28/05/2015 XH558's Salute to the V-Force Tour

XH558's final formal visit to fly over her 'sister' Vulcan, XM655, at Wellesbourne Mountford airfield was witnessed by a huge crowd of happy enthusiasts at 1:34pm yesterday afternoon. This was the second of two nationwide 'Salute to the V-Force' flights to pay homage to every complete surviving Vulcan, Victor and Valiant nuclear bomber that provided Great Britain's strategic (latterly tactical) nuclear deterrent during the Cold War between the 1950s and 1980s.

XM655 was towed across to the Market site on the airfield especially for yesterday's event in order that visitors could make the most of the excellent car parking and viewing facilities at the eastern side of the airfield. It was appropriate that so many enthusiasts chose Wellesbourne as the place to view this spectacle as XM655 is the most originally complete as well as fully operational of the remaining Vulcans.

XH558 puts on a fine performance.
Copyright© Av Magill

Vulcan to the Sky supporters 'rattled buckets' in the car park, whilst MaPS volunteers did the same 'airside' to allow even closer access to XM655 whilst viewing XH558 in the air close overhead.

A great turnout for XH558's last official appearance at Wellesbourne>
Copyright© Bryan Hull

XH558 at her Best.
Copyright© Bryan Hull

MaPS collected £2,100 in donations during the day and I am delighted to announce that the MaPS committee immediately agreed to pass on 50% of the total collected to Vulcan to the Sky Trust to support their activities during this final flying season for the only remaining airworthy Vulcan in the world. A payment has already been made to VTTST of £1,050. MaPS committee and volunteers are very grateful to everyone who donated money yesterday!

Charles Brimson
Chairman - 655MaPS