Avro Vulcan B.2 XH558

Strategic bomber By: Avro / Hawker Siddeley Aviation Origin: United Kingdom First Flight: 1952 Part of: Avro Vulcan series

About This Aircraft

The Avro Vulcan XH558, known as "The Spirit of Great Britain," is a distinctive delta-wing strategic bomber that served as one of Britain's primary nuclear deterrent aircraft during the Cold War. Originally built in 1960, XH558 holds the unique distinction of being the world's only airworthy Vulcan bomber. This four-engine jet aircraft features the Vulcan's characteristic triangular delta wing design, which gave it exceptional high-altitude performance and a distinctive howling engine sound that became its signature. Powered by four Rolls-Royce Olympus turbojet engines, the aircraft has a wingspan of 111 feet and can reach speeds of up to Mach 0.96. XH558 served with the Royal Air Force from 1960 to 1993, initially as part of Britain's V-bomber force alongside the Vickers Valiant and Handley Page Victor. During its operational service, it was converted from its original nuclear strike role to conventional bombing and later to aerial refueling duties. The aircraft saw active service during the 1982 Falklands War as part of the Black Buck raids. After retirement from military service, XH558 was restored to flight status through the dedicated efforts of the Vulcan to the Sky Trust. From 2007 to 2015, it thrilled airshow audiences across the UK as the centerpiece of many aviation displays, providing a living link to Cold War aviation history. The aircraft was permanently grounded in 2015 due to technical challenges and the complexity of maintaining such a unique vintage aircraft. Today, XH558 remains on static display at Robin Hood Airport Doncaster Sheffield, where it continues to serve as an important piece of British aviation heritage and a testament to the engineering achievements of the 1950s delta-wing bomber program.

Specifications

Engine: Four Bristol Siddeley Olympus 201 turbojets, 17,000 lbf (76 kN) thrust each, or Olympus 301, 20,000 lbf (89 kN) thrust each | Wingspan: 111 ft (33.83 m) | Length: 99 ft 11 in (30.45 m) without probe / 105 ft 6 in (32.16 m) with probe | Height: 27 ft 1 in (8.26 m) | Max Takeoff Weight: Approx. 204,000 lb (92,533 kg) to 250,000 lb (113,398 kg) | Max Speed: Mach 0.93 (approx. 645 mph / 1,038 km/h) at altitude | Range: 4,603 miles (7,408 km) | Service Ceiling: Up to 60,000 ft (18,000 m) | Armament: 1 x Blue Steel standoff missile or 1 x free-fall nuclear bomb or 21 x 1,000 lb (454 kg) conventional bombs

Museums Featuring This Aircraft

Exhibits can change. To avoid disappointment, before visiting, please check the museum website for up-to-date exhibit listings.

Currently, we don't have specific museum listings for the Avro Vulcan B.2 XH558. Many museums may feature this aircraft as part of broader collections.

Charities & Restoration Trusts

Vulcan to the Sky Trust

Type: Restoration Trust

The Vulcan to the Sky Trust is a charitable organisation dedicated to preserving the iconic Avro Vulcan XH558, the last airworthy example of this all-British V-Force bomber. The Trust's core mission is twofold: to honour the legacy of the Royal Air Force personnel who served during the Cold War and to inspire future generations by showcasing British engineering excellence.

For several years, the Trust was renowned for operating XH558, thrilling millions at airshows across the United Kingdom. Following the aircraft's final flight in 2015, the Trust has focused on creating a permanent home for the Vulcan at Doncaster Sheffield Airport. This new visitor attraction, known as "The Vulcan Experience," will serve as a heritage and educational centre. The facility aims to tell the compelling story of the Cold War and the V-Force, with the Vulcan XH558 as its centrepiece.

A significant aspect of the Trust's work is its commitment to education. It actively engages with young people through various STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths) initiatives, using the Vulcan's innovative design to spark interest in aviation and aerospace. The planned "Vulcan Experience" will further this educational mission, incorporating a Green Technology Hub to explore solutions to climate change and an academy for 14–18-year-olds focused on aviation skills.

Through public donations and strategic partnerships, the Vulcan to the Sky Trust is working to ensure that the legacy of the Avro Vulcan XH558 continues to inspire for years to come. The "Vulcan Experience" will not only be a tribute to the past but also a beacon for the future of British aviation and engineering.

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Avro Vulcan B.2 XH558

About This Aircraft

Specifications

Museums Featuring This Aircraft

Further Reading

Avro Type 698 Vulcan: The Secrets Behind Its Design and Development

Avro Vulcan B.Mk2: A Place in History, 1960–84

Avro Vulcan Manual: 1952 Onwards (Owners' Workshop Manual)

Operation Black Buck 1982: The Vulcans' extraordinary Falklands War raids: 37 (Air Campaign)

The Avro Vulcan: A History

The Vulcan Story

V Bombers: Vulcan, Valiant & Victor

Vulcan 607

Vulcan Boys: From the Cold War to the Falklands

Charities & Restoration Trusts

Vulcan to the Sky Trust

Knowledge Base Articles

Vulcan B.1 vs B.2: Key Differences

About This Aircraft

Specifications

Museums Featuring This Aircraft

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Further Reading

Charities & Restoration Trusts

Knowledge Base Articles