£4 million appeal launched to build permanent home for Doncaster's Vulcan bomber

The Vulcan to the Sky Trust, which owns the legendary aircraft at Doncaster Sheffield Airport has launched Operation Safeguard to secure the future of Vulcan XH558.

Plans have been drawn up to build a hangar at the airport which will house the plane, now no longer able to fly and which was the last remaining airborne Vulcan in the world.

VTTST is aiming to secure a £2.4 million mortgage and is calling on supporters to chip in so the plane can be brought under cover, protected from the elements and once again available to the public.

Dr Robert Pleming, chief executive of VTTST said: “From the earliest days of the Vulcan to the Sky Trust’s work, the charity has always had two guiding principles, to honour those who served us in the past and to inspire future generations to make meaningful change in the world.

“We are proud to announce a major fundraising campaign to build the first phase of The Vulcan Experience, a dedicated new home at Doncaster Sheffield Airport that will embody those guiding principles in a memorable and unique centre, making the airport a destination in its own right.”

VTTST's vision for The Vulcan Experience is that it will be a major attraction, housing the iconic Avro Vulcan XH558, where visitors will be able to hear and see the story of her history, her restoration to flight in 2007 and the part played by the RAF’s V-Force aircraft in preserving the peace during the Cold War.

Robert continued: “We have always aimed to inspire youngsters to pursue careers in aerospace and engineering. The 1950s technology of the Vulcan is relatively easy to understand and her awesome power and beauty generates a huge following. We need to inspire youngsters to become the engineers who will devise the required technical solutions to the global climate challenge. As we develop The Vulcan Experience, they will be able to start their journey in the exciting Green Technology Hub – a major new and, as far as we know, unique initiative central to the Vulcan Experience.

“Aircraft and air travel using today’s technologies will become unsustainable and if the world is to retain global connectivity, new technical ideas are needed; indeed, some are already on the drawing board.

“The Green Technology Hub will be focused very much on the future, highlighting current climate change concerns, and aimed at the young; the engaged members of ‘Generation Z’ and specifically in relation to aviation.”

Robert added: “Operation Safeguard will enable the first - vital - part of our vision by building the hangar home. We are seeking the public’s support to fund this exciting and important new project. This is a fantastic way to leave a real legacy for the next generation and to help to honour the past, the present and the future.”

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