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Avro Vulcan
Avro Vulcan Bomber RAF.JPEG
A Vulcan B.2 of the RAF, 1985
Role Strategic bomber
National origin United Kingdom
Manufacturer Avro
Hawker Siddeley Aviation
First flight 30 August 1952
Introduction September 1956
Retired March 1984 (Royal Air Force)
October 2015 (XH558)
Status Retired
Primary user Royal Air Force
Produced 1956–1965
Number built 136 (including prototypes)
Unit cost £750,000 (1956)
Variants Avro Atlantic

The Avro Vulcan (also Avro 698 Vulcan) is a delta wing bomber aircraft. It was part of the RAF V bombers which were used by the Royal Air Force as a nuclear deterrent during the Cold War. The other aircraft in the V bombers were the Vickers and Valiant. The Vulcan was also used for long-distance bombing runs during the Falklands War.

Development

In 1947, the United Kingdom's Ministry of Defence said it needed a bomber aircraft that could fly a long way and very high. It also needed to carry a lot of bombs. The prototype Vulcan flew in 1948. It crashed in 1949, but development carried on. Over 100 aircraft were built between 1956 and 1965.

Use

The crew of the Vulcan was made up of five people – two pilots, two navigators and one electronics officer. The Vulcan was originally used as part of the United Kingdom's nuclear deterrent. It carried the United Kingdom's first nuclear weapon, called Blue Danube.

The Vulcan was also used sometimes for reconnaissance. It was retired from the Royal Air Force in 1984.

Technical data (Vulcan B Mk.2)

Data Units
Years of production 1956-1965
Manufacturer Avro
Wingspan 33,80 m
Length 30,40 m
Hight 8,20 m
Wing area 368,20 m²
Weight (empty) - kg
Max takeoff weight 113.398 kg
Passangers -
Crew 5
Speed 1038 km/h
Service ceiling 19.810 m
Range 7.400 km
Powerplants 4*Rolls-Royce Olympus 301 turbine

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See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Avro 698 Vulcan para niños

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