Aston Martin Vulcan and Avro Vulcan Bomber Unite for Historic Flypast
Aston Martin staged a unique meeting between its 800hp Vulcan supercar and the last flying Avro Vulcan bomber at Elvington Airfield as the aircraft prepared for retirement.
Aston Martin brought together its track-only Vulcan supercar and the last airworthy Avro Vulcan bomber for a one-off event at Elvington Airfield, Yorkshire, in October 2015. The meeting, staged just weeks before the bomber’s permanent retirement, marked the first and only time the two British engineering icons appeared together.
The Aston Martin Vulcan, unveiled earlier that year at Geneva, is powered by a 7.0-litre naturally aspirated V12 developed by Aston Martin Racing. With more than 800hp, a carbon fibre chassis and aggressive aerodynamics, the Vulcan was designed solely for circuit use. Only 24 examples were planned for production, each priced above $2 million and tailored to wealthy track-day customers.For a deeper technical look at the Vulcan, seeAston Martin Vulcan makes Spa debut with 800bhp V12.
The Avro Vulcan, specifically XH558, is a Cold War-era delta-wing bomber powered by four Rolls-Royce Olympus turbojets. First flown in the 1950s, the Vulcan was a mainstay of Britain’s strategic deterrent and became an aviation icon. Of the 136 built, XH558 was the only one still flying by 2015, operated by the Vulcan to the Sky Trust. Its retirement that October ended the era of British jet bombers in the air.
A unique tribute before retirement
Aston Martin’s event was timed to coincide with the final weeks of XH558’s flight career. The Vulcan supercar was positioned on the runway as the bomber performed a low flypast, creating a visual link between two generations of British design and engineering. The photo and video opportunity was as much a tribute to the aircraft’s legacy as a celebration of the car’s debut.
After its last flights, Vulcan XH558 was moved to the Vulcan Aviation Academy & Heritage Centre at Robin Hood Airport near Doncaster. There it remains on public display, while the Aston Martin Vulcan continues to appear at track events and private collections.
Technical highlights: Vulcan vs Vulcan
| Vehicle | Powertrain | Power output | Production number | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aston Martin Vulcan | 7.0-litre NA V12 | 800+ hp | 24 | Track only |
| Avro Vulcan XH558 | 4x Rolls-Royce Olympus turbojets | circa 80,000 lbf thrust | 136 (1 flying as of 2015) | Strategic bomber |
The Vulcan supercar’s naturally aspirated V12 set it apart from rival track machines like the hybrid McLaren P1 GTR and Ferrari FXX K. Its exclusivity, raw power and direct link to British aviation heritage made the meeting with its namesake a fitting send-off for the bomber.
