VC10 is completed at RAF Cosford

Final work to attach the starboard outer wing has been completed and the plane has been moved into its display position, according to those behind the project.

The giant aircraft arrived in pieces at the museum in June from Bruntingthorpe airfield in Leicestershire after a 70-mile trip along the M6 and M54 and through the middle of Shifnal.

Since the arrival of the VC10, serial number XR808, the rear fuselage along with the outer wings, fin, tail plane and engines have all been carefully refitted onto the aircraft in the rebuild area directly outside the Museum's Hangar 1.

The plane, which saw 49 years of service, is now ready to go on display next to the Lockheed Hercules C130K Mk3 at the museum.

The dismantling, transporting and rebuild process was carried out by GJD Services, a specialist maintenance and aircraft salvage company based at Bruntingthorpe.

Ian Thirsk, head of collections at RAF Museum Cosford, said: "The VC10 is an icon of the British aviation industry and one of the most significant aircraft types ever to serve with the Royal Air Force.

"We are delighted to have XR808 on public display at Cosford and indebted to GJD Services for all their dedication and professionalism in making this a reality.

"BAE Systems Heritage and the RAF Charitable Trust have also played a crucial part in making this project possible and we thank them for their continued support."

The aircraft was originally designed and built by Vickers-Armstrong and then later by the British Aircraft Corporation.

The aircraft's first flight was recorded on June 9 1966, and its first ever overseas flight from RAF Lyneham to Hong Kong took place in August that year.

It was renamed the Kenneth Campbell as part of a policy to call all 14 RAF VC10s after RFC and RAF holders of the Victorian Cross on November 1968.

The dual-role aircraft enabled the rapid deployment of troops and their weaponry and fast jet aircraft to many theatres of operations around the world and proved one of the RAF's most significant assets for nearly 50 years.

For further information visit the museum's website www.rafmuseum.org/cosford or call (01902) 376200. The museum is open daily from 10am and entry to the museum is free of charge.