Analysis
Only airworthy Vulcan bomber back in the air after 14 years
Historic bomber back in the air
On Thursday October 18th 2007 the only airworthy Vulcan bomber in the world returned to the skies over Leicestershire when Avro Vulcan XH558, having last flown 14 years ago after a 33 year career in the Royal Air Force, took to the air from Bruntingthorpe airfield for a 34-minute test flight.
AercThis achievement, unique in the history of aviation, marks the end of a 10-year effort by the Vulcan To The Sky Trust and for the past two years a team of 24 engineers have spent £6 million making the supersonic jet airworthy. It is hoped that the aircraft will become a regular sight at air shows from 2008 onwards.
Designed by A.V. Roe and Company, the Vulcan, a revolutionary delta-winged bomber, was used by the RAF from 1956 to 1984 during which time it spearheaded British nuclear and conventional bombing capability and achieved dramatic success in the 1982 Falkland conflict.
Fundraising still continues and if you would like to know more on this project please visit http://www.tvoc.co.uk.