Is this the end for XH 558

[papa 695]

Last season the Vulcan had to end early because of fuel leaks and TODAY she had to abort takeoff due to two engine failures :grumpy:

[Ian M]

That sucks.

Lets hope its a minor issue that put the mockers on it and not some super expensive not to be found engine part.

Ian M

[Guest]

lets hope they get it sorted , and is not anything to serious, she was fine the other weekend gave us a great display at finningley.. (doncaster airport for them they dont know) i live a stones throw away and often go and watch her,

shane

[Guest]

When she returned to the air she had eight engines. She has used one of those so she has three left.

[Guest]

Says on her webpage she's going to be grounded for at least two weeks ....

Does Rolls Royce still support the Olympus engine for repair/rectification (or is it BMW or or VW now) ?????

[Guest]

oh no! I'm hoping to see the old bird at RIAT again this year.

[Guest]

Says on her webpage she's going to be grounded for at least two weeks .... Does Rolls Royce still support the Olympus engine for repair/rectification (or is it BMW or or VW now) ?????

Rolls Royce Aero Engines PLC is a different company from RR Cars. I believe they are still the design authority, but whether they still support them is another thing.

[Guest]

Rolls Royce Aero Engines PLC is a different company from RR Cars.

I knew that .. was just a vain attempt to be funny concerning company takeovers and mergers ... didn't work then?

I believe they are still the design authority, but whether they still support them is another thing.

thanks for that ... couldn't find much about it on t'interweb where i looked in the time i had spare.Be nice if support and maintenance was offered unconditionally eh?

[Guest]

Engine Damage Update - issued Wednesday 30th May - 5pm

The technical team spent yesterday (Tuesday) investigating the engine damage on XH558, to determine its cause and to start assessing the timescale and cost of rectification.

We have already established that both engines No.1 and No.2 on the port side are sadly beyond repair, both having suffered blade damage and the effect of excessive heat.

The primary cause of the damage has been determined to be ingestion of silica gel desiccant bags. The most likely sequence of events was that material was ingested by No.1 engine, which surged and suffered LP compressor blade failure. Debris was then sucked into No. 2 which then also failed.

All relevant agencies and technical authorities have been informed. “We have been greatly reassured by the support from industry colleagues, and would like to thank all those who have offered help,” said engineering director Andrew Edmondson.

We would also like to place on record our thanks to all at Robin Hood Airport Doncaster Sheffield for their swift and professional reaction on Monday, whilst also apologising to those affected by delays or diversions.

In accordance with normal procedures, a formal investigation into the incident has been opened, chaired by the Chairman of the Trust’s Safety Review Committee.

The technical inspection has so far showed that no airframe damage was sustained, with damage being limited to the engines. The next step is to replace the damaged engines with two from the Trust’s remaining stock. Timescales for a return to flight are not yet clear – we will of course update the web site with progress and give details in the e-newsletters each week.

“We are deeply sorry that this incident has happened, and at this time in 2012. The additional unplanned costs are clearly very worrying as resources are, as ever very tight” said the charity’s chief executive, Dr. Robert Pleming. “We are actively working on a plan to recover our Jubilee season schedule and we will share this with you as soon as practical via the newsletter, Facebook page, Twitter feed and the web site.”

With many thanks to all for continuing to support Vulcan XH558.

The Vulcan Team

[colin m]

It's never a good time for an engine failure, but two engines, just when the show, hence revenue earning season is getting going. I do fear that this could indeed be the end.

[Dave W]

You say silica gel bags were ingested into the engine?.in the civil aviation industry we place these in the area of the fan/compressor blades when preparing an engine for long term storage.The engine is then wrapped in plastic .The gel is supposed to remove moisture from the air so preventing corrosion (hopefully).If someones left them in the Vulcans engine intakes thats one expensive mistake.

[Guest]

Thank you everyone for your positive thoughts. I’ve read every comment and can’t tell you how reassuring it feels to know that XH558 has so many friends. I spoke to Robert Pleming this afternoon and am delighted to let you know that we have two spare engines and that rectification plans are coming together. I’ll post further updates when I know more and see if we can get some photographs. Thanks for the fundraising ideas too. We have a meeting tomorrow to discuss them. Do keep them coming! Many thanks to everyone.

[colin m]

You say silica gel bags were ingested into the engine?.in the civil aviation industry we place these in the area of the fan/compressor blades when preparing an engine for long term storage.The engine is then wrapped in plastic .The gel is supposed to remove moisture from the air so preventing corrosion (hopefully).If someones left them in the Vulcans engine intakes thats one expensive mistake.

This is the confusing bit Dave. A couple of Sundays ago, it flew over my house. Was the silica in place then ?? I can't see how, but then I know nothing on this matter.