Vulcan XH558 - Latest News!
Jul 21, 2010 by Ian Homer. Posted to category: General
Vulcan announces new mission to inspire young engineers
After her triumphant return to 2010 air displays at the beginning of July, Avro Vulcan XH558 will today make a much awaited return to the Farnborough International Airshow, when she will display to industry leaders in this, her Golden Anniversary year.
The Vulcan to the Sky Trust is commemorating the 50th anniversary of Vulcan XH558’s first flight by naming the aircraft “The Spirit of Great Britain”, in recognition of what she represents to both aviation and military heritage, and of the effort and determination that went into returning her to flight.
Robert Pleming, Chief Executive of VTST, says: “Our goal is now to ensure that XH558 is able to commemorate the Diamond Anniversary of the first ever flight of a Vulcan in 1952, here at the Farnborough International Airshow in 2012. Of course we would be truly delighted to participate in the celebrations of Her Majesty the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee that year as well.
“We have learnt a lot about XH558, and now know that we should be able to keep her flying for at least four more years, which will take us comfortably through 2012.”
The Vulcan to the Sky Trust is today announcing its new mission, to stimulate the interest of the young in design and engineering. Robert Pleming: “We all recognise the need to regenerate our engineering and manufacturing industries in the UK – it’s estimated that over half-a-million new skilled engineers are needed by 2017 – but what we are lacking is a way to inspire the young that design and engineering are fun and worthwhile things to do. What we have seen since starting to display the Vulcan is the hugely positive reaction of youngsters to seeing the Vulcan in flight – something that none of them had ever experienced before.”
“Our new mission will use the Vulcan to reach out to large numbers of the young, to tell them how exciting and fulfilling design and engineering can be, and propose that they seriously consider getting involved. Last year, we estimate that XH558 was seen by at least 800,000 young people 16 and under all around the UK; the way that the Vulcan can touch significant numbers of youngsters around the country is a unique and important attribute.”
The Vulcan to the Sky Trust will be backing up display appearances by the Vulcan with modern outreach activities such as virals to link the Vulcan to design and engineering involvement by the young.
In parallel, the Trust is launching an Annual Appeal and a Corporate Sponsorship campaign based on its “Inspiring the Young” mission to help pay for the £2million per annum costs of the programme.
If you are interested in talking more to discuss these possibilities and being associated with our project, then please call Michael Trotter on 07803 141483.
