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One of my all time fav fast jets, it was great to see this "Frightning" again after my first visit to Duxford back in 1997. It is this very aeroplane that RAF engineer "Taff" Holden inadvertently took off during a engine run - see link below.

http://www.thunder-and-lightnings.co.uk ... .php?id=30

http://www.historicracer.com/aviation/a ... ter-pilot/

Great pics mate. Interesting they have a AIM-7 Sparrow and AIM-9G Sidewinder next to it. I didn't think the Lightning carried them

Hey Paul

You are of course right, the Lightning never carried the AIM-7 or -9. Very much a under-marketed and under-developed weapon system with what much be regarded as a archaic radar/missile system by the time it was finally retired in the late 80's. From a performance point of view, the Lightning could still hold it's own with the likes of a F-15, but certainly not from a weapon system point of view. What a beast to behold though! I could have stood in front of it for hours!

From a handling/performance point of view, the E.E Lightning must go down as one of the greatest military fast jets ever built. Love it!

Once went to an Airshow in the UK with an F6 doing zoom climbs, 50' to 18,000' in just seconds, did it 6 times taxyed back at about 90-100 knots, as I think he was about to run out of fuel.
Was most interested in the low set tailplane going full tilt as he pulled up, and how the tail really went down rather than the nose up to begin with.

Thanks for your memories Graeme - super of course! A mate of mine got to see the last of the Lightnings operate at BAE in the UK some years ago - being used as chase planes for Tornado's. BAE had the last operating Lightnings in the UK I think - which I think ended up making their way over to "Thunder City" in SA. I have read that at least one of these Lightning's is back flying after that horrific crash with pilot David Stock.

Lovely photos. One of my regrets is that I never saw a Lightning in the air. I have enjoyed some of the clips on You Tube with the volume turned right up as they light up the burners and head for the skies. They don't make aeroplanes like it any more.

Leigh