Famous for her role in Operation BLACK BUCK, Vulcan XM607 remains one of the most significant aircraft in RAF’s history.
More than four decades after her combat operations in the South Atlantic, she continues to capture the imagination of aviation enthusiasts, veterans, and the public alike. As RAF Waddington's Gate Guardian, XM607 occupies a highly prominent position overlooking the A15. However, like many large historic aircraft displayed outdoors, maintaining the aircraft presents unique challenges. Being mounted on a plinth adjacent to an active operational airfield means that access for major maintenance activities is limited and often requires specialist equipment, planning and support.
It became clear in 2018 that a more comprehensive programme of preservation work would be needed to ensure the aircraft could continue to represent both RAF Waddington and her historic role in Op BLACK BUCK. What followed was more than a formal restoration programme; it became a project driven by passion, pride and a determination to preserve an important piece of RAF heritage.
The restoration began with FS Steve and WO Dave, colleagues and friends who recognised the need for long-term action to secure the aircraft's future. Together they became the driving force behind the project, dedicating countless hours beyond their normal duties to develop a practical restoration plan and steadily build support for it. FS Steve's vision, enthusiasm and determination provided the momentum, while WO Dave's engineering expertise and leadership helped turn ambition into a structured and achievable programme of work on a busy operational station. As the project gathered pace, Wg Cdr Suzi, then their line manager, became the third member of the core restoration team and played a key enabling role. By championing the restoration at senior levels, she helped unlock access to decision-makers, funding opportunities, hangar space and external support.
The practical challenges were considerable. All eighteen wheel assemblies required overhaul, obsolete and increasingly scarce components had to be sourced, and specialist engineering solutions were needed throughout. Close collaboration with other Vulcan heritage organisations, the Joint Aircraft Recovery and Transportation Squadron (JARTS), and specialist contractors enabled XM607 to be safely removed from her plinth in July 2021 and relocated into a hangar, where the aircraft could undergo detailed inspection, repair and repainting under controlled conditions. Individuals from across RAF Waddington also stepped forward to support the project, with special mention to the craftsmanship of Sgt Gavin and Sgt James who provided essential structural engineering and aircraft repair skills to ensure that bespoke panels and components could be fabricated, repaired and installed.
This effort has been further strengthened by the contribution of 71 (IR) Squadron, whose complex work on the elevons helped to drive the project forwards at pace. The restoration also benefitted from the support of a number of specialist contractors who provided expertise in areas such as paint removal, surface preparation and repainting, activities that required skills and equipment not readily available within the Station. In addition, several businesses and supporters of the project generously donated their time, equipment, materials and expertise, helping to reduce costs and overcome challenges that may otherwise have proved difficult to resolve.
Throughout the project, the willingness of individuals and organisations to contribute, often with little recognition and driven simply by a desire to see XM607 preserved, has been a powerful reminder of the affection and respect that still exists for both the aircraft and her place in RAF history. Together, these contributions showcase the depth of engineering skill, ingenuity, generosity and teamwork that continue to underpin XM607's preservation.
Today, XM607 stands in significantly better condition than when the restoration began, with major preservation work completed and further improvements still underway. Although restoration work remains ongoing, the aircraft has already been given a new lease of life, ensuring that future generations will continue to appreciate her unique place in RAF history.
A major milestone was reached in September 2026 when XM607 successfully returned to her original position overlooking the A15 at RAF Waddington. Once again, the aircraft is visible to the thousands of motorists, visitors, aviation enthusiasts and former Vulcan crew members who pass the station each year, restoring her place as one of the most recognisable landmarks associated with RAF Waddington. Retaining the aircraft on her wheels throughout the restoration period proved highly beneficial, allowing her to remain manoeuvrable while major preservation work was undertaken. However, with planned resurfacing works approaching, and the aircraft's tyres continuing to age with no commercially viable replacement solution available, it became increasingly clear that the opportunity to return XM607 to her permanent display position should not be missed. While a number of tasks remain outstanding, the team unanimously agreed that securing XM607 safely in her long-term home was the right course of action. Once again, the move relied heavily on the expertise and support of JARTS. To enable the operation, JARTS laid a temporary surface to provide a suitable crossing from the MT route onto the plinth site.
Naturally, moving an aircraft of XM607's age and significance carried risks. After years of restoration effort, no one underestimated the challenges involved in relocating a large aircraft structure that was never intended to be moved repeatedly in retirement. Detailed planning, engineering assessments and careful coordination were essential throughout. In the event, the move was completed successfully with remarkably few complications. The aircraft was moved safely, efficiently and in a remarkably short timeframe, with the operation completed far more smoothly than many had anticipated.
The restoration journey is not quite over. Several external tasks remain, including the fabrication and installation of bespoke panels, the fitment of landing gear follow-up doors, the completion of elevon re-skinning activities and repairs to the exhaust nozzle shrouds before final paint finishes can be applied. In addition, XM607 will later be airbagged onto her permanent metal support stands with JARTS assistance, removing weight from the wheels and helping preserve the increasingly rare tyre assemblies for the future. However, XM607 is back where she belongs: standing guard over RAF Waddington once again.
"It has been a privilege to be part of the team restoring XM607. At times, the scale and complexity of the challenge made the end goal seem a long way off, but this project has shown what can be achieved when passionate people come together with a shared purpose and a determination to find solutions to every hurdle placed in their way. What has been achieved is a testament to the skill, dedication and perseverance of everyone involved, from the core restoration team to the many engineers, technicians and supporters who have contributed along the way. Seeing her back overlooking the A15 once again is a proud moment and a reminder of why preserving our RAF heritage matters."
Wg Cdr Suzi
Restoration Team Member
Standing proudly overlooking the A15 once more, she remains a powerful reminder of a remarkable chapter in RAF history. Just as importantly, she stands as a testament to the dedication, skill and perseverance of the core restoration team, plus the engineers, technicians, specialists and supporters who refused to let an iconic aircraft's story fade with time. While work continues behind the scenes, Vulcan XM607 is once again fulfilling her role as RAF Waddington's Gate Guardian, inspiring those who pass beneath her and ensuring that her legacy remains visible and accessible for generations to come.
