Looking at the Wiki entry for Boscombe Down, and I see there's a project to get another Lightning back in the air. based in the states as the CAA here refused permission: The Anglo American Lightning Organisation. Seems to be a fair few ex-RAF types working on it, good luck to 'em I say. ~A
I used to love the jets from the cold war at airshows when I was a kid....They were so LOUD ! Here's hoping it graces the skies again over the UK at some point.
I loved the way they used to take off with a massive roar, go into a verticle climb up into the clouds, sunlight sparkling off the canopy, then just disappear. Next you knew they screamed in from behind you. That was back in the days when aircraft were allowed to fly over the crowd, not like today. Love'd them.
Survivors & Flyers: Thunder & Lightnings - English Electric Lightning - Survivors Only 4 other airworthy ones, all with that Classic Jets firm in SA: Welcome to Thunder City Thunder City Videos
One of my earliest memories is of a BAE Lightning at an airshow. Probably RAF Little Rissington, at the time the home of the Red Arrows. I remember those dancing purple diamonds in the jet wake on the tarmac as afterburners were turned on. Love to see that again... and the noise!
Funny cockpit There used to be a company in South Africa flying side by side Lightnings, as well as Buccaneers.
I loved the way they used to take off with a massive roar, go into a verticle climb up into the clouds, sunlight sparkling off the canopy, then just disappear. Next you knew they screamed in from behind you. That was back in the days when aircraft were allowed to fly over the crowd, not like today. Love'd them. Owen, I know just what you mean. From leaving school I became an apprentice Toolmaker with the then British Aircraft Company at Preston, Now Bae Systems. I was 19 years old and was sent to warton (Airfield with factory) just outside of Preston to attend a Jig and Tool design course and every Friday afternoon we were treated to a tour of different departments. The best trip was to the control tower where we saw a Lightning take off for a test flight. The Lightning hurtled down the runway and when approaching the control tower lifted off and after a short distance just stood on it's tail and went vertical, just like a rocket. It was only seconds before it was a dot and we had to go down below to the radar room to see it's plot. It travelled to the Isle of Man and made a circuit of the island and returned in 10 minutes Once seen never forgotten. A truely wonderful interceptor. Regards Tom
Yes the Lightning was a truly awesome aircraft and it would be great to see one in the air again. I was lucky enough to serve at RAF Binbrook from 1962-1964 where 11 Squadron Lightnings were based. I hope the project is successful. Colin.
There was a sombre atmosphere at the base on Sunday, as the pilots left for home. No S**t Sherlock ! Very sad news indeed.
Just looking through old photo albums on a wet Friday afternoon & thought I'd share this one of a Lightning at Akrotiri in 2003.
