Retiring vulcan bomber to take to the skies above Woodford

Local residents will have the opportunity to see the last flying Vulcan bomber before it retires from flying later this year.

The former RAF bomber, registered as XH558, will take to the skies above Woodford Aerodrome on Saturday, 27th June, as part of the "Salute to the V-Force" farewell tour - which will see the former RAF bomber overfly every complete Vulcan, Victor and Valiant in the UK.

Each year, charity Vulcan to the Sky Trust raises more than £2 million to service and operate the aircraft, which is based at Robin Hood Airport in South Yorkshire.

The charity's chief executive, Dr. Robert Pleming said "If you don't see her this season, there will be no more opportunities to hear a Vulcan's spine-tingling howl as she climbs high into the sky for another memorable display, or to see her rolling onto her side to reveal her giant delta silhouette."

When XH558 lands for the last time at the end of a spectacular Farewell to Flight season, it will be to become the centre of a new type of education initiative.

Dr. Robert Pleming explained "XH558 is an iconic example of that remarkable period of intense post-war innovation that made British aviation technology the envy of the world. In her new life, still able to accelerate dramatically along the runway, XH558 will build on this exciting provenance to inspire and educate new generations of young people, helping to deliver the technical and aviation skills that Britain so badly needs."

There will also be a heritage centre so that enthusiasts can continue to visit the aircraft and learn about the engineering innovation and Cold War politics that brought her into existence.

The XH558 display is subject to weather and technical conditions on the day and routes may alter, subject to local conditions at the time. Visit www.vulcantothesky.org for the latest information.

In order to bring XH558 to more people in her farewell season, organisers are appealing to the public for support to help cover the £50,000 costs of delivering this tour.

Visit the dedicated Justgiving page for Woodford to make an online donation.

Photo credits Jeff Bloxham and Laurens van de Craats.

Updated: 12.20pm Thursday, 25th June.

The Vulcan XH558 is scheduled to depart from Robin Hood Airport, Doncaster at 1pm on Saturday, 27th June.

It is expected to be above Woodford at approximately 3.09pm, having previously flown above Manchester-Barton at 3pm. After Woodford it will fly on to RAF Cosford which is expected to reach at 3.23pm.
The XH558 display is subject to weather and technical conditions on the day and the route may changed as a result of local conditions at the time.

 

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Comments

Here's what readers have had to say so far. Why not add your thoughts below.

Vince Chadwick
Wednesday 24th June 2015 at 1:36 pm
It should perhaps be pointed out that there will be no public access to the former Woodford Airfield on Saturday, or any other day. It is now a demolition site owned by Harrow Estates, with security in force on the entrance gate.

The Vulcan will also be over-flying Barton airfield, Manchester, at 3pm on Saturday as part of this 'farewell tour'.
Terry Bowes
Thursday 25th June 2015 at 8:14 pm
Hopefully it will fly over the village,we will get everyone out on the Club bowling green for a look. I remember when the Falklands war was on we used to see them quite often over here as they went to Woodford.
Vince Chadwick
Friday 26th June 2015 at 11:49 am
The Vulcan will be overflying Manchester Airport as well, the Airport Authority has announced, between Barton and Woodford times.
Richard Bullock
Saturday 27th June 2015 at 11:49 am
According to the Vulcan's indicative route plan, the plan is due to turn south over the Alderley Edge bypass after passing Woodford and may even overfly Alderley Edge village itself. Don't know what altitude though.
Jon Williams
Saturday 27th June 2015 at 2:54 pm
Just gone over now !
Duncan Herald
Saturday 27th June 2015 at 3:04 pm
I stood in Chorley Hall Lane Playing Field. There was a tremendous growling noise. There it was. It seemed to be only feet above my head. Awesome. Better even that seeing Concord(e)s flight. Iconic beyond iconicism! Such potency!
Vince Chadwick
Sunday 19th July 2015 at 8:07 pm
"Better even that seeing Concord(e)s flight. Iconic beyond iconicism! Such potency!"

The Vulcan is impressive, Duncan, but Concorde was something else.... 4 Olympus engines like the Vulcan, but much more powerful versions of Olympus (the 593).... and with afterburners!