British Aircraft Corporation Lightning F.6

The Lightning was the Royal Air Force’s first truly supersonic aircraft and its introduction to front line squadrons in 1960 heralded the start of a new era in Fighter Command.

The Lightning was always famously classed as an interceptor fighter, and identified with the air defence role of the UK's air space during its entire 28 years of front line service. However, it also saw extensive service overseas in the Middle and Far East as well as Germany. Lightning units began to re-equip with McDonnell Douglas Phantoms during the early 1970s but two units (No.5 and No.11 Squadrons of the Binbrook Flying Wing) continued to operate the type into the 1980s. The last Lightning interceptor was officially retired from front line service on 30 April 1988, bringing to an end a memorable service life which lasted longer than any other fighter used by the Royal Air Force.