WIX Archives
Re: Vulcan XH588
Posted by Mike on Wed Nov 20, 2002 04:11:44 PM
In reply top Re: Vulcan XH588 posted by Tony C on Wed Nov 20, 2002 11:47:21 AM
I feel that my initial reaction to your comments may have been a trifle harsh, but I stand by my view that we are extremely lucky to have the BBMF in this country, together with a thriving preservation scene. We probably have more airworthy vintage aircraft in the UK per head of population than anywhere else on the planet. In spite of the 'CAA bashing' that goes on amongst enthusiasts, they allow us to see examples of many historic aircraft, including supersonic jets such as the Hunter and Sea Vixen, that many other countries are extremely envious of. Just look at the problems surrounding operation of certain historic aircraft in the Netherlands, as an example.
The hard fact remains that those concerned with the Vulcan project have indeed 'bitten off more than they can chew', and this lack of the necessary funding was apparent from early on. They relied on a 'miracle' in the form of a large amount of external funding, for what is a privately-owned aircraft, and that was sadly not to be.
Their case was not helped by the present ecomomic climate, especially the results of the events of Sept 11 last year, in the aerospace industry.
However, just look at the support that British industry does provide the preservation scene in this country:
BAE Systems (and its predecessors) have rebuilt: 1 Spitfire PRXIX (PS915) for the BBMF, the RNHF Firefly and Seahawk, Sea Fury and are now on their second Swordfish. As well as this, they have provided significant funding for the 'Air Space' project at Duxford, and operated a Mosquito until its sad demise in 1996.
Rolls Royce operates a Spitfire PRXIX (PS853/G-RRGN), and previously operated a Mk XIV (RM689/G-ALGT) until it too was lost in an accident.
Many of the airframes preserved in museums have been donated by industry, either manufacturers or airlines, and many museums receive ongoing support, either financially or in kind, from such organisations, as well as suppliers of paint, parts, etc, etc, etc.
In short, we have probably the most active preservation movement in the world here in the UK, uniquely supported by our armed services, government, and industry, as well as private individuals.
However, the Vulcan project has proved to be a step too far. I am personally extremely sad to see its failure, and always made a point of putting a few quid into the collecting bucket on their stand at every airshow that I attended over the past couple of years or so. I think it is sad that industry should come in for unjustified criticism for lack of support for what is, after all, somebody's privately-owned property, when they do so much for the preservation movement as a whole in the UK.