English Electric Lightning
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Aviation years
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{{Infobox Aircraft
|name= Lightning
|image= Image:lightning.inflight.arp.750pix.jpg
|caption= A Lightning F.3 in 1964
|type= [[Interceptor aircraft|Interceptor]]
|manufacturer= [[English Electric]] <br/>[[British Aircraft Corporation]]
|designer= [[W. E. W. Petter|Teddy Petter]]
|first flight= [[4 August]] {{avyear|1954}} (P.1A) <br/>[[4 April]] {{avyear|1957}}<ref name= "Winchester p. 82"> Winchester 2006, p. 82.</ref>
|introduced= December 1959
|retired= 1988 (RAF)
|primary user= [[Royal Air Force]]
|more users= [[Kuwait Air Force]] <br/>[[Royal Saudi Air Force]]
|number built=337 (including prototypes)<ref name= "Winchester p. 82"> Winchester 2006, p. 82.</ref>
|status=
|unit cost=
|variants with their own articles=
}}
The '''English Electric Lightning''' was a [[United Kingdom|British]] supersonic [[fighter aircraft]] of the [[Cold War]] era, remembered for its great speed and natural metal exterior. It is the only all-British Mach 2 fighter aircraft. Renowned for its capabilities as an interceptor, RAF pilots described it as "being saddled to a skyrocket".<ref name= "Winchester p. 82">Winchester 2006, p. 82.</ref> [[English Electric]] was later incorporated into the [[British Aircraft Corporation]], later marks being developed and produced as the '''BAC Lightning'''.
The Lightning was used throughout much of its service life by the [[Royal Air Force]] and the [[Royal Saudi Air Force]]. The aircraft was a regular performer at [[airshow]]s and was the first aircraft capable of [[supercruise]]. The Lightning was also one of the highest performance planes ever used in formation aerobatics. The Lightning aircraft is now largely retired to museums, but two examples still fly in South Africa.
==Design and development==
[[Image:English Electric Lightning P.1 P.1A.svg|thumb|right|The first two Lightning prototypes]]
The prototypes, known as [[English Electric]] '''P.1'''s, were built to a [[Ministry of Supply]] requirement (Specification ER.103) for a [[transonic]] research aircraft. The first of the two P.1s [[United Kingdom military aircraft serials|''WG760'']] flew for the first time from [[RAF Boscombe Down]] on [[4 August]] [[1954]]. It was soon realised that the aircraft should be regarded as a prototype fighter to satisfy the British [[Ministry of Supply (United Kingdom)|Air Ministry]]'s 1947 [[List of Air Ministry Specifications|specification F23/49]] rather than being research aircraft. This specification followed the cancellation of the Air Ministry's 1942 [[List of Air Ministry Specifications|E.24/43]] supersonic research aircraft specification which had resulted in the [[Miles M.52]].{{Fact|date=March 2008}} The Lightning shared a number of innovations first planned for the Miles M.52 including the shock cone and all-moving [[tailplane]], the latter described by [[Chuck Yeager]] as the single most significant contribution to the final success of supersonic flight.
The P.1's designer was [[W.E.W. Petter]], formerly chief designer at [[Westland Aircraft]]. The design was controversial and the [[Short SB5]] was built to test wing sweep and tailplane combinations. The original combination was proved correct. The forerunner of the Lightning series was the P.1A and P.1B flying "proof-of-concept" aircraft. Looking very much like the production series, the prototypes were distinguished by the rounded-triangular intakes, short fins and lack of radar or operational equipment.<ref name= "Winchester p. 82"/>
On [[25 November]] [[1958]], the P.1B became the first British aircraft to fly at Mach 2.<ref name= "Winchester p. 82"/>
The Lightning was specifically designed as a point defence interceptor - essentially a guided missile-armed, air superiority fighter optimised to defend mainland Britain against bomber attacks. In order to reduce cross sectional area of the fuselage and improve performance, the fuel capacity was highly restricted. It was armed with two 30 mm [[ADEN cannon]]s and two [[air-to-air missile]]s, at first the [[de Havilland Firestreak]] and later the [[Hawker Siddeley Red Top]].
A unique way of minimising the drag of the twin engine installation was put forward by Petter. This involved stacking the engines vertically (staggered to avoid too much weight aft, with the lower engine forward of the upper), effectively tucking them behind the cockpit, fed from the nose and achieving minimum frontal area. This effectively gave twice the thrust of its contemporaries for an increase in frontal area of only 50%. The Ferranti AI23 AIRPASS: Airborne Interception Radar and Pilot Attack Sight System was mounted in the [[shock cone]].
Limitations of fuel capacity dominated this aircraft's design as its fuselage was nearly all engines and ducting, and thus could not hold much fuel. Hence all available room was adapted to the purpose of holding fuel. The [[Flap (aircraft)|flaps]] were even used as fuel tanks, and the landing gear had very narrow tyres that retracted outward so that there could be greater tankage inboard. This also meant that when the addition of drop tanks for greater range was considered, they could not be placed beneath the wing and were mounted on top instead. When the aerodynamic principle of the [[Whitcomb area rule|area rule]] became standard practice, a ventral tank was added to the fuselage so the aircraft could carry more fuel while being more aerodynamic.
==Operational history==
[[Image:English Electric Lightning at Norwich Aviation Mus 28Aug07.JPG|left|thumb|English Electric Lightning of the Saudi Air Force]]The first operational aircraft, a pre-production P.1B (''[[Serial number|XG336]]''), arrived at [[RAF Coltishall]] in [[Norfolk]] in December 1959. From 1960 the production mark F1 served initially with [[No. 74 Squadron RAF|74 Squadron]]. An improved variant the F2 first flew on [[11 July]] [[1961]] and entered service with [[No. 19 Squadron RAF|19 Squadron]] at the end of 1962. The F3 was first flown on [[16 June]] [[1962]] and the longer-range F6 on [[16 June]] [[1965]]. The versions sold to [[Saudi Arabia]] were essentially similar to the T5 and F6 models in UK service and this final production batch reverted to the classic natural metal external finish which lasted well in the drier Arabian climate.
During the 1960s, as strategic awareness increased and a multitude of alternative fighter designs were developed by [[Warsaw Pact]] and [[NATO]] members, the Lightning's shortcomings in terms of range and firepower became increasingly apparent. The withdrawal of [[McDonnell Douglas]] [[F-4 Phantom]]s from [[Royal Navy]] service enabled these slower but much longer-ranged aircraft to be added to the RAF's interceptor force alongside those withdrawn from Germany which were being replaced by [[SEPECAT Jaguar]]s in the ground attack role. Later the [[RAF Tornado F3|Tornado F3]]s also arrived to defend UK airspace. While slower and less agile than the Lightning, the Tornado carries a much larger armament load and much more advanced [[avionics]]. Lightnings were slowly phased out of service between 1974 and 1988, although much testing and modification was needed to keep them in air-worthy condition due to the high number of flight hours accumulated.
The English Electric Lightning is credited with a single kill, ironically a British aircraft- a Harrier pilot ejected, but the pilotless aircraft continued to fly. The order was given to shoot down the aircraft and the Lightning achieved this successfully.<ref>[http://www.thunder-and-lightnings.co.uk/lightning/history.html English Electric Lightning history]</ref>
In their final years of UK service, all RAF Lightnings were based at [[RAF Binbrook]] in [[Lincolnshire]] and many were camouflaged to make them less conspicuous when flying at low level. They tended to defend the [[Flamborough Head]] Sector of airspace above the [[North Sea]]. These later aircraft were the single-seater F3 and F6 and the twin seat trainer variant T5, all constructed by [[British Aircraft Corporation]] and distinguished from earlier versions by their flat topped fins. In their last year of service their pilots regularly pushed the aircraft to their limits as they used up the remaining hours of fatigue time.
Many Lightnings are conserved in museum collections where they delight visitors with their clean sleek lines, evocative of the high speeds that they once attained. The Short SB5 and a P.1A are at the [[RAF Museum]], Cosford. The Civil Aviation Authority refused a licence for the surviving airworthy examples to perform at air shows in the UK but there are a few flying in South Africa (see Operators below).
===Performance===
[[Image:lightning.xm215.arp.750pix.jpg|thumb|right|Lightning XM215 at Farnborough Air Show, England, in 1964]]
The Lightning’s speed and climb performance were excellent not just by 1950s or 1960s standards but even compared with modern operational fighters. Its initial rate of climb was 50,000 ft per minute (15 km/min). The contemporary [[Dassault Mirage III|Mirage IIIE]] climbed initially at 30,000 ft/min (9 km/min), the [[MiG-21]] managed 36,090 ft/min (11 km/min). The recent [[RAF Tornado F3|Tornado F3]] 43,000 ft/min (13 km/min).
The Lightning could, using [[afterburner|re-heat]], reach [[Flight Level|FL]] 360 (nominally 36,000 ft) in 2.5 minutes.<ref>http://www.thunder-and-lightnings.co.uk/lightning/memories.html Brian Carroll reported on thunder-and-lightnings.co.uk Accessed 12 March 2008</ref><ref>[http://www.raf.mod.uk/history_old/lightning10.html Raf.mod.uk history site] gives 40,000 ft in 2 minutes 30 seconds</ref>
The official ceiling was a secret to the general public and low security RAF documents simply stated 60,000+ ft (18 000+ m), although it was well known within the RAF to be capable of much greater heights; the official maximum altitude mainly being determined by cockpit pressurisation reliability and safety. The late [[Brian Carroll]], a former RAF Lightning pilot and ex-Lightning Chief Examiner, reported taking a Lightning F53 up to 87,300 feet (26 600 m) over Saudi Arabia at which level "Earth curvature was visible and the sky was quite dark" but controlwise it was "on a knife edge". <ref>Brian Carroll in ''Lightning Review'' reproduced at [http://www.lightning.org.uk/archive/0307.php Lightning.org.uk]</ref>
In 1984, during a major NATO exercise, Flt Lt Mike Hale intercepted an American [[Lockheed U-2|U-2]] at a height which they had previously considered safe from interception. Records show that Hale climbed to 88,000 ft (26,800 m) in his Lightning F3 ''XR749''. Hale also participated in time-to-height and acceleration trials against [[F-104 Starfighter]]s from [[Aalborg]]. He reports that the Lightnings won all races easily with the exception of the low level supersonic acceleration, which was a "dead heat".<ref name="Lightning">[http://www.lightning.org.uk/archive/0410.php Lightning.org Lightning archive]</ref>
Carroll reports in a side-by-side comparison of the Lightning and the [[F-15]]C Eagle (which he also flew) that "acceleration in both was impressive, you have all seen the Lightning leap away once brakes are released, the Eagle was almost as good, and climb speed was rapidly achieved. Takeoff roll is between 2,000 & 3,000 feet [600 to 900m], depending upon military or maximum afterburner-powered takeoff. The Lightning was quicker off the ground, reaching 50 ft [15 m] height in a horizontal distance of 1,630 feet [500m]".
In [[British Airways]] trials in April 1985, [[Concorde]] was offered as a target to NATO fighters including [[F-15]]s, [[F-16]]s, [[F-14]]s, [[Mirage (aircraft)|Mirage]]s, [[F-104]]s - but only Lightning ''XR749'', flown by Mike Hale and described by him as "a very hot ship, even for a Lightning", managed to overtake Concorde on a stern conversion intercept.<ref name="Lightning"/>
Despite its remarkable acceleration, altitude and top speed, the Lightning inevitably found itself outclassed by newer fighters in terms of radar, avionics, weapons load, range, and air-to-air capability. The supposedly short range of the Lightning – 800 miles combat radius in F6 form – is claimed by some to be a significant disadvantage but is in fact much greater than contemporary and comparable aircraft such as the [[F-4_Phantom_II#Specifications_.28F-4E.29|F4E Phantom II]] (422 miles) and the [[MiG-21#Specifications_.28Mikoyan-Gurevich_MiG-21bis.29|MiG-21]] (310 miles); see also the 575 mile combat radius of the much more modern [[F-14#Specifications_.28F-14D_Super_Tomcat.29|F-14D]] although the [[F-15#Specifications_.28F-15C_Eagle.29|F-15C]] has a combat radius of 1220 miles.
More of a problem was the obsolete avionics and weapons fit, particularly the 30 mile (very short) range 1950s radar sets: the avionics were never upgraded in RAF service since Lightnings were always supposedly just about to be replaced by something better.
==Variants==
[[Image:lightning.farnb.arp.750pix.jpg|thumb|right|Lightning T4 XM974 at Farnborough Airshow, England, in 1964]]
[[Image:BAC Lightning F Mk.6 silhouette no insignia.svg|thumb|right|Lightning F Mk6]]
;English Electric P.1A
* Single-seat supersonic research aircraft.
* Two prototypes built and one static test airframe
;English Electric P.1B
* Single-seat operational prototypes.
* Three prototypes built
* 20 pre-production aircraft (so-called Development Batch)<ref name="Lightning History">[http://www.lightning.org.uk/histories.php Lightning history]</ref>
;Lightning F1
* Single-seat fighter
* Delivered in 1960
* A total of 19 built (and one static test airframe)
* Two × [[Rolls-Royce Avon]] 200R engines
* VHF Radio
* Two × 30 mm [[ADEN cannon]]s in nose
* Two × [[de Havilland Firestreak|Firestreak]] missiles
* [[Ferranti]] AI-23 "AIRPASS" radar
;Lightning F1A
* Single-seat fighter
* Delivered in 1961
* Now the "BAC Lightning"
* Avon 210R engines
* Addition of in-flight refuelling probe
* UHF Radio
* A total of 28 built
;Lightning F2
* Single-seat fighter (an improved variant of the F1)
* Delivered in 1962
* A total of 44 built with 31 later modified to F2A standard
* Five later modified to F52 for export to Saudi Arabia
;Lightning F2A
* Single-seat fighter (F2s upgraded to near F6 standard)
* A total of 31 converted from F2
* Avon 211R engines
* Retained ADEN cannon and Firestreak of F2 (The Firestreak Pack could be replaced with an Aden Cannon Pack to give the aircraft four Aden Cannon)
* Larger Ventral Tank and Arrester Hook
* About two hours endurance
;Lightning F3
* Single-seat fighter
* Upgraded radar - AI-23B
* Avon 301R engines
* Firestreak changed for [[Hawker Siddeley Red Top|Red Top]] missiles
* Enlarged and clipped tailfin due to aerodynamics of carriage of Red Top
* ADEN cannon removed
* A total of 70 built (at least nine were converted to F6 standard)
;Lightning F3A
* Single-seat fighter
* Extended range, 800 miles with large ventral tank
* New cambered wings
* A total of 16 built at the end of F3 production, known also as an F3 Interim version or F6 Interim Version
*15 modified later to full F6 standard<ref name="Lightning History"/>
;Lightning T4
* Two-seat side-by-side training version, based on the F1A.
* Two prototypes and 20 production built
* Two aircraft later converted to T5 prototypes
* Two aircraft later converted to T54
;Lightning T5
* Two-seat side-by-side training version, based on the F3.
* 22 production aircraft built
* One former RAF aircraft later converted to T55 for Saudi Arabia (crashed before delivery)
* Two former RAF aircraft later civilian operated
;Lightning F6
* Single-seat fighter (an improved longer-range variant of the F3)
* New wings with better efficiency and subsonic performance, increased fuel storage
* Overwing fuel tanks and larger ventral fuel tank
* Change back to 30 mm cannons (initially no cannons but later in the forward part of ventral pack rather than in nose).
* Two x [[Hawker Siddeley Red Top|Red Top]] missile
* A total of 39 built (also 9 converted from F3 and 15 from F3A)
;Lightning F52
* Slightly modified ex-RAF F2 single-seat fighters for export to Saudi Arabia (five converted from F2).
;Lightning F53
* Export version of the F6 with pylons for bombs or unguided rocket pods (44 × 2 in (50 mm)
* A total of 46 built and one converted from F6 (12 '''F53K'''s for the Kuwaiti Air Force, 34 '''F53'''s for the Royal Saudi Arabian Air Force, one aircraft crashed before delivery)
* Used air-to-ground in dispute near border with [[South Yemen]] in 1969 with great success
;Lightning T54
* Ex-RAF T4 two-seat trainers supplied to Saudi Arabia (two converted).
;Lightning T55
* Two-seat side-by-side training aircraft (export version of the T5).
* Eight built (six '''T55'''s for the Royal Saudi Arabian Air Force, two '''T.55K'''s for the Kuwaiti Air Force and one converted from T5 that crashed before delivery)
Total production was 277 single-seat fighters and 52 two-seater trainers, including RAF and export aircraft.
==Popular culture==
<!-- Read [[Wikipedia:WikiProject Aircraft/page content]] before adding any "Popular culture" items. The aircraft must have a MAJOR or "especially notable" role in what is listed. Random cruft, including all Ace Combat, Battlefield, and Metal Gear Solid appearances and anime/fiction look-a-like speculation will be removed. -->
* British journalist and TV presenter [[Jeremy Clarkson]] borrowed a Lightning ([[United Kingdom military aircraft serials|serial]] ''XM172'') which was temporarily placed in his garden and documented on Clarkson's TV show "Speed".
<!-- Read note at top about major role. -->
==Operators==
===Military operators===
;{{KWT}}
*[[Kuwait Air Force]] operated both the F53K single-seat fighter and the T55K training version from 1968 to 1977
;{{SAU}}
*[[Royal Saudi Air Force]] operated the Lightning from 1967 to 1986
** '''RSAF Squadrons'''
*** [[No. 2 Squadron RSAF|2 Squadron]] operated the F53 and T55
*** [[No. 6 Squadron RSAF|6 Squadron]] operated the F52 and F53
*** [[No. 13 Squadron RSAF|13 Squadron]] operated the F52, F53 and T55
*** RSAF Lightning Conversion Unit
;{{UK}}
*[[Royal Air Force]] operated the Lighting from 1959 to 1988.
** '''RAF Aerial display teams'''
*** ''The Tigers'' of No 74 Squadron. Lead RAF aerial display team from 1962 and first display team with Mach 2 aircraft.
*** ''The Firebirds'' of No 56 Squadron from 1963 in red and silver.
** '''RAF Squadrons'''
*** [[No. 5 Squadron RAF|5 Squadron]] operated the F1A and F6
*** [[No. 11 Squadron RAF|11 Squadron]] operated the F3 and F6
*** [[No. 19 Squadron RAF|19 Squadron]] operated the F2 and F2A
*** [[No. 23 Squadron RAF|23 Squadron]] operated the F3 an F6
*** [[No. 29 Squadron RAF|29 Squadron]] operated the F3
*** [[No. 56 Squadron RAF|56 Squadron]] operated the F1, F1A, F3 and F6
*** [[No. 65 Squadron RAF|65 Squadron]] operated the F1, F1A and F3
*** [[No. 74 Squadron RAF|74 Squadron]] operated the F1, F3 and F6
*** [[No. 92 Squadron RAF|92 Squadron]] operated the F2 and F2A
*** [[No. 145 Squadron RAF|145 Squadron]] operated the F1, F1A and F3
*** [[No. 111 Squadron RAF|111 Squadron]] operated the F1A, F3 and F6
*** [[No. 226 OCU RAF|226 Operational Conversion Unit]] operated the F1A, F3, T4 and T5
*** Air Fighting Development Squadron
*** Lightning Conversion Squadron
** '''RAF Flights'''
*** Binrook Target Facilities Flight
*** Leuchars Target Facilities Flight
*** Wattisham Target Facilities Flight
*** Lightning Training Flight
** '''RAF Bases'''
*** [[RAF Akrotiri]]
*** [[RAF Binbrook]]
*** [[RAF Coltishall]]
*** [[RAF Geilenkirchen]]
*** [[RAF Gütersloh]]
*** [[RAF Leconfield]]
*** [[RAF Middleton St. George]]
*** [[RAF Leuchars]]
*** [[RAF Tengah]]
*** [[RAF Wattisham]]
===Civil operators===
;{{USA}}
*The Anglo American Lightning Organisation, a voluntary group based at Stennis Airport, Kiln, Mississippi, are returning to flight EE Lighting T5, XS422. The aircraft was formally with the ETPS at Boscombe Down in Wiltshire, UK.<ref>[http://www.lightning422supporters.co.uk Restoration website]</ref>
;{{RSA}}
*Thunder City, a civilian company based in South Africa operates two Lightning T5 and two single-seat F6 (current September 2006).<ref>[http://www.thundercity.com/lightning.htm Company website]</ref>
==Survivors==
[[Image:EELightningEastFortuneJM.jpg|thumb|right|Preserved Lightning at [[National Museum of Flight|East Fortune]]]]
[[Image:English electric lightening T.55 55-713 at MAM.JPG|right|thumb|T.55 55-713 at the Midland Air Museum that retains its Royal Saudi Air Force markings]]
The following aircraft are on public display:
*''WG760'' P.1A on display at the [[RAF Museum Cosford]], England
*''WG763'' P.1B on display at the Manchester Museum of Science and Industry, Manchester, England
*''XG329'' Lightning F1/3 on display at the [[Norfolk & Suffolk Aviation Museum]], Flixton, England
*''XG337'' Lightning F1/3 on display at the [[RAF Museum Cosford]], England.
*''XM135'' Lightning F1 on display at the [[Imperial War Museum Duxford]], England.
*''XN730'' Lightning F2A on display at the [[Luftwaffe Museum]], Gatow, Germany
*''XN769'' Lightning F2A on display at the [[Malta Aviation Museum]], Ta'qali, Malta
*''XN776'' Lightning F2A on display at the [[National Museum of Flight]], East Fortune, Scotland.
*''XN782'' Lightning F2A on display at the [[Luftfahrtausstellung Museum]], Hermeskeil, Germany.
*''XR728'' Lightning F6 on display with LPG, Bruntingthorpe Aerodrome, Leicestershire. Taxi-able.
*''XR749'' Lightning F3 is displayed outside [[Score Group plc|Score Group]]'s Integrated Valve and Gas Turbine Plant, Peterhead, Scotland.
*''XR771'' Lightning F6 on display at the [[Midland Air Museum]], Coventry, England.
*''XS417'' Lightning T5 on display at the [[Newark Air Museum]], Newark, England.
*''XS459'' Lightning T5 on display at the Fenland and West Norfolk Aviation Museum, Wisbech, England.
*''XS897'' Lightning F6 on display at [[Aeroventure]], Doncaster, England.
*''XS903'' Lightning F6 on display at the [[Yorkshire Air Museum]], Elvington, England.
*''XS904'' Lightning F6 on display with LPG, Bruntingthorpe Aerodrome, Leicestershire. Taxi-able.
*''XS925'' Lightning F6 on display at the [[RAF Museum]], Hendon, England.
*''ZF578'' Lightning F53 on display as ''XR753'' at the [[Tangmere Military Aviation Museum]], Tangmere, England.
*''ZF579'' Lightning F53 on display at the [[Gatwick Aviation Museum]], [[Charlwood]], Nr Gatwick Airport, England.
*''ZF583'' Lightning F53 on display at the Dumfries and Galloway Aviation Museum, Dumfries, Scotland.
*''ZF588'' Lightning F53 on display at the [[East Midlands Airport Airpark]], Castle Donington, England.
*''ZF592'' Lightning F53 on display as ''53-686'' at the City of Norwich Airport Museum, Norwich, England
*''ZF593'' Lightning F53 on display at the [[Warner-Robins Museum of Aviation]], Georgia, USA.
*''ZF594'' Lightning F53 on display at the [[North East Aircraft Museum]], Sunderland, England.
*''ZF597'' Lightning T55 on display at the [[Olympic Flight Museum]], Washington, USA.
*''ZF598'' Lightning T55 on display as ''55-713'' at the [[Midland Air Museum]], Coventry, England.
==Specifications (Lightning F6)==
[[Image:EE Lightning 3-view.jpg|right|300px|Orthographically projected diagram of the English Electric Lightning Mk 1]]
{{aircraft specifications
<!-- if you do not understand how to use this template, please ask at [[Wikipedia talk:WikiProject Aircraft]] -->
|plane or copter?=plane
|jet or prop?=jet
|ref=Air Vectors<ref name=goebel>Goebel, Greg. ''The English Electric (BAC) Lightning'', Air Vectors, [[1 April]] [[2005]]. [http://www.vectorsite.net/aveeltg.html ] Retrieved: [[31 July]] [[2007]].</ref>
|crew=1
|length main=55 [[foot (length)|ft]] 3 [[inch|in]]
|length alt=16.84 m
|span main=34 ft 10 in
|span alt=10.62 m
|height main=19 ft 7 in
|height alt=5.97 m
|area main=474.5 ft²
|area alt=44.1 m²
|empty weight main=28,040 [[pound (mass)|lb]]
|empty weight alt=12,720 kg
|max takeoff weight main=41,700 lb
|max takeoff weight alt=18,900 kg
|engine (jet)=[[Rolls-Royce Avon]] 301R
|type of jet=afterburning [[turbojet]]s
|number of jets=2
|thrust main=13,220 [[pound-force|lbf]]
|thrust alt=58.86 kN
|afterburning thrust main=16,360 lbf
|afterburning thrust alt=72.77 kN
|max speed main=[[mach number|Mach]] 2.27
|max speed alt=1,500 [[mph]], 2,415 km/h
|max speed more=at altitude
|range main=800 [[statute mile|mi]]
|range alt=1,300 km
|range more=combat
|ferry range main=1,560 mi
|ferry range alt=1,360 [[nautical mile|NM]], 2,500 km
|ceiling main=>60,000 ft
|ceiling alt=18,000 m
|ceiling more=officially (87,300 ft/26,600 m<ref NAME="BAC">[http://www.fighter-planes.com/info/bac.htm BAC Lightning, English Electric]</ref> recorded)
|climb rate main=50,000 ft/min
|climb rate alt=260 m/s
|thrust/weight=0.63
|loading main=87.9 lb/ft²
|loading alt=429 kg/m²
|guns=2× 30 mm (1.18 in) [[ADEN cannon]]
|missiles=2× [[Hawker Siddeley Red Top|Red Top]] missiles
}}
==See also==
{{aircontent
|related=
* [[Short SB.5]]
|similar aircraft=
* [[F-104 Starfighter]]
* [[Sukhoi Su-15]]
|sequence=
|lists=
* [[List of aircraft of the RAF]]
* [[List of fighter aircraft]]
|see also=
* [[Portal:British aircraft since World War II]]
}}
==References==
===Notes===
{{reflist|2}}
===Bibliography===
{{refbegin}}
* Caygill, Peter. ''Lightning from the Cockpit: Flying the Supersonic Legend''. Barnsley, South Yorkshire, UK: Pen & Sword Books Ltd., 2004. ISBN 1-84415-082-8.
* Winchester, Jim, ed. "English Electric Lightning." ''Military Aircraft of the Cold War (The Aviation Factfile)''. Rochester, Kent, UK: The Grange plc., 2006. ISBN 1-84013-929-7.
*[http://www.thunder-and-lightnings.co.uk/lightning/index.html Thunder and Lightnings - Lightning accessed 11 March 2008]
{{refend}}
==External links==
{{Commons|English Electric Lightning}}
*[http://www.lightning422supporters.co.uk Anglo American Lightning Organisation, returning to flight XS422, the former ETPS Lightning at Stennis Airport, Kiln, Mississippi]
*[http://www.lightnings.org.uk Lightning Preservation Group, Bruntingthorpe Leicestershire. Keeping XS904 and XR728 alive]
*[http://www.t5alive.org.uk Preserved Lightning XS458 running at Cranfield]
*[http://www.fighter-planes.com/info/bac.htm English Electric / BAC Lightning Information]
*[http://www.lightning.org.uk/ The Lightning Association]
*[http://www.warbirdalley.com/ltning.htm Warbird Alley: Lightning page]
*[http://www.airsceneuk.org.uk/oldstuff/2002/sentinel/sentinel.htm Silent Sentinel: The tale of an A1 milestone]
*[http://www.aviation-picture-hangar.co.uk/Lightning.html APH's English Electric (BAC) Lightning - Vertical Reality]
===External media===
*[http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/films/1951to1964/filmpage_streaked.htm Five-minute RAF Recruiting film "Streaked Lightning" from 1962 at the National Archives Public Information Film library WMP and Quicktime]
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4vjQe92-w_I Video #1]
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2-sDdVkGVDs Video #2]
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3mBMYUljwd8 Video #3]
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLMhdUYUQQg Video #4]
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Auvc_0NS6v0 Video #5]
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=siXt5x4L3fU Video #6]
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IsWdTpdLFaM Video #7]
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yX5sP-cmMz8 Video #8]
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4vjQe92-w_I Video of the four ThunderCity Lightings at the AAD Airshow (AFB Ysterplaat, South Africa)]
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LQa_OFNyIe0 Video of LPG's XS904 Static Engine Run November 2007]
{{British Aircraft Corporation aircraft}}
{{English Electric aircraft}}
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[[gl:English Electric Lightning]]
[[it:English Electric Lightning]]
[[hu:English Electric Lightning]]
[[ja:イングリッシュ・エレクトリック ライトニング]]
[[no:English Electric Lightning]]
[[pl:English Electric Lightning]]
[[ru:English Electric Lightning]]
[[fi:English Electric Lightning]]