Vulcan’s future “at risk”

Vulcan to the Sky Trust Chief Executive Robert Pleming says that “the situation remains dire”.

Gary Parsons - 27-Jan-2010

Key - Gary Parsons

January 27: In the latest update on the appeal to keep Vulcan B2 XH558/G-VLCN flying, Vulcan to the Sky Trust Chief Executive Robert Pleming says that “the situation remains dire”.

Work on the winter overhaul of XH558 has already begun by Marshall Aerospace at its temporary home of RAF Lyneham in Wiltshire, but Pleming says the Trust has only enough funds to cover the next five weeks – this may force redundancy notices to be issued at the beginning of February.

So far just over £180,000 has been raised, but £800,000 is needed to guarantee a 2010 display season. Pleming says that this winter servicing programme would provide enough life in the airframe to see it through its intended ten-year life, and that it would be “by far the most expensive Winter Service that XH558 will have to undergo for the foreseeable future” by putting in place the fatigue life extension modifications necessary for the remainder of its flying life.

A new target of £310,000 in new pledges by the end of February is now in place, says Pleming – he also adds that those who honour a pledge of £1,000 or more will receive an invitation for a personal visit to XH558 at RAF Lyneham.

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