This got me thinking, just why did we need anyone in the rear cabin in the circuit other than to read the checklist? Whilst as mentioned previously, the electrical system was complex but it was also cleverly designed, had a number of self protection features and was operated in a manner that ensured the appropriate immediate protections would be in place depending on the phase of flight. This is the list I have come up with, feel free to add any others if you remember them:
1. The AAPP was kept running in the circuit. The fire warning and extinguishing button was on the AEO’s panel and there was no indication in the front.
2. There was only one radio control on the flight deck. The other was at the AEO’s station.
3. The navaids were all located at the navigation stations, no control on the flight deck.
4. Other than the Alternator Failure Light there were no other electrical system indicators on the flight deck.
5. The SSR was located in the rear cabin.
So, the answer is that the Vulcan was just not configured to be flown without crew in the rear cabin.
YS