The word 'iconic' is overused, but it is almost impossible to describe the Avro Vulcan in any other way. Even as recently as 2015, the so-called 'Vulcan effect' was being felt - for better or for worse - by airshow organisers booking (or failing to book) the world's only flying survivor: B.2 XH558. The instantly recognisable big delta was without doubt the most popular and famous flying machine in the UK during the eight years it was operated by the Vulcan To The Sky Trust (VTST). The Vulcan's service career is not too shabby either. It flew combat missions in the 1982 Falklands conflict and, during its time in the RAF, fulfilled a number of functions that had not been envisaged initially. There was even a civilian version proposed - the Avro Atlantic - although this never came to fruition. In keeping with other 'V-bombers', its primary role was, ominously, to carry nuclear weapons. Early versions were painted anti-flash white, to facilitate a successful exit from the blast area. Thankfully, it was never called upon to carry out this role, its legend instead being sealed by successful use against Argentine-held airfields in 1982's Operation Black Buck The RAF kept XH558 flying as a display aircraft for several years after retiring it from military service - a mark of its popularity - even before its final revival in the hands of VTST (turn to p64 for some superb recollections from the trust's Richard Clarke).
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