I was based at Scampton (1977-1982) as a Survival Equipment Fitter.Once on an exercise I saw twenty one of these magnificent aircraft take off what a sight never to be forgotten.I even managed to get a trip on them on three occasions.
My school in Somerset was on top of a hill. I once looked down on a Vulcan flying up the valley below us. Used to see Buccaneers doing the same quite a lot but the Vulcan was amazing to see.
5 actually. Two pilots, a navigator, a radar operator and an electronic warfare operator. I always thought there were 4 until I recently watched a 1960 promotional video about the Vulcan and they showed 5 crew members boarding a crew bus to take them to the Vulcan and they all then climbed into the Vulcan.
@B-A-L. Could be 6 actually. I had a flight in a Vulcan as the sixth nember of what would normally be five member crew as you say. The sixth seat was behind and to the left of the rear facing crew positions. When the undercarriage was lowered for landing my view was almost straight downwards.
What American/Russian bomber in service today is comparable to the vulcans capabilities or equivalent? I ask this as the yanks and Russians 2:51 can keep 70year old aircraft still operational, the f-16 recently turned 50😮
The B-52 is still in service because it's still a viable bomber against nearly all enemies. It is large enough to carry a devastating payload. It can fly at almost the speed of sound for great distances. With refueling it's range is unlimited.. It is very hard to defeat unless you've got some serious missiles or fighters. Russia, China, and some of the Western European nations. It is protected by fighters that are the equal of any in the world. The B-1, B-2 have speed. The B-2 has stealth technology neither of the others have. With improved defenses, and avionics, the B-52 will be useful into the 2040s.
