Corgi Aviation Archive Collector Series AA28401
English Electric Lightning F.Mk 6 Diecast Model
Lightning Preservation Group, XR728, Bruntingthorpe Airfield, England | Limited Edition
1500
Pieces Worldwide |
|
| 1:48 Scale | | Length | | Width |
|---|
| English Electric Lightning F.Mk 6 | | 13.75" | | 8.75" |
English Electric/BAC Lightning F.6 XR728/JS, RAF Binbrook Station Commander’s aircraft, liveried as Lightning Training Flight. Now preserved by the Lightning Preservation Group, Bruntingthorpe Airfield Leicestershire.
If the Supermarine Spitfire is considered to be Britain’s most famous piston engined fighter, then its direct jet powered counterpart was certainly the superlative English Electric Lightning. Representing a huge leap in aviation technology the Lightning introduced the concept of an integrated weapons system, whereby its Ferranti radar acquired hostile targets and fed this information to the pilot to launch its air to air missiles with the optimum profile. It possessed incredible performance, becoming the most capable interceptor fighter in the world when first introduced in 1960 and Britain’s primary interceptor for the following two decades. Nine RAF squadrons were equipped with the type and defended UK, Near and Far East and the former West German airspace. With unique vertically stacked Rolls Royce Avon engines, the Lightning could boast speed and climb performance statistics which would eclipse most of today’s fighter aircraft and was the World’s first aircraft capable of supercruise (supersonic flight without using reheat). It was likened by pilots lucky enough to fly this aviation hot-rod as being, ‘saddled to a skyrocket’. As the only all-British built Mach 2 plus/1500mph capable fighter aircraft, this Cold War warrior occupies a unique place in aviation history and remains as one of the finest achievements of the British aviation industry. It was exported to both Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. At the time, the Saudi contract represented the UK’s largest ever export order. The Institute of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) bestowed the Lightning with its coveted Engineering Heritage Award which recognises innovation and excellence in engineering.
The Lightning Preservation Group is an organisation dedicated to preserving the Cold War legacy of the magnificent English Electric Lightning at their Bruntingthorpe Airfield site. The custodians of Lightning F.6 XR728/JS for over 29 years, the LPG team managed to keep the aircraft in ground running condition, which stands as testament to their professionalism and steadfast dedication. This aviation icon of Britain’s air defence capability during the most volatile period since the end of the Second World War was stored for many years in the open air, which is never ideal for a historic aircraft. In 1994, the group secured a genuine Cold War Quick Reaction Alert Q shed, which was formerly stationed at RAF Wattisham, where it housed a pair of Lightnings. Following a successful fund raising campaign, the newly erected Q shed was opened in 2010 and now protects Lightning XR728 and her stablemate XS904 from the elements, as well as being the focal point for many of the popular LPG enthusiast events arranged each year.
In 2017 XR728 celebrates her 50th anniversary of entering RAF service in 1967 with 23 Squadron at RAF Leuchars.
Designed to meet a need for a supersonic research aircraft, the English Electric Lightning was first flown on August 4, 1954. The Lightning was uniquely designed-its delta wing was based on German engineering research captured during WWII-and it was the last RAF fighter to be produced entirely in Britain. Instead of being placed on the wings, the Lightning's twin engines were stacked on top of one another, giving the aircraft an unusual height and an expanded profile. Capable of Mach 2.5, it had a rate-of-climb and maneuverability that could hold its own against any contemporary fighter. © Copyright 2003-2024 The Flying Mule, Inc.
The Corgi "Aviation Archive" range presents highly-detailed, ready-made diecast models of military and civilian aircraft. The vast Aviation Archive range has become the standard by which all other diecast airplane ranges are judged. Each Corgi model is based on a specific aircraft from an important historical or modern era of flight, and has been authentically detailed from original documents and archival library material. Famous airplanes and aviators from both military and commercial airline aviation are all honored.
Corgi "Aviation Archive" diecast airplanes feature:
- Diecast metal construction with some plastic components.
- Realistic panel lines, antennas, access panels and surface details.
- Pad printed markings and placards that won't fade or peel like decals.
- Interchangeable extended/retracted landing gear with rotating wheels.
- Poseable presention stand to display the aircraft "in flight".
- Many limited editions with numbered certificate of authenticity.
- Detailed, hand-painted pilot and crew member figures.
- Authentic detachable ordnance loads complete with placards.
- Selected interchangeable features such as speed-brakes, opened canopies and access panels.
- Selected moving parts such as gun turrets, control surfaces and swing-wings.
© Copyright 2003-2024 The Flying Mule, Inc.
