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Martin Bowman tells the story of the iconic Cold War fighter from first prototype to the present day, with many previously-unpublished images as well as narrative from the men who flew Britain's finest post-war fighter.
Developed to intercept increasingly capable Soviet bombers such as the Tupolev Tu-16, Tu-22 and Tu-95, the English Electric/BAC Lightning had a phenomenal rate of climb, a high ceiling, and a top speed of over 1,300mph at 36,000ft, and is a favourite of both aviation enthusiasts and aircraft modellers alike.This homage to the only all-British Mach 2 interceptor fighter, follows previous Flight Craft book formats, in that it is split in to three main sections. The first section offers a concise design and development history covering the six main single-seat fighter and two twin-seat trainer Marks; from its first RAF operational squadron deployments in 1960 through to its frontline retirement...
A photo-packed history of this Cold War-era supersonic fighter aircraft. The early 1950s were a boom time for British aviation. The lessons of six years of war had been learned, and much of the research into jet engines, radar, and aerodynamics had begun to reach fruition. In Britain, jet engine technology led the world while wartime developments into swept-wing design in Germany and their transonic research program were used to give western design teams a quantum leap in aircraft technology. The English Electric Lightning emerged at this time. This supersonic fighter aircraft of the Cold War era is perhaps best remembered for its amazing takeoff performance, its exceptional rate of climb, and its immense speed. Here, Martin Bowman takes us on a photographic journey, illustrating the various landmarks of the Lightning's impressive operational history.
"The English Electric Lightning entered RAF squadron service in 1960 and continued flying in the interceptor role until 1988. It had a stunning world-beating performance with a top speed in excess of Mach 2 and a climb rate that would take it to 40,000 feet in a little over 3 minutes. The aircrafts safety record, however, left much to be desired. During a period in the early 1970s the attrition rate was the loss of a Lightning every month. There was a six per cent chance of a pilot experiencing an engine fire and a one in four chance that he would not survive.This book looks at Lightning accidents and incidents in chronological order using the official accident reports, Board of Inquiry findings and firsthand accounts from pilots. It puts the reader very much in the cockpit. "
Perhaps the most famous aircraft to come from English Electric, the unique design of the Lightning originated in a proposal in 1947. The prototype first flew in 1954 and in August of that year it became the first British aircraft to break the sound barrier in level flight. By 1968 when production ceased, 339 Lightnings had been built. It was the standard British fighter for over twenty years and was used by both the Kuwait and Saudi Arabian Air Forces. In 1971 the RAF Lightning squadrons began disbanding one by one and the Lightning phased out until the last one left front line service in 1988. Built for the Cold War, they lasted almost until the fall of the Berlin Wall.Lightnings are hugely...
When Andrew's family moves house, he strikes up an unexpected friendship with his neighbour Victor. There isn't a thing Victor doesn't know about the RAF planes flying overhead and the two boys are soon busy tracking their movements. Then Andrew discovers that Victor's beloved Lightnings are due to be scrapped... Thunder and Lightnings won the Carnegie Medal in 1976.
The English Electric Lightning is a supersonic jet fighter aircraft of the Cold War era, noted for its great speed and unpainted natural metal exterior finish. This text presents a full chronology and photo history of development and operational use.
The early 1950s were a boom time for British aviation. The lessons of six years of war had been learned and much of the research into jet engines, radar and aerodynamics had begun to reach fruition. In Britain, jet engine technology led the world, while wartime developments into swept wing design in Germany and their transonic research program were used to give western design teams a quantum leap in aircraft technology. At English Electric, 'Teddy' Petter's design team were keen to capitalize on the success of their Canberra jet bomber and rose to the challenge of providing a high speed interceptor for the RAF. Martin W. Bowman describes the career of the Lightning in detail using first-hand accounts of what it was like to fly and service this thoroughbred. Illustrated with over 200 color and b/w photographs, appendices listing Lightning squadrons, production totals, individual aircraft histories and with the first in-depth analysis into why a third of all Lightnings were lost, The Men Who Flew the English Electric Lightning is a fine record of the last truly great all-British fighter.
The Lightning is unquestionably Britain's most-loved jet fighter, particularly among the fighter pilots who flew this celebrated aircraft. In continuous front-line service with the RAF for nearly thirty years, the passing of the Lightning represented the end of an era. It was the last of a rare breed: single seat, entirely British, magnificently overpowered and possessing delightful handling qualities. It was radically different, its vertical twin-engine design, slab-sided fuselage and highly swept wings making it stand apart from all others. Built by craftsmen, the Lightning was a privilege to fly. This pictorial tribute to the Lightning concentrates on the final two years of service at RAF Binbrook, as seen through the lens of the last pilot to convert to the type, Flt Lt Ian Black. During this time he was granted access to all aspects of the aircraft, both on the ground and in the air. Because of his status as a pilot, fellow squadron aircrew felt totally at ease with his requests for air-to-air photography. This unrivalled access has resulted in a unique collection of stunning color photographs.
Detailed profile artworks and descriptions of 14 different RAF jet aircraft types.