Catching some sun at last as she blasts off on her way home after some magnificent performances at Farnborough 2008. Well done to all concerned

First flying on 07th March 1957, this was the 12th production Vulcan and last flew 19.11.65 when it was delivered to No.2 SoTT, Cosford. Became 7896M; to Cosford Aerospace Museum but controversially scrapped 1986 - the last intact B.1. But - not the last time a significant airframe would perish there when better could be expected

A famous Vulcan indeed - used solely as a test bed for the Blue Steel missile project, then the Concorde Olympus 593 and later RB199 engine development with a mock-up MRCA (Tornado) fuselage under-slung including a trial cannon installation. F/f 10.05.57. An RR crew flew 903 into Farnborough from Filton on 27.2.79. Dismantling began in 1980 and finally b/u soon after this shot. Nose/cockpit saved and taken to Wellesbourne Mountford

This aircraft is now preserved at East Fortune in Scotland.

Seen rolling for take-off for a display at Waddington. I had forgotten that so many Vulcans had flown at this airshow until sorting the slides !