While the French versions did not suffer the type of industrial vandalism the UK version had to suffer, they are currently in as sorry state due to neglect, all have been drained down of hydraulics, the engines require a full overhaul having not been run or inhibited any spares there were have either been auctioned off or scrapped and it would require months of work just to get one taxiable as it stands if enough parts could be scrounged from the remaining airframes to cobble together a working airframe, plans for preservation are in discussion but this has been ongoing since withdrawl from service, so to date I very much doubt anyone would want too take on the task, certainly Boeing did not want them when they had the choice between the Russian SST mothballed for years and UK or French Concordes fresh out of service well maintained and still with current C of A’s for the large airframe supersonic data flights they wanted to achieve, they choose the Russian airframe even though they had too re-engine it to get it flyable and except the shortcommings of the airframe.

In short enjoy the memory as thats all thats left too us of SST passenger flight.

It was always my understanding that the HLF would take each and every case on its merits so any indication that 558 has ‘Killed Off’ lottery funding is doubtful, as for the CAA never found them ‘Antsy’ about anything, just determined to follow the rules, or rather determined that every application for a permit too fly will and there is the true problem over and above financial ones, getting the required infrastructure in place to allow the CAA to look on such a project as viable, groups can’t, so they don’t.

sad about the RAF and the Tax regime in the UK but that’s what you get when you allow Politicians to dabble for their own mediocre ends.

Which ever way you look at it though, 558 may really be the last such return too flight in the UK of a large complex airframe unless TVOC take on further work to support there original project and keep there core staff employed and allow them too train up replacements, something they really need to be doing.

I belive from reading the TVOC forum, that they now have several vehicles available to them, some provided by sponsors, to accomplish the task you speak of if required though it has never been indicated that landings away from Bruntingthorpe are planned I am sure they will occur on occasions like RIAT maybe…:D

Not the first time I have read the phrase ‘Serviceable Ground Runner’ in relation too 558 taking Lindy’s Lad’s post totally out of context.
Truth is as you like to present it I suppose but in the case of 558 to date every single penny of funding with the exception of the HLF input has been gained through donations from people like myself with the view that they ‘personally’ would like to see a Vulcan fly once again in UK airspace.

Too lessen this achievement by indicating that the money could have been better spent by sharing it among the other preserved airframes would in essence have only maintained the status quo of those airframes and 558 alike for a slightly extended period, and that so many people have contributed freely towards this project only serves to highlight the strength of feeling about it in my opinion.

The ongoing ramifications of the experience gained in returning 558 to flight status have yet to fully effect the preservation industry in the UK and I am certain that others are watching closely as it progresses, as for Victors, Buccaneers and Lightnings, I have long been puzzled by the way everyone is so quick too step up and say it cannot be done when in reality they should be asking themselves how it might be done, TVOC have shown that it can convince the CAA such a project is viable and sustainable it’s now up to others too take that experience gained and put it too good use.

All four run today, asked the same question re: the Bucket, my guess is enviromental

Some of the best CGI work I,ve seen in a long time that.

Lived in Eastbourne for almost twenty years and never once been too the airshow, not that I have missed a single display yet, they approach directly over my home.

Anyway the current published list of displays and times can be viewed here.

http://www.eastbourneairshow.com/flyingdisplay/

Ther is also a link offering the chance to buy on line the daily flying schedule which is normally modified to take into account short notice cancellations and occasionally additions.

Sadly XH558 will not be there this year.

According too the websites ‘Engineering update’, a component failure in the hydraulics system has led too a short delay in preperations until a replacement can be tested and delivered.

One interesting thing that did come too light from a forum member and former RAF ground engineer was the total number of bods employed by the RAF to accomplish what is now taking shape in Brunty, estimated at around 150 for the overhaul alone plus sundry other erk’s sooties and the like after which the A/C was towed away for another crew of around 30-40 to complete functionals.

Not bad for a group averaging around twenty is it.

All gleaned from the TVOC website before anyone ask’s