Vulcan bomber to mark Diamond Jubilee with tour

The much-loved British delta-winged aircraft will fly at air shows and displays across the UK as “A Salute to Her Majesty”.

The sight of Vulcan XH558 roaring overhead will be one of the more dramatic events planned to mark the milestone.

The Vulcan to the Sky Trust bought and restored the bomber, now based at Doncaster Robin Hood airport, previously RAF Finningley. Chief executive Dr Robert Pleming said: “The trust is currently planning for the Spirit of Great Britain to visit over 30 destinations around the country, touring Britain for the Diamond Jubilee as no other icon of her era can.

“We will help to honour all that is great in Britain, particularly its aviation and engineering achievements, during the 60 years of Her Majesty’s reign.”

The Vulcan will also celebrate its own diamond jubilee next year as the plane flew for the first time on August 30, 1952, though XH558 was built in 1960.

Running costs are around £2m a year and the trust hopes to finance next year’s events through public donations.

The aircraft’s list of technical achievements included innovations like electrically powered flying controls and one of the first applications of anti-lock brakes.

Its speed and agility was close to that of a fighter and its design was used as a basis for Concorde.

The Vulcan has a special relationship with the Royal Family as the Duke of Edinburgh, Prince of Wales and Prince Michael of Kent have all piloted the plane.

Prince Michael, the Queen’s first cousin, attended the launch of the Jubilee project, at the RAF Club in London, to publicly show his support for the initiative, which has backing from a range of stars including actor David Jason, rock singer and commercial pilot Bruce Dickinson and TV personality Carol Vorderman.