'Give her a permanent home,' say Vulcan chiefs after DSA buy-out deal

“Give her a future as well as a past.”

That’s the message from owners of Doncaster’s historic Vulcan bomber, calling for action ona permanent home as airport deal advances.

The Vulcan to the Sky Trust has welcomed the proposed public ownership of Doncaster Sheffield Airport and is now urging regional leaders to help secure a landside home for its Cold War Experience, including Hangar 558.

The charity wants to secure an affordable, long-term landside facility for Avro Vulcan XH558, the historic former RAF bomber in its care, and English Electric Canberra WK163, a record-setting British aircraft.

The proposed Cold War Experience would protect both aircraft from the elements and create a visitor and education attraction rooted in Doncaster’s aviation heritage.

Hangar 558 is the proposed permanent home for XH558 within that wider experience.

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Both aircraft remain outdoors, exposed to weathering and the continuing risk of corrosion.

Craig Shepherd, Chief Executive Officer of Vulcan to the Sky Trust, said: “This announcement represents a monumental shift in what could be possible for our Cold War Experience and Hangar 558.

“After so much uncertainty, it gives us real hope.

“But hope alone cannot shelter an aircraft. Every winter spent outside brings further exposure to weathering and corrosion, and more demands on the people working so hard to care for these extraordinary machines.

“XH558 was saved through an exceptional commitment of public generosity, engineering skill and determination. We owe it to everyone who played a part—and to the generations who have yet to meet her—to give her a future as well as a past.”

The experience would tell the stories of the RAF, its Cold War V-bomber force and the people behind Britain’s Cold War aviation achievements. It would also connect that history with opportunities for schools, colleges, families and employers to explore engineering, innovation and practical skills.

He added: “We want children to stand beneath XH558, look up and ask how something so extraordinary was designed and built. We want families to discover the people behind these aircraft, and those who served to see their experiences remembered with care and respect.

“The Trust is calling on City of Doncaster Council and South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority to help secure suitable land on affordable, long-term terms; establish a clear timetable for progressing the facility; and agree practical arrangements for aircraft protection and maintenance access during the transition.

He added: “This is an opportunity to protect something irreplaceable and create something of lasting value for Doncaster. We are ready to work with the council, combined authority, airport and wider partners to make it happen.”