Avro Vulcan XH558 leads the way with several cold war era jets lined up for various displays at the RAF Cosford 75th Anniversary Air Show this Sunday 9th June.

With pre-show ticket sales already breaking recent records, the West Midlands’ premier aviation event looks set to be one of the best ever. One of the key reasons for anticipation reaching fever pitch is the confirmed appearance of the World’s last remaining flying Avro Vulcan, which will, subject to serviceability, be roaring through the Shropshire skies in what could be her last year of flight.

Kept in the air by the Vulcan to the Sky Trust, the aircraft that retired in 1993 after 33 years of service with the RAF returned to the skies in October 2007 and has been facing a long and determined battle to stay airborne ever since.

Wing Commander Mike Wilson, the Chairman of the Air Show Executive Committee, says “The RAF Cosford Air Show team is delighted to welcome XH558 and members of the Vulcan to the Sky organisation to the 2013 event. As it represents a cornerstone of British aviation heritage, the Avro Vulcan is truly a remarkable aircraft. We are looking forward to seeing its iconic shape gracing the skies over RAF Cosford once again and hope that our guests will be as thrilled as we are by the Vulcan’s appearance.”

In addition to XH558, RAF Cosford will also be providing a flying display by a Jet Provost aircraft, which was used as a jet trainer for RAF aircrew throughout the 1950’s, 60’s and beyond. On the ground, a 1970’s Harrier GR3 is the star in a keenly anticipated exclusive to the Cosford static display, with a reconstruction of an operational field hide used as they were with the Harriers in Germany throughout the East/West divide.

As well as the celebrations of its 75th anniversary, RAF Cosford also looks to showcase its current day activities in the form of the Jaguar jet. Another Cold War aircraft, these last remaining Jaguars are used to help train the next generation of RAF aircraft technicians and engineers. A duo of the aircraft will be performing a demonstration taxi on the morning of the Air Show to provide the public with an extremely rare opportunity to witness the jet in action.

Further to the Cold War aircraft, a diverse collection of other vintage and modern aircraft will also be showing off their abilities on Sunday. With displays from the RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight with their enchanting Lancaster, Spitfire, Hurricane and Dakota aircraft, to the emphatic demonstrations by the RAF Typhoon and the RAF Red Arrows. With over 25 aircraft on offer, the Air Show will boast a bumper flying display lasting over 6½ hours.

With ticket sales projected to be sky-high and the great British weather finally emerging, visitors looking to make the most of their day and reduce any possible travel delays are encouraged to exploit a special Air Show train timetable. This provides extra services throughout the day right into the heart of RAF Cosford, which is served by its own railway station. Dropping you off right next to the airfield, it is just a short walk to the pedestrian entrance. Those who purchase their Air Show admission ticket with their rail travel will also be able to enjoy the discounted advance rate.

All profits made from the RAF Cosford Air Show are donated to service and local charities.

For more information or to book tickets please visit www.cosfordairshow.co.uk or call 24-hour ticket line on 0871 230 1083 (10p/min).

(Vulcan photo by Jamie Hunter)

Tags: 2013, June, News, RAF Cosford Airshow