BAC Lightning F.Mk3 / Mk.6

It is probable that within a couple of years the British Aircraft Corporation Lightning will no longer be around to split the skies with its exhilarating power, since present plans call for the two remaining front-line squadrons, Nos 5 and 11, and their back-up unit, the Lightning Training Flight, to be disbanded when the new Tornado F Mk 2 arrives in strength at RAF stations. Conceived over 35 years ago, the Lightning is undeniably an ageing design, and its shortcomings are reflected in the fact that its successors, first the Phantom FG.1/FGR.2 and now the Tornado ADV, are equipped to fight at longer range, with more modern and more versatile weaponry, and assisted by vastly improved avionics technology. It is still, however, a point defence interceptor of considerable effectiveness: fast, agile and possessing a phenomenal rate of climb, it was the first aircraft able to exceed the speed of sound in level flight without the help of afterburning, a capability which even today few aircraft can equal. If the Hunter epitomised Fighter Command during the 1950s, then the Lightning certainly did so during the 1960s: corresponding as its heyday did with a period of extremely colourful markings, the Lightning is a memorable aircraft for more reasons than one.