Steve Beebee revisits the origins of the Avro Vulcan and profiles a few of the significant figures behind the legendary bomber’s design

The word ‘iconic’ is overused, but it is almost impossible to describe the Avro Vulcan in any other way. Even as recently as 2015, the so-called ‘Vulcan effect’ was being felt – for better or for worse – by air show organisers booking (or failing to book) the world’s only flying survivor: B.2XH558. The instantly recognisable big delta was without doubt the most popular and famous flying machine in the UK during the eight years it was operated by the Vulcan To The Sky Trust (VTST).