This posted on the official website homepage earlier....
The Vulcan Operating Company core team of engineers last Friday at the end of rectification. Picture names left to right: Colin, Alan, Taff, Patrick, NickI am delighted to let you know that in ground tests on 28th September, all of XH558's systems worked to specification, proving that the last snags have now been fixed and that the aircraft is technically ready for flight. Please join me in congratulating the skilled and dedicated team of Vulcan Operating Company engineers and Marshall Aerospace staff in reaching this significant milestone.
What follows now is largely a paperwork exercise to verify the auditability of XH558's transformation back to an airworthy state, culminating in the Flight Test Readiness Review. First test flight will then occur when we are able to bring the test flight crew, airfield facilities and good weather together all at the same time.
Returning XH558 to flight has always been always the first goal of Vulcan to the Sky. Because we remain adamant that no corners be cut, getting to this point where we are now ready for take-off has taken us much longer than originally planned. The delay obviously has had financial repercussions, and our resources are now stretching to breaking point.
Despite the challenges we now face, we are more determined than ever to keep XH558 flying, not only because of what we have promised to you all, but also because we are confident that the achievement of first flight will unlock the commercial sponsorship that will be the foundation for funding the future of the Vulcan to the Sky Trust.
I know all of you reading this message have dug deep into your pockets to get us this far. But if the 40,000 unique visitors to this web site in the last month each e-donated just £5, we would have a cash cushion which should see us through to signing up sponsorship.
Five pounds towards that bunch of roses folks!!!!