Keywords
Citation
(2007), "The Vulcan Story", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 79 No. 1. https://doi.org/10.1108/aeat.2007.12779aae.001
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2007, Emerald Group Publishing Limited
The Vulcan Story
Peter R. March
Keywords: Jet aircraft, Aerospace engineering
The RAF's mighty delta-wing Vulcan jet bomber is an enduring image of the Cold War era. Newly restored with the help of Heritage Lottery funding, the last airworthy Vulcan B2 XH558 will in many ways fill the gap left by Concorde's retirement.
The Vulcan was one of the cornerstones of Britain's nuclear deterrent in the Cold War. In later years it was adapted for conventional bombing and saw its only active service in the Falklands War.
V-bombers – of which the Vulcan is the outstanding example – were the last large military aircraft to be British designed and manufactured. Systems and technologies first introduced on the V-bombers can still be found today on many jet aircraft.
Peter March points out that the big delta was originally conceived for a deadly mission: the nuclear bombing of the Soviet Union but it went on to serve in the conventional low and medium level bombing roles, for strategic reconnaissance and even as an air-to- air refuelling tanker.
The Vulcan holds the record of the longest bombing mission by any British military aircraft; flying 7,700 miles from Ascension Island to the Falklands and back.
The Vulcan Story is a full colour, picture-led tribute to this evocative aircraft. It is the only detailed, budget- priced account of the Vulcan's development and the story of the long battle to get XH558 back into the air.
Peter R. March is an aviation author, Photographer and Journalist. He is the Managing Editor of the RAF Yearbook and RIAT Programme for the RAF Charitable Trust Enterprises, contributing editor to Pilot and Aircraft Illustrated magazines, Editor of Ian Allan's yearly abc Military Aircraft Markings, and author of more than 50 books on aviation subjects. The Vulcan Story is published in association with the Vulcan to the Sky Trust.
Details available from: Tel: +44 (0)1453 732 423, E-mail: vcarvey@haynes-sutton.co.uk