After thirteen years of work and £5 million of public donations, the most complex aircraft restoration project ever undertaken came to fruition last week when an Avro Vulcan bomber took to the air again under civil, instead of RAF ownership.
The Vulcan was developed in the 1950's as part of the U.K.'s V-Bomber nuclear deterrent force, although it only saw action in the Falklands campaign when it carried out what was at the time the longest bombing run in history. The Vulcan's huge size, power and manoeuvrability made it the star at airshows until the RAF stopped flying the aircraft in 1992.
Now the hope is that the Vulcan will once again impress and delight the public, although sponsors are desperately needed to fund the annual operating costs of £1.2 million.
all the best
Charles Toop
RAF Vulcan Display Team Photographer
