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English Electric Lightning P-1A
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English Electric Lightning P-1A
The First English Electric Lightning P-1A Prototype Date: 1954
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Media ID 18406742
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1954 Electric Er 103 Er103 F 23 49 F23 49 Interceptor Jet Powered Lightning Mach Mach 2 Mach2 Mid Wing Prototype Supersonic Twin Engined Wg760
EDITORS COMMENTS
This photograph showcases the historic moment when the English Electric Lightning P-1A prototype, registration WG760, took to the skies for the first time on March 4, 1954. The Lightning, a mid-wing, twin-engined, supersonic jet-powered fighter interceptor, was a groundbreaking design for its time, reaching speeds of Mach 2 (approximately 1,500 mph) and revolutionizing air combat capabilities. Designed by the British Aircraft Corporation (BAC), the Lightning was a product of the late 1950s arms race, with the need for a fast and agile interceptor to counter the perceived threat of Soviet bombers. The sleek, aerodynamic design of the Lightning, with its distinctive intake configuration and twin engines, made it a formidable presence in the skies. The prototype, affectionately known as ER103 or F.23/49, underwent rigorous testing and development, leading to the production of over 300 Lightning aircraft for the Royal Air Force. The Lightning served with distinction in various roles, including interception, ground-attack, and reconnaissance, until its retirement in 1988. This photograph, taken during the early stages of the Lightning's development, captures the excitement and innovation of the 1950s military aviation industry, as well as the determination to push the boundaries of what was possible in aircraft design. The English Electric Lightning P-1A prototype remains an iconic symbol of British aviation history and a testament to the ingenuity and vision of its designers and engineers.
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