Corgi Aviation Archive Collector Series AA32315
English Electric Lightning F.Mk 6 Diecast Model
RAF No.56 Sqn Firebirds, XP770, RAF Wattisham, England, 1975 | Limited Edition
1000
Pieces Worldwide |
|
| 1:72 Scale | | Length | | Width |
|---|
| English Electric Lightning F.Mk 6 | | 9.25" | | 5.75" |
As the only British built Mach 2 capable fighter, the BAC Lightning spent the Cold War years being scrambled to challenge Soviet Tu-95 "Bear" bombers, which regularly encroached into British airspace. A highly capable interceptor aircraft, the Lightning possessed both blistering speed and spectacular acceleration and is regarded as perhaps the most enigmatic jet aircraft to ever serve with the Royal Air Force. XR770 first flew in 1966 and famously appeared at that years Farnborough Airshow, wearing Royal Saudi Air Force colours, where it flew ten demonstration flights. In the years to follow, this famous aircraft went on to serve with No.74 "Tigers" and No.56 "Firebirds" Squadrons, before ending its service life with the last Lightning fighters at No.5 Squadron at RAF Binbrook. Lightning XR770 is now preserved at RAF Waddington, wearing distinctive RAF No.5 Squadron red spine and tail colours and was the subject of a previous Aviation Archive release (AA32311).
If you were to ask aviation enthusiasts of a certain age "What was the most exciting aircraft that you ever saw display?" many would undoubtedly reply the English Electric/BAC Lightning. Built purely for speed, the Lightning was designed to protect UK airspace from encroaching Soviet bombers, which dictated that the aircraft had a phenomenal rate of climb. Lightning pilots described flying the aircraft as being strapped onto a rocket and having the Lightning in your logbook was certainly something to boast about. The lack of range was always something that plagued Lightning operations, and successive upgrades were always attempting to cram more fuel into the aircraft. It was fast though and anyone who saw a Lightning put through its paces will never forget this spectacular aviation experience.
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.
Corgi's 1:72 scale Lightnings faithfully capture the distinctive shape and unique 1950s Cold War styling of the real aircraft, making them some of Corgi's most sought after diecast models. The model is large and heavy and is constructed using only the minimal amount of plastic. The series includes early variants with subtle differences, such as a fueling probe and clipped tail fin. Later variants have a completely different wing, larger ventral fuel tank with an integrated twin cannon pack and simulated stainless-steel covering located forward. The canopy can be configured in the open or closed position and a separate photo-etched metal cockpit ladder is included with most releases.
© Copyright 2003-2019 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.
