Plans are being drawn up to move Vickers Viking 1B G-AGRW from Bad Vöslau Airport in north-eastern Austria to Blackbushe Airport Surrey, where it will undergo restoration.

Previously, there had been an intention to bring the former RAF Viking back to the UK for the Wellington Preservation Group to build a Vickers Wellington replica, the Viking having wings derived from the World War Two bomber.

WPG co-ordinator Barry Love says, “As a direct result of ill health last year, the decision was taken to indefinitely postpone the taxiable Wellington reproduction concept, and to take an alternative direction with the project. However, that still left the urgent need to save the Viking from imminent scrapping, and as one of only five Vikings known to remain worldwide it is imperative that this operation succeeds.”

The acquisition rights for the Viking have now been passed to the newly registered Blackbushe Heritage Trust, which came into being on 26 April. Supported and sponsored by RPM Aviation of Kidlington, Oxfordshire — who will be organising and carrying out the Viking’s recovery — and Prestige Signs of Godstone, Surrey, fundraising is being tackled with some urgency, although the acquisition agreement for the Viking has been secured.

If you can assist in any way with the project by volunteering or perhaps offering sponsorship at any level, please contact the Blackbushe Heritage Trust via Patrick Marchant of RPM Aviation on 07587 200187, or e-mail team@blackbusheheritagetrust.com.