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Page last updated at 10:36 GMT, Sunday, 19 October 2008 11:36 UK

Vulcan grounded by faulty brakes

Vulcan at Waddington
The Vulcan team's engineering director said funding was their biggest concern

The world's only flying Vulcan bomber has been grounded yet again - this time because of faulty brakes.

The Cold War aircraft was due to be flown to its home in Bruntingthorpe, Leicestershire, for a show, but is stuck in Farnborough, Hampshire.

It will be two to three weeks before replacement parts are available and the aircraft will remain at Farnborough during that time.

Saturday saw the anniversary of its first flight following restoration.

Uncertain future

The Vulcan was restored in a 15-year, £7m project at the airfield in Bruntingthorpe where it has been kept since being decommissioned in 1993.

It was based at RAF Waddington in Lincolnshire when it was operational.

Some 20,000 people have contributed to the restoration fund for the bomber.

But the restoration team have faced funding, weather and technical problems.

Continued funding is still the biggest concern for the Vulcan to the Sky team.

Business development director, Michael Trotter, said: "At the present time we need to raise £135,000 per month to cover all of the costs that we incur to operate the aircraft and if we are unable to do this our future and that of XH558 looks dire.


SEE ALSO
Vulcan grounded by engine trouble
02 Oct 08 |  Leicestershire
Low morale at Vulcan support team
16 Sep 08 |  Leicestershire
Funding woes for restored Vulcan
03 Sep 08 |  Lincolnshire
Vulcan gets full display go-ahead
04 Jul 08 |  Lincolnshire
Sponsor found for Vulcan flights
27 Jun 08 |  Leicestershire

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