Avro Vulcan XM598 was selected for use in 'Operation Corporate' on the 29th March 1982. Work was immediately undertaken at RAF Waddington to bring the aircraft up to the correct standard and remove any squadron markings of identification. XM598 arrived on Ascension Island on the 29th April.
The first surprise attack on the island was scheduled for the night of the 30th April. XM598 was scheduled to be the lead aircraft loaded with twenty-one 1,000lb bombs. Shortly after its departure the aircraft ran into a problem. It was unable to fully pressurise its flight deck due to a rubber seal on the 'Direct Vision' side window which had perished and was forced to turn back and was withdrawn shortly afterwards.
