XL391 did not enter squadron service till 1968, as from 1963 it was retained for trails at Boscombe Down with the new Olympus 301 engines. After use by the BCDU (Bomber Command Development Unit), it saw service with the Cottesmore Wing, 9, 101 and 44 Sqdns. Struck off in February 1983, it was flown to Blackpool for preservation that month but funds were insufficient to look after it suitably so it rotted until sold for scrap in 2006

Arriving at Blackpool on its last flight, escorted by Royal Navy Canberra T22 WH797 that was on a test flight out of nearby Warton. XL391 was one of the Vulcan B2 modified for 'Operation Black Buck' but it was never used operationally. It was kept outside at Blackpool and the salt laden air took its toll. It was finally scrapped in 2006.