Avro Vulcan V Bomber

The Vulcan proved to be an extremely versitile aircraft. As well as the standard builds (B1, B1A, B2 and B2A) there were several Vulcans modified for specific requirements and roles.

Testbeds
Once retired from bombing duties, the less powerful B1 and B1A craft were converted to testbeds, testing engines for Concorde, the TSR2 and even the Vulcan's eventual replacement, the Panavia Tornado. This duty was not without risk, as the TSR2 test engine caught fire on the runway. Fortunately the Vulcan's crew escaped uninjured.

The test engines were slung beneath the Vulcan's bomb bay, taking advantage of the B1's high ground clearance.
TSR2 Testbed Photo from avrovulcan.org.uk

Reconnaissance - The MRR
Nine Vulcans served as Maritime radar reconnaissance between 1973 and 1983. They were adapted to carry radar equipment rather than bomb aiming naivgation, including aerials added to the fins and wingtips. Designated MRR, these Vulcans are occassionally refered to as the Vulcan SR.
Vulcan MMR (photo from avrovulcan.org.uk)

Tankers - The K2
Six Vulcan B2's were renamed K2 and adapted to become refuelling tankers to supplement the Victor fleet after the Falklands. Their massive 96,000 litre bomb bay was adapted to hold three fuel tanks, which could be used to refuel other aircraft through a single trailing drogue from the tail. They served until the end of the Vulcan's lifespan in 1984.
The K2's three huge fuel tanks (Photo from avrovulcan.org.uk)

Several intact Vulcans survive. Of these, two are in ground running condition, but only one, XH558, still flies.

Two maps have been produced showing the locations of the surviving Vulcan airframes.

It was produced for the Vulcan Scramble to support XH558, so if you find this facility useful, please support XH558 (some ideas can be found on its own lens.)

Vulcan Survivors:
Vulcan Survivors: UK

Vulcan Survivors: North America.

XH558, the only flying V Bomber, is the oldest surviving Vulcan. She is also the last capable of being restored to flight, due to corrosion on the two other survivors.

XH558 was the display Vulcan for the RAF until her retirement. She was sold, and ended up at Bruntingthorpe airfield, where she initially carried out taxi runs. Eventually she passed into the hands of the Vulcan Operating Company, who launched an ambitious campaign to return her to the skies.

After several very difficult years, facing cancellation of the project several times, they accomplished their aim, and Avro Vulcan XH558 returned to flight in early 2008.

After several flights she was successfully certified for display, and has flown at a number of airshows around the country. She was the star of the show at Farnborough 2008, and attended other airshows through the year, bringin attendance up at those shows up 20%.

She now has her own lens at http://www.squidoo.com/XH558

Ensuring her future
XH558 was nearly grounded permanently earlier this year. Saved by a pledge campaign that raised £1M in six weeks, the charity are now looking for ways to secure her future.

If you can help, or know anyone who could help with corporate sponsorship, please contact the club. Full details are on XH558's own lens http://www.squidoo.com/xh558.

Join the club
Benefits include a twice yearly colour magazine, quarterly newsletters and priviledged access to the Vulcan.

Joining fees (for individuals, but joint, and family are also available):
Uk: £24.00 (Over 60's/under 16's £21.00)
Overseas: £29.00.
This is for one year, and resubscriptions are at a discount.

For full details see their website.

More about XH558
The Vulcan Operating Company the organisation responsible for supporting and displaying XH558.
Events Diary XH558's display schedule.

XM655 is the youngest Vulcan survivor, and the third to last Vulcan produced.

After decommisioning she was flown into Wellesbourne Mountford for display. Unfortunately years of neglect took its toll, and the aircraft will never fly again. However the dedicated work of the XM655 Maintenance and Preservation Society has restored her to ground running condition.

XM655 played a crucial role in the Vulcan to the Skies campaign to get XH558 flying, by acting as a training vehicle for the crews to refresh their skills.

She displays annually at the Wings and Wheels display. However it is also possible to visit her at other times by arrangement - contact the XM655 Maintenance and Preservation Trust for details.

655 Maintenance and Preservation Society


Wings and Wheels 2009
XM655 next displays on 14th July 2009 at Wings and Wheels, based at Wellsbourne Mountford. The display will also feature classic cars and military vehicles.
Wings and Wheels 2009

RAF Vulcan Add-On for FS 2002/2004
(PC CD)

With the death of Flight Simulator (Microsoft have announced they will no longer support it) supplies of these add-ons may become rare. Sponsored by XH558 and featuring her in various colours, the simulator package is an add-on for FS 2002 to 2004.

Low Quality demo video.

Isle of Squid - a Directory of Squidoo Lenses, evaluated for content and quality.

Or submit a review of this lens to them at
The Isle of Squid

Alternatively use Everyclick to search and raise funds for XL426 with each click:
Everyclick for Vulcan Restoration Trust

Finally, Tirial& Error the author's own site is now live, with more about Vulcans and Aviation.