Last push for iconic Vulcan's new Doncaster home

Nearly three quarters of the money needed to build a new Doncaster home for an iconic Vulcan bomber has been raised.
Vulcan bomber XH588Vulcan bomber XH588
Vulcan bomber XH588

The owners of the locally based cold war jet have pledged their commitment to keeping the aircraft in Doncaster, and revealed they have now raised £73,000 towards a £100,000 target.

The trust has launched a fundraising campaign aimed at helping to build a new purpose built hangar and visitor centre by early 2018 so that the Vulcan can go on display once again.

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Nearly 2,000 supporters have so far donated more than £73,000 towards the target of £100,000.

Once the total has been reached, a group of philanthropists have agreed to match fund it, would would bring the grand total for the fund to £200,000.

The plane served as the UK’s nuclear deterrent during the Cold War, and a Vulcan flew a mission during the Falklands War.

It took to the skies for the final time 15 months ago after a farewell tour which was attended by thousands of people.

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The Cold War aircraft based at Doncaster Sheffield Airport has recently been put into storage and closed to the public - while two thirds of staff from the Vulcan to the Sky Trust which maintains it are to be laid off - due to a funding crisis.

The jet going into storage recently led to calls for the it to be moved out of Doncaster to one of two aircraft museums - either Elvington or at Bruntingthorpe.

But in a statement, the Vulcan to the Sky Trust said they had looked at other airfields, including Elvington, but concluded they were not suitable for various reasons. This included airfields being earmarked for housing developments and the quality of landing sites.

The trust said Finningley was the best site adding: “Being at a licensed airfield will allow us to taxi XH558 regularly and safely.”

To donate to the campaign visit Just Giving-Vulcan XH558 Survival Plan