Charity launches Operation 2015, an exciting engineering programme designed to keep the world’s last flying Avro Vulcan airworthy to the end of 2015.

The world’s last flying Avro Vulcan, one of the UK’s most popular heritage aircraft, is to receive a vital airframe modification that will help to keep her airworthy until the end of 2015. It had been feared that Vulcan XH558 might have to stop flying at the end of this year but, following extensive research by the charity that operates the aircraft, the Vulcan to the Sky Trust engineering team now believes they can solve the series of complex technical challenges that could have grounded her.

“If everything goes to plan, we should be able to release sufficient additional flying hours for XH558 to complete full display seasons in both 2014 and 2015, in addition to this year’s spectacular season which is just about to start,” says Trust chief executive, Dr Robert Pleming. “There are still many gateways to pass through, but we are sufficiently confident to begin the vital fundraising that will make this exciting extension to XH558’s flying life possible.”

There are three elements to the engineering programme, which the charity has called Operation 2015. “The most technically challenging is a vital modification to the leading edges of the wings required to increase the fatigue life of the airframe,” explains engineering director Andrew Edmondson. “The second element, which is less technically complex but in some ways even more difficult to solve, is to ensure that we have sufficient stocks of all the system components needed for the additional two flying years.” The final item is to complete the 2013-14 Winter Service, including the rectification of any technical issues resulting from the 2013 flying season.

Wing Modification to proceed

The wing strengthening will be carried out to Modification 2221, which was developed by Avro while the Vulcans were in service. It’s a high-precision operation made more difficult by none of the original manufacturing tools and key drawings surviving. Phase 1 of the Modification therefore called on heritage aircraft specialists at Cranfield Aerospace (who also support the UK’s last flying Avro Lancaster) to “reverse engineer” the critical components.

Using data from a precision three dimensional scanning system, combined with research into the original wing design, the Cranfield team created a detailed computer model of the relevant wing sections. Following rigorous stress analysis, this was used to study the feasibility of the complex operation, which requires panels approximately two metres square to be precisely shaped in three dimensions so they fit each wing leading edge perfectly. “The success of Phase 1 has shown that Modification 2221, one of the most important elements of Operation 2015, is feasible,” says Edmondson.

In parallel with this research, Edmondson and his team discussed component availability with key suppliers. “This is the real limiting factor,” he says. “We concluded that by the end of the 2015 flying season, we will have almost exhausted the available engine life and will be critically short of other components, several of which are either prohibitively expensive to remanufacture or simply can never be made again because the drawings no longer exist.”

The next step in Operation 2015 is to design and construct the manufacturing former for the wing modification. This should be completed during the summer. As soon as the aircraft lands following her final display of the year, the engineering team will begin the Winter Service while the high-precision panels are manufactured. The final phase of the Wing Modification will be to fit the new panels early in 2014. Following further testing, XH558 will be ready to take off for another spectacular season of displays across the country.

All flying life targets beaten

Dr Pleming says that by the end of 2015, the aircraft will have flown for around 80 hours more than was anticipated during the award winning restoration in 2007. “We will have beaten all our targets by a significant margin,” he says proudly. “XH558 is now enjoyed by around three million people every year – 50% more than two years ago – including children and young people who are inspired to learn more about engineering and aviation, hopefully to help fill the UK’s desperate technology skills gaps. We have packed tours of adults and young people at the hangar at Robin Hood Doncaster Sheffield Airport and also support engineering training for local businesses.”

“When XH558 does finally touch-down for the last time,” he concludes, “it is hoped that she will form the heart of a new type of engineering, education and experience centre so that she can continue to inspire new generations.”

Rewards for supporting Operation 2015

“We cannot start the engineering work without reasonable confidence that we will be able to finish and return her to the air,” highlights commercial director Michael Trotter. “At the end of October, we will decide whether we have enough funding to continue Operation 2015 or if, sadly, XH558 should be prepared for her final flight.”

To help make that decision, XH558’s supporters are being asked to pledge donations to Operation 2015 now. If the target of £400,000 is met, the charity will collect the pledged amounts early in November. To thank those making two additional flying years possible, redeemed pledges will be rewarded with a wide range of incentives, from badges and collector’s certificates to names on a wall of honour and special VIP events at XH558’s hangar. More details are available at www.vulcantothesky.org where readers can also find out where to see XH558 fly this year and sign-up for the latest Vulcan news. There is also a popular Facebook community, Vulcan XH558 and a Twitter feed @XH558.

First-hand recollections of former Second World War veterans and civilians have inspired the new drama being produced by East Lindsey District Council and Red Dog Film.

The 20 minute film charts the emotional journey of a seven man Lancaster Bomber crew as they undertake a perilous night time mission across occupied Europe.

Funding from Centrica Energy, as part of its 2012 SO Festival sponsorship, has enabled the District Council to work with Lincoln-based film production company, Red Dog Film, to produce the heritage drama simply entitled ‘Lancaster’.

There is also a strong educational element surrounding the film, which will be taken into schools to show pupils what life was like at that point in history .

Executive producer and also SO Festival Co-ordinate at the Council, Lorrie Stock said: “We wanted to make a drama rather than a documentary, as there are many similar documentaries charting that area of conflict at the time, but there hasn’t been a drama about Bomber Command since The Dambusters in 1955. The film aims to transport the viewers in to the life of the crews of bomber command , I’m sure they will be moved by what they will see.

“We hope to educate youngsters on what life was like during the Second World War for teenagers the same age as them, faced with the prospect of going to war and not knowing whether they will survive. It is a very sobering and thought-provoking realisation.

“We wanted to produce a drama in celebration and commemoration of Lincolnshire’s aviation history – for Bomber County, but also to tie in with the 70th anniversary of the Dambusters raid this year and as a memorial to those young men who lost their lives in the war.”

‘Lancaster’ is being produced by award-winning director Philip Stevens and producer Tom Walsh for Red Dog Film. The film is being shot using top industry crew and equipment.

Among those whose stories influenced and informed the film is 92-year-old Lancaster Bomb Aimer Les Rutherford and Bob Carter who was a boy at the time living in on a farm next to RAF Scampton and vividly remembers living underneath the busy Lincolnshire skies during the Second World War.

‘Lancaster’ was filmed using the beautiful Just Jane as its main location, the Avro Lancaster Bomber is housed at Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre, East Kirkby, near Spilsby.

Director Philip Stevens said: ‘It is such an honour to film in this iconic plane and to have the opportunity to tell the personal story of these incredibly brave young men, hopefully the film will give an insight to younger generations of the sacrifice made by so many during the Second World War.”

The film will be premièred as part of the SO Festival at the Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre on June 28. It will be free to attend. But tickets must be booked.

It is hoped that as well as going into schools, the film will also be made available for free to community groups and also online. For more information please contact Lorrie Stock at East Lindsey District Council on 01507 601111.

Tickets for the premiere can be booked via the Aviation Heritage Centre’s website at www.lincsaviation.co.uk/events or by calling 01790 763207.

Stills: https://www.dropbox.com/l/bqzEZM88HsmhqCJgoLFHvb

Sample clip: https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/6071952/Red%20Dog%20Film/Lancaster/Video/Lancaster%2030sec%20BBC%201080p.mp4.zip

The London RAF Museum yesterday helped launch author Roger Annett’s new book “Borneo Boys”…

Early in 1963 a British-backed military campaign got under way, fighting to save three future South East Asian Tiger Economies from Indonesian expansionist aggression. For nearly four years, British and Commonwealth armed forces were embroiled in conflict on the island of Borneo. For the large part, this remarkable example of British military success was kept in low profile by the governments involved, however Singapore, Brunei Darussalam and Malaysia are three Commonwealth countries that the Borneo Boys’ exploits helped save in the 60’s.

Borneo’s difficult terrain and lack of adequate road networks proved to be one of the biggest challenges from a military perspective, a challenge met in great part by the mobility of the helicopter.

The helicopters worked in close support of Claret Raids – cross-border clandestine operations carried out by SAS, Paras and Gurkhas. These proved a key to success and the Malaysian Federation came into being 15 September 1963 (though the conflict lasted until 17 August 1966).

What makes this story even more remarkable is that the RAF helicopter pilots were in their early 20’s and low in number. There were 16,000 British & Commonwealth troops at the peak, serviced by no more than 75 helicopters (by comparison, in Vietnam the Americans and their Allies had close on 3,000).

BORNEO BOYS

This unique part of British military history is now uncovered in a new book written by one of its Veterans and featuring contributions from a range of participants. Published by Pen & Sword Books Limited at £25 rrp, it has 300 pages and over 110 illustrations, most in colour.

The book is focused on the new breed of RAF helicopter pilots, recruited straight from the sixth form to officer and pilot training, and sent on their first flying-tour to the action in Borneo – called upon to fly over the confusion of jungle warfare, far away from home. The reader will share their daily adventures, learning trajectories and camaraderie and how, thrown in at the deep end, the ‘Borneo Boys’ quickly became men.

All the excitement of the aviator’s adrenaline ride is translated into elegant prose, strengthened by the kind of confident delivery achievable only by a man who was himself involved in the action. A fascinating book for those with a passion for helicopter flying and general aviation alike.

When asked about his motivation for writing the book, Roger told Airscene “In the summer of 2010 I was giving a presentation to the helicopter crews of RAF Benson on the Borneo Campaign, based on my 2006 book on the air-supply.

As I usually do, I asked whether anyone in the room had heard of the campaign, Indonesian Confrontation having been such a low-profile, clandestine affair. To my surprise, two chaps of about my age in the front row raised their hands – they not only knew about it but also served in it, as very youthful Whirlwind pilots.

It turned out that they were currently holding down jobs as instructors on the rotary simulators at Benson. That made close on 50 years in rotary aviation, and counting! With that angle, the book just had to be written. They, and their ‘Old Rotor’ colleagues came forward with all the material an author could ask for.”

Roger Annett served in the RAF between 1959 – 1967, including two and a half years on supply-dropping action in Borneo. Borneo Boys is available now at Pen & Sword Books: http://www.pen-and-sword.co.uk/Borneo-Boys/p/3735/ (priced at £20)

The Airscene 2013 Photobook is now available for sale: http://www.blurb.co.uk/bookstore/detail/3811267.

The photobook is made up of selected entries from the Airscene 2013 Airshow Calendar competition. As with previous editions, not every entry has been lucky enough to be selected for an appearance in the book, however a number of entrants do appear twice – such was the quality of their submissions.

In the 2011 and 2012 editions images were grouped by aircraft type and were accompanied by textual information in a few places. This year the images have been grouped by airshow – with images accompanied by the photographers name. In addition to the photographs, one page has been used to show off free Airscene Calendar (useful for winners to showcase their own work) and the final page details the fundraising Red Arrows prints that artist Terry Jones created earlier in the year to raise money for the Jon Egging trust and the RAF benevolent fund.

News on the next competition will be announced this week, in the meantime I hope you enjoy your book.

A unique piece of memorabilia from this summer’s Royal International Air Tattoo is being auctioned this month in support of the airshow’s Fairford-based charity – the RAF Charitable Trust.

The large, one-off framed print features the official 2012 Air Tattoo artwork created by renowned aviation artist David Bent.

It has been signed by many of those who took part in the airshow including the Red Arrows, the US Air Force’s B-2 ‘Stealth’ crew, RAF display pilots, the Vulcan crew, the South Korean Black Eagles team and the Polish Air Force MiG-29 Fulcrum display pilot.

Others signatories include the UAE’s Al Fursan team, the Japanese Air Self Defense Force KC-767 crew and the USAF F-15E Strike Eagle team. In total, more than 280 signatures feature as well a number of colourful squadron patches, pins and stickers representing air arms from around the world.

Giving his seal of approval to the venture, Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Dalton, the RAF’s Chief of the Air Staff, also signed the artwork during July’s airshow.

The framed print, measuring 1m x 1.2m, will be auctioned on eBay for a limited 10-day period this month with the highest bidder securing the ultimate souvenir from this year’s unforgettable airshow.

Air Tattoo Chief Executive Tim Prince said the piece of artwork would create a talking point where ever it was hung.

“There is so much to look at and enjoy – it really is striking. Not only will the winning bidder own a highly collectable piece of aviation art with an historical provenance but the money they bid will help support the excellent work of our parent charity.”

Artist David Bent said: “As an artist inspired by aviation, I was delighted to have the opportunity to create the image for the Royal International Air Tattoo.

“The character Ace Mandala, featured on the RIAT poster, is a fictional fast jet pilot that I based on the boss of the Red Arrows during my first year as artist in residence with the team. The original painting featuring Ace is currently on display in Fresh Air, my solo retrospective at the RAF Museum, London – so he gets around!

“By signing and adding their badges to this poster, outstanding aircrews from all around the world have contributed to creating a totally unique item.”

To view photos of the framed artwork and to place a bid, visit www.airtattoo.com for more information. The closing date for bids is October 12.

Calendar competition sponsor Terry Jones has released 2 Commemorative Red Arrows print specials.

The first is a tribute to Flt Lt Jon Egging, who died tragically at last years Bournemouth Air Festival, after guiding his stricken jet away from residential properties. All proceeds go to the Jon Egging trust, set up by proud wife Emma to support young people under-achieving in the formal education system by linking them to inspirational people and evironments connected to aviaion.

The second is dedicated to Flt Lt Sean Cunningham who was killed 2 months on in an ejector seat accident whilst still on the ground. Proceeds from the sale of this print will go to the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund.

To purchase either of these prints please visit http://www.terryjones-art.co.uk.

The Airscene 2012 photobook is now available in ebook format.

The publishers have recently made the format available so I jumped at the opportunity of getting the book converted for those who expressed an interest earlier in the year.

The book is prices at £4.99 and contains a selection of winning entries from last years calendar competition.

http://www.blurb.co.uk/bookstore/detail/2838750

*All profits from the sale of both the print and ebook formats are used to cover the costs of hosting fees and administration in running the Airscene competitions.

57 entries from the 2012 Calendar Competition now grace the 40 pages of the Airscene 2012 Photobook.

As with last year not everyone who has entered appears in the book, although some will appear twice and this years cover image is by David Cook. A full preview is available via the following link: http://www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/2838750

The book is now available for sale at £19.95 (+ p&p) and delivery is a fairly reliable 14 days, although last years photobook arrived in just 4 days.

Record numbers of young people, with dreams of becoming a pilot, aviation engineer or air traffic controller, are expected to apply for a place on Cotswold Airport’s 2012 Aviation Scholarships programme.

The scheme, which was first introduced four years ago, gives teenagers aged between 14 and 18, the chance to embark on a career in aviation and gain experience and training close to home.

The programme, which is funded by Cotswold Airport owner and chief executive Ronan Harvey and run in conjunction with the airport-based fly2help charity and flying organisations on the site, has already helped change the lives of dozens of young people for the better.

And it is now inviting applications from young people in Gloucestershire and Wiltshire with a view to filling the 10 available places on the 2012 scheme.

Last year saw a record number of applications and, based on greater exposure and annual increases since the scheme’s inception, it is anticipated that the 2012 programme will attract even more.

Mr Harvey’s daughter Suzannah, who is a director at the airport, said: “We were thrilled that so many people applied for a place on the 2011 programme and to see the enthusiasm and dedication shown by all who took part was a clear indication of just how much of a difference the scheme makes.

“We’re anticipating another good year in terms of the number of young people applying and I’d encourage anyone with an interest in a career in aviation to do so.

“Not only is it a fantastic experience but it really helps the students take their first footsteps towards what can be a very rewarding career in aviation, whilst allowing them to build contacts and make new friends at the same time.”

During the scholarships, students experience flight, receive tuition at the airport’s aviation ground school, see at first-hand the work of air traffic controllers, flying instructors and engineers and receive expert guidance from aviation professionals.

The programme has already helped change the lives of many young people, and former scholars, such as 17-year-old Joshua Dutson, have already hit the headlines.

Joshua, who lives in the Cotswolds, said the scholarships helped him turn his life around after he became seriously depressed as a result of bullying at school. He now hopes to embark on a career as an air traffic controller.

Meanwhile, fellow former scholar Barney Rowland managed to fly solo several months before passing his driving test, after spending time on the programme, and has since achieved his Private Pilots’ Licence (PPL).

Charity Manager for fly2help Sue Bennett said: “We are extremely pleased to be playing our part in yet another aviation scholarship programme.

“It’s fantastic to see the difference the scheme makes to those who take part and we look forward to welcoming another new intake.”

Application forms are available on the fly2help website www.fly2help.org or by calling 01285 771177.

The closing date for applications is January 31, 2012, and interviews for the short-listed candidates will be held the following month.

The scholarships will run from April 2 to 5 and April 10 to 13.

A teenager, who became fly2help’s inaugural flying scholar, has taken to the skies for his first solo flight, thanks to the support of the programme.The scholarship, which is supported by the Royal Aeronautical Society, aims to provide a young person with the chance to achieve the first milestone in any pilot’s career – the chance to get airborne by themselves.

Following a selection process, which involved a formal application and an interview, Sam Jacques, 18, was chosen to be fly2help’s first ever scholar.

And earlier this month, the excited teenager, who was awarded 15 hours of lessons as part of the programme, enjoyed his first solo flight in a Cessna 152 at Cotswold Airport.

Sam, from Cirencester, says the experience was a “dream come true” after setting his heart on becoming a pilot as a youngster.

He said: “The scholarship has been fantastic. I love flying – you get a real sense of freedom. It’s also great to be part of an elite few who have been able to fly an aircraft by themselves.

“It was the most amazing experience of my life. It was gusting at around 25 knots at times and I had to compensate for that but it went really well.

“I’m in the application process for joining the Fleet Air Arm at the moment and I’m sure this will help. It’s such an asset to have it on my CV.

“I’d never have been able to afford the cost of the lessons but this has helped me so much.”

Thanks to the support of the Royal Aeronautical Society, the scholarship is run at zero cost to the charity and in parallel to the charity’s core aim, which is running Air Smiles events to give beneficiaries, including people with life-limiting and chronic illnesses, the chance to experience the liberation and freedom of flight.

Sam received expert tuition from Flying Club Kemble instructor Bob Hopper and learned the basics of flying, such as take-off and landing, as well as more complex manoeuvres, including engine failure practices and ascending turns.

He says a previous place on Cotswold Airport’s own Aviation Scholarships programme two years ago encouraged him to apply for the fly2help scheme.

He is now looking for further sponsorship to enable him to complete his solo hours and achieve his Private Pilot Licence.

Chris Hadlow, Chief Executive of fly2help, said: “We’re extremely proud of Sam and are delighted that the scholarship has helped him achieve his first solo flight.

“As a pilot myself, I remember what a thrill it was to have total control of an aircraft for the first time and Sam did exceptionally well in some challenging conditions.

“I hope he will now go on to have a very successful career in aviation and the charity will very much look forward to inviting applications for our next scholarship early next year, as part of our continuing programme of encouraging young people to take up careers in the aviation industry.”

Details of how to apply for the scholarship will appear on the fly2help website www.fly2help.org.