Vulcan Sunday Service 25/01

The 2015 calendar begins with a fantastic opportunity to get up close and personal with the Vulcan XH558

The Avro Vulcan is an iconic example of British aerospace engineering at its world-beating best. The design brief was issued by the MoD in 1946 and the aircraft flew for the first time on August 30 1952, just 11 years after the first flight of its predecessor, the Avro Lancaster. Its impressive list of technical achievements includes being the first successful large delta wing aircraft (leading directly to Concorde), electrically-powered flying controls and one of the first applications of anti-lock brakes. Its speed and agility was so close to a jet fighter's that it was given a fighter-style control column in place of the traditional bomber pilot's yoke.

Success as a Cold War peacekeeper meant that the Vulcan might have flown its entire service life without ever entering combat if it hadn't been for the Falklands in 1982. During a marathon 8,000-mile flight supported by 11 Victor tankers, Martin Withers and his crew released the bombs over Port Stanley Airport that prevented Argentina operating its Mirage III fighters from the island and initiated the campaign that recaptured the Falklands. Two years later, the last Vulcans were withdrawn from service. Martin earned a Distinguished Flying Cross for his part in this action.

On Sunday January 25 we're able to offer a strictly limited 70 cars with up to 200 people access to this awesome aircraft at Robin Hood Airport, Doncaster. The great thing with Vulcan visits is that there is always something new to see even if you've been before. As part of its comprehensive inspection and lubrication schedule, panels have recently been removed allowing you the rare chance to look at the inner workings of some of the aircraft's systems which are normally hidden from view.

Ordinarily we would ask you to add your names to a list to reserve a space, but as is normal for our Vulcan visits you need to sign up directly on the XH558 page where a payment (along with some personal details) is required to secure your place on a first come, first served basis. The suggested donation is £25, this covers your car and you, additional passengers should donate £10 each. For security reasons you will need to confirm the names of everyone coming with you no less than 48 hours before the event. For this reason, the booking page will close on January 22.

A huge thanks to the Vulcan to the Sky Trust for organising this event, which we are hoping will make a significant contribution to the costs of operating the last flying example of Britain's amazing V-force aircraft. All profits from the event, including tickets and food, will go directly to the charity to help with the upkeep of this fabulous aircraft.

The itinerary for the day is:
1000h - 1100h - Arrival and parking in the hangar car park. Bacon sandwiches, tea, coffee and soft drinks to be served inside the hangar with time to wander around the aircraft and displays. Note that as with all Sunday Service meets the catering is charged separately.
1100h - 1200h - guided tour of XH558 with one of the Trust's specialist guides.
1200h - 1330h - More time to wander around the cars and the aircraft, meet members of the Vulcan team (we are hoping to have a pilot at the meet, TBC at present), explore the displays of Vulcan history (including some fascinating Falklands War stuff from the pilot's private collection) plus view and buy merchandise.
1330h - Event closes.

This is a great opportunity to eat breakfast, chat with other PHers and see this awesome machine close up. Make sure you get your name down quickly to avoid disappointment.

If you have any queries, please call the booking office on 0845 1247285.

See you there.

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[Images: Eric Coekelberghs, Jeff Bloxham, Richard Paver]