What Is The English Electric Lightning?
The English Electric Lightning. British Mach-2 interceptor with unique over/under engine layout, famous for staggering vertical climb rates.
United Kingdom
Origin
Interceptor
Role
Mach 2.0
Top speed
18,300 m
Service ceiling
English Electric Lightning Specifications
The English Electric Lightning was a British Mach-2 interceptor famed for its unique vertically stacked over/under engine configuration. Powered by dual Rolls-Royce Avon turbojets, it achieved astounding vertical climb rates (50,000 ft/min) and reached an altitude ceiling above 60,000 feet.
Performance
Top speed
Mach 2.0 (1,300 mph)
Service ceiling
60,000 ft (18,300 m)
Combat radius
135 nmi (250 km)
Rate of climb
50,000 ft/min (254 m/s)
Airframe
Crew
1
Length
55 ft 3 in (16.84 m)
Wingspan
34 ft 10 in (10.61 m)
Empty weight
31,068 lbs (14,092 kg)
Engine
2x Rolls-Royce Avon 301R afterburning turbojets (vertically stacked)
Service
First flight
4 August 1954
Unit cost
$1.5 million (Historical)
Operators
United Kingdom (RAF), Saudi Arabia, Kuwait (Historic/Retired)
What Weapons Does The English Electric Lightning Carry?
Armed with two 30mm ADEN cannons, the English Electric Lightning had two fuselage-mounted pylon stations carrying de Havilland Firestreak or Red Top infrared air-to-air missiles for high-speed interception.
Weapon
Category
Loadout
Range
ADEN
Category
30 mm Cannon
Loadout
2 internal cannon (120 rounds each)
Range
1,800 metres (effective)
Firestreak
Category
Infrared Air-to-Air Missile
Loadout
2 missiles
Range
7.5 km (4.7 miles)
Red Top
Category
Infrared Air-to-Air Missile
Loadout
2 missiles
Range
12 km (7.5 miles)
Microcell Rocket Pack
Category
2-inch Unguided Rockets
Loadout
44 rockets
Range
2 km (1.2 miles)
Category
Loadout
Range
Category
Loadout
Range
Category
Loadout
Range
Category
Loadout
Range
Category
Loadout
Range
Category
Loadout
Range
Category
Loadout
Range
How Fast Is The English Electric Lightning?
The Lightning reaches Mach 2.27, around 1,500 mph, and its rate of climb was extraordinary – over 50,000 feet per minute, with a zoom climb capability that allowed intercepts above 60,000 feet. In 1984 a Lightning famously intercepted a U-2 at extreme altitude during an exercise. The trade-off was endurance: internal fuel gave barely an hour of flight.
How Was The English Electric Lightning Developed?
W.E.W. Petter designed the Lightning at English Electric around two Avon engines mounted one above the other, an unusual arrangement that kept frontal area small. The P.1A prototype flew on 4 August 1954 and exceeded Mach 1 on its first flight. The 1957 Defence White Paper, which declared manned fighters obsolete, nearly cancelled it.
Has The English Electric Lightning Seen Combat?
RAF Lightnings never fired in anger, spending their careers intercepting Soviet aircraft approaching UK airspace. Saudi Lightnings flew strike missions against Yemeni positions in 1969, the type's only combat use.
Who Operates The English Electric Lightning?
The Royal Air Force retired the Lightning in 1988, with Saudi Arabia and Kuwait as the only export customers. A small number remain in ground-running condition in the UK, and two are maintained for high-speed taxi runs in South Africa.
English Electric Lightning FAQs
Common questions about the English Electric Lightning, its capabilities and whether civilians can fly it.
Can I fly in the English Electric Lightning as a civilian?
No, the English Electric Lightning is not available for civilian passenger flights. Jetify offers flights in ex-military aircraft that have been demilitarised and placed on a civil register, such as the L-39 Albatros, Hawker Hunter and MiG-15 Fagot, across 7 aircraft types from 11 airfields in 7 countries.
Can I take the controls of the English Electric Lightning?
No, you cannot take the controls of the English Electric Lightning, because it is not available for civilian passenger flights. On the aircraft Jetify does operate, such as the L-39 Albatros, most allow you to take the controls in level flight and gentle turns once your pilot is satisfied you are comfortable.
How much does a flight in the English Electric Lightning cost?
The English Electric Lightning is not available for civilian passenger flights, so there is no price for a flight in one. Jetify flights in jets such as the L-39 Albatros start from around £2,500, $3,300 or €2,900, while the MiG-15 Fagot, Aermacchi S.211 and Lockheed T-33 start from around £2,800 ($3,800, €3,400). The Hawker Hunter, the fastest aircraft currently bookable, starts from around £6,400, $8,500 or €7,600. Every price is per person and includes ground school, flight suit, helmet and pre-flight medical screening.
Are there weight limits instead of the English Electric Lightning?
The English Electric Lightning is not available for civilian passenger flights, but all jet flight experiences enforce strict height and weight limits set by ejection seat clearances, cockpit dimensions and harness fit. Height is typically 5ft 2in (157 cm) to 6ft 4in (193 cm), and weight is generally capped at 16 st 7 lb to 18 st 12 lb (105 kg to 120 kg) depending on the aircraft. You also need normal cardiovascular health, with no heart conditions, severe high blood pressure or recent surgery.
How much G-force is a jet flight instead of the English Electric Lightning?
The English Electric Lightning is not available for civilian passenger flights, but on a civilian jet experience aerobatic profiles typically reach four to eight positive G in sustained turns and around minus four negative G. You learn the anti-G straining manoeuvre in ground school, which keeps you conscious under load. Supersonic and high-altitude profiles are physically far easier, and what happens in the air is agreed with your pilot and can be adjusted at any point.
How far ahead should I book instead of the English Electric Lightning?
The English Electric Lightning is not available for civilian passenger flights, but you should book a real ex-military jet experience, such as the L-39 Albatros, 2 to 4 months in advance because of limited aircraft availability, maintenance schedules and airspace clearances. For weekend slots in peak summer months, allow 6 months. Simulator experiences generally need 2 to 3 weeks’ notice for standard weekend bookings.
Explore the database
