The end for Vulcan Bomber XL391
Discussion
The Vulcan really IS that big! It also has to be one of the loudest planes I have ever heard close up. I was standing at the end of the Biggin Hill runway many years ago when one of these magnificent machines let rip to get airborne for it's display. Truly awesome - my ears were shutting down! It flew directly overhead the crowd at low level with the bomb doors on the underside wide open 
That said, the Lightning was pretty damn loud and impressive too.
That said, the Lightning was pretty damn loud and impressive too.
Its a real shame that they have just scrapped it! A wonderful aircraft!
Have seen them when still operational at close quarters, as my cousin used to fly them with the RAF.
I also remember watching one do a "touch and go" at the Mildenhall air show one year!! What a fantastic sight and sound! That and the SR-71 Blackbird are my two favourite aircraft!
Have seen them when still operational at close quarters, as my cousin used to fly them with the RAF.
I also remember watching one do a "touch and go" at the Mildenhall air show one year!! What a fantastic sight and sound! That and the SR-71 Blackbird are my two favourite aircraft!
eccles said:
from what i've read on other forums, the aircraft was in a very poor state, and there was some talk of not being allowed underneath it for fear of it collapsing on your head!.....not sure how true that is, but it undoubtedly was in very poor condition.
As others have said, it was in a very bad way. The fencing around it did allow you to walk underneath one of the wings until about 2-3 years ago, even then there were bits that didn't look like they were held on by much.
GregE240 said:
Thats awful. Another piece of our manufacturing heritage down the shitter 
On a brighter note.....
How is the one they are restoring at Bruntingthorpe progressing?
www.tvoc.co.uk for latest on Vulcan XH558 at Bruntingthorpe. Make a contribution or buy something if you want to help!
Leaving aircraft outside for over 20 years is not going to do them any good - especially in salty sea air like you find at Blackpool. I'm afraid the XL391 had been doomed for many years and the chap who "bought" it in E-Bay was obviously a fool.
Although the Vulcan was impressive, the Victor was a far more capable aircraft. It could fly faster, higher and further than the Avro and could carry a heavier bomb load too.
Although the Vulcan was impressive, the Victor was a far more capable aircraft. It could fly faster, higher and further than the Avro and could carry a heavier bomb load too.
Sad to see another one bite the dust, but given the poor condition and lack of support it was in maybe it was better to see it broken up now rather than deteriorate further.
The Vulcan at Wellesbourne is also pretty impresive during its 'Thunder run'
Pic's from 2005:
telecat said:
The Victor at Elvington is quite a sight too when they taxi it at "speed".
The Vulcan at Wellesbourne is also pretty impresive during its 'Thunder run'
Pic's from 2005:
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