Biggin Hill Air Fair 2009 - Press Release

The Avro Vulcan B2 V-bomber, airworthy again after more than 10 years of detailed restoration work at a cost in excess of £7M, has been booked to fly at the Biggin Hill International Air Fair on 27th and 28th June. Subject to final tests and safety clearances, it is planned that the massive aircraft will feature in the daily display on both weekend days.

Designed and built by AVRO, the striking delta-wing bomber, designated XH558, was the last of its kind to serve in the Royal Air Force. A total of 136 Vulcans were built including two prototypes and the aircraft was in front line service in various roles for more than 30 years. The aircraft is powered by four Rolls Royce Olympus engines, the same type used to power Concorde.

XH558 has been preserved thanks to an ever-growing list of generous sponsors and supporters. Within the charitable organisation ‘Vulcan to the Sky Trust’ the team of dedicated engineers led by Dr Robert Pleming have received substantial funds from the Heritage Lottery Fund and been backed by over 25,000 individuals world-wide who have contributed to the substantial cost of restoration and preservation.

Based at Bruntingthorpe airfield in Leicestershire, the first flight since the aircraft was de-commissioned in 1993 took place in October 2007. It flew in the display at the SBAC show at Farnborough in 2008 and is expected to feature at shows in the UK and Europe later this year.

Colin Hitchins, CEO of organisers Air Displays International, says that the sight and sound of the famous V-bomber at Biggin Hill would be a highlight of the 2009 show.

“The successful restoration of XH558 to an airworthy condition continues to be an ambitious undertaking by a dedicated and determined group of professional engineers and logistic experts. A whole new generation will benefit by seeing this aircraft perform in the air, while its appearance at Biggin Hill once again after many years will astound our visitors by its size and breathtaking performance” says Colin.