Vulcan XH558
Today really is a historic day. I shall tell you why:
Avro Vulcan XH558 made its first successful test flight today, lasting 31 minutes. It’s the first time she’s flown since 1992, when she flew at an air display at RAF Cranfield.
10 years of hard work, £6.5 million in public money, thousands of man hours and lot of determination has enabled XH558 to return to the skies. It is now the worlds only flying Vulcan, with two other Vulcans (XL426 and XM655) remaining in taxable condition.
I really can’t wait to see her in the flesh - she’s rumoured to take to the air show circuit next year. Nothing’s confirmed yet. Today’s flight was merely a test flight to ensure everything is how it should be, and XH558 hasn’t got its CAA permit to fly certificate yet. However, hopefully she will have it soon, and we’ll be able to see her a lot more.
From http://www.tvoc.co.uk:
“The return of Avro Vulcan XH558 to the air today in a 34-minute test flight marks the spectacular end of a 10-year effort, and the start of a brand new phase in the life of this amazing aircraft.
This huge achievement, unique in the history of aviation, owes everything to a massive team effort. The financial support of many tens of thousands of members of the public and the Heritage Lottery Fund, added to a superb contribution from Marshall of Cambridge Aerospace, the support of BAE Systems, Rolls-Royce and many other aerospace companies, and of course the Trustees and employees of the Vulcan to the Sky Trust, made this happen. “
It really has been an awesome day for British Aviation.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/help/3662494.stm
on October 21st, 2007 at 3:37 pm
was on 230 ocu at scampton 1966-70. on “f” dispersal. line sqdn, ex rigger, loved the job, especially when on “starter crew” what a buzz when those monster engines were schreeming up to take off speed from our end ,right close to married quarters!
Managed to get a trip to offutt a/f,base in ths us, “western ranger” I think they called it. not bad for an s.a.c. rigger at that time eh? even lt me have a little “drive” over chicago.
please to inform asap the next time 558 is due to go up! regards, ardent fan of my old friend the B2 vulcan
on May 10th, 2008 at 10:04 am
[...] Avro Vulcan XH558 made its first successful test flight today, lasting 31 minutes. It’s the first time she’s flown since 1992, when she flew at an air display at RAF Cranfield.2 [...]