It has just been announced on BBC Look North Yorkshire and Lincolnshire that they require half a million pounds to "service and overwinter" the Vulcan to get her ready for the Queens Diamond Jubilee next year and to keep her in the air. They have announced that they will be organising hangar tours for visitors up to Christmas from her base at Doncaster Robin Hood Airport. Lesley Sounds like the NHS and the benefit system - a bottomless pit.
Sounds like the NHS and the benefit system - a bottomless pit. Craig, I think that even a Multimillionaire would wince at the running costs to keep one of these machines in flying condition. Having said that the Plane is a real eyecatcher and a credit to those who make it all possible. Regards Tom
Craig, I think that even a Multimillionaire would wince at the running costs to keep one of these machines in flying condition. Having said that the Plane is a real eyecatcher and a credit to those who make it all possible. Regards Tom I agree, Tom. It looks fantastic in the air, where it belongs but I do wonder how long people will keep giving.
I get chills every time I see or hear those engines fire up - reminds me of all the times I saw them doing touch-and-goes or low level passes up at Stornoway way back when... B) I can only hope she stays where she belongs... the flying line...
Sheffield & South Yorkshire 28 May 2012 Vulcan bomber XH558 fault causes Robin Hood Airport closure Vulcan XH558 is the last remaining airworthy aircraft of its kind in the world Continue reading the main story Related Stories Vulcan flypast at Falklands memorial Watch Vulcan commemorates bombing raid Watch Vulcan to honour Queen's Jubilee Doncaster Robin Hood Airport was forced to close after pilots on the last flying Vulcan bomber aborted take-off due to an engine fault. The aircraft, XH558, was due to take off at midday from to practise a display flight. The crew reported a fault and shut down two of its four engines before its take-off run. The South Yorkshire airport re-opened after about 90 minutes with two flights diverted, the airport confirmed. An investigation into the engine fault was now being carried out, said plane operator Vulcan to the Sky. Nuclear bomber The Cold War bomber, named Spirit of Great Britain, was due to take part in a tour of UK air shows for the Queen's Diamond Jubilee. It was not yet clear how the incident would affect the plane's display commitments, Vulcan to the Sky said.
Saw one of these at Church Fenton years ago: the only aircraft to have the Yanks going: WTF! was that!
The Vulcan has been grounded for two weeks following engine failure. It happened during a practice run ahead of the display season and the Waddington Airshow. Engine failure grounds Vulcan for two weeks | This is Lincolnshire
The technical team spent yesterday (Tuesday) investigating the engine damage on XH558, to determine its cause and to start assessing the timescale and cost of rectification. We have already established that both engines No.1 and No.2 on the port side are sadly beyond repair, both having suffered blade damage and the effect of excessive heat. The primary cause of the damage has been determined to be ingestion of silica gel desiccant bags. The most likely sequence of events was that material was ingested by No.1 engine, which surged and suffered LP compressor blade failure. Debris was then sucked into No. 2 which then also failed. All relevant agencies and technical authorities have been informed. “We have been greatly reassured by the support from industry colleagues, and would like to thank all those who have offered help,” said engineering director Andrew Edmondson. We would also like to place on record our thanks to all at Robin Hood Airport Doncaster Sheffield for their swift and professional reaction on Monday, whilst also apologising to those affected by delays or diversions. In accordance with normal procedures, a formal investigation into the incident has been opened, chaired by the Chairman of the Trust’s Safety Review Committee. The technical inspection has so far showed that no airframe damage was sustained, with damage being limited to the engines. The next step is to replace the damaged engines with two from the Trust’s remaining stock. Timescales for a return to flight are not yet clear – we will of course update the web site with progress and give details in the e-newsletters each week. “We are deeply sorry that this incident has happened, and at this time in 2012. The additional unplanned costs are clearly very worrying as resources are, as ever very tight” said the charity’s chief executive, Dr. Robert Pleming. “We are actively working on a plan to recover our Jubilee season schedule and we will share this with you as soon as practical via the newsletter, Facebook page, Twitter feed and the web site.” With many thanks to all for continuing to support Vulcan XH558. The Vulcan Team Vulcan To The Sky - Engine Damage Update
From the Telegraph, today Fri 1 June Test flight explosion leaves Vulcan Bomber grounded for Jubilee (no surprise there then). She won't be at Waddington either I'm gutted. Lesley
Great shame. At least they have spare engines that can be fitted. How long does it take to change 2 Vulcan engines and re-test?
Preflight checks come to mind.Surely it should have been recorded where the moisture absorption bags were located. They must have been fitted for moisture control during the closed season..or am I being too critical. Usually rotating plant is short/long term stored to approved engineering standards.
VULCAN BOMBER From BBC News 18 July 2012 Diamond Jubilee: Queen sees Vulcan flight in North East tour The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh have begun their official visit to the north east of England. A Vulcan bomber, first flown in 1952, the year Elizabeth became Queen, flew over their yacht before they disembarked in the Port of Sunderland. The royal couple went on to visit an exhibition celebrating the past 60 years of Wearside history. They are also due to visit South Tyneside, North Tyneside, Newcastle, Gateshead and Durham city Lovely to see the Vulcan is back in the skies again. Lesley
Amazing aircraft with an unforgettable sound....or should I say noise! I will always remember when about 20 were dispersed from Waddington whilst I was living in South Lincolnshire; just as one was disappearing into the Fenland (big sky land) distance and the noise just starting to fade...another appeared, and so it went on. Marvellous!
Vulcan has just flown over Goole on its way I presume to Robin Hood airport. Beautiful . Couldn't get my camera out in time Lesley
