Permanent hangar plea for historic Cold War planes
The Vulcan to the Sky Trust is urging local authorities to provide a permanent hangar at Doncaster Sheffield Airport for two historic aircraft, warning that exposure to the elements will lead to their decay. The appeal comes as plans advance for the airport to reopen under public ownership, creating an opportunity to protect the planes as part of its future.
The aircraft are Vulcan XH558, the last Vulcan bomber to fly, which performed for enthusiasts until 2015, and Canberra WK163, which set a world altitude record in 1957. Vulcans entered RAF service in 1956 and once carried Britain’s nuclear deterrent; the RAF retired its final Canberras in 2006. South Yorkshire’s mayoral authority said it would discuss the proposal at the appropriate time, while the airport’s management company said it was working with the trust to find a permanent home.
In short
- The trust wants a permanent hangar for two historic aircraft.
- Vulcan XH558 last flew in 2015.
- Canberra WK163 set a world altitude record in 1957.
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The case for
A permanent hangar could protect two rare aircraft from weather damage and preserve important examples of Britain’s aviation and Cold War history for future generations. With the airport potentially reopening under public ownership, supporters may see safeguarding them as a worthwhile part of its heritage and public purpose.
The case against
Public authorities may reasonably prioritise the airport’s reopening, core infrastructure and services, especially while costs and available resources are uncertain. A permanent hangar would require space and funding that could be directed to other public needs, so decision-makers may want a clear assessment of costs, benefits and alternative ways to protect the aircraft before committing.
Explained simply
The Vulcan and Canberra are British military aircraft developed during the Cold War, when Britain and the Soviet Union competed for influence and prepared for the possibility of nuclear war. The Vulcan entered RAF service in 1956 and formed part of Britain’s nuclear deterrent; the Canberra was a jet bomber and reconnaissance aircraft.
Vulcan XH558 was the last Vulcan to fly, performing at air shows until 2015. Canberra WK163 set a world altitude record in 1957, and the RAF retired its final Canberras in 2006.
The Vulcan to the Sky Trust works to preserve the aircraft. Doncaster Sheffield Airport is central to the discussion because the planes are there and the airport is being planned for a possible future under public ownership. A hangar could protect them from weather damage and help keep them for public display.