Was the English Electric Lightning a good plane?
The English Electric Lightning is a supersonic jet fighter aircraft of the Cold War era, noted for its great speed. It is the only all-British Mach 2 fighter aircraft and was the first aircraft in the world capable of supercruise….English Electric Lightning.
| Lightning | |
|---|---|
| Number built | 337 (including prototypes) |
What was the top speed of the English Electric Lightning?
1,500 mph
Lightning fact file
| Date: | 1962 |
|---|---|
| Crew: | 1 (pilot) |
| Top speed: | 1,500 mph (2,414 km/h) |
| Range: | 800 miles (1,287 km) |
| Weapons: | 2 x 30mm Aden cannon and 2 x Firestreak air-to-air missiles or 4 x 30mm Aden cannons |
Why is the English Electric Lightning not allowed?
The shape of the Lightning meant that space for fuel was at a premium and while the Lightning carried as much fuel as its design allowed, it was not sufficient to keep it in the air for long when it flew at speed.
Are any English Electric Lightning still flying?
There are only four flying Lightnings left in the world and they’re all in Cape Town, waiting for you.
How high can an English Electric Lightning fly?
The official ceiling of the BAC Lightning was a closely guarded secret although it is said to be in excess of 60,000 ft and it is well renowned for its exceptional rate of climb at 20,000 ft per minute.
What is an English Electric Lightning?
The English Electric Lightning is a fighter aircraft that served as an interceptor during the 1960s and 1970s. It remains the only UK-designed and -built fighter capable of Mach 2.
Is the Lightning the only UK fighter capable of Mach 2?
It remains the only UK-designed-and-built fighter capable of Mach 2. The Lightning was designed, developed, and manufactured by English Electric, which was later absorbed by the newly-formed British Aircraft Corporation.
What are the best books about the English Electric Lightning?
Scott, Stewart A. “English Electric Lightning, Volume One: Birth of the Legend.” Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, UK: GMS Enterprises, 2000. ISBN 1-870384-78-4. Williams, Anthony G. and Emmanuel Gustin. Flying Guns: The Modern Era. Wiltshire, UK: Crowood Press, 2004. ISBN 978-1-86126-655-2. Winchester, Jim, ed. “English Electric Lightning.”
What is the difference between the F2 and F3 Lightning?
The F.3, with more powerful engines and the new Red Top missile (but no cannon) was expected to be the definitive Lightning, and at one time it was planned to equip ten squadrons, with the remaining two squadrons retaining the F.2. On 16 June 1962, the F.3 flew for the first time.