Last flying Vulcan to take the Diamond Jubilee to the nation in a Salute to Her Majesty
With the blessing of Buckingham Palace, XH558 'The Spirit of Great Britain' will fly for millions of people across the United Kingdom, celebrating 60 years of British achievement in the year that is also the Diamond Jubilee of the Vulcan aircraft type. The Salute to Her Majesty will begin in the spring of 2012.
Throughout the Diamond Jubilee tour, XH558 will carry a bespoke, leather-bound Book of Good Wishes containing names and messages from individuals, families and businesses that have subscribed to the Salute. At the end of the season, the book will be presented at Buckingham Palace. A second copy of the book will be on display at the new Vulcan Visitor Centre in Doncaster as a permanent tribute to Her Majesty and to the brave and talented individuals who designed, flew and maintained the RAF’s peacekeeping aircraft.
“This is going to be a fabulous celebration of everything that is Great in Britain. It’s an exciting, dynamic, powerful reminder of the best that we as a nation can achieve,” enthused Vulcan to the Sky Trust CEO, Dr. Robert Pleming. “We will take this excitement to the people of the United Kingdom and provide a thoroughly British way for them to deliver their best wishes to Her Majesty.”
Vulcan XH558 is the last flying example of the V-Force – Vulcan, Victor and Valiant – and, arguably, one of the most engaging and dramatic embodiments of design and technical innovation during the Queen’s reign. When the first Vulcan flew on August 30th 1952, its futuristic delta wings and unprecedented performance were a potent symbol for the dawning of a new Elizabethan age. Today, following a remarkable restoration, the last flying Vulcan is one of the world’s most popular aircraft, followed by millions of supporters and inspiring new generations of engineers and aviators.
The Vulcan has a special relationship with the Royal Family: HRH The Duke of Edinburgh, HRH The Prince of Wales and HRH Prince Michael of Kent have each piloted a Vulcan. In recognition of this close association, yesterday’s launch of the Vulcan’s Salute to Her Majesty was attended by HRH Prince Michael of Kent. “We are most grateful to His Royal Highness for attending our event and for his kind comments about the Vulcan and our Salute to Her Majesty,” said Pleming.
Whilst no plans for an official Diamond Jubilee flypast have been announced, Vulcan to the Sky Trust would very much like to take part if such an event was to happen. In preparation, the Trust has received guidance from the Civil Aviation Authority on what it would need to grant permission for the Vulcan to fly over London. The requested safety case is now being prepared and the Trust hopes that it can bring XH558 to the people of London in this important year.
The last flying Vulcan receives no funding from Government or the RAF, so is almost entirely dependent on public generosity. To find out how to help keep her flying, visit www.vulcantothesky.org .
