Hi Les, I’m not even sure if this email address is still in use. I used to come along with my dad Bruce to watch you motor racing in the 70’s and have many fond memories of travelling in the old Leyland Tiger Cub (OWP 3) My dad is still with us and was wondering what happened to yourself after the motor racing days?
fraser burgess, e-mail, 13.05.2020 23:01
Hi Terry,
Can you remember on Vulcan B2's whether the centre section was in one piece from wing transport joint to wing transport joint, or was it split down the vertical centreline requiring join up at Woodford.
Regards,
Fraser.
Terry Steen, e-mail, 13.03.2018 00:17
After leaving the RAF in 1958 I found employment at A.V.Roe, Woodford Vulcan assembly, the first being Mk 1 Air Brake installations and later transfered to Night shift working on Main Gear Bay roof skinning and the Binocular ( Jet pipe end ) skinning and join up to the wing. The Vulcan structure was massively strong and designed for great bomb load capacity and flight performance. Later the assembly line became all Mk 2 aircraft some 89 were completed from 1959 to 1965.
Terry Steen, e-mail, 13.03.2018 00:16
After leaving the RAF in 1958 I found employment at A.V.Roe, Woodford Vulcan assembly, the first being Mk 1 Air Brake installations and later transfered to Night shift working on Main Gear Bay roof skinning and the Binocular ( Jet pipe end ) skinning and join up to the wing. The Vulcan structure was massively strong and designed for great bomb load capacity and flight performance. Later the assembly line became all Mk 2 aircraft some 89 were completed from 1959 to 1965.
Daniel Meakin, e-mail, 27.06.2015 09:50
The Avro 698 Vulcan is the nicest aircraft ever!
Sorry to see it go too.
Daniel Meakin, e-mail, 26.06.2015 10:40
Can I say that the Avro 698 Vulcab is a fantastic Aircraft
Don Bramwell, e-mail, 25.06.2015 20:10
Living close to Woodford at the time, I saw the 1st test flight in 1952. Something dropped off the airframe and a Meteor T7( I think ) flew beneath it presumably to have a check. I was at Farnborough in 1953 when it flew in formation with the 707s. I hope to make it to Woodford tomorrow to see the last flight. How sad.
Brian Lee, e-mail, 02.02.2015 14:16
I worked in the Instrument Bay at RAF Scampton from Jan 1966 to Jan 1968. I worked on the General Instrument systems, oxygen equipment and some safety equipment. As part of my duties I was occasionally part of the QRA servicing team preparing the Vulcan B2s in case hostilities kicked off. Went off to other postings and aircraft until 1971 when I was posted to Offutt AFB, Nebraska, USA. This time carrying out 1st line servicing and rectification on the Vulcans and other Royal Air Force aircraft that visited the base. The Vulcans were there to take part in Oilburner Exercises on the Nevada electronic bombing ranges. There is no doubt that during the period I was at Offutt that the highlight of the Offutt Open Day each year was the Vulcan Display, I remember hearing one USAF serviceman say "Look at that SOB go"!! I reckon he got that right. It is good to know that so many people have such good memories of a great aircraft.
Les Aylott, e-mail, 23.09.2014 18:50
I think it is about time I added my opinion of this quite outstanding aircraft.
I had been instructing at London UAS on the Chipmunk when I was posted to the Vulcan OCU as a student at RAF Finningley.
I remember walking around to do the external checks with Wally George before my first flight. I Thought at the time that such a large aircraft at least would not be very difficult to keep up with during the take off. That was my first mistake. Wally in his usual manner,having got me to do all the checks for start up and and made me taxy the aircraft to the runway threshold said that having got that far, that I might as well do the first take-off!
I lined up and opened up to 70% power as I was told and set off. I could not believe the acceleration from an aircraft of that size, and the unstick was more like a jump off the ground at the training fuel weight. My next shock was when I was told to turn for the climbing lane and the aircraft response to the flying controls was so positive and the controls so easy to use. That was when I instantly fell in love with the aircraft, a feeling which never changed during the years when I flew it.
It was a revelation to fly it at low level for the first time. It felt like a much smaller aircraft and the manoeuverabiliy was quite amazing, so easy to fly down the valleys etc. It was a machine that I actively looked forward to flying every time.
Nothing is perfect of course and there were shortcomings in the visibility at low level and the slight restriction looking through the windscreen because of the gold film screening. It was something that we got used to though.
I found that I very much enjoyed flying with a crew as well. I was very lucky in that I had two very good crews during my flying tours, they were all particularly good from the operating point of view and it was always an absolute pleasure to fly with them. They all worked hard to achieve the best possible operational abilities.
I was lucky enough to be allowed to do air displays which I did for quite some time. The Vulcan handled in an exceptional manner for such a large machine and it was quite something to look forward to when flying at a display. One could perform quite impressive manoeuvers for an aircraft of that size. The flying controls were light enough and also very effective. The aircraft felt surprisingly aerobatic but being pretty large it would not be difficu8lt to get into a ticklish situation if flown without sensible care. We were forbidden to roll it which was a wise restriction. Even though it would have been an easy manoeuver it would be only too easy to get into a nose low attitude during recovery and to find that the aircraft would be very difficult to recover to level flight. It would have been only too easy to overstress it.
There was plenty of latitude during a display to impress with the ability of such a large aircraft to whirl around the sky without danger and a steep wingover to the inverted at the top was always good to see as long as care was taken during the approach to the recovery mode.
I have been lucky enough to fly quite a large number of different aircraft of all types but the Vulcan still leaves me with the most unforgettable memory of one of the most impressive all round aircraft to fly. I miss it a great deal and regularly think about it and how wonderful it would be do another display followed by a series of roller landings even if it did drive the rest of the crew crackers!
Les Aylott
George Haloulakos, CFA, e-mail, 25.06.2014 21:01
The quintessential Cold War bomber that excelled in the RED FLAG war game exercises between USAF and RAF strategic aircraft. The strategy and tactics used by the Vulcan to help win the Falkland Islands War is discussed in chapter 5 of my new book. Here is the info.:
HIGH FLIGHT Aviation as a Teaching Tool for Finance, Strategy and American Exceptionalism By George A. Haloulakos, MBA, CFA ISBN: 9780-1007-2738-0 Order your copy online at: ucsandiegobookstore.com Or by phone: 858-534-4557 “Partial proceeds support aviation heritage”
Redherringz, e-mail, 27.01.2014 16:00
I used to knock off school to watch the Vulcan Concorde engine testbed fly over then head (I assume)for the Bristol channel. The engine made a noise like frying bacon as it started to accelerate away.
Ron, e-mail, 06.12.2013 18:14
Circa 1962 a Vulcan was being used as a flying test bed for the Bristol 593 engine (Concord), at the Filton/Patchway facitity. We watched from our office building after the test engine exploded rupturing a fuel tank resulting in the aircraft being destroyed by the fuel fire. One of the fire engines parked on the down slope where the fuel had leaked resulting in it also being engulfed in fire.
carl mann, e-mail, 13.09.2013 17:50
22 years 1956 78 avionics technician R.A.F. "many" hour spent on Vulcans 12 Sqd including flying Involved when "V" force went low level "Gary Powers" Flying at LOW level experience never to be foregotten
mike slingo, e-mail, 15.02.2013 08:01
I saw this aircraft taking off from an airfield in Lincolnshire when I was I young lad.it has stayed in my memory ever since. WOW I was with my dad picking up my future brother inlaw could not have impressed a young lad any better. Also only combat was in the Falklands they bombed the airfield, only one hit but that was enough to do the job.
James Snyder, e-mail, 10.01.2013 01:32
One of the most outstanding memories of my AF career was getting a tour of the interior of one of these great aircraft while TDY to Goose Bay Canada in the early 1980s.
James Snyder, e-mail, 10.01.2013 01:32
One of the most outstanding memories of my AF career was getting a tour of the interior of one of these great aircraft while TDY to Goose Bay Canada in the early 1980s.
tim, 03.12.2012 21:41
Vulcan xh558 is based at doncaster airport uk,£35 gets you a v.i.p tour of the aircraft.....
Reg Lamb, e-mail, 02.12.2012 13:17
I stood under these wonderfull aircraft at Waddington in 1964. Although at the time they were not my faverite but now I think that they and the only one left flying is the most iconic aircraft going.
Philip Oliver, e-mail, 22.04.2012 17:48
As a cadet in 1962 at Coningsby I was camped near the runway where they had practice alerts night and day,left a big impression.Granada tv did a documentary which went out on national TV,Does anyone know anything about this.
DWWhalen, e-mail, 21.03.2012 00:34
In the early 80s my pilot, Bernie Smith, and I (RSO/Nav) flew our SR-71 home from Andrews AFB after the annual "Open House". Another crew flew it in. The RAF was there with their spectacular Vulcan. I recall watching in dumbstruck awe as it took off and flew what we'd call a "low show". The performance was magnificent! The SR is normally quite the crowd pleaser, but while the Vulcan performed nobody, including us, payed any attention to our jet. The Vulcan crew could not buy a drink that evening in the club. Might be the most gorgeous aircraft ever to fly?!
Dave Hutchinson, e-mail, 19.11.2011 19:49
In 1965 we took Vulcans on detatchment From Scampton to Lossiemouth & Kinloss, sometimes on excercise and sometimes scrambled in panic when Fylingdales malfunctioned. MAGNIFICENT does not exagerate, UNBEATABLE at the time.
Ian, e-mail, 29.09.2011 19:25
I fondly remember sitting up in the cockpit of at St. Athan on the open day back in the late '70's. The guy inside was very informative & told us that the 3 crew not in the cockpit didn't have ejection seats & escaped thru a floor hatch, the one we used to enter, which was situated in front of the nosewheel. also that this hatch would not open unless the landing gear was down! Is this true or was he pulling my leg?
roger cooper, e-mail, 27.08.2011 21:43
Les Aylott your co-pilot of 1977 -1980 has been trying to find you for 30 years. You made me love flying the Vulcan and taught me more about flying than anyone else. Hence I spent 16 years as a QFI. I remember many things - F101 Voodoos, Mad Dog, Filey RNLI post card for display centre, Red Flag etc etc Please get in touch
roger cooper, e-mail, 27.08.2011 21:31
For kevin you did see a Vulcan display at Cleveland in 1979. I was the co-pilot with Les Aylott as the Captain. We were doing both Cleveland and Toronto. As I remember one day at Cleveland the weather was awful with ultra low cloud and very poor visibility.Les managed to provide an ad hoc 5 minute display -what a pilot.Les get in touch!!
Dave Langcake, e-mail, 13.06.2011 02:43
The B2's ceiling was never revealed publically but I can remember working a Vulcan B2,(Flight Watch) at FEAFOC in Singapore back in 1970 with the Pilot passing a Schedule report inflight with a FL720, That would be 72,000ft,it makes you dizzy just thinking about it, Beautiful Aircraft had 2 tours at RAF Scampton with three Vulcan Squadrons 27sqn, 83sqn and of course 617sqn, only 17yrs old it was fantastic.
Kevin Morrow, e-mail, 17.04.2011 15:15
Where is she now the XH558 at RAF Brize Norton...
Dennis Osborne, e-mail, 11.04.2011 13:57
I recall 3 vulcans practising very low formation flying for an Air Show at RNZAF Ohakea in the Nth Island, New Zealand. A most wonderful sight. BUT tell me, I have read that the max operating altitude of this aircraft ranged from 55,000 to 75,000 feet. Surely after all this time an actual max altitude should be available for public consumption. ??
Will Farrugia, e-mail, 28.03.2011 19:13
My dad was a Navigator in the Vulcan with the RAF;. I still have his fying jacket. Seved his country well as did the Vulcan. RIP Dad.
Kevin, e-mail, 27.03.2011 04:42
I remember the only time I got to see this remarkable aircraft. One performed a flyover at the Cleveland Air Show here in the states back in, I believe, 1979. I would have been 9 at the time and have had fond memories of seeing the Vulcan ever since.
Barry, 19.01.2011 13:36
This was a remarkable aircraft. Designed and built in the 1950's along with the other two "V" bombers the Vickers Valiant and the Handley Page Victor they were the longest serving of all them and as noted elsewhere were not used in anger untill near the end of their carreer, in the now famous Black Buck missions over the Falklands noted elsewhere. It is all the more noteworthy to think that Britain was able to produce three different aircraft to do effectively do the same job, it would be impossible to produce just one now.
In the early sixties the RAF used Vulcans, three from the north and three from the south, to penetrate the North American Defense System (NORAD)which came as a great shock to the Americans and Canadians. Late in their life they were still capable of out turning F15's and F16's.
Christian the B2/SR2 was capable of 640mph (Mach 0.94) with a service ceiling of 65000 ft and arange of 4500 miles.
Christian, e-mail, 16.01.2011 19:31
An amazing aircraft. Could you please tell me how fast it was?
Les Aylott, e-mail, 06.01.2011 18:23
I flew the Vulcan for some eleven years from 1969 to 1980 with a short break on the Canberra OCU in the middle of that time. I did some 100 displays worldwide and it was always a very popular machine with the spectators. I took part in the USA bombing competitions and the Red Flag exercises. It was by far my favourite aircraft in nearly 38 years flying. The performance was amazing for its size, it was reckoned to be the best "hooligan's" aircraft going!
ROBERT SYMONS, e-mail, 09.12.2010 12:29
The only station I served on with the Vulcan was Boscombe Down. What a lovely aircraft to watch. There is an ex RAF navigator living in Cape Town, and he told me of the time he was detached with his Shackleton to the USA. He saw all the American servicemen running, and on equiring what was going on, was told "The Vulcan's about to take off". The Vulcans would have a light fuel load which allowed them to virtually do a virtical climb after take off. This was just to impress their hosts.
Bert Haile, e-mail, 08.12.2010 14:43
I will allways remember the Vulcan as it flew over us on its bombing run before it dropped the H bomb, south of Christmas island what a sight,does any one remember it,I was with 12 IND,FLD,SQN,Royal Engineers.
Guillo Ambrogini, e-mail, 18.11.2010 21:19
The Vulcan's most well-known operation in the RAF, were the 8,000 mile bombing trips against the Argentine held Falkland Islands in 1982. These were the Black Buck missions. Some Vulcans were equipped with wings pylons to carry the American supplied Shrike anti-radar missile, and plans for the aircraft to carry the Skybolt were abandoned. The last Vulcan was retired from service in March 1984.
Trevor Barlow, e-mail, 14.11.2010 20:26
I had the great privilege of working on these a/c during my RAF career both the Mk1a and Mk 2 at RAF Waddington (1963-1968)and towards the end of my RAF carreer at RAF Scampton on 617 Squadron(1972-1974). I would like to correct to observation of the Vulcan at the Farnborough Airshow that made to vertical climb(John Hancock), this test bed was for the Olympus engine version(with full afterburner) to be used on the illfated TSR2 low level bomber. Beleive this test a/c suffered a engine fire and was burnt out after the TSR2 programme was cancelled.
Mike Hodges, e-mail, 07.11.2010 11:43
I worked with Australia's Dept Civil Aviation Comm Centre at Cocos Island Indian Ocean in 1965-1966 and saw several types of RAF acft incl Shackleton, Bristol Freighter, Comet, Hastings, Argosy, Britannia but none aroused more interest on the island than the Vulcan.If I remember correctly, they were enroute to Salisbury in South Aust at the time Britain was using the Weapons Research Area at Maralinga. For some reason, the pilots usually requested a "quick turnaround"; Qantas had it down to abt 20 mins
Michael Donovan, e-mail, 31.10.2010 03:23
I saw my first Vulcan in 1964 in Iceland. I have some great memories of it as it took off. It was a fascinating aircraft with a great history.
Jack Henley, 24.10.2010 23:25
I worked on the first B1 Vulcans on 230 OCU at RAF Waddington in 1956. We had four aircraft. Then when the B2s came in 1959 we did intensive flying trials on these four aircraft, with diversion to Idris Lybia, if we could not land back in the UK. Happy days, and a great aircraft to work with.
J.B.Parkinson, e-mail, 14.10.2010 20:44
As a young boy and cub scout aged about 9 in the early/mid 50's I remember going to camp at a place called Pott Shrigley, Cheshire (next to Woodford). The leader asked everyone to race to the top of a nearby hill and as we approached the top there could be heard this huge crackling roar. Everyone stopped and looked at each other and then ran with childish fascination and intrigue the short distance to the top of the hill. Exactly as we made the top, this huge bat-like being from hell, screaming and wailing passed closely (well it seemed so at the time) over our heads. This was followed by the most horrendous ground shaking, ear splitting roar. Everyone hit the deck in abject fear. On looking out from the top of the hill we could see we were at the end of the test runway of A.V.Roe, Woodford. Luckily I've retained my hearing and been a great fan of Vulcans ever since and delighted to see the XH558 (correct me I am wrong) for the last two years at the Bournemouth Air Show.
Geoff Meggs, e-mail, 24.09.2010 22:00
I last flew the Vulcan in 1976. There is one still flying, XH558, but only as long as the public support it...Help...
Steve, e-mail, 02.09.2010 21:26
The only time I saw this aircraft up close was at an air show at Homestead AFB, Fl a long time ago. I loved the way it sat way off the ground. Must have been a good ten feet. When it flew, it resembled a large "Bat". Love to see one again someday.
R Jackson, e-mail, 25.06.2010 15:54
1st proto VX770 did `fly-past's` at Farmborough 1952 - shortly after it's maiden flight. I worked at AVRO Woodford 1952-65, initially on final assy of Mk1 XA889 to XA 892, then ar Experimental where I worked on the two proto's VX770 & VX777, and later `Development' a/c as they were passed to us. One night in the early 60s, 6 0f us i.e 4 fitters, 1 inspector, and the Bristol rep, removed all 4 engines, fitted replacements, and had the aircraft ready for engine run by 7.00am the next morning, - I have often wondered if this was ever beaten. I was fortunate in 2005 while visiting UK, to be able to once again climb up into the cockpit, and sit in the LH seat of XM603 at Woodford. So Many memories of my Vulcan days.
John Hancocks, e-mail, 10.06.2010 07:33
A very memorable Farnborough air show (most were actually) where a Vulcan with a bulge underslung came low toward the crowd, suddenly a bang and a hell of a roar and the thing went up vertically, smell of kerosene was incredible. They were using it as a test bed for the Concord engine...amazing, wonderful experience!
Jim Connolly, e-mail, 09.05.2010 23:13
Have worked and flown in the Vulcan did 13 years on them from 1957 till 1981 served at Finningley Waddington Scampton Goose Bay CYPRUS WAS THE ELECTRICAL INSTRUCTER AT FINNINGLE AND WADDINGTON FROM 1969 TILL 1973 I KNOW A LOT ABOUT THIS AND IM A SUPPORTER OF VULCAN XM655 BASED AT WELLSBOURNE DO WORKN IT WHEN REQUIRED.
John Kendall, e-mail, 14.04.2010 13:34
I just watched "Thunderball" a James Bond thriller featuring the Hijacking of a Vulcan with it's compliment of Nuclear Warheads. Brings back fond memories of the Air Raid Sirens going off in the early sixties in Montreal, Quebec. It's nice to know our empire was being protected by these fine aircraft.
Jim Mahon, e-mail, 01.03.2010 09:02
As a teen I had the good fortune to witness several flight demonstrations by Vulcan aircrew who were obviously top-notch at Naval Air Station Point Mugu in California. A lightly-laden Vulcan, looking like a huge, unearthly bat, could be reefed around in truly hair-raising bank angles at low altitude, to the glorious scream, rumble, and crackle (from the ground observer's perspective, changing with aspect, distance, and throttle setting) of those engines, making the Vulcan a huge crowd favorite here. After one memorable flight, the aircrew were standing on the static line near their parked mount and my father walked up, shook their hands and exclaimed "Gentlemen, coming from an old Liberator pilot, THAT is an airplane! ." The RAF lads broke out in huge grins and began pouring out their love of their aircraft. Great memories, one of my favorites from the airshows of my youth. Long may XH558 fly!
Steve, e-mail, 26.02.2010 06:17
Bob, Yes you are correct. In the case of an emergency decamp, the rear 3 had to decamp via the crew door. The pilot and co-pilot would then eject.
Bob Musser, e-mail, 06.02.2010 21:42
Is it true that only the pilot and co-pilot had ejection capability?
Brian Carlin, e-mail, 06.02.2010 09:36
A few Vulcan Mk. B2 aircraft were specially modified during build at Woodford to carry the American Skybolt nuclear stand-off missile on pylons, one under each wing. I was posted to the Trials squadron, as an aircraft electrical technician, and looked forward to being stationed at Eglin AFB in Florida, where the trials were to be held. Sadly, just a few weeks prior to leaving for this dream posting, P.M. Harold MacMillan and JFK had a meeting, during which they decided to cancel the Skybolt. I ended up at Waddington on B1A's instead. But all in all,I had a long, enjoyable relationship with the Vulcan, both B1A and B2 marks, from its snow-white livery days to the less aristocratic camouflage paint job, and could tell many tales. One of the most beautiful aircraft ever!!!
Norman Edmondson, e-mail, 31.01.2010 13:57
Please support the only flying Vulcan XH558 on her 50th Birthday http://www.vulcantothesky.org/ she needs your support to fly in 2010
Jim Thompson, e-mail, 10.12.2009 07:34
I used to live in Lutterworth in the mid to late 1960s, not far from the RAF Bitteswell which in turn was not far from where many Vulcans were built. It also housed the Red Arrows and they would often practice right over the school playground. It was fantastic to see a Vulcan flanked in close formation on all sides by Red Arrows low over the school. It even brought conkers fights and spud gun battles to a halt.
Kieran, e-mail, 20.10.2009 15:49
Can anyone point me in the direction of some decent sized 3 view drawings o the plane, im trying to make a 3d model cheers!
Cliff Whitwell, e-mail, 17.09.2009 15:05
great to see one still flying - long may it continue. I can remember as a child listening to the Vulcan flying over my house at around 9pm every night [Knottingley, West Yorkshire area] on a regular routine. The whole house shook as they were so low - around 100'. I also remember the display's at RAF Finningley with my heart in my mouth thinking it was going to drop out of the sky during a low, slow climbing turn - fantastic!!!!
Mark Brown, e-mail, 15.09.2009 06:29
I remember seeing the white Rolls Royce test bed flying over our home in Patchway in the 70s. At the time it was testing the RB199 engine, later used on the Tornado, I vaguely remember that it was used for testing the Olympus engine as used in the Concorde, Boy was it noisy!!
paul scott, e-mail, 20.08.2009 16:02
Amazing, beautiful, outstandingly manouevrable and what a sight. I remember as a kid in 'seventies London, on the Queen's birthday, two flew with an escort of Lightnings/Phantoms over every year - a sight no more alas -our prowess/money is diverted to speed cameras, supporting refugees and MP's expenses. Sad but true!
prince, e-mail, 18.06.2009 06:21
one of the most beautiful acft made a british marvel
Keith Small, e-mail, 22.12.2008 03:32
For several years there was a feature in the main display hanger at Tern Hill (Uk) air shows. It was a model of a Vulcan B1 painted white that slid down wires and released a dart when a "player" pressed the "bomb release" switch. A good shot and the dart landed in the middle of a factory model. I tried this about 20 times over the years. Does anyone else remember this early version of an interactive similation?
g blanks, e-mail, 02.08.2008 22:47
lovely aircraft a bit noisey i lived at raf waddington in the 1960s end of the runway in M QS
Phil Nutt, e-mail, 17.05.2008 19:46
Visit: www.vulcantothesky.com and join the Vulcan to the Sky club or make a donation to keep XH558 flying. The hard work is done, she has performed well in flight tests, now we just have to get enough money to see her flying at the UK airshows this summer! If you love this plane, please make a donation!
Jim antill, e-mail, 12.11.2007 21:56
I have many memories of seeint Vulcans etc. flying around my (then) home in Warwickshire in the early and mid-60s. But the most vivid is of Farnborough, seeing the Vulcan with the red 707A and blue 707B information. The 707s then broke away and put on a spectacular display. The dates given for the 707s and Vulcan first flights don't seem to correlate with this. I have a feeling it was Farnborough 1951, and I was there the day after John Derry was killed in the DH110. However I was also at Farnborough in 49 and 50, so may be a bit confused! Can anyone straighten me out?
