The Vulcan to the Sky Trust has called for a permanent hangar to be built at Doncaster Sheffield Airport to house two historic aircraft currently stored in the open.

Vulcan XH558, the last Cold War Vulcan bomber to fly, and an English Electric Canberra which broke the world altitude record in 1957, are both at the airport site but exposed to the elements. The trust has warned that decay will set in unless the aircraft are given proper shelter.

The Aircraft

Vulcan XH558 was the last of its type to retire from RAF service in 1993 but continued to fly for enthusiasts until 2015. The aircraft has been in the care of the Vulcan to the Sky Trust for 10 years, and the charity continues to fundraise for its preservation.

The English Electric Canberra WK163 is described by the trust as "one of Britain's most important jet age aircraft" following its record-breaking altitude flight in 1957. The RAF retired its last three Canberras in 2006, 57 years after their first flight.

Avro Vulcan bombers, which at one time carried Britain's nuclear deterrent, entered RAF service in 1956. Their distinctive delta-wing design featured no horizontal stabilisers on the tail, and triangular wings allowed more fuel and conventional bombs to be carried.

During the Falkland War, Vulcans were used to fly record-breaking long-range conventional bombing raids.

Next Steps

Craig Shepherd, chief executive officer of the Vulcan to the Sky Trust, said it was vital to create a permanent home for both aircraft at the airport site as it prepares for reopening following its closure in 2022. He said the trust had raised its concerns with South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) and Doncaster Council during planning for the airport's future.

A SYMCA spokesperson said the authority would be "happy to discuss this with them at the appropriate time" and confirmed awareness of the trust's interest in the Vulcan.

Fly Doncaster Ltd, set up by Doncaster Council to manage the airport site, said it has been engaging regularly with the Vulcan to the Sky Trust and looks forward to "working closely with the trust to find a suitable, permanent home."

Last week it emerged that Doncaster Sheffield Airport is set to come under public ownership, with SYMCA on the cusp of agreeing a deal with landowner Peel Group.