Lightning
Here’s an old promotional film for, what was at the time, a state of art fighter-interceptor. It’s the England Electric Lightning, a kickass fighter of its day. The F-22 Raptor today likes to mention its supercruise capability, flying straight and level supersonic without afterburner, but the Lightning was capable of supercruise way back in the early 60’s. Yes, this video is 45+ years old and certainly it appears a bit goofy in places. Of course, who knows, the Typhoon and Raptor promo videos of today may look equally silly come 2050.
The Lightning was a way fast Mach 2 fighter. Pilots said it was like “being saddled to a skyrocket.” And, with that unique over-under engine configuration it had a kickass distinctive look.
Now there is an obvious conclusion from this video, at least in my mind. Music and fighters kickass when they’re put together. However, you’ve got to have the right kind of music or it doesn’t work. Flute, xylophone, jazz piano and brushes on drums do not work. It’s got to be some kickass rock, some heavenly majestic angelic choir or awe inspiring, thought provoking, isn’t-this-kickass-flying-this-fighter-jet around-music. A jazz ensemble doesn’t do it.
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Comments:
Posted by
jivef15
on
Dec 28th, 2011
Had the opportunity to fly this bird in the 80s while on a 2 week squadron exchange from Soesterberg, 32 TFS with the boys at RAF Binbrook. A real rocket ship, 450 knot climb speed, wicked fast, but poor turn and no gas. .5 of an hour was a normal sortie. Kick ass time. Jive
Posted by
tulip
on
Dec 29th, 2011
Had the same good fortune to have two seat ride in this jet in the mid seventies during a squadron exchange with 5 Squadron, RAF Binbrook. We flew F-104's in those days that were equally fast and had a turn radius the size of The Netherlands. Fortunately we had gas left for another hour after the Lightnings had bingo'd. Most amazing thing of the Lightning I remember was the unbelievably cramped cockpit. I mean, in the twoseater the guys had at least to like each other. The music and voice over in the film reminds one of the contemporary Brit cult series The Avengers. Check 6.Tulip
Posted by
habu510
on
Dec 29th, 2011
Likewise fortunate to get a ride while on exchange with the RAF in the late 70's. Small point but believe it was the ENGLISH Electric Lightning.Agree from the above .... a rocket ride ala Widowmaker but even less petrol!
Slash
Posted by
Jolly
on
Dec 30th, 2011
This from Walt:BTW I flew the F104A with the new mark J79-19 engine down at Homestead AFB in the 319 FIS in 1967. I logged maybe 100 hours in it, giving me about 730 in the bird, before going to the F4. The 'New" Zipper could accelerate from .9 past 1.0 and cruise at 1.05 at 25,000 just in military power. It would also go from brake release to 45,000 in 90 seconds, get from .9 to 2.0 in 27 miles and less than 2 minutes burning 1000# of fuel and last but not least cruise in 3/4 AB and 2.0 (315KIAS) at 73,000 at 100#/ minute. Not too shabby! BTW it could also out-turn an F4 using maneuver flaps at its corner velocity of 425 KIAS.
I also believe it would run a Lightning out of fuel - we fragged 1:30 on training missions clean with 2 AIM9s. XC numbers were 2700 PPH at 35,000 at 490TAS.
Walt BJ
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