Vulcan Restoration Trust
Encyclopedia
The Vulcan Restoration Trust (Registered Charity: 1058111) is responsible for the XL426, one of three surviving live Avro Vulcan
s. Based at Southend Airport, it performed taxi
displays until 2006 when the aircraft was withdrawn for engineering works.
, originally designed and modified to carry the Blue Steel missile
. From 1984 to 1986 she performed as the official display Vulcan until her airframe required a major overhaul. She was then replaced by former K2 XH558. She was one of the last Vulcans and the last complete B2 in service, but performed as a crew trainer rather than a tanker and was not modified to a K2 build.
She was sold to Surrey-based businessman Roy Jacobsen in 1986 and flown to Southend Airport where she received a civil registration of G-VJET. After unsuccessful attempts were made to raise the funds to return her to flight she was sold to the Vulcan Restoration Trust in 1993 and operated as a taxiing display aircraft.
The target of this program is to perform engineering work that will keep XL426 running for another 20 years. It is estimated the cost of this program will be about £54,000. As of the early months of 2011, approximately £14,000 has been raised.
of Iron Maiden
was the co-pilot. He returned in December 2008 to give a talk on his aviation experiences.
, the only airworthy Vulcan
Avro Vulcan XM655
, the only other taxiable Vulcan.
Avro Vulcan
The Avro Vulcan, sometimes referred to as the Hawker Siddeley Vulcan, was a jet-powered delta wing strategic bomber, operated by the Royal Air Force from 1956 until 1984. Aircraft manufacturer A V Roe & Co designed the Vulcan in response to Specification B.35/46. Of the three V bombers produced,...
s. Based at Southend Airport, it performed taxi
Taxiing
Taxiing refers to the movement of an aircraft on the ground, under its own power, in contrast to towing or push-back where the aircraft is moved by a tug...
displays until 2006 when the aircraft was withdrawn for engineering works.
XL426
XL426 is a B2 Avro VulcanAvro Vulcan
The Avro Vulcan, sometimes referred to as the Hawker Siddeley Vulcan, was a jet-powered delta wing strategic bomber, operated by the Royal Air Force from 1956 until 1984. Aircraft manufacturer A V Roe & Co designed the Vulcan in response to Specification B.35/46. Of the three V bombers produced,...
, originally designed and modified to carry the Blue Steel missile
Blue Steel missile
The Avro Blue Steel was a British air-launched, rocket-propelled nuclear stand-off missile, built to arm the V bomber force. It was the primary British nuclear deterrent weapon until the Royal Navy started operating Polaris missile armed nuclear submarines....
. From 1984 to 1986 she performed as the official display Vulcan until her airframe required a major overhaul. She was then replaced by former K2 XH558. She was one of the last Vulcans and the last complete B2 in service, but performed as a crew trainer rather than a tanker and was not modified to a K2 build.
She was sold to Surrey-based businessman Roy Jacobsen in 1986 and flown to Southend Airport where she received a civil registration of G-VJET. After unsuccessful attempts were made to raise the funds to return her to flight she was sold to the Vulcan Restoration Trust in 1993 and operated as a taxiing display aircraft.
Return to Power
XL426 was withdrawn from taxi runs in 2006 for an extensive program of engineering works. Prior to this the aircraft was maintained in 'live' condition, receiving running maintenance.The target of this program is to perform engineering work that will keep XL426 running for another 20 years. It is estimated the cost of this program will be about £54,000. As of the early months of 2011, approximately £14,000 has been raised.
Operators
- Royal Air ForceRoyal Air ForceThe Royal Air Force is the aerial warfare service branch of the British Armed Forces. Formed on 1 April 1918, it is the oldest independent air force in the world...
- No. 83 Squadron RAFNo. 83 Squadron RAFNo. 83 Squadron RAF was a Royal Flying Corps and Royal Air Force squadron active from 1917 until 1969. It was operative during both World War I and World War II.-Establishment and early service:...
- No. 617 Squadron RAFNo. 617 Squadron RAFNo. 617 Squadron is a Royal Air Force aircraft squadron based at RAF Lossiemouth in Scotland. It currently operates the Tornado GR4 in the ground attack and reconnaissance role...
- No. 230 Operational Conversion Unit RAFNo. 230 Operational Conversion Unit RAFNo. 230 Operational Conversion Unit was first created on 15 Mar 1947 at RAF Lindholme, by re-designation of No.1653 Heavy Conversion Unit, to convert crews onto the Avro Lancaster, Avro Lincoln and de Havilland Mosquito bombers. This unit was disbanded on 15 October 1952 to become the Reserve...
- No. 50 Squadron RAFNo. 50 Squadron RAFNo. 50 Squadron was a squadron of the Royal Air Force. It was formed during the First World War as a home defence fighter squadron, and operated as a bomber squadron during the Second World War and the Cold War. It disbanded for the last time in 1984....
- No. 27 Squadron RAFNo. 27 Squadron RAFNo. 27 Squadron of the Royal Air Force operates the Boeing Chinook HC2 from RAF Odiham.-The Great War:27 Squadron formed at Hounslow Heath Aerodrome on 5 November 1915, soon being equipped with Martinsyde Elephant fighter aircraft, hence the use of an elephant for the squadron badge...
- No. 83 Squadron RAF
- Vulcan Restoration Trust
Visit the Vulcan
After withdrawing the aircraft from taxiing, the Vulcan Restoration trust now operate Open Days at Southend Airport. These Open Days include cockpit visits and guided talks around the aircraft, as well as a chance to speak to the crew.Vulcan News Magazine
The Trust also publishes Vulcan News, a 28 page glossy published twice a year. It covers news including the restoration of XH558 and interviews with crew members and engineers.Celebrity Links
For XL426's high speed run in August 2006 (her last run) Bruce DickinsonBruce Dickinson
Paul Bruce Dickinson is an English singer, songwriter, airline pilot, fencer, broadcaster, author, screenwriter, actor and marketing director, best known as the lead vocalist of the heavy metal band Iron Maiden....
of Iron Maiden
Iron Maiden
Iron Maiden are an English heavy metal band from Leyton in east London, formed in 1975 by bassist and primary songwriter Steve Harris. Since their inception, the band's discography has grown to include a total of thirty-six albums: fifteen studio albums; eleven live albums; four EPs; and six...
was the co-pilot. He returned in December 2008 to give a talk on his aviation experiences.
See also
Avro Vulcan XH558Avro Vulcan XH558
Avro Vulcan XH558 The Spirit Of Great Britain is the only airworthy example of the 134 Avro Vulcan V-bombers that were operated by the Royal Air Force from 1953 until 1984. Vulcan XH558 served with the RAF between 1960 and 1985 in the bomber, maritime reconnaissance and air-to-air refuelling roles...
, the only airworthy Vulcan
Avro Vulcan XM655
Avro Vulcan XM655
Avro Vulcan XM655 is one of two remaining taxiable Avro Vulcans. XM655 is currently owned and maintained by the 655 Maintenance & Preservation Society who keep the plane in a taxiable condition.-History:...
, the only other taxiable Vulcan.