After the RAF Waddington Airshow what do our American friends think of XH558 Vulcan Bomber in view of her age.

Question

After the RAF Waddington Airshow what do our American friends think of XH558 Vulcan Bomber in view of her age.

Answer 1

Although I now live (and fly) in the US, I was born and raised in High Wycombe. I not only remember seeing the Vulcans at air shows, but also my favourite, the Lightning, back in the 70's!

Americans love to boast about the climb performance of the F-15, not realising that the Lightning could out-climb it when it was in service in the 1960's and 70's!

If the TSR2 had made it into service we would have had smart bombs in the 1960's too!

Answer 2

A sight to behold ! truly awesome ..

Answer 3

As a brit it's the second most beautiful sight and sound in aviation after the Spitfire, not to mention what the Vulcan does to your internal organs

Answer 4

With suitable offensive and defensive electronics upgrades, and probably some new high-bypass turbofans-Vulcans could've have remained operational as long as the B52H (which is currently expected to remain in service until 2030 or so-making the airframes almost 70 years old.)

Answer 5

This apart from Merlin powered aircraft makes anyone who sees it go WOW!

Answer 6

For an instrument of Death the Vulcan Bomber is a thing of beauty. One of the most beautifull bombers ever conceived.

Answer 7

Unfortunately, I can't travel to see the Vulcan in person but I've been grabbing any footage or photos that I can find and reading anything about the restoration. I think it's a spectacular aircraft and I'm glad someone's managed to keep one flying. The Vulcan's age isn't quite so terrible, especially considering the fact that we continue to upgrade and use the B-52 operationally. Large bombers are horribly expensive, which tends to relegate them to scrapheaps and static displays outside of museums. The restoration was a very impressive project and I'm glad they got her flying successfully. I hope that plane has many years ahead.