Flying Forwards, Facing Backward: Inside the Legendary Avro Vulcan Bomber
Event Date: Tuesday 13th January 2026 | Time: 7pm – 8pm
Hidden Histories
About this event
Flying Forwards, Facing Backward: Inside the Legendary Avro Vulcan Bomber
Prepare for take-off on an unforgettable journey through aviation history with Squadron Leader Jim Walls former Royal Air Force Air Electronics Officer as he takes us inside one of Britain’s most iconic aircraft: the Avro Vulcan Bomber.
In this fascinating live online presentation, Jim brings to life the story of the Vulcan from its bold beginnings and Cold War service to its legendary status among aviation enthusiasts today. With its dramatic delta wings and fighter-like agility, the Vulcan became as unmistakable a symbol of British air power as the Spitfire or the Lancaster.
The Vulcan’s primary nuclear strike role and its lesser-known missions proving it was far more than just a bomber. The aircraft’s cutting-edge self-defence systems and the extraordinary nuclear payloads it once carried. A rare, insider’s look at life on board each crew member’s position and duties to the intense scramble procedures and “disperse to survive” tactics of the Cold War.
First-hand accounts of training flights across the UK and abroad, including bombing competitions and the Vulcan’s participation in Exercise Red Flag in Nevada. The poignant final “goodwill” flight, marking the end of an extraordinary era in British aviation. As a special bonus, Boundless attendees will have the chance to win one of five signed copies of Jim’s acclaimed book, Flying Forwards Facing Backward.
Don’t miss this unique opportunity to hear the inside story of a true aviation icon told by someone who was there.
Please head over to Crowdcast to register for this event:
Meet the speaker - Jim Walls
Jim Walls was born in Edinburgh and joined the RAF in 1958, serving as a radar technician at several RAF stations including RAF Leeming and RAF Seletar in Singapore. Returning to the UK in 1969 he trained as an air electronics operator. Jim flew in Nimrods for 120 and 51 Squadrons before being commissioned and sent to fly on 617 Squadron Vulcans at RAF Scampton. Later, he returned to 51 Squadron and flew on sorties in support of the First Gulf War and the Bosnian War. In 1995 he was posted as a military advisor for DERA. Jim left the air force in 1998 but continued to serve as a Nimrod R1 technical consultant to the MoD Procurement Executive. He retired in 2008.