The Avro Vulcan: Beauty, Power, and a Touch of Menace

In the annals of aviation history, few aircraft possess the sheer charisma and mystique of the Avro Vulcan. Its iconic delta wing, thundering engines, and pivotal role in the Cold War era make it a legend that continues to captivate aviation enthusiasts and historians alike. In this comprehensive exploration, we delve deep into the Avro Vulcan's origins, design, operational history, and enduring legacy as the centerpiece of Britain's V-Bomber force.
The Vulcan's story begins in the aftermath of World War II, as the specter of the Cold War loomed large. The Royal Air Force sought a new generation of strategic bombers capable of delivering nuclear payloads to the heart of the Soviet Union. A.V. Roe, or Avro, responded with a groundbreaking design that would revolutionize bomber aviation: the delta wing.
The Vulcan's delta wing, a sleek triangular shape, was a technological marvel. Its aerodynamic efficiency allowed for high-speed flight and exceptional range, essential attributes for a nuclear deterrent. The wing's large internal volume also provided ample space for fuel and bomb bays, making the Vulcan a formidable weapons platform.
The Vulcan's four powerful Rolls-Royce Olympus turbojet engines propelled it to speeds exceeding 600 miles per hour, enabling it to penetrate enemy airspace and deliver its devastating payload. Its impressive range of over 4,000 miles meant that the Vulcan could reach targets deep within the Soviet Union and return safely to base.
The Avro Vulcan, with its delta wing, powerful engines, and crucial role in the Cold War, stands as a testament to British engineering ingenuity and aviation prowess. Its operational history, from Cold War patrols to combat missions in the Falklands, underscores its versatility and enduring legacy. As we reflect on the Vulcan's remarkable journey, we are reminded of its pivotal role in shaping the course of history and its enduring impact on the world of aviation. The Vulcan's roar may be silent now, but its legend lives on, inspiring generations to come.

General characteristics

Crew: 5 (pilot, co-pilot, AEO, Navigator Radar, Navigator Plotter)
Length: 97 ft 1 in (29.59 m)
Wingspan: 99 ft 5 in (30.30 m)
Height: 26 ft 6 in (8.08 m)
Wing area: 3,554 sq ft (330.2 m2)
Airfoil: root: NACA 0010 mod.; tip: NACA 0008 mod.
Empty weight: 83,573 lb (37,908 kg) equipped and crewed
Max takeoff weight: 170,000 lb (77,111 kg)
Fuel capacity: 9,280 imp gal (11,140 US gal; 42,200 l); 74,240 lb (33,675 kg)
Powerplant: 4 × Bristol Olympus Mk.101 / Mk.102 / Mk.104 twin-spool turbojet engines, 11,000 lbf (49 kN) thrust each
Performance

Maximum speed: 561 kn (646 mph, 1,039 km/h) at altitude
Maximum speed: Mach 0.96
Cruise speed: 493 kn (567 mph, 913 km/h) / M0.86 at 45,000 feet (14,000 m)
Range: 2,265 nmi (2,607 mi, 4,195 km)
Service ceiling: 55,000 ft (17,000 m)
Thrust/weight: 0.31
Armament
21 × 1,000 pounds (454 kg) of conventional bombs
1 × Blue Danube nuclear gravity bomb
1 × Violet Club 400 kt nuclear gravity bomb
1 × U.S. Mark 5 nuclear gravity bomb supplied under Project E
1 × Yellow Sun Mk.1 400 kt nuclear gravity bomb
1 × Yellow Sun Mk.2 1.1 Mt thermonuclear gravity bomb
1 × Red Beard nuclear gravity bomb
1 × WE.177B parachute-retarded nuclear gravity bomb

#aviation #aircraft #vulcan

[BradSmits]

One of my best friends was a Vulcan pilot. Absolute legend of a bloke. RIP John.

[frasermcburney]

I WAS LUCKY ENOUGH TO SEE THE VULCAN FLY IN CANADA SHE WAS AT THE AIR SHOW IN BRITISH COLUMBIA . WHAT A AMAZING AIR CRAFT SHE WAS.

[davemarsden]

I saw the Vulcan at Woodford airshow in the 80s as a boy. A low flyover with the bomb bay doors open is etched in my memory and my ears. To this day it's probably the loudest sound I've experienced. Was lucky to see the airplane once again by chance over Windermere on its farewell tour. Its incredible silhouette slid out to full delta from thin profile as it rolled and turned across the top end of the lake.

[frankanderson]

‘An air show isn’t an air show without a Vulcan’. He’s so right. It’s a very unique and a perfect display aircraft. I was lucky to see one and hearing that creepy howl and the vibrations as it flew overhead, there’s nothing else like it.

[robtheplod]

The Vulcan at air shows was always the star... the menacing sight and that awesome howl!!!

[paulybassman]

40:25 Nevermind the Vulcan. I had that Garage, multi-storey, ding ding, elevator thing 😂😂😂

[DaiElsan]

I saw a last service Vulcan do a flyby and vertical acceleration up and away from Greenham Common around 1992. So to see XH566 fly after restoration was an honour, I went to three airshows just to see her.

[Tamburello_]

I saw THREE active-duty Vulcans perform here in the states, back in the day. I witnessed XL-390's last flight in August '78; then came XL443 in 1980. XM-575 was the last RAF bomber to come to Chicago in 1981(via NAS Glenview) and here I was lucky enough to score an inside outside tour by the ground crew, as well as the accompanying Nimrod that was with.

[TheScottytr]

There is an elderly lady that is a regular at my local pub here in Toronto. Her name is Gervaise. She worked for BEA and the later British Airways. She was able to fly free anywhere the airline went as long as she returned the same day. Returning from France one day she was told the flight was fully booked. The clerk at the British desk pointed out some RAF guys and suggested that she ask them for a ride. Sure enough they could help. She got a ride back to England in a Vulcan!

[davidmcintyre]

Hearing these aircraft howling over your head at less than 100 feet not just one but 3 or 4 of them as we did in the West Highlands of Scotland is something I will never forget

[johnmorris]

I used to fly with an old Vulcan driver, he would describe the feeling of going off on what became a training flight with a “bucket of sunshine” in the bomb bay.

[leoac]

A video on the Vulcan. Excellent!
Many thanks for sharing it.

[robinwells]

Saw 558 in its last season several times but it was flanked by the B of B Lancaster and a visiting Canadian Lancaster at Great Gransden. Probably the finest display I ever watched and definitely never to be repeated.

[shaunmcclory]

My dads cousin was a vulcan pilot at RAF Gaydon through the cold war and long after it was 'over' we found out they had specific targets already planned and his was a naval base in i think Poland, glad he retired without going there!

[IndaloMan]

Back in 77 I worked at a heliport east of Leeds which was located just to the side of an RAF low fly zone. Everyday a Vulcan would fly by at 500ft just after 11am.

We did helicopter pleasure flights at Church Fenton Airshow between the flying displays. Had the best seats at the show just at the side of the runway! #goodolddays

[indigohammer]

About six years ago, a few friends and I visited Scotland's National Museum of Flight at East Fortune. On static display they have XM597. A Vulcan B2 which participated in "Operation Black Buck (5)". One notable thing about the aircraft, is that the crew painted a small Brazilian flag and two little silhouettes of missiles. This is to mark the deployment of "Shrike" Anti-Radar Missiles, and the aircraft and crew's unplanned detour to Rio. You can't help being awed by the terrifying beauty of the machine and the dedication and sacrifice of the crew and all support staff. East Fortune is well worth the visit btw.

[droo_jones]

Love that brevity speak at the start. Just sounds soo calm and dangerous when checking everything.

[jimonderwater]

Saw the Vulcan at the Abbotsford International Airshow a number of times. Always a crowd favourite and the sound was awesome.

[JaimeBBlack]

I saw the one that flew to Buenos Aires in 1959, saw the cockpit and fly past. Engraved in my memory!

[dominicseanmccann]

Had them fly over me twice. Once at a fly by with two Lightenings ( Mountbattens funeral, I think) in West London & the last flight before retirement came in over my street in Selby; a shadow, then an outrageous howl. Fabulous aircraft.