Warbird Information Exchange

Vulcan XH558 update and appeal

I visited Bruntingthorpe on 22nd Nov and the current situation is as
follows:

Just about every removable component has been removed, refurbished or
replaced and sealed ready for replacing. Every inspection panel has been
removed. The airframe has been thoroughly inspected and pronounced in
very good condition. It remains in the hangar on jacks while the team of
specialist engineers work on it. Work should start soon on replacing the
components which on such a complex aircraft is a mammoth task and is
unlikely to be completed before late Summer/early Autumn 2006.

Once complete and ground testing done, the first flight will take place.
The pilot is expected to be Squadron Leader Dave Thomas (Ret'd), the
last Vulcan display pilot and pilot of the last flight of XH558 when
delivered to Bruntingthorpe in 1993.

The flight envelope of the aircraft will have to be checked thoroughly
as several tons of surplus equipment will not be replaced in the
airframe thus giving different handling characteristics to other
Vulcans. A display routine will then be worked up in anticipation of
bookings for the 2007 airshow season.

Now the crunch -- around £350,000 is needed to complete the project and
although the small and very dedicated group work continuously at fund
raising, more help is needed. This can take the shape of sponsorship or
a donation -- £20 donated will give you access to the Vulcan on Sponsors
Day AND you can purchase prize draw tickets, the winner of which will be
heading for Thunder City, Capetown for a flight in a Lightning T.4
together with return flights and hotel accommodation!

Please visit www.vulcantothesky.com for more information.

Regards to all,

Terry Lee