Recorded interview with Air Commodore John Mitchell and Air Vice Marshal Leslie Phipps, 25 February 2015

John Mitchell and Les Phipps discuss their experience of the early development of the Lightning in RAF service. This includes various aspects of the Lightning’s capabilities, including weapons and interception.

John Mitchell and Les Phipps each remember joining the RAF before discussing various aspects of Lightning development. This includes the transition from previous fighter aircraft, the development of an operational concept, the role of navigators in training pilots to use radar, weapons in use, low-level interception, live missile firings, air-to-air refuelling, long flights, high-altitude flights and the role of instructors. They then each give an outline of their post-Lightning careers.