Last air-worthy `Thunderball` Vulcan Bomber in need of restoration funding

The last remaining Vulcan Bomber, which has any chance of flying again, XH558, will roll out of her hanger at Bruntingthorpe Airfield in Leicestershire on Thursday 31st August. This will be the first time that the aircraft will have seen the light of day since October 1999.

The Vulcan to the Sky Trust, the organisation responsible for restoring the aircraft, has been working for more than seven years with the ultimate aim of her flying in the Commemoration Flypast for the 25th Anniversary of The Falklands Conflict in June 2007. The Vulcan played a crucial part in The Falklands and this would be the first time that the aircraft has flown since 1993 and would be a prelude for her to appear at Airshows and other public events for the next 15 years.

Although £2,734,00 has been secured through The Heritage Lottery Fund and a further £1,500,00 through corporate and public donations, a further £1.2 million is still required to ensure that the Vulcan is returned to flying status and, to date the search for a major benefactor or sponsor has been unsuccessful.

Former Air Chief Marshall and Chairman of the Vulcan to the Sky Trust, Sir Michael Knight, said, “ Everything is still being done to find a sponsor but time is getting very short. To be unable to finish the project when over 70% of the work has now been completed, and after so much has been given and so much achieved, is nothing short of tragic”

If a total of £1.2 million can be secured before the end of August then it will be possible to move forward to meet the targets of flying in The Falklands Commemoration flight and, ultimately, the 2007 Airshow season.

To find out more about Vulcan to the Sky and to donate or pledge money to help to get the aircraft back into the skies please call 0116 2478145 or visit vulcantotheskyclub.com

Thanks to `Richard` for the alert.

Discuss this news here...