British Aircraft Corporation Lightning F6 - RAF Museum, Hendon, London, UK
N 51° 35.845 W 000° 14.263
30U E 691311 N 5719878
This British Aircraft Corporation Lightning F6 is located in the "Historic Hangars" at the RAF Museum in Hendon, London. The aircraft dates from 1967.
Waymark Code: WMNH9D
Location: London, United Kingdom
Date Posted: 03/17/2015
Views: 3
The RAF Museum is open daily from 10am to 6pm with admission being free. Car parking is available but there is a charge. The nearest underground station is Colindale about a 10-15 minute walk away or a number 303 bus passes both the tube station and museum. The co-ordinates posted are for the entrance to the "Milestones of Flight" hall/exhibition entrance.
The RAF Museum's website tells us about the Lightning:
The Lightning was the Royal Air Force's first truly supersonic aircraft and its introduction immediately doubled maximum speeds in Fighter Command.
Such a major advance called for a complex aircraft and much development flying was needed before production deliveries began in December 1959 to the Central Fighter Establishment. The first operational squadron received its aircraft six months later.
The Lightning was always identified with the air defence role during its entire twenty-eight years of front line service. Although always associated with the interception of unidentified aircraft entering United Kingdom air space it nevertheless saw extensive service overseas in the Middle and Far East as well as Germany.
Lightning units began to re-equip with McDonnell Douglas Phantoms during the early 1970s but two units (No.5 and No.11 Squadrons of the Binbrook Flying Wing) continued to operate the type into the 1980s. The last Lightning interceptor was officially retired from front line service on 30 April 1988, bringing to an end a memorable service life which lasted longer than any other fighter used by the Royal Air Force.
The history of this aircraft can be seen here.