BAC Lightnings under construction 1961
Mar 20, 2022 15:43:10 #
Here's an interesting article with pics of the Lightning being built back in 1961.
https://www.lancs.live/news/local-news/nostalgia/preston-built-fighter-jets-protected-23418709
https://www.lancs.live/news/local-news/nostalgia/preston-built-fighter-jets-protected-23418709
Mar 21, 2022 05:49:13 #
I remember some time ago about the EU equivalent of the US top gun academy having one of these. Apparently the graduates all loved this because of its phenomenal acceleration and rate of climb.
Mar 21, 2022 08:05:07 #
At the time I believe these were the fastest climbing things around. Maybe even the first to stand on the tail and climb almost vertically. Interestingly, the climbed faster without the tail stand.
They apparently intercepted a U.S. spy plane (U2) in a test as the U.S.A.F. thought thier plane was 'safe' - and having intercepted it, it then climbed even higher and out of sight.
An interesting concept, some overgrown fins on two powerful engines, probably our last great all U.K. design.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/English_Electric_Lightning
They apparently intercepted a U.S. spy plane (U2) in a test as the U.S.A.F. thought thier plane was 'safe' - and having intercepted it, it then climbed even higher and out of sight.
An interesting concept, some overgrown fins on two powerful engines, probably our last great all U.K. design.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/English_Electric_Lightning
Mar 21, 2022 09:17:21 #
Construction of everything was different back then. It probably began life on drawing boards.
Mar 21, 2022 11:11:50 #
IIRC the first plane that could supercruise. (Faster than sound, Mach1, without going to afterburner.)
Mar 21, 2022 13:59:45 #
Equus
Loc: Puget Sound
jerryc41 wrote:
Construction of everything was different back then. It probably began life on drawing boards.
More likely that back of an envelope using a pencil
Mar 21, 2022 15:57:33 #
John N wrote:
At the time I believe these were the fastest climb... (show quote)
I was once at an RAF base listening with my airband radio.
When asked by the controller for the pilots intended departure heading, the pilot replied "vertical".
Mar 21, 2022 17:16:14 #
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