One for the aviation fans

[Norrie]

Great to see the plane flying again..:)

 

Before my mother ( ex WRAF) died, she was doing some research on her brother, who was a Mossie pilot during WW2, and she had to go to a RAF museum, to visit their archive, this was care of the RAFA. I dont remember where it was, tho', I assume the Midlands somewhere.. Anyway, while she was there, she had a personal guided tour of a Vulcan....she phoned me that night, sounding like a young kid...she couldnt believe the immense size of the plane...and was completely impressed...:), Well done Vulcan.. and the RAFA...

[barry luxton]

On the news today, the vulcan will be flying at the Biggin hill air show this year, 7th and 8th June

[Toerag]

I remember seeing one at our battle of britain air display as a kid, it was amazing. Those were the days, when the Harrier would do it's 'bowing' trick in the middle of St.Peter Port Harbour, and the red arrows would do the 'crossovers' below the height of the harbour cranes!!

[Elton]

Just spotted this news release today:

 

HAS THE WORLD’S LAST FLYING VULCAN MADE ITS FINAL FLIGHT?

Public pledges needed NOW to save this hero of the Cold War

 

Only the further generosity of aircraft enthusiasts or major private or corporate sponsorship can now save the brave ‘Vulcan to the Sky’ project from 11th hour failure.

 

In 2007 Vulcan XH558 triumphantly took to the skies for the first time in 15 years, following a uniquely complex £7 million restoration. Last year she was the unquestionable star of airshows throughout the UK, wowing over 1.5 million delighted spectators with her unrivalled grace and pace.

 

With sufficient funds to complete a full display programme in 2009, the project could finally attain a secure financial footing, ensuring the delight of millions more enthusiasts for years to come. Without the £1 million now very urgently needed to kickstart that programme, those who so generously helped pay for the restoration and the team that worked tirelessly to achieve it will be denied their just reward.

 

How the urgently needed funds can be pledged

 

The pledges can be made by logging onto www.vulcantothesky.com or calling 0116 2478145. Even the smallest monthly commitment would be of significant help at this crucial time – eg if just 15,000 people were to pledge just £4 per month for a year (with Gift Aid), the target would be met. (NB the pledges will only be called upon when the team is confident the full target will be met.)

 

So much more than just the queen of flying displays

 

XH558 should be saved for the joy of its flying displays alone, but there are other major justifications. Firstly, as one of Britain’s great feats of engineering technology it can serve to encourage today’s students to adopt careers in the aerospace industry - it is crying out for graduates. Secondly, the aircraft is the focus of an outreach educational programme that helps teach younger generations about the Cold War, in which the Avro Vulcans played such a central and successful role.

 

Immediate action is required if this great British icon is to continue honouring the past and inspiring the future. Aside of pledging donations, supporters are also encouraged to sign the related petition which can be found at http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/vulcan-XH558/

 

[chevin]

Did you know thast in the early '60s the Americans and the RAF played a war game. It was centered on a major city. The Americans were in defence and several Vulcans were attacking. After the time in which the Americans were supposed to have spotted the Vulcans had expired, they radioed the Vulcans CO and asked them where they were. "Flying right over your city"was the reply. I can't vouch for the authenticity of that story but the guy who told me it was an officer in the RAF and I had never heard him spin any bull before then.

[Angly]

I think in the present financial climate, best they can hope for is to prep her for long term storage, so at least she can be re-certified when funds allow.

 

Did you know the Lightning was the first jet capable of Mach 1 without using reheat? (a phenomenon called 'Supercruise')

[Elton]

Here's the latest news release regarding the Vulcan:

 

HERO OF THE COLD WAR FIGHTS THE CLOCK

11th hour bid to save world’s last airworthy Vulcan gets off the ground

 

Pledges totalling £1 million are required by close of play this Friday, March 6 latest if the world’s last flying Vulcan bomber is to be saved for the nation. Today (March 3), the total stands at £662,514 leaving £337,486 to be found in just three days!

 

In the same way that the Vulcan was once scrambled to help retrieve the Falkland Isles from the Argentinians, swift and decisive action is now required to keep it in the air for the ongoing pleasure of millions, and countless volunteers are doing everything in their power to assist. A recent event saw £100,000 raised in 24 hours, so the target is clearly achievable if everybody acts immediately, and a number of 11th hour initiatives have been launched to assist the cause.

 

New initiatives include:

 

1. The chance to win a flight alongside Vulcan XH558

This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity gives four people the chance to fly alongside the world’s most charismatic military aircraft, courtesy of The Blades Aerobatic Team. Lasting 30 minutes, the flight will take the lucky winners where few have ever been – wing to wing with a Vulcan bomber. The rules are simple – the highest bid over the reserve of £44,000 wins!

 

Bids close at 10.00 am, March 6, so log onto www.savethevulcan.com now.

 

2. Help spread the word through Facebook

Yes, Vulcan XH558 now has her own page on Facebook, allowing her fans to spread the word and increase awareness of the vital and urgent fundraising activity – get blogging!

 

For general information about Vulcan XH558 and the pledge campaign, log onto www.vulcantothesky.org. The Vulcan was once on permanent standby to save us. Working together, we can now repay the debt!

 

[WickerDave]

Saved, reaching the target with an average of £100K raised every day for the last 6 days (according to a local news report) .