Tri-Service
Vulcan In Final Flight With Red Arrows
The Vulcan bomber has taken a final flight with the RAF's Red Arrows as a chapter in Britain's aviation history draws to a close.
Tens of thousands of people lined the seafront in Southport as XH558 and the world's most famous aerobatic display team roared in formation over the English coastline.
The undisputed highlight of the Southport Air Show, the aircraft joined up in a V-shape over the Irish Sea about 10 miles off Prestatyn.
The crowds were also treated to individual displays from the Cold War-era bomber and the Red Arrows as the 2015 season draws to a close.
More from Forces.tv: Take A Trip On Board Vulcan XH558
For all concerned it was a unique occasion, perhaps best described by Squadron Leader David Montenegro, who as Red 1 leads the Red Arrows: "I know the Vulcan has been a highlight of airshows across the UK for many years. I remember the impact its power and size had on me as a child when I saw the aircraft take off and perform at RAF Waddington.
"Hopefully the Vulcan's shape, grace and iconic design will have been admired and enjoyed by people of all ages once again as they watched this final flypast with the Red Arrows at the Southport Air Show. The Vulcan played both a significant role in the Cold War and in the history of British aviation and so it's only right we pay tribute to the aircraft, and all those people connected with it, during the bomber's final flying season."
"It was a great honour to lead a formation flypast with the Vulcan, particularly as the aircraft type was once based at RAF Scampton in Lincolnshire - now home to the Red Arrows.“
Due to be grounded forever in October, Vulcan XH558 and its crew are ensuring tens of thousands of people get a last and very memorable glimpse of a remarkable machine.
Having flown for far longer than any other bomber of its type and with concerns over the safety of the airframe and engines, one of the most iconic aircraft of the 20th century will soon roar no more.
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