Warfare in News

The Vulcan to the Sky Trust has confirmed that the last airworthy Vulcan bomber - XH558 - will fly for the final time next year.

By the end of 2013, a £200,000 modification to the wings of the aircraft would be necessary to increase her flying life, and the trust has decided not to fund these "challenging modifications".

Since the closure of the RAF Lyneham base was announced in 2011, the XH558 has been based at Robin Hood Airport, Doncaster. The aircraft's first flight took place on 25 May 1960 and retired from service in 1993. It was originally built to carry nuclear weapons and used as a nuclear deterrent.

Andrew Edmonson said:

'There is no possibility of rectification if an error is made. We are not saying we cannot do it, just that it is risky so other factors must be taken into account.

'From the start of the 2014 season, it is unlikely that we could accommodate any engine failures.

'There are no more airworthy engines available, and refurbishment would be so difficult and costly that there is no possibility that it will happen.'

The Vulcan to the Sky Trust has confirmed that the last airworthy Vulcan bomber - XH558 - will fly for the final time next year. By the end of 2013, a £200,000 modification to the wings of the aircraft would be necessary to increase her flying life, and the trust has decided not to fund these "challenging modifications". Since the closure of the RAF Lyneham base was announced in 2011, the XH558 has been based at Robin Hood Airport, Doncaster. The aircraft's first flight took place on 25 May 1960 and retired from service in 1993. It was originally built to carry nuclear weapons and used as a nuclear deterrent. Andrew Edmonson said: [i]'There is no possibility of rectification if an error is made. We are not saying we cannot do it, just that it is risky so other factors must be taken into account. 'From the start of the 2014 season, it is unlikely that we could accommodate any engine failures. 'There are no more airworthy engines available, and refurbishment would be so difficult and costly that there is no possibility that it will happen.'[/i]