British Aircraft Corporation
Lightning F6
Serial Number:
XS925
Period:Post-WWII
Collection Ref: 1990/0690/A
Location: RAF Museum London, Historic Hangars, Jets
The Lightning was the Royal Air Force's first truly supersonic aircraft and its introduction immediately doubled maximum speeds in Fighter Command.
Such a major advance called for a complex aircraft and much development flying was needed before production deliveries began in December 1959 to the Central Fighter Establishment. The first operational squadron received its aircraft six months later.
The Lightning was always identified with the air defence role during its
entire twenty-eight years of front line service. Although always associated
with the interception of unidentified aircraft entering United Kingdom
air space it nevertheless saw extensive service overseas in the Middle
and Far East as well as Germany.
Lightning units began to re-equip with McDonnell Douglas Phantoms during
the early 1970s but two units (No.5 and No.11 Squadrons of the Binbrook
Flying Wing) continued to operate the type into the 1980s. The last Lightning
interceptor was officially retired from front line service on 30 April
1988, bringing to an end a memorable service life which lasted longer
than any other fighter used by the Royal Air Force.
Lightning from the Cockpit
In this book, the author has gathered together 16 personal accounts of what it was like to fly the Lightning, thrilling stories that convey the immense brute power of the machine and also its many pitfalls.
Buy this book online!
