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View Full Version : Lightning Still Performing


soddim
5th Dec 2005, 18:55
My informant tells me that Saturday's attempt took rather longer than 60 secs and the 'chute candled on landing - but the Lightning is still performing even if the CAA won't let it perform in UK.

"Thunder City will attempt to establish a new all-Africa record for the fastest climb by an aircraft from a standing start on the runway to a given altitude using the famous Cold War supersonic interceptor, the English Electric Lightning

There will be two attempts; the first on 26 November 2005 during an Air Show/Fly-in at the South African Air Force base near Bredasdorp where the objective will be to reach 6000m (19800ft) in well under 60 seconds. The second attempt will be on 3 December 2005 at the South African Air Force Ysterplaats Air Show in the heart of Cape Town where the target will be to reach 9000m (29800ft) also in less than 60 seconds from a standing start.

Dave Stock, Thunder City’s test pilot, will be at the controls of the Lightning and well known British businessman, John Caudwell, will be in the right hand seat as crew for the 9000m attempt.

John, who is a qualified pilot, bought the privilege at a dinner auction for the Caudwell Charitable Trust for £9,000.

The Lightning will develop 36,000 lbs of thrust whilst burning 500 litres per minute of top quality Shell Jet A1 fuel. Dave will lift the aircraft off the runway at 160 knots (About 300 kilometres per hour) then accelerate rapidly to 600 knots (1116 kph) (Mach.95) before pointing the aircraft almost straight up to maximise the rate of climb. The first and most spectacular part of the climb will be clearly visible to spectators on the ground.

The Lightning is one of only four flying in the world, all belong to Cape Town based Thunder City.

The particular aircraft, a two seat Lightning T5, doing the record attempt is specially prepared for the flight and will have its external fuel tank removed to reduce weight.

This means that in full power with the afterburners aflame the aircraft will have only 5 minutes endurance.

On takeoff the jet will be producing above 36000 lbs of thrust (about 60 000 horsepower or equivalent to 75 formula one cars) –so spectators are advised to cover their ears!

All of the Thunder City jet types will be on display - Mike Beachy Head, CEO and owner of Thunder City will be flying the Lightning and Buccaneer solo display with Ian Pringle and Robbie Robinson doing the Hawker Hunter and Buccaneer formation flights preceding the solos."

ChristopherRobin
5th Dec 2005, 19:12
wow. impressive. does anyone know a good website or book where I can read more about the lightning?

brickhistory
5th Dec 2005, 19:18
As a start:

www.thunder-and-lightnings.co.uk

Tarnished
5th Dec 2005, 19:21
Then try here:
http://www.lightning.org.uk/home.html

then type EE Lightning into Google.

Oh and look on the AH&N Forum for more about the time to height records

Tarnished

Conan the Librarian
6th Dec 2005, 00:06
2nd attempt on 03/12/05. Now 05/12/05 Any news?


Conan

ChristopherRobin
6th Dec 2005, 17:52
many thanks for that!