Just as it seemed that the 15 years and £7 million spent to restore the world’s only remaining Vulcan bomber to full serviceability would be in vain, a sponsor has come in at the 11th hour and given the project a temporary reprieve. Aerobytes Ltd., which supplies flight safety and fuel saving software to the aviation industry, has responded to the Vulcan to the Sky Trust’s (VTST) pleas for financial assistance by swelling the coffers enough to ensure that the iconic aircraft can appear at this year’s Royal International Air Tattoo at Fairford (12 – 13 July) and Farnborough International (14 – 20 July) airshows – subject to the UK CAA granting XH558 a Permit to Fly and a Display Authorisation.

Despite her glorious return to flight last year and the successful completion of all test-flights required by the UK CAA, the major sponsorship required to secure the Vulcan’s long-term future has not yet materialised. Thousands of supporters have consistently rallied to keep the project afloat, but despite their generosity, the money coming in has only been sufficient to keep the team ticking over.

If this situation had continued it would not have been possible for the Vulcan to appear at airshows and have the chance to attract the major sponsors it so critically needs. The VTST was in a Catch 22 situation. Almost unthinkably, the project would have achieved its goal of restoring XH558 to flight status and subsequently then had to close owing to a lack of funding before ever having flown her in front of her expectant public audience. Having come this far, the only airworthy Vulcan on the planet would have been grounded forever.

Then, in the Vulcan’s darkest hour, Aerobytes came to the rescue. Managing Director Eddie Forrester has been a long-term sponsor of the Vulcan and simply couldn’t bear to stand by and see her reduced to a museum novelty. Through donations and pledges for an undisclosed sum, Aerobytes has now provided the financial stability required to keep XH558 operational at least until the end of the summer.

Aerobytes supplies Flight Safety (FDM/FOQA) and Fuel Saving software to nearly one hundred airlines worldwide and is considering the possibility of pledging a proportion of revenue from its Fuel Saving software to keep the Vulcan flying in future.

Despite the apparently good news, Eddie was quick to point out that Aerobytes alone cannot save the Vulcan:

“Without our assistance, XH558 would not have the chance to fly this summer season, or potentially ever again. We are just one part of a devoted team of supporters though, and without continuing support from others funds will run out before September and there will be dire consequences. If there was ever a time to donate to the Vulcan, it is now.”

“It’s essential that a major sponsor is found in the next two months and that is one reason why we put up the money. XH558 must appear on the big stages of Fairford & Farnborough so that potential sponsors can realise the fantastic opportunity she represents as a publicity platform. It is one thing to see a photograph of a Vulcan, but something completely different to experience one for real. The size, shape, performance and noise are truly breathtaking. When she performs her ‘first’ display, nobody who witnesses it will talk about anything else for days.”

“The other reason we wanted to support the Vulcan through summer 2008 was to ensure that the thousands of people who have really kept the project afloat – through individual, private donations over many years – are repaid for their faith and patience. They deserve to see her fly and to hear that awesome Vulcan howl once more. If nothing more comes of our donation than bringing happiness to our fellow supporters then it will have been money well spent. One of the most impressive facts about the Vulcan restoration is the high proportion of funding that came from individuals – as opposed to Lottery money or corporate sponsorship – something like 30%. That so many people have been prepared to donate so much over such a long time demonstrates the Vulcan’s widespread, enduring and deeply felt popularity.”

When asked why the Vulcan is so special, Eddie’s reply comes back almost instantly:

“For a start, this aircraft represents one of the best pieces of engineering design ever created in the UK. Decades ahead of its time, the delta shape will be instantly familiar to anyone who has been privileged to see a Concorde. And, like Concorde, the Vulcan is quite ‘vocal’ as the two aircraft both use four almost identical Olympus engines. At full power the experience cannot possibly be described in words. Certain engine-speeds (typically during take-off) cause the intakes to resonate and the aircraft creates the most incredible howl – it would easily drown out a car alarm right next to you yet it is strangely calming at the same time. You never once think ‘too loud’, just ‘wow…’. I have described it as the sound of the gates of Hell opening and given the aircraft’s initial purpose (delivery of nuclear weapons) I suppose that’s not an inappropriate choice of words.”

“For me personally, the most important point is that a group of dedicated individuals managed to perform the ‘impossible’. Inevitably, the doubters have always been lurking in the shadows – all too quick to write this off as another impossible dream and assert that none of us should waste time with intangible and abstract things such as aspirations, visions or fantasies. I strongly believe that this type of negative-thinking is slowly strangling our society and that it accounts for many commercial and personal failures in the UK every day. It helps to explain why we can no longer produce miracles of engineering like Concorde or TSR2. Consequently, I am proud beyond words that the Vulcan team has weathered the storm and now has something so beautiful and so noisy with which to send doubters scuttling back under their rocks for a long time to come. I sincerely hope that young people over the coming years will see this aircraft, learn how she was saved and be inspired. I want them to learn that ‘impossible’ normally means ‘lazy’, ‘excuse’ or ‘no imagination’ and that they are entirely capable of achieving just about anything so long as they apply enough intelligence, imagination and courage.”

“In short, we are very proud to support the return of XH558 to the sky as magnificent proof that ‘impossible’ is a much over-used word. This is a lesson that tomorrow’s engineers and managers will hopefully remember and apply in later life.”

This year’s Royal Airforces Association (RAFA) Shoreham Airshow being held on August 30th and 31st is now considered by many to be one of the major aviation events on the UK’s airshow circuit. This year’s show will be the nineteenth and promises to be as spectacular as ever with some stunning flying making it a real family day out.

“Last year on Saturday we saw the tragic accident involving the sad loss of Hurricane display pilot Brian Brown and it is planned to make a fitting tribute to him during this years event both in the air and on the ground’” said Don Beam MBE Airshow Organiser.

This years Patron will be His Royal Highness the Duke of Kent carrying on the long tradition of members of the Royal Family who have supported this airshow. The RAFA President Air Marshall Philip Sturley CB, MBE said’ “Shoreham has a special place in the heart of the RAFAssociation for all the hard work they do and for the amount of over one and a quarter million pounds raised from the shows – which all involved should be very proud of.”

A welcome return this year will be Christian Moullec and his micro light flying alongside his geese and cranes – it is best to get there early as Christian will be opening the show each day with his display – flying starts at 11-30am and lasts over 5 hours.

Set themes now so popular at Shoreham will once again take centre stage with the large Spitfire and Hurricane scramble following an airfield attack by German ME 108 and ME 109 aircraft. With more pyrotechnics than ever and ground action to support it will make an exciting scenario with the backdrop of Lancing College and the Sussex Downs.

The USAF set piece will contain the B25 Mitchell (a return visit from Holland) – Sally B – Kitty Hawk – Mustang – PBY Catalina showing their mighty power in some excellent formation flying.

The RAF returns with the Typhoon ‘The Eurofighter’ each day – Hawk – Tucano and Grob Tutor showing all elements of the RAF from training Aircraft right up to the latest in front line technology. Geoff Lees one of the UK’s top aviation photographers will be along to sign copies of his new book on the Typhoon.

The ‘Blades Aerobatic team’ under the leadership of Any Offer OBE and his team of ex Red Arrow pilots will show one what aerobatic flying is all about – reports say this year they are “Stunning to watch with some superb manoeuvres not seen before.” The Guinot wing walking team will be back with one extra aircraft making it a Five Ship Display – a first for Shoreham and one not to be seen at many other shows “Shoreham is an airshow that surpasses all others” says their leader Vic Norman.

The RAF Falcons free fall parachute team will be back both days hopefully in the Hercules – which surprised us all last year by its numerous landings and take-off’s.

The Royal Navy will bring their Swordfish aircraft along – which is steeped in history and their helicopter display team ‘The Black Cats’ – one of the crew has decided to get married the weekend of our show so there will only be one helicopter – so look out for some amazing solo display work.

Of course no show at Shoreham would be the same without the BBMF and the Lancaster and Spitfire with Hurricane – the later two which will be landing at Shoreham – adding to a magnificent line up of these aircraft type.

A first will be the Dukes of Cassutt racing team – these are three aircraft flown at speeds of up to 250 mph re-creating the formula one style of air racing that took place in the early 1950’s. Richard Grace is the son of display pilot Carolyn Grace who will be opening the show each day flying her Spitfire ML407.

One must not forget the glider flying of the ‘Swift Aerobatic Glider Display Team’ flown by Guy Westgate – look up-wards and you will see the new logos supporting the RAFAssociation and Absolute Media the later which will be producing a DVD of this years airshow.

What more can we say – it’s bigger and better – a true family day out – lots to do for the children with a Circus and Fun Fair – craft tent – stalls galore – a chance to meet members of the front line services alongside the popular look-alikes of Dad’s Army and Haurel and Lardy.

Final touches are still being put to the flying display as this is written so watch this space – there could well be more surprises to come!

“Most important of all we have kept the advance ticket prices the same as last year with children below the age of twelve admitted free. With the price of fuel this year higher than ever this was quite an achievement for the organisers,” said John Periam – Airshow Press Officer

This year sees a total of 16 sponsors on board – and we cannot do it without their support plus you the media – thanks for your support and we look forward to next year’s 20th Anniversary show.

For more information go to www.shorehamairshow.com or phone our credit card hotlines 01903 213386 (Argus) or 01903 215615 (Theatrical Experience)