About
The story started with the world’s most ambitious and complex technical restoration project, an award-winning aspiration to return one of the world’s most iconic aircraft to the skies, Vulcan XH558.
The Vulcan to the Sky Trust is a charity committed to preserving and protecting two of the most iconic aircraft in British history, Avro Vulcan XH558 and English Electric Canberra WK163. These aircraft types played integral roles in the advancement of aviation and engineering technologies.
While the Vulcan is no longer allowed to fly, our primary goal is to inspire the public with this remarkable aircraft’s history and legacy. The Trust’s aims are to tell the story of the RAF, its people and the Cold War based around the V-Force and the famous Avro Vulcan XH558, and to inspire future generations to help maintain the United Kingdom’s historic role at the forefront of innovation in aviation.
In addition, we plan to return another significant heritage aircraft to flying condition, English Electric Canberra WK163. It is one of Britain’s most important jet-age aircraft, which shot into the headlines around the world in 1957 when it set a new world altitude record.
We believe that education is vital to preserving British heritage and historical knowledge. We are committed to advancing public education towards aviation and engineering heritage, and the associated social and historical contexts. We also provide access to engineering demonstrations and practical activities to promote technical knowledge and engineering skills.
As part of British heritage, we are proud to be preserving history and inspiring future generations of engineers, technicians, and aviation enthusiasts.
Our Goals
Preserve
To preserve and protect Avro Vulcan XH558 and return her to full working order for the benefit of the public and to demonstrate and display her to the public and to conserve and return to full working order other aircraft and engineering artefacts in general which are of significant heritage interest and to maintain such in a purpose-built facility.
Raise Awareness
To advance the education of the general public in Avro Vulcan XH558, in aviation and engineering heritage, in its associated provenance, historical and social context and in the strategy of deterrence, for the benefit of British heritage, and historical knowledge.
Educate
To advance the education of the general public in Avro Vulcan XH558 and other aircraft and engineering artefacts in general of significant heritage interest, in their design, engineering and technologies, operational and maintenance processes and procedures; for the benefit of British heritage, and technical knowledge and conservation, by providing access to engineering demonstrations and practical activities.
Protect
To advance the education of the general public in causes of climate change, in particular by aviation, and in the solutions being devised to mitigate these causes, by providing explanations and demonstrations.
Our Aircraft
Vulcan XH558
The Avro Vulcan is an iconic example of British aerospace engineering at its world-beating best. Its impressive list of technical achievements includes being the first successful large delta wing aircraft, leading directly to Concorde and the Space Shuttle.
It is an iconic example of that remarkable period of intense post-war innovation that made British aviation technology the envy of the world.
Canberra WK163
English Electric Canberra WK163 is one of Britains most important jet-age aircraft. She spent most of her life playing a central role in the development of advanced propulsion technologies, followed by a period with the Royal Radar Establishment, at the heart of British scientific and engineering innovation.
In 1957, she shot into the headlines around the world when a prototype Napier Double Scorpion rocket motor fired her to 70,310ft and a new world altitude record.