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Vulcan XH558

From the Vulcan Trust:

Final Flight Confirmed

Following the positive negotiations with the airport that we announced on Friday, a final flight has been confirmed but with substantial restrictions. To absolutely guarantee that there is no disruption to their operations from the crowds that are expected, their primary requirement is that the flight takes place at very short notice.

We have agreed to this with regret because we believe it is important to have a symbolic end to flying, which is professionally recorded and made available to you as video and stills, but understanding the disappointment that it will rightly bring to all those who have generously supported XH558 and would like to see the final touch-down.

As discussed previously, any delays to commercial flights due to congestion around the airport will be extremely expensive for them and they will have no choice but to pass those costs on to the Trust, which would have a dramatic impact on the future of XH558. It is for this reason that our original plans for an event around the final flight had to be cancelled with apologies to all those who deserve to be there. Thank you again for understanding this difficult position.

We have used almost all the available flying hours taking her to you, across the UK this year, flying more than 50% longer than in any previous year, with many thanks to Marshall Aerospace, the Civil Aviation Authority, and K M Dastur, our aviation insurance brokers, for agreeing this extension.

After such a fabulous year, we have only a handful of minutes left, so the final flight will be around 15 minutes with no display, simply saying Farewell to the Skies.

We are still negotiating exactly how much notice can be provided, requesting a reasonable relaxation of the original very strict requirement. Do please keep a close eye on our social media – Facebook Vulcan XH558 and Twitter @XH558 (repeated on our website) – for updates and for details of how to see the flight live, online.
 
Which now leaves us in a weird situation. As far as I know, there are no aircraft in the world that were built in Britain and are powered by four British jet engines.
 
What an amazing aircraft. I am not sure why the last flight could not have been up the Mall as a tribute to an amazing piece of aviation history. I think its time to watch Thunderball again!
 
What an amazing aircraft. I am not sure why the last flight could not have been up the Mall as a tribute to an amazing piece of aviation history. I think its time to watch Thunderball again!

It's all explained in my earlier post with the email from the Vulcan Trust. A real shame but completely understandable.
 
Which now leaves us in a weird situation. As far as I know, there are no aircraft in the world that were built in Britain and are powered by four British jet engines.

I don`t think that is weird but it is terribly sad when you consider what could have been, bearing in mind the advanced state of our aerospace industry in the late forties and fifties.

So possibly the Lancaster is the only British four engined aircraft still flying with any type of British engine?
 
Did anyone see the "illegal" roll that the Vulcan apparently did on its last flight?
There's a bit of a flap about it.
 
If they were putting lives at risk by doing an illegal manoeuvre, then yes, an investigation must take place and those responsible held to account. It's an old aircraft at the end of its life, so it was pretty bloody stupid and dangerous.

And to me, it typifies the worst in RAF/ex-RAF officers.
 
They can heavily fine the Vulcan trust, and that could be the end of it all. I doubt there'd be many smilies doing the rounds on forums then.

A few years ago a Victor at Bruntinthorpe went airborne for a few seconds while on a fast taxi run. The crew's explanation was believed, and no further action was taken. I can't see that being the case here.
 
The latest from the Vulcan Trust is that they're in discussions to assist in returning a Mosquito to the sky. I think that'll win support here!

http://www.peoplesmosquito.org.uk/2015/11/13/collaboration-with-the-vulcan-to-the-sky-trust/

Very interesting project as I think 'return to the sky' actually translates as 'build a new Mossie'. They were made of Balsa /Birch /Spruce Composite and I don't think they were designed to last long.

However, once you have gone to all the trouble of stressing a new one and had the tooling manufactured, why not make 10?

Perhaps all the old design data still exists...
 
I can't get the link at the moment.

Do I not recall reading on the net that there is a company in NZ that has built or is building a new one? A lot of trial and error in perfecting the moulds/stresses for the plywood.

Something tells me that there was a connection with the film director fellow who is remaking The Dambusters.
 


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