Vulcan to the Sky Trust July Update

Since the Avro Vulcan XH558 was permanently grounded in 2015, the Vulcan to the Sky Trust, which oversees the iconic delta wing bomber, has been fundraising to build a new museum around the aircraft. Here is a recent update from the organization about the Trust’s status and the plan to relocate Vulcan XH558 after Doncaster Sheffield Airport closed in November 2022.

This month marks two years since Peel initiated their strategic review of Doncaster Sheffield Airport, leading to the airport’s closure, with the last flight departing in November 2022. At that time, the Vulcan to the Sky Trust was working on a plan to move Vulcan XH558, as they were informed prior to the strategic review that their lease to park the aircraft on Peel’s land would not be extended beyond June 2023. Fortunately, the situation changed in early 2023, and they began discussions with Peel Land & Property, which had taken over the management of the former airport site, about remaining at ex-RAF Finningley. Staying in Doncaster long-term has the clear advantage of keeping XH558 intact. Since they are legally prohibited from flying XH558, relocating would require dismantling, transporting, and reassembling the aircraft at a new location. Additionally, Mayor Ros Jones and the City of Doncaster Council prioritized reopening the airport.

In an update this month, Mayor Ros Jones acknowledged the “incredibly challenging” two years that had passed, stating, “Many thought a lease agreement with Peel would not be possible, but here we are. We now have a 125-year lease for the airport and are in the process of appointing an airport operator.” She further mentioned, “There are still several legal and due-diligence processes to complete as per our managed plan. The snap General Election created additional hurdles, but progress is being made.” The Vulcan to the Sky Trust eagerly awaits news from the City of Doncaster Council regarding the new operator, which will allow them to begin detailed discussions about XH558’s future on the site. Vulcan XH558 Engineering Last month’s newsletter mentioned that XH558 would be moved inside hangar 3 for a short period. The necessary maintenance work, which included raising the aircraft on jacks, was better suited to being done indoors, given the unpredictable UK weather. The Trust extends immense gratitude to 2Excel Aviation for allowing the use of their facility and to the City of Doncaster Council for their support. A report from Connor Sykes, one of the team members who carried out the engineering work under the guidance of XH558’s Crew Chief, ‘Taff’ Stone, is included later in this newsletter. On Friday, June 28, Vulcan XH558 was moved into 2Excel Aviation’s Hangar 3 for some much-needed maintenance on her starboard main undercarriage leg. Over the past year, the rear shock absorber had been compressing, causing the aircraft to lean slightly to the starboard side. Addressing this issue while the aircraft was outside was challenging, as it required the aircraft to be lifted on jacks. 2Excel generously allowed the use of Hangar 3 over a weekend to resolve this problem.

Names Under the Bomb-Bay Phase 1 of this campaign concluded at midnight on June 16. Phase 2 is currently live, with less than 10% of the available space remaining to place a name under XH558. Consider planning ahead for a future birthday or Christmas gift, but hurry to take advantage of this unique opportunity. The list of names from donations received during the first phase has been compiled, the name panels produced and recently attached to the underside of XH558’s bomb-bay doors. The next step is to photograph the name panels and place the images online. Once this final step of phase 1 is complete, emails will be sent to all who donated to have a name and subscribed to the Trust’s emails.

Thank you for considering a donation. Your generosity will not only help safeguard the iconic Avro Vulcan XH558 but also support the continuation of the education and outreach programs. Through these school outreach programs, the Trust aims to inspire the next generation of engineers and preserve the legacy of this important aircraft for years to come. Your valuable donation will contribute to these efforts and ensure the long-term success of the charity. Click HERE to place your donation.