Vulcan, Dawlish Airshow 2009

Avro Vulcan

The highlight of the 2009 show was the Avro Vulcan (G-VLCN) bomber, escorted by the Red Arrows.


The Vulcan has gracefully-curved leading edges added to its 34-metre delta wingspan, making a beautiful, instantly-recognisable design. From 1957 to 1969, during the dark days of the Cold War, the Avro Vulcan bomber was the main British contribution to the NATO strategic nuclear deterrent.


The only time the Vulcan was used in anger was during the South Atlantic Conflict in 1982, when Vulcans flew 7 missions from Ascension Island to the Falkland Islands. The 1st "Black Buck" sortie, with the Vulcan armed with twenty-one 450kg conventional bombs, placed one bomb in the centre of the runway at Port Stanley airfield, proving its vulnerability and causing the Argentine invaders to change their plans. These raids captured the world record at the time for the longest-ever bombing mission: a return journey of nearly 8000 miles (12,500km), taking 15 hrs 45 mins.


After an RAF career of 33 years, Vulcan XH558, was the last Vulcan to leave RAF service. Now fully restored, she is the last flying Avro Vulcan.