History

The Lightning was a high performance supersonic interceptor designed to defend Britain against nuclear armed bombers. They began entering service in 1960 and were phased out between 1974 and June 1988.

The second operational version of the Lightning was the F.1A, a slightly improved version of the F.1 with new Avon 210R engines, improved electronics and the ability to carry a in-flight refuelling probe.

A total of 28 built and they began entering service in 1961.

When they were replaced in operational squadrons some were passed to support units.

RAF Binbrook became a Lightning base in 1965 when 5 Squadron was reformed there with Lightning F.3s.

The Binbrook Target Facilities Flight was established to provide training as controlled air targets there.

This model represents Lightning F.1A XM181 of the Binbrook Target Facilities Flight, 1973

Trumpeter 1/72 kit with Modeldecal decals completed by Leigh Edmonds in June 2009.

Data

MODEL: BAC Lightning F.1A (XM181, Binbrook Target Facilities Flight, 1973)

ROLE: supersonic all-weather interceptor

TIME PERIOD: 1961-1970s

ENGINES: two Rolls Royce Avon 210R turbojet engines of 6559kg reheat thrust each

WING SPAN: 10.62m

LENGTH: 16.84m

MAXIMUM TAKE OFF WEIGHT: 18,182kg

MAXIMUM SPEED: 2412km/h

CREW: 1

ARMAMENT: two 30mm Aden cannon and two Firestreak missiles

SCALE: 1/72

KIT:

GALLERIES:

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