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Vulcan’s flying visit
Living in Shireoaks you get used to the drone
of the small planes going into land at nearby
Netherthorpe Airfield.
The occasional aerobatic plane display might turn a
few heads as well as the rare sighting of a hot air
balloon floating gently over the rooftops. But no
one could miss the iconic Vulcan bomber plane that
flew over Shireoaks in time for the Netherthorpe
Open Day.
With its unique markings and its massive shape
against the skyline, it was quite a sight as it flew
slowly and smoothly over the village. It circled the aerodrome - far too large to land on the small field –
overawing onlookers before heading back home to Robin Hood Airport at Finningley.
The Vulcan, now the only flying one of its kind in the world, operated out of the airport when it was RAF
Finningley. Designed as a nuclear deterrent during the Cold War era it was used during the Falklands War in
1982 and the last Vulcan was withdrawn from service in 1984.
While some Vulcans remain grounded in private collections, this Vulcan was saved by enthusiasts and
underwent a major £6million restoration project to return it to flight. It now makes special appearances at air
displays including the Sunderland Air Show this Summer and carries out fly pasts.
Did you know?
• Netherthorpe is the smallest airfield in the UK.
• It has been an airfield since the First World War.
• It is now home to the Sheffield Aero Club and is a base for light aircraft.
• It is reported to have been used during the Second World War for the training of agents for special missions.
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Shireoaks Newsletter - “Reaching the Community”