Thunder & Lightnings

English Electric Lightning - Photo Gallery

Advertising

A really rather nice early advert for the P.1; a skyscape combined with the shock wave patterns generated by a wind-tunnel model of the P.1. A Rolls-Royce advert from the 1950s; these were the days when aircraft were described not only by their name but also by their powerplant. As the engine makes or breaks an aircraft, it's strange that this practice has now fallen by the wayside. Another RR advert, this one from 1957. Later on with the P.1B now named the Lightning, this advert depicts XA847 in the initial configuration with no belly tank and the small tail. This advert may give rise to some mirth about the economy angle... Another Rolls Royce advert, and even now the Lightning is the only all-British mach 2 aircraft to ever operate in RAF service. Late 1966, and a BAC advert blowing their righteous trumpet.

Hugh Trevor Collection

All these pictures are kindly supplied by that lucky, lucky man... Hugh Trevor of the Lightning Preservation Group. If you want to use them for anything other than personal use, contact Hugh. As you can see, he's been to South Africa to visit Thunder City...

At rest in Mike Beachyhead's hangar - XS452 (ZU-BBD) on the left and XS451 (ZU-BEX) on the right. XS452 basking in the sun. XS452 taxiing out. XS452 in the air - where she belongs! A better look at XS451, waiting her turn... XS451 out in the sun - note refuelling probe, Mike is planning to use his Buccaneers to refuel the Lightnings! XS451 looking purposeful... A sight so many of us have been denied for so long. Doesn't look much like Binbrook, does it? ...ah... I can practically smell the fumes and feel the noise from this take-off. Lady in waiting - XR773 waiting to join her sisters in the air in 2001. Quite a view this shot, with three Lightnings, two Hunters and a Buccaneer hiding outside the hangar door. Attach wing A to fuselage B... the ultimate Airfix kit!

Michael Hall Collection

All these pictures are kindly supplied by Michael Hall from his collection, which would appear to consist of nothing but top quality photos of just about everything the RAF have flown for the last 40 years! If you want to use them for anything other than personal use, contact Michael.

F.1A XM192 displaying at Biggin Hill in September 1973; Michael's first Lightning photo, and what a superb shot! XM192 was retired only a few months later. F.6 XS897 in the static at RAF Lakenheath's airshow of 1975. F.6 XS897 in the static at RAF Lakenheath's airshow of 1975. F.6 XS897 in the static at RAF Lakenheath's airshow of 1975. The dump at RAF Wattisham in 1975; spares-recovered F.1As await the axe. F.3 XR751 in the static at RAF St. Mawgan, August 1975. F.3 XR751, inverted pass, Biggin Hill, September 1975. XR751 was the display aircraft at a number of airshows in the mid/late seventies. F.6 XR773 at RAF Greenham Common, August 1976. Three F.1s acting as part of an airfield attack set-piece at the 1977 RAF Leuchars Battle of Britain airshow. Nominally on charge to the Leuchars Target Facilities Flight, Michael says they looked more like decoy aircraft to him. F.1(DB) XG337 on a rare trip outside at Cosford's Aerospace Museum in July 1978. T.5 XS416 of the Lightning Training Flight at RAF Binbrook in September 1978.