The famous “howl” of the Vulcan engine was heard for the last time and anyone who wanted to hear it could stand on a road outside Doncaster Airport where it was clearly audible
November 2022 marked the last time the venerable Vulcan XH558 strategic bomber flew, following the decision to “put the plane to sleep forever.” The famous “howl” of the Vulcan engine went to an end. If you wanted to hear it for the final time, you should have gone outside Doncaster Airport and stood where you could hear it well.
The last operational example of the 134 Avro Vulcan jet-powered delta-winged strategic nuclear bomber aircraft used by the RAF in the Cold War is Avro Vulcan XH558, “The Spirit of Great Britain.” She was the final Vulcan to serve in military service and the final one to take off after 1986. Her last flight was to her current home at Doncaster Airport on October 28, 2015. Even though the plane was supposed to serve as an educational resource, her future is now in doubt once more due to the possible closure of the airport where she resides.
GloucestershireLive claims that because of the ancient bomber plane’s unique engine noise—which many refer to as a howl—it became a popular attraction at several airshows. The Vulcan produces this intense, piercing noise just before takeoff when her intake is limited to 90%.
KEEP XH558 Flying Forever Facebook Page says;
‘With a heavy heart…
‘On 20th November 2022 at 10am-2pm
‘You will be able to view the last engine testing ever of XH558 before she is put to sleep forever.
‘This is to make the public aware that they can view this from Old Bawtry Road, opposite the airport.
‘If you wanted to hear that last howl, be there for the last time.
‘Such a sad end to the very finest example of the Vulcan Bombers remaining.
‘Time to cry because it’s ended.’
According to the Royal Air Force Museum, the Vulcan was the second of the Royal Air Force’s “V bombers” and, along with the Valiant and Victor, contributed to Great Britain’s nuclear deterrent force for fifteen years, until the Royal Navy’s Polaris submarines assumed control of it in 1969.
On August 30, 1952, prototype B1 made its first flight; four years later, development of an improved B2 design started. The Vulcan B2 was a perfect candidate for modification to carry the Blue Steel nuclear stand-off bomb because of its increased performance. This weapon increased the effectiveness of the Royal Air Force’s airborne deterrence by enabling the aircraft to begin its attack from outside the immediate missile defenses of a target.
By 1966, Vulcans were using low-level penetration instead of high-level because Soviet missile defenses were so successful. When Vulcans left the nuclear deterrent in 1970, they began supporting NATO forces in Europe by flying as a conventional bomber.
The long-range attacks on the Falkland Islands from Ascension Island in 1982 demonstrated the effective use of in-flight refueling, which could significantly increase the Vulcan’s range. In 1984, the final Vulcans were removed from operational service.