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VULCAN
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Rick
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PostPosted: Mon Jan 02, 2012 12:23 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Latest P/R from the Vulcan team:
----------------------------------------

Last flying Vulcan confirmed in excellent condition
as first phase of Winter Service inspections near completion.

Engineers from the charity that operates the last flying Vulcan have confirmed that the 51 year old aircraft is in excellent condition with no major faults discovered as the first phase of Winter Service inspections near completion. If sufficient funds can be raised to complete the service, Vulcan XH558 should be back in the air in time for her spectacular Diamond Jubilee season.

“We are nearing the end of the inspection phase of the first service package, which includes the ejection seats, canopy, flying controls and airbrakes, so have a good feel for the scope of work and the replacement parts that we need to source,” explains Vulcan to the Sky Trust engineering director Andrew Edmondson.

Like a modern car, Vulcans receive different levels of service each year. The simplest is the Intermediate service, developed by Vulcan to the Sky Trust to allow the aircraft to be maintained to the high standards required by the Civil Aviation Authority while accommodating the relatively low usage of her current life. Equivalent to a car’s oil service, the Intermediate includes inspection and lubrication of key systems and a condition and safety check. Every second year, a much larger service is conducted, known as a ‘Minor’. Next is a Minor* (Minor Star), conducted every four years, which adds a substantial number of additional inspection and maintenance operations. Beyond this, there are Minor** and Major service plans. This year’s service is a modified Minor* and will be completed in three ‘packages’.

The majority of inspection tasks in the first package are now complete and only 13 faults have been detected. These range from simple problems with corroded electrical connectors to a kinked delivery pipe within the cockpit oxygen system. “Rectification of the majority of these appears to be straightforward and we have most of the components we need in our stores,” says Edmondson. “Considering the age and technology content of this aircraft, our team of just five ground crew has done a fantastic job keeping her in excellent condition.”

In addition to the routine maintenance described by the service procedures, components that have reached the end of their installed life must be removed for refurbishment or replacement. Many of these will be sent to suppliers who have the appropriate skills, facilities and certification to carry out highly-specialist testing and repairs.

The final phase of inspection will be the Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) programme, which uses X-Ray testing (similar to a hospital) to look deep inside her metal structure to identify any cracks before they compromise her safety. Edmondson says that thanks to an airshow routine that is carefully planned to minimise airframe stress, he doesn’t expect to find any problems.

Engineering team wins new approvals

New approvals won by the Vulcan to the Sky Trust’s engineering team will make this the most efficient maintenance programme so far. The Civil Aviation Service (CAA) keeps a close watch on how XH558 is looked after to make sure that she is always maintained to the very high safety standards that are part of her Permit to Fly. Delivering this high-quality maintenance needs SQAEP – Suitably Qualified And Experienced People.

In November, the team won new SQAEP approvals that mean they can dismantle key systems. They have also been awarded the authority required to sign-off the reassembly of XH558 as components are returned and refitted without having to buy in authorised personnel from specialist firms. “It’s another significant saving in external expertise and gives us more control over timescales,” says Edmondson.

CEO thanks supporters

Funds for the service, which will cost more than £400,000, are being raised through a combination of the charity’s growing commercial activities and public donations. “We couldn’t have reached this milestone without the remarkable generosity of XH558’s supporters,” adds Vulcan to the Sky Trust chief executive, Dr Robert Pleming. “On behalf of the trustees and everyone who enjoys this amazing aircraft, I would like to thank all those who have given time and money to help keep her flying.”

To help raise the money now urgently needed to complete the service, supporters can sponsor maintenance of the brake parachutes, the braking system, the oxygen system, the fire suppression system, the ejection seats and the pneumatic system. They can also support the fascinating process of non-destructive testing and an engine-swap (replacing two of her engines with two that are in storage) that will help to keep her flying for longer by managing engine hours. Sponsors will receive a certificate and will have their names recorded on a special plaque on the famous bomb-bay doors. To choose a system (from just £15), visit www.vulcantotheskystore.co.uk/category/2012_Winter_Service_Components,i.html

Get up-close with a jet-age icon
A small number of places to spend time with the engineering team and have a special up-close technical tour of the aircraft are being auctioned on eBay to help raise the funding needed to complete the Winter Service. Auction winners will be invited to the hangar on a day when XH558 is being prepared for flight for a fascinating insight into the operation of a jet-age V-Bomber. Supporters can also visit XH558 in her original Cold-War hangar by taking part in a pre-arranged tour. To book a place, visit www.vulcantothesky.org/appearances.html

If you fancy yourself as a DIY specialist, or would just like to know more about how a Vulcan works, there is an excellent Haynes Manual packed with diagrams and period photography. Copies are available from the Vulcan to the Sky store at www.vulcantotheskystore.co.uk.

Join the community

Progress of the service will be covered in the charity’s newsletter - sign-up from www.vulcantothesky.org where you will also find more information about Vulcans and XH558. Pictures of the service will also be posted on the charity’s Facebook page www.facebook.com/pages/Vulcan-xh558. Information on how to fly your name in HRH Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee Vulcan Salute book and have it presented at Buckingham Palace is available at www.vulcansalute.org .
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Rick
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PostPosted: Sun Mar 18, 2012 10:36 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

From the later PR:

-----------------------------

The last flying Vulcan should be taking to the skies again in April as supporters dig deep to fund her
annual maintenance. More than £100,000 was raised in February, giving the charity’s Trustees the
confidence needed to send vital aircraft systems to specialist suppliers for refurbishment. To reach the
spectacular 2012 Diamond Jubilee flying season, the Trust must now raise £75,000 in March, the same in
April and £50,000 in June.
“We are just over half way through the service, heading for test flights and crew training towards the
end of April,” explained technical director Andrew Edmondson. “Our schedule is tight as the 30th
anniversary of the Falklands Conflict is approaching rapidly and we are determined to be in the air to
commemorate the remarkable Black Buck mission by Vulcan and Victor crews who helped initiate the
recapture of the islands. I’d like to personally thank everyone who has helped us get this far and hope
you will all be able to see XH558 fly during 2012.”
More than three million people are expected to enjoy the aircraft's remarkable displays during the
Diamond Jubilee season, making her one of the UK's most popular heritage attractions as well as the
most dramatic example of outstanding British engineering during the twentieth century. 2012 is also the
Diamond Jubilee of the Vulcan aircraft type and of sister V‐Force aircraft the Handley‐Page Victor, both
ground‐breaking aircraft who’s futuristic prototypes took to the air for the first time in 1952.
“We have a vast range of fantastic plans to fly this remarkable aircraft, appropriately named The Spirit of
Great Britain, during this once‐in‐a‐lifetime year,” said Vulcan to the Sky Trust chief executive Dr. Robert
Pleming. “We will be doing everything we can to raise the money we need to get there and very much
hope that everyone who values the site of her appearing low over the trees will do what they can too.”
Throughout the Jubilee season, XH558 The Spirit of Great Britain will carry a Book of Good Wishes,
recording the names and message of individuals, families and companies that would like to celebrate
Her Majesty’s Diamond Jubilee. At the end of the year, the handcrafted leather volume will be
presented at Buckingham Palace and a duplicate copy will be placed on permanent display at the
Vulcan’s visitor centre in Doncaster. To find out how to take part, visit www.vulcansalute.org.

How to help the Vulcan fly

The last flying Vulcan receives no funding from the government or the RAF. To find out how to help keep
her flying, visit www.vulcantothesky.org where there is also a history of the aircraft and a wide range of
Vulcan merchandise including the beautifully‐illustrated 50th Anniversary book and a limited number of
the highly‐regarded accounts of the Falklands mission, Vulcan 607, signed by Black Buck 1, Squadron
Leader Martin Withers DFC. Click on ‘winter service’ to find out how to fly your name on the famous
bomb bay doors and receive a commemorative certificate.

Join the Vulcan Facebook community at: www.facebook.com/pages/Vulcan‐xh558/170427449654925
Sign‐up for the weekly eNewsletter at: www.vulcantothesky.org/newsletter-sign-up.html
See XH558 and regular video updates at: www.youtube.com/user/VulcanXH558Video
You can also donate by calling 0845 5046 558 during office hours or by posting your donation to: Vulcan
to the Sky Trust (Reg. Charity 1101948), 1 & 2 Venture Court, Dodwells Road, Hinckley, Leicestershire,
LE10 3BT.
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Rick
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PostPosted: Sun Mar 18, 2012 10:57 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

While thinking about Vulcans, and having just posted the previous press release, reminded me of a little Vulcan anecdote that came my way 20 or so years ago.

I spotted a couple of pre-war cars in the undergrowth behind a former garage not far from Manchester airport, it must have been in the early 1990s. I knocked on the door of the bungalow alongside and got talking to the retired chap who lived there.

He once worked at the Avro factory at Woodford, Cheshire. He remembered Roy Chadwick, Avro designer, wandering into a hangar one day, before the designs for the Vulcan had been laid down. He asked everyone present to make a paper aeroplane and throw them down the hangar. With that done, he picked up the plane that flew furthest, and the one that flew the shortest distance, and took them away back to his drawing office apparently, perhaps to throw into the "mix" while penning a few proposals for a new bomber.

RJ
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Rick
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PostPosted: Sun Mar 18, 2012 8:36 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

PS heads-up Vulcan/Falklands programme on C4 at 8pm tonight .. 25 mins from now (or 1hr25 if you watch C4+1 Wink)

RJ
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Rick
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PostPosted: Sun Mar 18, 2012 10:21 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Rick wrote:
PS heads-up Vulcan/Falklands programme on C4 at 8pm tonight .. 25 mins from now (or 1hr25 if you watch C4+1 Wink)

RJ


Well worth watching it was too Smile

RJ
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Penman



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PostPosted: Mon Mar 19, 2012 6:03 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Hi
Interesting that they didn't even mention the other 6 Black Buck raids, 4 of which got there although one of these resulted in an emergency landing in Brazil.
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Jim.Walker



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PostPosted: Tue Mar 20, 2012 10:58 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

I agree Rick. A wonderful effort!
I can't help contrasting that with the fears some people have of driving a classic vehicle of similar age a few miles down the road. Laughing
Jim.
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Rick
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PostPosted: Wed May 30, 2012 5:45 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

A take-off had to be aborted the other day, seems two engines were badly damaged after ingesting something other than air .. today's news:

----------------

The technical team spent yesterday (Tuesday) investigating the engine damage on XH558, to determine its cause and to start assessing the timescale and cost of rectification.

We have already established that both engines No.1 and No.2 on the port side are sadly beyond repair, both having suffered blade damage and the effect of excessive heat.

The primary cause of the damage has been determined to be ingestion of silica gel desiccant bags. The most likely sequence of events was that material was ingested by No.1 engine, which surged and suffered LP compressor blade failure. Debris was then sucked into No. 2 which then also failed.

All relevant agencies and technical authorities have been informed. "We have been greatly reassured by the support from industry colleagues, and would like to thank all those who have offered help," said engineering director Andrew Edmondson.

We would also like to place on record our thanks to all at Robin Hood Airport Doncaster Sheffield for their swift and professional reaction on Monday, whilst also apologising to those affected by delays or diversions.

In accordance with normal procedures, a formal investigation into the incident has been opened, chaired by the Chairman of the Trust's Safety Review Committee.

The technical inspection has so far showed that no airframe damage was sustained, with damage being limited to the engines. The next step is to replace the damaged engines with two from the Trust's remaining stock. Timescales for a return to flight are not yet clear – we will of course update the web site with progress and give details in the e-newsletters each week.

"We are deeply sorry that this incident has happened, and at this time in 2012. The additional unplanned costs are clearly very worrying as resources are, as ever very tight" said the charity's chief executive, Dr. Robert Pleming. "We are actively working on a plan to recover our Jubilee season schedule and we will share this with you as soon as practical via the newsletter, Facebook page, Twitter feed and the web site."

With many thanks to all for continuing to support Vulcan XH558.
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XL391



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PostPosted: Mon Jun 04, 2012 11:59 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

A terrible mistake, whoever is responsible must be feeling pretty low. She is due back in the air at the start of July.
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Rick
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PostPosted: Mon Jun 04, 2012 4:38 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

XL391 wrote:
A terrible mistake, whoever is responsible must be feeling pretty low. She is due back in the air at the start of July.


They'll be left with very few spare engines I believe, which could be a problem going forward Confused

RJ
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XL391



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PostPosted: Tue Jun 12, 2012 8:04 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

1 airworthy spare. Don't know how many hours the other 2 had consumed but they're limited to 600 cycles each, a cycle being from idle to full power, half their original in service limit. Hopefully Rolls Royce will consider extending this.

Another couple of failures doesn't even bear thinking about... Crying or Very sad
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MikeEdwards



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PostPosted: Thu Jun 28, 2012 7:03 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Somehow it's very depressing that such a powerful engine can be damaged, beyond repair, by a few bags of silica gel. I (perhaps through rose-tinted spectacles) imagine they should be invincible.
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XL391



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PostPosted: Thu Jul 05, 2012 10:20 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

MikeEdwards wrote:
Somehow it's very depressing that such a powerful engine can be damaged, beyond repair, by a few bags of silica gel. I (perhaps through rose-tinted spectacles) imagine they should be invincible.


Sadly not, but she's been up again this week behaving as if nothing has happened! Hopefully down to the Air Tattoo tomorrow if the weather plays ball...
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Rick
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PostPosted: Tue Jul 10, 2012 9:41 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Good to see photos of 558 opening at Farnborough..

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2171081/RAF-icons-past-present-join-skies-worlds-airworthy-Vulcan-accompanied-Red-Arrows-Farnborough-Airshow.html

RJ
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Aar0sc



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PostPosted: Mon Jul 16, 2012 8:47 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I saw Vulcan (and a few others) yesterday at the Farnborough Air Show:











Aa
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