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 first operational version of the Lightning was the F.1.

Only 28 were produced before production moved on to more advanced versions.

Most served with 74 Squadron from June 1960s before being dispersed to smaller units for other uses.

This squadron flew Lightning F.1s at Coltishall until 1964 when it moved to Leuchars to fly Lightning F.3s. Later it flew Lightning F.6s in Singapore and in 1971 flew them to Cyprus where they were handed to 56 Squadron, before disbanding.

This model represents Lightning F.1 XM135, the first production Lightning, in service with 74 Squadron, RAF, at Coltishall in 1962. This aircraft is preserved and on display at the Imperial War Museum, Duxford.

Trumpeter 1/72 kit with Xtradecal decals. Completed in June 2009.