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Vulcan Bomber Thread
Like with the Valiant, the Avro Vulcan came from the British atomic weapon programme and nuclear deterrent policies.
Like with the Valiant, the Avro Vulcan came from the British atomic weapon programme and nuclear deterrent policies.
Avro designed an aircraft designated 698. It was obvious to the team that a conventional A/C could not satisfy the requirements.
Realising that swept wings increase stability, the team deleted the tail and thus the design became a flying wing with only a rudimentary fuselage.
Realising that swept wings increase stability, the team deleted the tail and thus the design became a flying wing with only a rudimentary fuselage.
As Avro had no flight experience of the delta wing, they experimented with 2 smaller aircraft based on the 698;
1/3 scale model 707 for low-speed handling
1/2 scale model 710 for high-speed handling.
Two of each were ordered. However, the 710 was cancelled.
1/3 scale model 707 for low-speed handling
1/2 scale model 710 for high-speed handling.
Two of each were ordered. However, the 710 was cancelled.
The 698 prototype VX770 flew for the 1st time on 30 August 1952 piloted by Roly Falk. The prototype 698, was only fitted with 1 pilot ejection seat.
VX770 made an appearance at Farnborough Air Show the next month when Falk demonstrated an almost vertical bank.
VX770 made an appearance at Farnborough Air Show the next month when Falk demonstrated an almost vertical bank.
Avro had strongly recommended the name Ottawa for the A/C in honour of the company's connection with Avro Canada.
However, the CAS of RAF preferred a V-class of bombers, and the Air Council announced the following month that the 698 would be called the Vulcan.
However, the CAS of RAF preferred a V-class of bombers, and the Air Council announced the following month that the 698 would be called the Vulcan.
The 2nd prototype, VX777, flew in Sept 1953 and was more representative of the production aircraft.
Featuring a bomb-aiming blister and fitted with Bristol Olympus 100 engines.
At Falk's suggestion, a fighter-style control stick replaced the control wheel
Featuring a bomb-aiming blister and fitted with Bristol Olympus 100 engines.
At Falk's suggestion, a fighter-style control stick replaced the control wheel
In September 1955, Falk, flying the second production B.1, amazed crowds at the Farnborough Air Show by barrel rolling the Jet.
The first 15 B.1s were powered by the Olympus 101s with 11,000 lbs of thrust.
Those entering the RAF were delivered to 230 Sqn Operational Conversion Unit, in July 1956. Eventually upgraded to Olympus 104s.
Eventually serving with 9, 12, 27, 35, 44, 50, 83, 101, 617 Sqn’s
Those entering the RAF were delivered to 230 Sqn Operational Conversion Unit, in July 1956. Eventually upgraded to Olympus 104s.
Eventually serving with 9, 12, 27, 35, 44, 50, 83, 101, 617 Sqn’s
The 46th production aircraft was the first B.2, fitted with Olympus 200 engines with 16,000 lbs of thrust.
Rebuilding B1s as B2s was considered but rejected over cost.
The last B.2 and 136th jet was delivered in 1965 and the type served till 1984.
Rebuilding B1s as B2s was considered but rejected over cost.
The last B.2 and 136th jet was delivered in 1965 and the type served till 1984.
