It's fantastic to see the Vulcan back in the air, but how will the funds be found to keep the project airworthy in the long term?

Perhaps some sort of tie-up with the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight could be the answer. This might be a way of shoring up some funds and more engineering support, and would also open up the flight to a whole new generation of fans - the ones that get more of a kick out of hearing four Olympuses roaring together rather than six Merlins (not I, though!).

What do you think?

Interesting point. I have reservations regarding the funding. The RAF couldn't find funding 14 years ago for one reason or another. I can't see any funding coming in the future, what with their current commitments and with defence cuts seemingly looming.

As for the BBMF and RAF Waddington, they have shown support towards the Vulcan. I'm sure this will continue in whatever capacity that can be obtained.

I hope at some stage they do have the Vulcan fly with the Lancaster, obviously two unique classic British aircraft, and of course two generations of Avro bombers. Where else will you be able to see this.

Now that would be good if the BBMF were involved. Imagine the Lancaster flying past with the Spitfire and Hurricane followed by the Vulcan flanked by the two lightnings from Bruntingthorpe(I know its a pipe dream to these beauties in the air again)! Now that would be some sight!

I personally think that the national lottery should be pumping more money into the Vulcan rather than some of the dodgy things they have in the past.(The Millenium dome for one!)

Its a shame that there doesnt seem to be much support from the CAA or Government for projects like these. Take the Victor for instance. It paid far more of a role in the Black Buck missions than the Vulcan did. (People only see that the Vulcan dropped the bombs not what the Victors did in getting them there!) Also the Victor played a big role in the first Gulf war. Why isnt there more effort to get this flying again?

I cant see the cash strapped RAF "adopting" the Vulcan for the BBMF, think there are a few front line assets that require the money more so, although i would expect to see the Vulcan "formate" with the Lancaster, well that is if the powers that be allow it. Those high up always didn't want the fighters to participate in anything other than their own routine at shows like Legends, but I'm glad to say a relaxing of restrictions now allows them to take part in some of the scenarios there.

 What is needed is a big generous sponsor who doesn't mind not having their logo emblazoned across the aircraft, part of the criteria from the lottery was that the aircraft has to stay in its camouflage livery. As marketing goes I cant see anyone really taking that up, its alright being called the 'Red Bull Vulcan' but the Red Bull livery Vixen was a much better way of getting the product out there. On that subject I hear the Vixen may have a new aviation related sponsor for 2008

 Good luck to the Vulcan but its going to need someone with very deep pockets....

Sorry, I just think that it is a rather romantic notion to think that the RAF can afford to maintain the Vulcan.  As the aircraft gets even older it will require even more money and effort: what about crew training?  I would rather see the money invested in the Red Arrows.

 And can someone explain the attraction of keeping it flying please? 

I have to agree with the "Anti" position. The BBMF needs all the funds it has to keep the aircraft it already has flying and I'd hate to have to choose which BBMF aircraft to decommision in order to fund the Vulcan.