AVRO VULCAN

The Vulcan surely one of the most remarkable aircraft ever built the Second World War influenced in their research and design.  

The aircraft was Avro’s futuristic and adventurous response to a 1946 Air Ministry Operational Requirement calling for a bomber able to carry a 4540kg / 10009lb atomic bomb to a target 2775km / 1725 miles away.

The Avro type 698 was conceived as a high altitude atomic bomber, and was the firs four engine delta wing aircraft. The unconventional wing shape was chosen because it combines good load carrying capabilities and high subsonic speed at altitude. To help gain data for the radical new design several “mini Vulcans” research aircraft were built the Avro type 707s. Gradually the design was changed before the well known Vulcan layout was finalized. What had been a flying wing with wingtip fins acquired a single central fin, the nose was extended and a distinct fuselage section evolved.

The prototype VX770 flew in August 1952, piloted by Wing Commander Roly Falk and in 1953 the type 698 was officially named the Vulcan. Spectacular Farnborough appearances followed the most amazing being a full roll at the 1955 show.

After a redesign of the wing and the additional of more powerful engines, the Vulcan B.1 entered RAF service in February 1957, and became operational with No.83 Squadron at Waddington in July of the same year.

Britain’s nuclear deterrent force had to be effective and hard hitting and it became clear that the B.1 was increasingly vulnerable to the improved Soviet defences it would have to overcome if it were to strike deep into the Soviet Union. To increase the chances of the RAF crews reaching their objectives, the Vulcan B.2 was proposed with more powerful engines an electronic warfare (ECM) suite in an enlarged tail cone and an in-flight refuelling capability along with an improved larger wing. Some B.1s had a few B.2 improvements incorporated and were designated B.1As. With a longer range the ability to carry a heavier bomb load (two nuclear weapons instead of one) and greatly improved self defence capability the B.2 ensured that the British nuclear strike forces was a very real threat to the Soviet Union.

 Even with the new and improved B.2 the delivery of free fall nuclear weapons into the heart of the Soviet Union was probably still a one way ticket for Vulcan crews. To improve their survivability a stand off nuclear missile the Blue Steel was developed, which could be launched 161km / 100 miles away from the target. Blue Steel was carried partially recessed in the Vulcan’s modified bomb bay.

Due to the improvements in Soviet air defence technology, the Vulcans became increasingly vulnerable at high level over enemy territory. The solution was to bring the Vulcan force down to low level, and the aircraft in service were upgraded to B.2A standard. More powerful Olympus engine was fitted together with terrain following radar in the nose and warning radar atop the fin. The Vulcan’s role chanced when Royal Navy Polaris equipped submarines took on responsibility for Britain’s strategic nuclear deterrent and they were switched to a tactical low level penetration role.

 However it was with conventional weapons that the Vulcan first went to war in 1982 when it was used against Argentine positions on the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) in what were then the longest bombing raids in history. Vulcans also served in strategic reconnaissance and air refuelling tanker roles before being withdrawn from service in1984 to be replaced by Tornadoes. Avro built 144 Vulcans in total a small number considering the impact that the design had on the aerospace world and the affection felt for the “tin triangle” by air shows fans the world over.

AVRO VULCAN B.2A

First flight: August 30, 1952 (Avro prototype)

Power: Four Rolls Royce 9080kg / 20000lb thrust Olympus 301 turbojets.

Armament: 21 conventional bombs of 454kg / 1000lb each, nuclear bombs or one Blue Steel stand off missile.

Size: Wingspan 33.85m / 111ft.

            Length: 30.5m / 99ft 11in.

            Height: 8.26m / 27ft 1in.

            Wing area: 368m² / 3964sq ft.

Weight: Empty 37,682kg / 83,000l.

                    Maximum take off 113,500Kg / 250,000lb.

Performance: Maximum speed 1038km/h 645mph.

                                  Ceiling: 16775m / 55,000ft.

                                  Range: 5550km / 3450 miles.