Vulcan Display Flight RAF
| Company type | Military unit |
|---|---|
| Industry | Aviation, Military display |
| Founded | 1984 |
| Defunct | 1993 |
| Headquarters | RAF Waddington , United Kingdom |
Area served | United Kingdom |
| Products | Avro Vulcan bomber demonstration flights |
The Vulcan Display Flight (VDF) was established by the Royal Air Force in 1984 to continue performing demonstration flights of the Avro Vulcan bomber following its retirement from operational service that year. The unit operated aircraft XL426 between 1984 and 1986, and XH558 from 1985 until its disbandment in 1993, which occurred due to reductions in defence spending.
History
Before the VDF was created, operational RAF squadrons occasionally showcased Vulcan bombers during their routine activities. Given the aircraft’s popularity as a display performer, the RAF decided to form the VDF after the last active Vulcan squadron, 50 Squadron, was disbanded. The inaugural display flight using XL426 took place on 23 May 1984 at RAF Honington during IX Squadron's Standard Presentation Parade. Throughout the 1984 season, XL426 completed over fifty display appearances.
Due to financial constraints imposed by the Ministry of Defence, it was determined that continuing the VDF was not viable, as maintaining a single aircraft type solely for display purposes could not be justified. The final flight of the unit, conducted with XH558, occurred at RAF Cranfield on 20 September 1992.
Operations
The Vulcan Display Team (VDT) operated on a volunteer basis, with its aircraft stationed at RAF Waddington. The team’s administrative parent unit was 55 Squadron, a Victor tanker squadron located at RAF Marham. To prevent inter-squadron conflicts regarding aircraft identity, the VDF’s Vulcans bore the Black Panther emblem representing No. 1 Group RAF, consistent with markings used when Vulcans were deployed overseas for exercises.
Aircraft
Initially, the VDT was assigned XL426 as its primary aircraft, with XH560 held in reserve. XL426 was among the final trio of Vulcans retained in bomber configuration within active service and had been kept for training crews destined for Vulcan tankers of 50 Squadron. As XL426 approached its flying hour limits, plans were made during the first display year to replace it with XH560. However, upon realizing that XH558 had greater remaining flight hours, that aircraft was selected instead. Previously withdrawn from service, XH558 had been stationed at Marham for parts reclamation before disposal. It was converted back to bomber specifications at Waddington and made its first display appearance at the TVS Airshow in Bournemouth in May 1985. XL426 continued flying displays until its final outing at the RAF Coningsby Open Day on 14 June 1986.
Following its retirement from display duties, XL426 was sold to the Vulcan Restoration Trust based at Southend Airport, where it remains taxiable; delivery occurred on 19 December 1986. After the VDF's dissolution, XH558 was also preserved and transported to Bruntingthorpe Aerodrome in Leicestershire on 23 March 1993. It returned to flight status in 2007 and participated as a civilian display aircraft from 2008 through the end of the 2015 season before being grounded due to engineering concerns. It continues to be maintained as a taxiable aircraft at Robin Hood Airport.
Notes
Bibliography
- Birtles, Philip. The Avro Vulcan: Britain's Cold War Warrior. London: Midland (Ian Allan Publishing), 2008. ISBN 978-1-8578-0269-6.
- Darling, Kev. RAF Strike Command 1968-2007. Casemate, 2012. ISBN 978-1-8488-4898-6.