The Last of the Lightnings
Black, Ian
New Edition
The Lightning is unquestionably Britain's best-loved jet fighter, particularly among the fighter jocks who flew this celebrated aircraft. Entering front-line service with the RAF in June 1960, it was only retired in June 1988 despite initial plans for the aircraft to have a ten-year operational life. Built by craftsmen, the Lightning was the last of a rare breed and a privilege to fly, and its passing represented the end of an era. A single-seater, entirely British and magnificently over-powered, it possessed delightful handling qualities. Its appearance was also radically different from its contemporaries: the vertical twin-engine design, slab-sided fuselage and highly swept wings made it stand apart from the pack. This lavish pictorial tribute to the only British jet fighter aircraft capable of Mach 2 concentrates on the Lightning's final two years of front-line service at RAF Binbrook, as seen through the lens of the last pilot to convert to the type, Fit Lt lan Black. During this time lan had the opportunity to photograph all aspects of the aircraft, both on the ground and in the air. Because of his Status as a pilot, fellow squadron aircrew feit totally at ease with his requests for air-to-air photography. This unrivalled access has resulted in a unique collection of stunning colour photographs that do full justice to a unique aircraft.
In this much-awaited new edition, an additional chapter examines the 'civilian' Thunder City Lightning Operation at Cape Town in South Africa. Illustrated with new and exclusive air-to-air photographs, lan Black takes the Lightning story into the 21st Century.
hardcover with dust jacket. Large farge and heavy book.
191 Seiten / pages
many color photos
book very condition, dust jacket a little rubbed
Strout, Glochestershire, UK - 2002 - Sutton Publishing
Art.Nr. 24421
