English Electric Lightning facts for kids

Quick facts for kids English Electric Lightning
RAF's English Electric Lightning.
Role	Fighter jet.
National origin	UK
Manufacturer	English Electric
First flight	1954
Introduction	1959
Status	Out of service
Primary user	Royal Air Force
Number built	337 examples

The English Electric Lightning was a super-fast British fighter jet. It had two powerful turbojet engines. This amazing plane was used by the Royal Air Force during the Cold War. It was also flown by the air forces of Kuwait and Saudi Arabia.

What Was the Lightning?

The English Electric Lightning was a special kind of aircraft. It was designed to be a very fast interceptor. This means its main job was to quickly fly up and stop enemy planes. It was one of the fastest planes of its time.

Design and Speed

The Lightning had a unique look. Its two jet engines were stacked one above the other. This design helped it fly incredibly fast. It could even go faster than the speed of sound! Pilots loved how powerful and quick it was.

Who Used the Lightning?

The main user of the Lightning was the Royal Air Force (RAF) in the UK. They used it to protect the country's skies. It was an important part of their defense during the Cold War. Other countries like Kuwait and Saudi Arabia also bought and used the Lightning.

History of the Lightning

The first flight of the Lightning happened in 1954. It was officially introduced into service in 1959. For many years, it was a key part of the RAF's fighter fleet. Over 300 of these jets were built.

Leaving Service

The English Electric Lightning eventually stopped being used. It was replaced by newer, more modern fighter jets. Even though it's no longer flying for air forces, some Lightnings are still around. You can find them in museums or at airshows. They remind us of an exciting time in aviation history.

Images for kids

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  P1A, an early version of the Lightning.

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  A Lightning F.3 flying high in 1983.

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  Lightning F.6 XS904 after a fast taxi run.

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  The underside of a Lightning F.3 with its landing gear down.

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  Inside the cockpit of an F.6 Lightning.

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  Lightnings from 56 Squadron getting missiles in 1963.

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  A Lightning flying at an airshow in South Africa.

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  A Royal Air Force Lightning F.1A in 1973.

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  Nine Lightning F.1s flying in a diamond shape in 1961.

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  A Saudi Air Force T.55 used for pilot training in 1968.

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  A Kuwait Air Force Lightning F.53 with missile pods in 1969.

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  A Lightning T.4 at the Farnborough Airshow in 1964.

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  A large Sikorsky HH-53C helicopter lifting a Lightning in 1987.

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  A drawing of the "Sea Lightning" idea for aircraft carriers.

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  A Royal Saudi Air Force Lightning F.53 on display at a base.

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  A Lightning F.3 from 11 Squadron in 1980.

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  A Lightning T5 next to a classic car in South Africa.

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  An English Electric Lightning on display at RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus.

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  A Lightning P.1A at the Museum of Science and Industry in Manchester.

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  A Lightning F.6 on display at a museum in the United States.

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  Lightning F1 XM135 at the Imperial War Museum, Duxford.

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  A Lightning F.1 hanging from the ceiling at the Royal Air Force Museum Cosford.

See also

In Spanish: English Electric Lightning para niños