English Electric Lightning F.2A
View the first supersonic RAF fighter close up at the
National Museum of Flight, East Fortune.
A supersonic flightier first
A truly evocative aircraft, The Lightning was derived from
Britain's first supersonic jet, the English Electric P.1, and
became the first supersonic fighter in RAF service. Possessing
an astonishing climb rate of 12,000 metres in three minutes
and a maximum speed of 2,100 kmp/h, the Lightning's biggest
drawback was poor endurance. The Lightning was in service with
the RAF until 1988, supplementing the Phantoms introduced to
replace it. Inspite of its inherent qualities it was exported to
Kuwait and Saudi Arabia.
Lightning on display in Military hangar at National Museum of
Flight, East Fortune.
Service in Germany
XN776 was built as an F2 and
modified to an F.2A, which brought it to a similar standard as the
ultimate version, the F.6, but with the option of four 30mm-cannon
in the nose. It is displayed in the colours of RAF 92
squadron, based at RAF Gutersloh, Germany, with whom it served
until 1977. It was refurbished for display by the crews from RAF
Leuchars and was gifted to the Museum in 1982.
English Electric Lightning (probably F.3) landing at Filton,
Bristol, England. Photographed by Adrian Pingstone in 1964.