British Aerospace BAE MK53 Lightning - Museum of Aviation Warner Robins, GA
Posted by: 
Thorny1
N 32° 35.558 W 083° 35.291
17S E 257082 N 3609084
British Aerospace BAE MK53 Lightning on display at the Museum of Aviation, RAFB, Warner Robins, GA.
Waymark Code: WM48B7
Location: Georgia, United States
Date Posted: 07/21/2008
Views: 58
BaE Lightning MK53E
The BAe Lightning was the Royal Air Force's first supersonic Mach II fighter and the last fighter entirely of British design and manufacture.÷ The prototype first flew on April 4, 1957, the same day the Ministry of Defense released its infamous "White Paper" declaring manned fighter aircraft obsolete.÷ In spite of this dire prediction, development proceeded and the first Lightning Mk.1 entered service in 1960.
The Mk.1 was soon replaced by Mk.3 and Mk.6 versions with more powerful engines, increased range, improved avionics and heavier armament. The Lightning incorporated a number of unique design features.÷ Its over and under engine installation allows for greater thrust provided by the (2) engines without the drag penalty of side-by-side placement.÷ Its unusual wing shape reduces drag while placing the ailerons in the best position for maneuverability. The Museum's aircraft on display is a Lightning Mk.53, an export version of the Mk.6. The Mk.53s first delivered in 1966, served as interceptors and ground attack aircraft.÷ This aircraft was manufactured in 1968. It bears the markings of No. 29 Fighter Squadron, Royal Air Force, one of ten RAF squadrons to operate the Lightning until 1988. It was presented to the Museum in June 1990 by officials of British Aerospace (Military Aircraft) Ltd., Warton, Lancashire, England.
Type of Aircraft: (make/model): British Aerospace BAE MK53 Lightning
Tail Number: (S/N): ZF 593
Construction:: original aircraft
Location (park, airport, museum, etc.): Museum of Aviation, Robins Air Force Base, Warner Robins, GA
inside / outside: outside
Other Information:: Not listed
Access restrictions: Not listed
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Visit Instructions:
Photo of aircraft (required - will be interesting to see if the aircraft is ever repainted or progress if being restored)
Photo of serial number (required unless there is not one or it is a replica)
Photo(s) of any artwork on the aircraft (optional but interesting)
Tell why you are visiting this waymark along with any other interesting facts or personal experiences about the aircraft not already mentioned.