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English Electric Lightning F.6 - RAF
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Scale 1:38 Length 17" Wingspan 11" Photography by Action Asia Photo |
The Electric Lightning was the first, and last, all-British supersonic fighter. It has been described as the, "Epitome of British fighter design - short on fuel but immensely powerful". Developed to meet a 1947 requirement for a new fighter, the first test model (the P.1) flew in 1954. From there the deign went through numerous changes (and designations). The RAF received their first Lightning's to try out (the F.1) in 1959 (by which time the plane was able to fly at Mach 2) and by 1960 one squadron was equipped with the short-range super-sonic fighter. The Lightning's fuel capacity was so limited that interception missions were almost limited to the area of the airfield! Next, two more RAF squadrons were equipped with the F.1A which had an in-flight re-fuelling probe. Variable afterburners made their appearance in the F.2 variant, which was followed by the F.3. The F.3 had some more major changes - improved AI-23B radar, more powerful Avon engines, a larger square-topped fin, cannon armament removed, Red Top missile capability and auxiliary over-wing fuel tanks. During their time in the RAF, Lightnings wowed air show audiences in the UK flying in formation as many as nine aircraft piloted by the 74th Squadron aerobatic team called "The Tigers". In 1963, 56th squadron also formed an aerobatic team called "The Firebirds" and painted their aircraft in flamboyant red and white markings which endeared them to air show-goers throughout Europe. The T.4 and T.5 variants were trainer models which resulted in the fins on the Lightnings being strengthened after accidents involving loss of the fins occurred. The F.6 was the definitive Lightning variant with a much larger ventral fuel tank and twin ventral fins. Cannon armament was back along with a larger, more efficient wing which had kinked and cambered leading edges. Export versions for Kuwait and Saudi Arabia were also produced. After thirteen years of service, the RAF decided that the Phantom, with its longer range, would take over the primary air defense role from the Lightning. The Lightning was still a formidable opponent - even high-flying U-2 pilots became accustomed to being caught by Lightnings! The Lightning draw-down began in 1974 when the first Jaguars were being delivered and thereby freeing Phantoms for pure air-defense. By early 1977, only 5th and 11th squadrons still operated Lightnings. By now, the natural metal finish of Lightnings had mostly been replaced with green upper surfaces which were the norm for German-based Lightnings as they spent much of their time at low level where the silver finish was too conspicuous. By 1986, the Lightning's days were definitely numbered as the RAF had announced their final retirement. In June 1988 the last Lightning in RAF service took off for the final time, destined for a private buyer. Length: 55
ft
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