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 Lightning (originally built by English Electric) originated in the experimental P.1A that first flew in 4 August 1954.
It was then developed into a high speed interceptor. the first one flew on 4 April 1957 and began entering service with the RAF in 1960.
The ultimate version of the Lightning was the F.6 that began development in 1965 with more powerful engines, a kinked wing, much greater range and other changes that significantly improved performance.
This model represents Lightning F.6 XR770 of 5 Squadron, RAF, flying from Binbrook in 1987.
Airfix 1/72 kit with kit and Model Alliance decals completed by Leigh Edmonds in April 2017.