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 The BAe Lightning was the Royal Air Force's first supersonic Mach II fighter and the last fighter entirely of British design and manufacture.÷ The prototype first flew on April 4, 1957, the same day the Ministry of Defense released its infamous "White Paper" declaring manned fighter aircraft obsolete.÷ In spite of this dire prediction, development proceeded and the first Lightning Mk.1 entered service in 1960.
The Mk.1 was soon replaced by Mk.3 and Mk.6 versions with more powerful engines, increased range, improved avionics and heavier armament. The Lightning incorporated a number of unique design features.÷ Its over and under engine installation allows for greater thrust provided by the (2) engines without the drag penalty of side-by-side placement.÷ Its unusual wing shape reduces drag while placing the ailerons in the best position for maneuverability. The Museum's aircraft on display is a Lightning Mk.53, an export version of the Mk.6. The Mk.53s first delivered in 1966, served as interceptors and ground attack aircraft.÷ This aircraft was manufactured in 1968. It bears the markings of No. 29 Fighter Squadron, Royal Air Force, one of ten RAF squadrons to operate the Lightning until 1988. It was presented to the Museum in June 1990 by officials of British Aerospace (Military Aircraft) Ltd., Warton, Lancashire, England.
SPECIFICATIONS |
Serial # : |
ZF 593 |
Wingspan: |
34 feet, 10 inches |
Cost: |
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Length: |
55 feet, 3 inches |
Max. Speed: |
1,500 mph |
Height: |
19 feet, 7 inches |
Range: |
800 miles |
Weight: |
41,000 lbs. maximum |
Service Ceiling: |
40,000 feet |
Engines: |
(2) Rolls Royce Avon 16,300 lb. thrust with afterburner |
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