is now registered.
The organisation responsible for the restoration, VTST (Vulcan to The Sky Trust), intends to maintain the aircraft in fully airworthy condition and to fly it at airshows and public events.
