Lightning From The Cockpit

by Caygill, Peter

• ISBN13: 9781844150823
• ISBN10: 1844150828
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2004-11-01
• Publisher: Pen & Sword

Summary

The English Electric Lightning was the only single-seat supersonic interceptor fighter designed and manufactured in the UK. It saw service with the RAF in the sixties and seventies and gained a worthy reputation for its speed ( in excess of Mach 2 ) and phenomenal rate of climb. It was, however, a not entirely reliable aeroplane and over fifty were lost during its operational career. In this book, the author has gathered together 16 personal accounts of what it was like to fly the Lightning, thrilling stories that convey the immense brute power of the machine and also its many pitfalls. It will enthrall the enormous following the aircraft still enjoys. Two are now flying in South Africa and four are being restored to flight-worthy condition in the UK. To see a Lightning take off and climb vertically until it vanishes into the sky is one of the most spectacular sights in aviation. Selling Points * First-hand accounts of operational flying * A major part of the UK's contribution in the hardest years of the Cold War * There are thousands of enthusiasts for this spectacular aeroplane Author Details Peter Caygill, Previously published books include Airlife Combat Legend - Focke Wulfe FW-190, Spitfire Ms I-V, also Jet Jockeys and Spitfire Mk V in Action.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements	vii
Introduction	ix
1 The P.1A at Boscombe Down	1	(9)
2 Flying to the Limit	10	(5)
3 Testing the P.1B	15	(6)
4 Lightning F.1 Service Release Handling Trials	21	(6)
5 The Lightning F.1 at CFE	27	(9)
6 Lightning F.1 Cockpit Analysis	36	(7)
7 Lightning versus U-2	43	(9)
8 First Impressions	52	(9)
9 Lightning F.3 Service Release and Tactical Trials	61	(10)
10 Lightning F.6 Handling and Performance Assessment	71	(10)
11 Stall/Spin Trials with the Lightning F.6	81	(6)
12 Accidents and Incidents	87	(18)
13 Pilot Debrief - 1	105	(18)
14 Pilot Debrief - 2	123	(17)
15 The Lightning Compared	140	(15)
Glossary	155	(2)
Appendix 1 Lightning F.1 and F.1A Flight Reference Cards, July 1961	157	(10)
Appendix 2 Lightning F.1 and F.1A Emergency Drills, July 1961	167	(9)
Appendix 3 Lightning Conversion Squadron - Syllabus, September 1962	176	(3)
Index	179