Vulcan bombing mission re-enacted

http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/england/leicestershire/8240485.stm

Version 0 of 1.

A restored Vulcan bomber and its original pilot have re-enacted their 1982 Falklands bombing mission at a Leicestershire airshow.

The plane and captain Martin Withers dropped 21 bombs on Port Stanley's runway, preventing its use by Argentine jets, in the original raid.

The event was simulated at Cosby Victory Show on Saturday in front of about 10,000 spectators.

The noise set off car alarms and the smoke could be seen 15 miles away.

'Iconic aircraft'

It was the first time such a large bombing simulation had been attempted in the UK.

A professional pyrotechnic crew was brought in to choreograph the explosions, which were planted in a 20-acre field.

Show organiser Steve Pepper said: "The Vulcan is an iconic aircraft and it was a real privilege to be able to bring her to the show for such an historic event.

"It was spectacular. Car alarms were going off and people reported seeing the smoke up to 15 miles away."

The bomber was re-launched in 2007 after years of restoration work by engineers in Leicestershire in a £6.5m project.

Mr Withers said: "It was the first time in over 27 years this event has occurred and it was a reminder for me of the bombing of the Falklands, which were a great tribute to both the Vulcan and the Victor tanker aircraft and which made an important contribution to the successful outcome of the conflict."