Avro Vulcan

A few recent-ish pics of XM655 that I took last August -

Steve

An update From the latest Vulcan XH558 newsletter -

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Update on funding and hangar negotiations
The restoration of XH558 to flight owed its success to many things, but one characteristic stands out: the sheer perseverance and determination of the team.

Our small team continues to display this characteristic in the current slow but positive progress towards the new hangar. The Trust understands it is frustrating for supporters who are waiting for news. Just as soon as we have completed the formalities that will ‘start the clock’ on ground works; we will tell you here in these newsletters.

XH558 remains in excellent condition as can be confirmed from the regular maintenance tasks that our team at Doncaster carry out. Your continuing support and interest in XH558 and the work of the Trust is very much appreciated.

Our plans for the new hangar at Doncaster Sheffield Airport will ensure that we can showcase XH558 and her story as part of the history of Bomber Command’s V-Force in the Cold War, together with a series of exhibits and activities aimed at inspiring youngsters in aviation, engineering and technology.

Once we are settled and XH558 is fully protected once again, with full public access, we will turn our attention to the processes and funding model that will be needed for the restoration of Canberra WK163 to full working order.

The hangar will be a unique facility of which we will all be most proud. So yes, the journey continues to be long and arduous, but we have the determination to get there!
vulcan558

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Peter wrote:

I watched a video on the Farnborough airshows of 1958 and 1959 and the latest version of the Vulcan (B2) was on display. What I didn't appreciate was that it was designed for the LABS bombing technique and explains why it climbed so gracefully and could roll. The technique was actually displayed by the Vulcan at the show, and incidentally the Victor also did the same. It seems obvious now as LABS was all the rage then but I had always associated it with smaller aircraft.

It seems that Vulcan display pilots must have had LABS in their blood as they seemed to want to repeat the manoeuvres decades later at air shows. It would have been impressive if they had done the complete run

I think that any (equipped) bomber in service at that time was LABS capable the limitation being that the the larger aircraft such as Victor and Vulcan could not, or were not required to perform the 'Over the Shoulder' toss manoeuvre only the LABS 'loft'. In other words, at low-level and high speed they would apply full power just before 'pull-up' when the bomb would be released in 'toss' mode. The aircraft would then roll out without performing a full 180 degree.

The 'V' bombers used a 100 pound practice bomb and would have had 'Release to Service' clearance for toss bombing using this bomb but in my time on 'V's only regular high altitude releases were practiced as far as I know. Of course, as a lowly minion I was not privy to individual mission details!

The Canberra was cleared for both LABS using the 1650 and 2000 pound special weapon and using both internal and external LSBC carrying 25 pound PBs

Vulcan XM655 at a very early open day at Wellesbourne.

4th April 1993

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Return trip to Goose Bay this year