Avro Vulcan B.Mk2: A Place in History, 1960-84

In 2022, the Avro Vulcan celebrated the 70th anniversary of its first flight on 30 August 1952. The Vulcan’s chief designer was Technical Director Roy Chadwick, who unfortunately was killed on a test flight in 1947 and never got to see one of his most famous designs take to the skies. A member of the V Force, the Vulcan proved an incredibly valuable asset, especially during the Cold War. It was used in both high- and low-level roles and performed some of the longest bombing and anti-radar missions by the RAF during the Falklands War in 1982. After serving over three decades with the RAF, the Vulcan was retired in 1984. XH558 continued display flying with the RAF Vulcan display flight until 1992, and later with the Vulcan to the Sky Trust until 2015, delighting the public with its noise and maneuverability. Following on from Avro Vulcan: The Early Years, 1947–64, and illustrated with over 120 images, this book explores the Vulcan B.Mk2, its systems and variations from the Mk1, and the Blue Steel missile program. This book showcases why the Vulcan has cemented its place in aviation history.
In 1955, the Vulcan B.Mk2 was proposed and a new wing modification was designed to take advantage of the more powerful Olympus engines and a new stand-off missile known as Blue Steel. Avro were given a contract for an aerodynamic prototype on 10 July 1956, with the first prototype VX777 making its first flight with the new wing on 31 August 1957.