Avro Vulcan B2
Avro Vulcan B2 XH558 Bruntingthorpe.
Scale 1:144 Wingspan 8.85" (235 mm)
Base size 9.65" (245 mm) square
Weight not including base 32.25 ozs (935 grams)
Total number of models produced 35
The
Avro Vulcan, built by Avro at Woodford, near Manchester, spent over a
quarter of a century as the backbone of the nation's deterrent force,
also distinguishing itself in the low level strike/attack role, maritime
reconnaissance, flight refuelling tanker, and as an engine test bed. Star
of many air shows, it acted as an ambassador for the Royal Air Force all
over the world.
The design began as an exploration into aerodynamics, and ended up as
the most durable element of the famous V force. The aircraft has thoroughly
earned its place as a prominent part of the history and heritage of the
Royal Air Force.
XH558, the aircraft of the RAF Vulcan Display Flight, based at RAF Waddington,
near Lincoln, was the last flying example of this magnificent aircraft,
but was also the first B Mk2 to enter service with the RAF. XH558 first
flew on May the 21st, 1960 and began her service career with 230 OCU at
Waddington, later moving to RAF Finningley. She later served with 101,
44, 50 and 27 (Maritime Reconnaissance) Squadrons. In 1982 she returned
to 50 Squadron, modified as a B Mk2 (K) flight refuelling tanker, to be
used as a stop gap after the Falklands Campaign, when a sister Vulcan
undertook the longest bombing raid in history to attack the Port Stanley
airfield. In 1984, the era of the Vulcan came to an end with the disbandment
of the last Vulcan Squadron at Waddington, but the farsightedness of some
RAF officials meant that XH558 was reprieved from the scrapheap, and in
November 1985 she emerged from the RAF Kinloss paintshop in her now well
known glossy camouflage finish.
XH558 is 99ft 11 in long, has a wingspan of 111 ft, a maximum speed of
Mach 0.9, a service ceiling of 60,000ft, and a range of 4600 miles at
high level (without refuelling), and is powered by four Rolls-Royce Bristol
Olympus engines delivering 18,000 Ibs of thrust each. The Olympus engine
used in the supersonic Concorde, and Vulcan aircraft acted as flying test
beds for this civilian version of the Olympus, and also the RB engine
as used in the Vulcan's replacement, the Panavia Tornado.
