XH558

XH558, the last airworthy and iconic  Cold War-era Vulcan bomber, flew the northern leg of its V-Force tour today. It arrived bang on time near Howick, Northumberland on a flight path between Sunderland and East Fortune (near Edinburgh).

The massive plane increased altitude as it reached land and did a roll right in front of our eyes. The additional photographs are the correct way up!

Sadly, 2015 will be the final year of flight for this beautiful plane. The age of Vulcan XH558’s airframe and its engines mean three expert companies who keep the bomber aloft have decided they must end their support at the end of this season. 

We had a hot kipper roll for lunch at Craster and a walk round Dunstanburgh Castle in the sunshine this afternoon.