October 2007 – Vulcan XH558 Comes to life

24th September 2021 - in Articles

Vulcan XH558 had been the star of the RAF’s Vulcan Display Flight (VDF) for six years, from May 1986 to September 1992, but as a result of budget cuts the MoD decided to discontinue the VDF. She made her last flight in RAF service on 23 March 1993, when she landed at Bruntingthorpe Airfield and was handed over to her new private owner,…

September 1986 – XH558’s First Finningley Airshow Display

24th September 2021 - in Articles

35 years ago, on 20 September 1986, Vulcan XH558 performed her first display at her former base – RAF Finningley. However, performing as the display aircraft for the RAF was a role that very nearly didn’t happen, with XH558 almost ending up on the fire dump.  Air-to-Air refuelling tanker  During early 1982, Vulcan XH558 was in…

Q&A VTST Volunteer Geoff Higley

29th July 2021 - in Articles

Vulcan to the Sky volunteer Geoff Higley, who lives in Grantham, was in the airforce for 20 years as a navigator.   Here in our Q and A he chats about his experience with the XH558 and how he shares his knowledge with those who wish to know more about the Vulcan.   How…

Exercise Golden Eagle

29th July 2021 - in Articles

50 years ago, on 27 July 1971, during his Royal Air Force training to become a jet pilot, HRH Prince Charles was introduced to the Vulcan. The pilot training for The Prince of Wales was codenamed ‘Golden Eagle’.  Flt Lt Graham Heath, who was Nav Radar on the flight with the prince, shared the experience with VTST after attending an event held beneath the shadow of Vulcan…

Britain’s Nuclear Deterrent Development – Part 10

Part of the Britain's Nuclear Deterrent Development series

25th June 2021 - in Articles

On 16 July 1945, with the support of Britain, the United States had detonated the world’s first atomic weapon. In August 1949, the USSR successfully tested their first nuclear device. With the success of Operation Hurricane in October 1952, Britain had become the world’s third nuclear power.  The Atomic Energy…

Blog: VTST Volunteer Sam Scrimshaw

25th June 2021 - in Articles

When Sam Scrimshaw visited Waddington Airshow in 2013 little did he know that one of the aircraft on display would catch his attention in a way that meant that he’d dedicate so much of his free time to supporting it. Here he shares his XH558 story. We went to Waddington…