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, high altitude interceptor capable of destroying approaching Soviet bombers.

The first Lightning flew on 4 April 1957 and they began entering service with the RAF in 1960.

The ultimate version of the Lightning was the F.6 that began development in 1965.

It had more powerful engines, a kinked wing, much greater range and other changes that significantly improved its performance.

This model represents Lightning F.6 XS903 of 5 Squadron, RAF, c.1984

Trumpeter 1/72 kit with Modeldecal decals completed by Leigh Edmonds in September 2015.

Data

MODEL: BAC Lightning F.6 (XS903, 5 Squadron RAF, 1984)

ROLE: supersonic all-weather interceptor

TIME PERIOD: 1965-1988

ENGINES: two Rolls Royce Avon RB.136 Mk310 turbojet engine of 56.45kN dry thrust and 72.77kN with afterburner

WING SPAN: 10.61m

LENGTH: 16.84m

MAXIMUM TAKE OFF WEIGHT: 18,915kg

MAXIMUM SPEED: 2415km/h

RANGE: 1287km

CREW: 1

ARMAMENT: two 30mm ADEN cannon and two Firestreak or Red Top missiles

SCALE: 1/72

KIT:

GALLERIES:

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