In your article about the Vulcan which is being restored at Bruntingthorpe, Leicestershire (The Argus, September 1), you refer to the Vulcan as a bomber "built during the Cold War to carry the nuclear deterrent".

These aircraft could carry conventional armaments as well as nuclear weapons.

I was a ground crew armourer mechanic working on Vulcans with 101 Squadron, based at RAF Finningly (now the Robin Hood civilian airport), near Doncaster, 1960-61.

The Vulcan could carry 21 x1,000lb high explosive or 21 x 100lb practice bombs.

Also, a simulator could befitted in the bomb bay and programmed for a bombing run controlled by two armourers, one in the cockpit, the other by the simulator.

Armourers were also responsible for servicing the ejector seats, flare pistol and the tail drogue braking parachute.

Finally, we ought to remember the only time a Vulcan was used in angerwas shortly after the type had officially retired from front-line service - on the epic bombing run to the Falklands where a single Vulcan, supported by 11 Victor air-refuelling tankers, attacked the runway at Port Stanley airport.

  • Colin Whiting, Ashurst Way, East Preston