The Flying Stool

Am I the only person that believes the Vulcan is being displayed far too sedately? I have seen the Vulcan display numerous times and it frequently fails to inspire. Yesterday I attended the Sunderland Airshow and witnessed the 'Vulcan effect'- the crowds rushing towards the display line to see the Vulcan. Many of those rushing there were of an age who would remember the vulcan displays of old. All were visibly dissapointed after the display. I have noticed this after every other display I have attended. The public are the financiers of the Vulcan and they deserve to see it displayed to a standard that shows off the aircraft well. As a first officer on an aircraft of similar dimentions (737-300), I am fully aware of the type of display that can safely be performed. I am also fully aware the the TVOC are trying to make the aircraft last up to 10 years, however, if it continues displaying in its current format, airshow organisers will not want to book the Vulcan as spectators will become bored of it. Although the aircraft is the only airworthy example and therefore it is understandable that the operators do not want to perform any manouvres that will shorten the fatigue life of the airframe considerably, I have seen much more rare and arguably more valuable aircraft (such as the BBMF Lancaster and Sally B to name but a couple) displayed in a more dynamic and sprightly manner.

Come on TVOC, give the spectators what they have paid for, displays that make the ground shake and your heart tremble!

PPRuNe Pop

The Vulcan has only 8 engines it can use I understand. They have to be used with discretion to avoid wearing them out too soon. But you are right, it does make the displays look a bit tame - after the years of throwing it around!

And............sorry to burst your bubbles but we do not give space on PPRuNe to other websites, although it has happened a few times, so please avoid posting links on PPRuNe.

As always, posting your own pics is welcomed. But not those displayed elsewhere.

Albert Driver

I was privileged to see the displays of prototype VX770 at Farnborough and elsewhere which did exactly that and which probably lead to the aircraft's destruction in the Syerston disaster. The Vulcan is a huge flying wing with massive aerodynamic forces on a relatively lightly-built airframe to give the lifting capacity required.

My vote is for it to be flown conservatively. The one certainty is that if it breaks we'll never see another one in the air. We've lost too many irreplaceable vintage aircraft, and not-so-vintage pilots, over the years though over-enthusiastic display flying.

Gulf4uk

Well Said somone talking Sense .Lets Have 558 Flying for as long as
possible . i for one have never seen anyone Dissapointed at the displays
put on and there are thousands looking for it along its route out and
Back .Its a great sight and sound lets keep it that Way ,
Great job guys ground and aircrew thanks some great moments

Tony
farnborough

srobarts

I have seen Brunty flying several times this year and the display has differed but never disappointed, nor have I seen disappointed people.
The trip that included Sunderland was apparently a 3hr 15min sortie and so Brunty would have had a belly full of fuel still for the Sunderland display - might that have had an effect.

hurn

Since when has the Vulcan ever been called 'Brunty'?

As for the sedate display, well I believe the airframe is fatigue and G limited at present, and they're down to six usable engines at the moment as well, although the other two haven't been completely written off as yet.

I'm sure if there were an abundance of zero timed engines available we'd be having all the power climbs and noise we could take, sadly that's not the case and engine cycles have to be managed effectively.

El Bunto

An exciting routine doesn't have to be a stressful routine! Bob Hoover's stopped-engines Commander routine barely stressed the airframe beyond the nominal 1G.

See also the fuss caused by Tex Johnston aileron-rolling the Dash 80; to the airframe it was just another 1G cruise along the coast.

Aileron rolls are gentle and impressive. Snap rolls and slow rolls are stressful, unpleasant and impressive.

I am not saying that such manoeuvres are safe, just that what looks dramatic need not feel such to the airframe.

Blacksheep

Going back to the original purpose of the Vulcan, if its impressive you want, you'll need another two Vulcans and an ORP....

...besides, dropping things from the air is contrary to the ANO.

srobarts

For those expecting to see the Vulcan at Lyneham on Saturday and Whitehaven on Sunday the following was put on twi**er this afternoon:

SirPeterHardingsLovechild

Any news? Are we getting her this Saturday?

Weather's picked up nice

Evanelpus

I doubt this will ever be reduced significantly. I also believe that when 558 left service with the RAF, the fatigue index on her was quite high (stands to be corrected though).

SirPeterHardingsLovechild

Update, 7th August 2009
Friday, August 07, 2009 - Richard Clarke
We are pleased to announce that Vulcan XH588 has been declared serviceable and will be able to display at Whitehaven & Blackpool this Sunday 9th August. Subject to the usual caveats of serviceability & weather conditions.

Lyneham Lad

SPHL:-
Reference Lyneham & Families Day - will she or won't she? Timing? I'll stick the 400mm lens on my 5D & sit in the garden waiting...

west lakes

A bit late

Approach and passing Kirkbride on Sat 26th July



bit out of focus sorry

SirPeterHardingsLovechild

12:40 Vulcan Lands to become a Static After Display
13:00 RAF Aerobatic Team (Red Arrows) Not Landing
13:26 Blades Display Team Taking Off and Landing at Lyneham
13:45 Strikemasters Taking Off and Landing at Lyneham
14:01 King Air Taking Off and Landing at Lyneham
14:13 CH47 (Chinook) Taking Off and Landing at Lyneham
14:17 Spitfire - Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Not Landing
14:34 RAF Falcons Parachute Display Team


I'll be selling my Herc Artwork wares at the RAFA stall, next to the PIMMS tent!

My gal will be doing Indian Head Massage for charridy also at RAFA stall (minimum donation £2.50 - bargain)

Lyneham Lad

SPHL

Ta very much. Hopefully she will use the usual approach line, which means pretty-much straight over my house

Better not let the NOTW know about that...

mayorofgander

Hi Gang;

Heard a rumour that the tin triangle may be putting in an appearance at the sercret airbase in Wiltshire....might just tip the balance to go and have a burger & beer on the rugby field!!

Anyone have any confirmed gen (& timings??)

Later;
MOG

HEATHROW DIRECTOR

PPrune won't allow me to post the link to the latest news but it's busted and parked at an ultra-secret base close to Carterton.

threeputt

According to the VTS website it is fully "s" and will be displaying at Whitehaven tomorrow, dosen't mention the LA though; I will keep an ear open for it as we are 8 miles on the extended centre-line for RW06
3P

HEATHROW DIRECTOR

Unfortunately the "official" site has been inaccurate in the past - note that appearances are "confirmed" until late September. I'm trying to get more information and will pass it on if I'm successful.