The English Electric Lightning was the supreme high performance all-weather interceptor of its day in RAF frontline service. No other aircraft was faster.
A pilot assigned to QRA (Quick Reaction Alert) Battleflight duty would be prepared to respond to the alarm and scramble his aircraft at any moment’s notice, day or night and regardless of weather. From rest to a push of two buttons in the cockpit, he and his Lightning would be airborne inside of two minutes radar-hunting his target. Often seen scrambled in pairs, RAF Lightning crews were at the spearhead of Britain’s superbly effective QRA Air Defences Interception force. A role proudly carried on by RAF Typhoon pilots to this day.
© Copyright image and text Simon W Atack 2023
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.