Grab Your Ticket for the Chance to See Vulcan Over the Skies of Scotland

The 2013 Leuchars Airshow will offer the general public the chance to see the mighty Vulcan bomber in Scottish skies one more time on 7^th September when it joins the flying display at the 2013 Leuchars Airshow. Tickets for the show, already available online, will go on sale at selected Visit Scotland outlets this weekend.

One of aviation’s most iconic aircraft, XH558 Avro Vulcan adds to the impressive line-up of RAF aircraft past and present and is sure to be one of the highlights of the day. Other confirmed displays for the one-day event include Royal Navy assets the Sea Fury and the Lynx Black Cat Solo display.

Named the Spirit of Great Britain, XH558 is the only remaining airworthy Vulcan bomber in the world. The Vulcan only saw combat once, dropping bombs during the conflict in the Falkland Islands in 1982, to prevent Argentine fighters operating from Port Stanley Airport. The mission, a return journey of 8,000 miles, taking 15 hours 45 minutes, captured the world record at the time for the longest-ever bombing run. Two years later the Vulcan was withdrawn from service.

Airshow Executive, Wing Commander Neville Clayton said:

“The theme of this year’s Airshow is “Attack and Protect” and the Vulcan is a symbol of these twin roles that underpin RAF service. Vulcan is a firm crowd favourite and we will be delighted to offer the public what may be the last chance to see it roar through the skies over Fife on 7 September.

“One of the units that operated the Vulcan was 617 “The Dambusters” Squadron now based in Scotland at RAF Lossiemouth. With the RAF commemorating the 70^th Anniversary of the Dambusters Raid this year, it is particularly fitting that Vulcan will be joining the Lancaster and the Tornado at the Airshow, as a further reminder of the ground attack heritage and service that 617 Squadron continue to provide today, notably in protecting coalition troops on the ground in Afghanistan.”

Vulcan to the Sky Chief Executive Dr Robert Pleming said,

“I am absolutely delighted that XH558 is now set to return to the Leuchars Airshow, because she invariably receives a very warm welcome from the people of Scotland. This is a great opportunity for us to say a big “Thank You” to all of XH558’s loyal supporters in Scotland who we know have taken her to their hearts, and who have stayed with us through thick and thin.

“We are most grateful that the Vulcan has been booked to appear once again at this famous RAF station, giving people, particularly those who may not have seen her before, the opportunity to experience the amazing sight and sound of this iconic and much loved aircraft.”

Selected Visit Scotland outlets across the country will start selling tickets from Saturday 1^st June. A full list of outlets where Airshow tickets are available can be found at: http://www.airshow.co.uk/files/Documents-Visit-Scotland-Outlets-2013.pdf

Adding to the previous RAF assets which we have announced we can now confirm that the Royal Navy will be providing displays from the Sea Fury and the Lynx Black Cat Solo.

The Sea Fury is part of the Royal Navy Historic Flight which was established at Royal Naval Air Station (RNAS) Yeovilton in 1972, a British fighter aircraft which was developed for the Royal navy during the Second World War.

The Black Cats are the Royal Navy’s helicopter display team flying two front line Lynx maritime attack helicopters with crew from 702 Naval Air Squadron based at RNAS Yeovilton. The team performs a display which mixes close formation, opposition and synchronised manoeuvres. The name ‘Black Cats’ derives from the fierce cat depicted on the 720 Naval Air Squadron emblem.

For a full list of the confirmed flying display for this year’s Leuchars Airshow please visit: http://www.airshow.co.uk/whats-on/flying-displays. Further information on flying and static display aircraft for the show will be confirmed in due course.