Corgi Aviation Archive Collector Series AA32306
English Electric Lightning F.Mk 3 Diecast Model
RAF No.23 Sqn, XP763, RAF Leuchars, Scotland | Limited Edition
2800
Pieces Worldwide |
|
| 1:72 Scale | | Length | | Width |
|---|
| English Electric Lightning F.Mk 3 | | 9.25" | | 5.75" |
No. 23 Squadron, RAF moved north from Coltishall to Leuchars in Fife in March 1963 and in less than eighteen months had re-equipped from the Gloster Javelin to the English Electric Lightning F.Mk.3, which was the squadron's first single-seat fighter since 1933. By the end of October 1964, the squadron had its full complement of twelve fighters plus a T.4 trainer. XP763 was built at Preston and first flew on 11th September 1964, being delivered to No.23 Squadron coded 'M'. It left the squadron in July 1966 and continued in service with Nos. 56 and 29 Squadrons until being retired at Wattisham, Suffolk, in December 1974. In March 1975, it was Struck Off Charge and scrapped.
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 2003-2025 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 2003-2013 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 2003-2025 The Flying Mule, Inc.
