WIWOL Wednesday [Archive]

Basil

7th May 2015, 18:40

Hope the following isn't too risqué.
When I joined BEA in 1973 and flew Viscounts at Glasgow, one of the pilots was Jock Sneddon, ex Lightnings.
He'd a tale of, upon receiving his posting, 'phoning to enquire of a colleague already on type what performance he might expect.
Jock's account went along the lines of:
"I asked him whit it was like and he said; Well, you line it up, shove it intae reheat an' the first thing that happens is yer foreskin hits ye in the face; by the time ye claw it doon again yer passin' ten thousand feet in the climb!" :}

1.3VStall

7th May 2015, 18:59

And then there's the legendary remark after flying a single-seater, FMk1, for the first time (no T-birds had yet been built) to the question "how was it?"

"Well, I was ahead of it the whole time until brakes release"

morton

9th May 2015, 15:37

OK, my first go at adding photo’s to text and I have had the slides for quite some time so please be gentle with me!

Back in the late 60’s 390 MU spent a lot of time at Tengah splitting 74 Squadron Lightnings into Airfix like components.
http://i1028.photobucket.com/albums/y347/itmade/AD49%20Lightnings%20Tengah0001_zpshptsngtu.jpg?t=1431098738
http://i1028.photobucket.com/albums/y347/itmade/AD46%20Tengah%20Lightnings_zps31lixqbl.jpg?t=1431098733
http://i1028.photobucket.com/albums/y347/itmade/AD47%20Tengah%20Lightnings_zpsn86rtibd.jpg?t=1431098738
http://i1028.photobucket.com/albums/y347/itmade/AE01%20Tengah%20Lightnings_zpsmxaln2wj.jpg?t=1431099482

This was so the bolts holding the two wings together could be PRC’d to stop fuel leaks as I remember. Hours – well a week or more – of endless fun. We did a good job, as did those who did the Bruntingthorpe Lightnings with not one drip tray in sight – so far!

But this is how I remember them – even the ones at Tabuk!
http://i1028.photobucket.com/albums/y347/itmade/AE05%20Tengah%20Lightnings_zpszpvbetly.jpg

On the MU I also remember spending some time replacing burnt wiring on the spine after Avpin fires – which were clear and smokeless as I remember and difficult to spot until it was too late!

jonw66

9th May 2015, 16:54

Excellent shots Morton give us more:D

newt

9th May 2015, 18:42

Actually WIWOL Wednesday is next Wednesday when a few of us get together for a game of golf in Norfolk!:ok:

jonw66

9th May 2015, 19:02

A friend of mine out at Aldergrove had been a liney at Binbrook and got a jolly in a T4 at Akrotiri. Pilot says do you want a long trip or a short trip.
The short trip sounds fun sir.
Landed after 8 minutes on reserves but I think he would be smiling.

Have a great day on the golf course sir.
Jon

Minnie Burner

12th May 2015, 19:48

Enjoy your golf day WIWOLS, don't forget: some of us still work for a living!

Here's one:http://sg-etuo.de/media/xdc/etuo/XR747X_ArcWestersoetebier.jpg

Courtney Mil

12th May 2015, 22:38

What a great thread. I never flew the vertical twin jet, I shall certainly read here with great interest. Well done, Minnie Burner for starting it.:ok:

bike2lv

13th May 2015, 00:09

Amazing aircraft- and British! Here is Treble One's last Lightning formation flight, awaiting their turn at Sqn handover.
http://i1164.photobucket.com/albums/q575/bike2lv/ScanImage11-45_zpsozzepwea.jpg

My Konica camera, Kodachrome slide.

RAFEngO74to09

13th May 2015, 00:46

I thought this might bring back memories for some WIWOLs - radio traffic prior to and after the crash of Lightning F6 XR769 as a result of an engine fire off Spurn Point on 11 Apr 88 - probably the last abandonment prior to withdrawal from service.

Someone has identified those speaking in the comments. Some nice unrelated Lightning pics in the vid.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pm8fI9hTIqc

Whenurhappy

13th May 2015, 05:47

and the Fighter Controller is Fg Off Mike Good.

Now there was a top guy - drifted off to obscurity as an Air Commodore I believe. Excellent OC SFC at Boulmer (kept me out of the doo on one or two occasions)

ORAC

13th May 2015, 07:14

God, that tape brings back memories. Was it really 27 years ago? It seems like yesterday. :{:{

GeeRam

13th May 2015, 08:36

RAFEngO74to09 I thought this might bring back memories for some WIWOLs - radio traffic prior to and after the crash of Lightning F6 XR769 as a result of an engine fire off Spurn Point on 11 Apr 88 - probably the last abandonment prior to withdrawal from service.

Yup, was the last RAF in-service loss, and the last ejection from a Lightning.

Ian Black published the photo's in one of his Lightning books of the a/c on fire etc., as he was DC's No.2 that day.

There's a transcript of the R/T and further details on the LA website here.

June 2004 Story (http://www.lightning.org.uk/jun04sotm.html)

Hueymeister

13th May 2015, 13:55

Porky, you're famous!:)

ORAC

13th May 2015, 14:13

As befits the RAFs Premier Jewish fighter pilot...... :p

GeeRam

14th May 2015, 12:19

Porky, you're famous!

WIWOL autograph signing session in the Aces High Gallery tent at a Duxford Airshow a few years ago ;)

http://s23.photobucket.com/albums/b380/jgfive/Legends10/Legends10015.jpg

morton

14th May 2015, 22:17

Correction? I have been contacted by the guys that run the Lightnings info website Home Page (http://lightnings.info/index.html)

They suggest that the pictures I posted might actually be from when XR758 was being dismantled in Darwin (after a fire) for shipping back to the UK. I never went to Darwin and was not involved in splitting any of the Aircraft for the PRC job at Tengah. If anyone who did either could verify where the pictures were taken it would help me as well. Certainly the domed hangar is not the norm for UK bases. Maybe someone might recognise themselves or have knowledge of the Ground Equipment in these pictures?

500N - can you pm me please? Your message box is full so my reply to you was bounced.

http://i1028.photobucket.com/albums/y347/itmade/AE02%20Tengah%20Lightnings_zpszp1pbazy.jpg?t=1431554837

http://i1028.photobucket.com/albums/y347/itmade/AE03%20Tengah%20Lightnings_zps0ry333f6.jpg?t=1431554834

chickenlover

15th May 2015, 11:11

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp98/Fryboy47/Copyofimg253.jpg

chickenlover

15th May 2015, 11:13

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp98/Fryboy47/Copyofimg256.jpg

Wander00

15th May 2015, 11:17

Oi, it's FRIDAY!

BTW, ISTR Porky getting airborne at Binbrook (around '82 ish I guess) and hitting the underside on the runway and heading skywards followed by a sheet of flame. Recovered the aircraft too I think. Seems a lifetime ago.

chickenlover

15th May 2015, 11:23

I was away on Wednesday:)
I think commander Black took this one-I'm sure he won't mind me posting it.
Twas a good day out.
http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp98/Fryboy47/Copyofimg257.jpg

smujsmith

15th May 2015, 19:57

Ahh, Chickenlover, such fantastic photography. To embody both of The Royal Air Forces premier aircraft in one shot is a true art. Great post, great shots. Thanks.

Smudge :ok:

HaraldJoergens

17th May 2015, 10:37

At this high resolution interactive cockpit panorama (https://www.haraldjoergens.com/panoramas/lightning/files/) of a Lightning F.53 you can now (virtually) start the engines, the buttons are on the starboard side, on the right of the IFF and in front of the oxygen regulator , and indicated by a blinking symbol.

The original sound has been recorded bythe Lightning Preservation Group (http://www.lightnings.org.uk/) at RAF Binbrook.

Minnie Burner

20th May 2015, 14:11

http://sg-etuo.de/media/xdc/etuo/XN768S_3_ArchivWestersoetebier_72_tb.jpg

http://sg-etuo.de/media/westersoetebier/XN778A-LightningF2A-92Sqn-0676-wsb_s.jpg

P6 Driver

21st May 2015, 12:39

Having sat in a single seat Lightning cockpit, could I ask anyone who flew it whether operating the throttles was exceptionally uncomfortable, or was I just not putting my left arm in the correct position?

The reason I ask is that with my left hand on the throttles, I found the large lever aft of them (radar controls?) to be digging in to my forearm.

sarn1e

21st May 2015, 18:25

Having sat in a single seat Lightning cockpit, could I ask anyone who flew it whether operating the throttles was exceptionally uncomfortable, or was I just not putting my left arm in the correct position?

Quoth the actress to the bishop: "you were doing it wrong!" (I'd guess it was at or beyond full downwards scanner elevation extension).

No, operating the throttles wasn't remotely difficult or uncomfortable - though we could have done with the seat being a bit less upright for the 5hr+ sorties.

Never flew the Phantom, but, compared to the Tornado F2/3 (qualified in both cockpits), the radar hand-controller was an ergonomic marvel - in, admittedly, a total slum of a cockpit - that only gave trouble when someone left the lid open and it got wet, thereby offering the potential to receive a mighty belt from all the trons running through it when you turned the radar on. I was forever mighty careful after having being bitten once.

Not, of course, a patch on all the more modern stuff, but it could be rightly described as 1950's-style HOTAS-ish...

smujsmith

21st May 2015, 19:13

Gentlemen,

Are we allowed requests on this smashing thread ? I will continue, I was fortunate to be employed on 56 Squadron (possibly the premier Lightning Squadron) at Akrotiri in the early 70s. I have a picture I will scan, upload and post, it's on the ground unfortunately, from those days. Anyone have any photographs of 56 in that era ? Pre coup and Turkish invasion. Thanks in anticipation. Great pics so far.

Smudge :ok:

newt

21st May 2015, 19:17

With over 1000 hours, I never found it a problem but I was only 20 when I first flew it so was much more slender than now! But I do sit in the cockpit at Bruntingthorpe from time to time and it still fits like a glove! Even the hand controller falls nicely into the palm and the brain remembers how it works and which switch does what! Amazing as I usually have trouble remembering where I put the car keys!:ok:

P6 Driver

21st May 2015, 19:38

sarn1e & newt,

Thank you for your replies to my question.
:ok:

RAFEngO74to09

21st May 2015, 20:14

smujsmith,

Just for you - 56 Sqn at Akrotiri !

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RBDF60o2Ns8

Minnie Burner

26th May 2015, 21:22

http://www.74squadron.org.uk/images/Photos/Mass%20Archive/Lighning%20Days/Lightning%20008.jpg

smujsmith

26th May 2015, 21:29

rafengo74to09, unfortunately 56 didn't operate TSR2 in Cyprus, certainly not while I was there, but thanks for the thought.

Smudge :ok:

RAFEngO74to09

27th May 2015, 00:44

Smudge,

Fixed the link above to 56 Sqn Lightnings in Akrotiri.

RAFEngO74to09

27th May 2015, 00:55

Lightning F2A 92 Sqn "King Cobra" circa 1976:

http://www.92sqdn.brushhouse.co.uk/pics/XN778.jpg

RAFEngO74to09

27th May 2015, 01:01

Lightning F2A 92 Sqn circa 1976:

http://sg-etuo.de/media/westersoetebier/XN726-N-LightningF2A-92Sqn-wsb.jpg

RAFEngO74to09

27th May 2015, 01:10

92 Sqn with 15 aircraft - and look how many see-off crews there are for a wave:

http://www.92sqdn.brushhouse.co.uk/pics/KingCobras-1.jpg

Argonautical

27th May 2015, 15:00

Newark 2014

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c2/argonautical/IMGP3725_zpsviarzria.jpg (http://s24.photobucket.com/user/argonautical/media/IMGP3725_zpsviarzria.jpg.html)

1.3VStall

27th May 2015, 16:14

Don't you just love the photos of the Ninety-Blue aircraft?:) We had proper air force in those days!

smujsmith

27th May 2015, 18:22

RAFEngO, thanks for that vid link. One minute and six seconds of pure nostalgia for me. Certainly some of the happiest times I've had in my 30 years of service. Great to see again.

Smudge :ok:

langleybaston

27th May 2015, 20:47

I just love that fighter!

Met Officer for 19 and 92 at Guetersloh, where I lived among the steely-eyed aces on the top patch.
I was S Met O Binbrook's line manager thereafter, and I seem to have visited Binbrook far more often than my other outstations ranging from Leeming all the way down to Marham.

Is it true that one set of tyres only lasted half a dozen flights?

Fitter2

28th May 2015, 06:43

Tyres last 6 sorties? At 226OCU 1 or 2 was not unusual.

newt

28th May 2015, 09:46

In a strong crosswind they only did one landing!

alisoncc

28th May 2015, 10:09

Does this count? 60MU at RAF Leconfield in 1967/68 plastering all the electrical and comms cabling with this brown epoxy gunk. The donks had been removed to allow access. If it does count then WIWOL YUK!!!

Wasn't a patch on my years on 230 OCU 63/65 at RAF Finningley. As a Cpl Tech Air Radio on Vulcans, now that was truly magic in comparison.

1.3VStall

28th May 2015, 11:14

Newt - you're half right, it was the crosswind take off that sha**ed the tyres, the subsequent landing merely finished the job!

Fortissimo

28th May 2015, 12:01

Minnie Burner

There was indeed a comparatively tame flypast of 3 x F4J from 74 Sqn, plus a Hawk in the box (to talk VHF to Duxford, the F4J didn't have it!). I was on the ground for the XM135 roll-out at the time and there were TV cameras there too (hence the tame flypast). The photo is actually a montage produced by the IWM photographer and there was "a bit of a flap on at Group" when it appeared in the RAF News.

Having seen the photo in said rag, and knowing exactly how an apparent sub-100ft formation flypast would be viewed, I called the AOC's PSO to give him the ammo to head off any 'senior enquiries', just in case. I was about 30 seconds too late, as there had apparently been a small thermonuclear device detonated in the vicinity only moments earlier. Happily, assurances that it was at least 500ft MSD and comments about the different focus for the Lightning and F4J elements on the same print were convincing enough to ensure there was no fallout!

langleybaston

28th May 2015, 14:55

Thank you gentlemen for the info. on tyres: half a dozen was obviously propaganda!

And please can I have some photos or tales of my first love: 19 squadron at Guetersloh?

They were resident when 92 pitched up from Geilers I believe.

Molemot

28th May 2015, 15:04

As an aside, I recall looking at the tyres on a MiG 15. Looked shagged to me... but it seems two layers of canvas was fine; only rejects when THREE layers were showing....!

Also the "Bloodhound" supersonic car (aiming for 1000mph) will be doing it's first runs on Lightning tyres....

ExRAFRadar

28th May 2015, 16:29

Not sure of this has been posted before and apologise if it has.

Some good video in it.

9JrP_epg2vg

smujsmith

28th May 2015, 17:17

As a Jnr Tech Airframe fitter at Akronelli in 1973, I was deployed to Malta to be the tyre bay back up to a 4 ship detachment from 56 Squadron. The exercise ran for 4 days and I well remember in that time I replaced 39 main wheel covers (tyres) and 3 nose wheel covers. Having re arranged my social life, my working hours were modified to accommodate the jet. I was told that it was the first diet for a long time that had met their full sortie rate,mind not had delays due to tyres. I have a photograph of OC 56 presenting a young smujsmith with a tankard in appreciation of my voluntary denial of Cisk and Hop Leaf. I will dig out the shot and post it next Wednesday, hopefully someone may recognise some of the cast. Particularly the boss.

Smudge:ok:

RAFEngO74to09

28th May 2015, 18:56

langleybaston,

Although I prefer to post pics of aircraft from the RAF's premier fighter squadron (92 Sqn) responsible for shooting down the most aircraft in WWII and - in the Phantom era - since, just for you I did manage to find this very nice 19 Sqn Lightning T4 pic:

http://sg-etuo.de/media/zetsche/XM970-T-LightningT4-19Sqn-zetsche.jpg

RAFEngO74to09

28th May 2015, 19:01

A 19 Sqn Lightning F2A managing to avoid landing in the water and/or crashing through the fence, and impressing onlookers at the same time !

https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/bd/63/3c/bd633c56f71dacc9429a9bb251019038.jpg

langleybaston

28th May 2015, 20:04

EngO: many thanks indeed. I can HEAR the latter aircraft!

smujsmith

28th May 2015, 20:18

Gentlemen,

I know it's not Wednesday, but can I offer this small tribute to the Tiger Squadron;

http://youtu.be/NBci6ynQNQo

Smudge :ok:

Argonautical

3rd Jun 2015, 08:07

Salute to 'Taffy Holden's' F1 XM135 by 74 (Tiger) Sqn

Here she is now, Duxford 2014.

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c2/argonautical/P1100319_zpskelmnlgn.jpg (http://s24.photobucket.com/user/argonautical/media/P1100319_zpskelmnlgn.jpg.html)

BEagle

3rd Jun 2015, 08:36

The last 'Flash Trail' APC deployment of Lightnings to Akrotiri:

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a341/nw969/Flash%20Trail_zpstdbqwk5k.jpg (http://s14.photobucket.com/user/nw969/media/Flash%20Trail_zpstdbqwk5k.jpg.html)

The late 'Lord Percy' took them to the south of France, we then took them the rest of the way. Happy days!

Minnie Burner

3rd Jun 2015, 09:06

September 1974. Finningly BoB. Display & Spare.
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk25/Slip21/Lightnings/2F3XP696XP754R111SqFinnBoB0972.jpg

A Little Later. Wattisham Junkyard, the same 2 jets.

http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk25/Slip21/Lightnings/10F3XP754R111SqWatt250675.jpg

http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk25/Slip21/Lightnings/8F3XP696Watt250675.jpg

Brighter Days

http://cdn-www.airliners.net/aviation-photos/photos/1/3/1/2099131.jpg

MPN11

3rd Jun 2015, 09:28

Was it not the full checkerboard tail, omitting the fin flash, that caused the then Fighter Command to clamp down on coloured fins?

I recall 74 at Tengah painting their fins black on the day of the formation of Strike Command (30 Apr 68), as they had no instructions from them or the shiny new 11 Gp preventing such activity ;)

BBadanov

3rd Jun 2015, 10:05

I thought the full checkerboard tail was OC 56's aircraft ??

Vzlet

3rd Jun 2015, 10:59

"QRA" before the start of a TLP mission, Jever, April 1986.

http://cdn-www.airliners.net/aviation-photos/photos/2/5/1/0304152.jpg

Argonautical

3rd Jun 2015, 14:46

I thought the full checkerboard tail was OC 56's aircraft ??

They applied it to more than one :-

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c2/argonautical/5620sqn_zpsv9nsnjpi.jpg (http://s24.photobucket.com/user/argonautical/media/5620sqn_zpsv9nsnjpi.jpg.html)

smujsmith

3rd Jun 2015, 17:08

Excuse a post from the ground crew side, perhaps someone could help me with these. As a tyre bay support man I was sent to Malta on an Airdex with a team from 56 in 1974 I believe. Apparently I did such a good job of keeping the tyres going that they told me it was the first Airdex they had not lost sorties due to lack of serviceable main wheels. On return to Akrotiri, I was sent for by the boss, who presented me with a tankard in appreciation of my efforts. To this day I can't remember his name, hope someone can help;

http://i1292.photobucket.com/albums/b572/smujsmith/906c8ad38653b74d1a1adef8e46996cc_zpszzt6lzkc.jpg

This second shot is a better look at the aircraft L, and the Squadron lads who I went to Malta with. It only took me a couple of weeks to wangle a posting on to the Lightning Minor Team.

Argonautical and Minnie Burner, great shots of 56 Aircraft today, thanks. Photo credits station photog section, Akrotiri 1974.

http://i1292.photobucket.com/albums/b572/smujsmith/1633a97bc72c9e285d6ce674328bd370_zps5bhmsjry.jpg

Smudge :ok:

Minnie Burner

3rd Jun 2015, 21:44

Congratulations, Smudge.
Looks like Martin Bee was the CO.
http://kinghamhillschooldays.co.uk/newsite/images/stories/Pages/bee/martin_bee_large.jpg

GeeRam

4th Jun 2015, 08:29

First time I've seen that photo of Pete Chapman's white tailed '696 aero's mount 'on the dump'....... :{

Mind you, he certainly wrung it's neck and FI in that last season display's :E

PC must be up there among the best of those that displayed the beast over the years.

Has there ever been a vote among WIWOL for best aero's display pilot......?

Fitter2

4th Jun 2015, 09:45

In '65 226 OCU Lightnings had the red and white tail/spines

http://i62.tinypic.com/k7z1y.jpg

but we were told to remove all the polyurethane paint (nasty messy job for the riggers) and just have the 145Sqn badge and St George's cross

http://i57.tinypic.com/rsdenm.jpg

We were told that someone had waved a radiation counter at the paint and discovered it collected 'Special' Weapon' testing dust at altitude, but you know how rumours spread.

dragartist

9th Jun 2015, 20:16

Please forgive my posting 2 hrs prematurely.

http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w35/dragartist1/Lightning%20resized_zps3siggqxx.jpg

This is a painting of mine from September 82. It hangs in my Dads hall (Goudie would have seen the original a few moths back) It is a picture taken through the glass hence a slight reflection. My Dad was on 5 Sqn up at Binbrook at the time. I do have some pictures he took at APCs in Akr in my old albums in the loft.
I have no idea how I found energy but after a hard day at the drawing board I would come home and get the brushes out often till past midnight. Now I do PPrune till late! I mainly painted pictures of the aircraft I had been working on but did this one for my Dad. I never worked on the Lightning. As a teenager my dad did send for me when he was at Oakington to remove a lost spanner from a oil tank on a Hercules Engine on a Varsity. My arm was slim enough at the time to recover the spanner without having to split the tank. I guess this may have had some influence over my career choice. I wander if I should have stuck to painting rather than Engineering!

smujsmith

11th Jun 2015, 19:35

Minnie Burner, your #73.

Thanks for that, I can put a name to that photograph now. Of course, in those days 73/4 a Jnr Tech was lucky to know his own Cpls name, let alone the Wing Commander. Thanks again.

Smudge:ok:

Rhino power

16th Jun 2015, 22:38

One for WIWOL's and fans alike...

Superb new title on the Lightning from, Ian Black.

http://firestreakbooks.com/files/2014/06/Lightning_Jacket.jpeg

Home | Firestreak Books (http://firestreakbooks.com/#lightbox/1/)

-RP

Minnie Burner

24th Jun 2015, 13:17

How many future j-jox made a model of this?:

http://cdn-www.airliners.net/aviation-photos/photos/5/8/1/2233185.jpg

Minnie Burner

24th Jun 2015, 13:43

https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/bd/63/3c/bd633c56f71dacc9429a9bb251019038.jpg

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o121/kokpit/AGW%20Comps/F4.jpg

langleybaston

24th Jun 2015, 14:40

WIWOPh s now is it?

wub

24th Jun 2015, 16:13

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h269/wub_01/Gecferr_zpss3tpvkzp.jpg

Ex-Saudi ZF584 on the day it was officially presented to GEC Ferranti in Edinburgh by British Aerospace. Leuchars did the honours with the F3 flypast.

Vzlet

1st Jul 2015, 11:19

TLP Jever, April 1986.
http://cdn-www.airliners.net/aviation-photos/photos/6/2/0/0974026.jpg

Argonautical

1st Jul 2015, 11:47

Cosford 2013. Not sure if I like this way of presenting it. It saves space but I would rather see it on the ground.

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c2/argonautical/IMGP2471_zpsqu2krl3k.jpg (http://s24.photobucket.com/user/argonautical/media/IMGP2471_zpsqu2krl3k.jpg.html)

ian16th

1st Jul 2015, 14:30

Smudge, You might like to cribb these:

http://i818.photobucket.com/albums/zz108/ian16th/Smudge%2001.jpg

http://i818.photobucket.com/albums/zz108/ian16th/Smudge%2002.jpg

smujsmith

1st Jul 2015, 21:10

Ian16th,

Thank you kindly for that sir, a far better job than my own efforts, and possibly even the originals.

Smudge :ok:

sarn1e

1st Jul 2015, 22:24

TLP Jever, April 1986

My logbook records that I went out to deliver one of two fatigue replacements (oh, the happy memories of the no 2.5g PIs trying to get them back on the line) to the two guys on TLP on 17 Apr 86, half-way during the course. Two things stand out in the memory...

The first laugh was going out in the evening after arrival and enjoying the delights of Jagermeister in the days before it came mixed with Red Bull. In the wagon on the way back through the gate we were asked for our "identity papers" by a conscript gate guard. A quiet Dutch voice said: "close your eyes and drift back 40 years, what's changed?" to the sniggeringly childish amusement of the rest of the team.

The second laugh came the following morning when, over a coffee, the Bitburg Eagle dudes were taking the piss about our complete lack of anything (navkit, radar, weapons and fuel, to name a few) to make it suitable for any of the roles they were attempting to undertake on the course. Quite rightly, they thought their bit of kit was the cat's pajamas - all the rest of us were insanely jealous... Cue me (a 300-hour JP) saying: "yeah, but, just watch our departure!"

As always, the groundcrew were egging us on during start-up since the boys out there had been unable to do anything because they were always out of gas before the mission started. As we were taxying out the sun was shining and I distinctly remember a tractor cutting the grass near the US line hut, which was a set of tents.

I got airborne second and bent it left across the grass towards the Eagle line at about 15-20ft - followed by a rotation over the line hut in clouds of grass cuttings and collapsing tents with paperwork flying everywhere.

Immensely satisfying for me and a morale booster for the boys who reported back that it was even grudgingly appreciated by the Americans running round trying to corral their F700-equivalents.

Christ, that was thirty years ago!

Minnie Burner

8th Jul 2015, 16:36

http://aerosociety.com/Assets/Images/Insight%20Blog/Bolt%20into%20the%20Blue/Lightning%204-web.jpg

http://www.aerosoft.de/shop-rd/bilder/screenshots/fsx/english-electric-lightning-f3/english-electric-lightning-f3-18.jpg

Strange how no-one's looking at lead!

Vzlet

9th Jul 2015, 00:45

"yeah, but, just watch our departure!"I did watch it, although it pains me greatly to say that I was about 45 seconds late returning from a lunchtime trip to buy (ironically) more film, and thus didn't get any pictures.

Perhaps in an attempt to mitigate the "lack of anything", at least one of the missions that week was flown with the air defenders split into two Eagle/Lightning pairs (i.e., Eagle lead and Lightning wing, but I don't think they departed or recovered that way). Afterwards, the Bitburg guys seemed pretty jazzed about the arrangement because it allowed them to operate independently of each other, yet still completely offensively.

GeeRam

9th Jul 2015, 07:31

http://www.aerosoft.de/shop-rd/bilder/screenshots/fsx/english-electric-lightning-f3/english-electric-lightning-f3-18.jpg

Obviously, the person that did that image had something against 19 Sqn :uhoh:

This is the original photo that was clearly used as a basis for it.....
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xu7J7jjmaDU/TXE4o6GuQTI/AAAAAAAACfg/0fAqAQNy3yU/s1600/EE.jpg

Minnie Burner

9th Jul 2015, 10:31

It's really only the F3 (with extras)
They do 9 liveries. Not including 19.
For anyone interested:
EE Lightning F3 Review (http://mutleyshangar.com/reviews/jg/f3/f3.htm)

Minnie Burner

5th Aug 2015, 11:14

http://i831.photobucket.com/albums/zz231/da_bish/Finals3.jpg

Wander00

5th Aug 2015, 12:56

Reminds me of the Binbrook "Station Photograph" about 1982 - DC decreed "everyone" to be there, but it was clear from the final result that there was an absentee rate of between 25 and 30%. There was then a witch hunt, every flt and sqn commander being directed to scan the photo and identify who was not there. Cue much short sightedness amongst many officers. I have a copy of the photo somewhere

GeeRam

5th Aug 2015, 13:37

Is that Paul Cooper and 'BJ' on the 30th June '88....??

cornish-stormrider

5th Aug 2015, 13:48

Minnie - thanks for the mighty XI (F) pics

Brings back happy days as a mech tech ****** ( official term) in the mid nineties on the swing wing thing......

TyroPicard

2nd Sep 2015, 21:04

Bit late in the day, but here is a pencil drawing of an F2A by mini-TP...that's a cobra on the fin...

http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh64/ekulz/0eae28c2-8909-4032-8637-09aa17913433.jpg

newt

2nd Sep 2015, 21:21

Looks more like an upside down fish to me!

nipva

3rd Sep 2015, 07:41

The late Mike Hobbs arriving in some style - Luqa, May 70

http://i359.photobucket.com/albums/oo32/greswell/1970Luqa-Hobbs_zpshrdbsekm.jpg (http://s359.photobucket.com/user/greswell/media/1970Luqa-Hobbs_zpshrdbsekm.jpg.html)

Scruffy Fanny

7th Sep 2015, 22:58

My offering http://i430.photobucket.com/albums/qq26/ian_black4/BC084_zps6h8gb7ml.jpg

morton

8th Sep 2015, 14:47

It is Wednesday somewhere in the world now and I am away tomorrow (UK Wednesday) for a bit. Scruffy pointed out that my original photos in Posts 14 & 28 are no longer viewable. :confused: Don't know why but here they are again.:ok:
XR758 being dismantled at Darwin prior to being boxed back to the UK due to a fire out there.

http://i1028.photobucket.com/albums/y347/itmade/Lightning/AE03%20Tengah%20Lightnings_zps0ry333f6.jpg (http://s1028.photobucket.com/user/itmade/media/Lightning/AE03%20Tengah%20Lightnings_zps0ry333f6.jpg.html)

http://i1028.photobucket.com/albums/y347/itmade/Lightning/AE02%20Tengah%20Lightnings_zpszp1pbazy.jpg (http://s1028.photobucket.com/user/itmade/media/Lightning/AE02%20Tengah%20Lightnings_zpszp1pbazy.jpg.html)

http://i1028.photobucket.com/albums/y347/itmade/Lightning/AE01%20Tengah%20Lightnings_zpsmxaln2wj.jpg (http://s1028.photobucket.com/user/itmade/media/Lightning/AE01%20Tengah%20Lightnings_zpsmxaln2wj.jpg.html)

http://i1028.photobucket.com/albums/y347/itmade/Lightning/AD49%20Lightnings%20Tengah0001_zpshptsngtu.jpg (http://s1028.photobucket.com/user/itmade/media/Lightning/AD49%20Lightnings%20Tengah0001_zpshptsngtu.jpg.html)

http://i1028.photobucket.com/albums/y347/itmade/Lightning/AD47%20Tengah%20Lightnings_zpsn86rtibd.jpg (http://s1028.photobucket.com/user/itmade/media/Lightning/AD47%20Tengah%20Lightnings_zpsn86rtibd.jpg.html)

http://i1028.photobucket.com/albums/y347/itmade/Lightning/AD46%20Tengah%20Lightnings_zps31lixqbl.jpg (http://s1028.photobucket.com/user/itmade/media/Lightning/AD46%20Tengah%20Lightnings_zps31lixqbl.jpg.html)

Scruffy Fanny

8th Sep 2015, 15:45

Thanks for re posting - must have been a tough det - amazed the RAF broke the aircraft down like that - quite a few books stated that the RAF Had never actually taken a Lightning apart in service - well i guess that proves them wrong ! - Shows to good advantage just how clever the design of the aircraft was all fitting together like a jigsaw

Hueymeister

8th Sep 2015, 15:55

I had the pleasure of working with Gp Capt Fynes' late brother. A 'Fyne' gent. RIP Chris.

smujsmith

8th Sep 2015, 19:46

SF

And the ability of the groundcrew to "go where they've not been before" with a fine aircraft.!!!!

Smudge :ok:

GeeRam

8th Sep 2015, 20:27

Thanks
Thanks for re posting - must have been a tough det - amazed the RAF broke the aircraft down like that - quite a few books stated that the RAF Had never actually taken a Lightning apart in service - well i guess that proves them wrong !

They did another one as well out there, as well as putting it all together beforehand - as the squadron T.5 XV329 had been shipped out to Singapore in bits in '67, put together and then stripped down and shipped back again at the end of the det in '71. Unless these assembly and disassembly tasks were both done by contractors and not the RAF?

stickmonkeytamer

9th Sep 2015, 10:04

Here are a couple of mine from Bruntingthorpe...

http://i367.photobucket.com/albums/oo116/sband/1024xr728highkeybruntSAT240814COPYR_zpsyocus5fi.jpg (http://s367.photobucket.com/user/sband/media/1024xr728highkeybruntSAT240814COPYR_zpsyocus5fi.jpg.html)

http://i367.photobucket.com/albums/oo116/sband/1024xr728taxirounddarkCOPYR_zps19631f44.jpg (http://s367.photobucket.com/user/sband/media/1024xr728taxirounddarkCOPYR_zps19631f44.jpg.html)

alisoncc

10th Sep 2015, 03:04

amazed the RAF broke the aircraft down like that - quite a few books stated that the RAF Had never actually taken a Lightning apart in service

Have a strong recollection of us taking Lightnings apart at 60MU RAF Leconfield - circa 1968.

nipva

10th Sep 2015, 07:25

XR758 survived to fly again joining 23 Sqn at Leuchars in June '71

smujsmith

10th Sep 2015, 20:29

I bet someone from 103MU, circa 71 would be able to confirm the dismantling of a Lightning or two. Or perhaps my memory is wrong. Now, Gentlemen, where's this Wednesday's fix of photographs of this, most finest of British fighter aircraft ??????

Here's a nice painting I found on line;

http://i1292.photobucket.com/albums/b572/smujsmith/f3a4e5d8336d3c9f5efc7fdf502393e8_zpstehykglj.jpg

I really envy those who can say they have sat there in respect to the painting.

Smudge :ok:

thing

10th Sep 2015, 21:28

Great thread. The Lightning was the RAF aircraft to me. Summed up a time and an attitude now long gone. I nearly said sadly but I suppose if you weren't around in those days then you won't know.

A friend of mine flew the jet in all it's incarnations and I once asked him which was his favourite mark to fly from a pilot's point of view. Without hesitation he said the Mk 1A which in his opinion was the finest handling of the lot. I rather thought he would have said F3 but there you go.

newt

11th Sep 2015, 06:34

Actually I think most of us would say the Mk2a. Top guns and two Firestreaks or four guns! Great range and handling!:ok:

thing

11th Sep 2015, 07:30

Did the two ever fly in four gun fit? I have a hazy memory of it having the option of two bottom nose cannon, not the ventral pack ones, as well as the top nose cannon. Only ever worked on threes and sixes.

sarn1e

11th Sep 2015, 11:21

which was his favourite mark to fly from a pilot's point of view

I was too young to fly the earlier marks, but a ventral-less 3 (or 5) was pretty awesome...

Tried to feel sorry for T5 passengers in what was the ultimate fairground ride, but was having too much fun to worry!

newt

11th Sep 2015, 18:01

Yes "thing" I did. The IWI decided it would be a good idea to fire them all in the range at Leewarden! Took a fourship up there including myself and we lined up abreast and pulled the trigger! very exciting especially as the aircraft shook so much that my MRG button disintegrated and I came home with no master instruments!! Not sure we did it again!;)

newt

23rd Sep 2015, 09:44

Guys it's WIWOL Reunion next Thursday! Come along and meet old friends! Starts at midday but pitch up any time. Details on Eds site!

See you there😀😀😀😀😀

1.3VStall

24th Sep 2015, 20:43

Will miss it this year - otherwise engaged - will miss the noise and the banter though!

Next year defo!

Tarnished

30th Sep 2015, 12:05

Giddy with excitement.

Less than 24 hrs and counting.

See y'all tomorrow.

T

1.3VStall

30th Sep 2015, 20:38

I'll be with you in spirit tomorrow, guys. Enjoy! I'll be there next year.:ok:

smujsmith

30th Sep 2015, 22:23

Gentlemen, it's Wednesday, I hope you all have a great time tomorrow, but, with 40 minutes to go, where's my Lightning picture fix of the week. Stop teasing, post the pictures please.

Smudge :ok:

Rhino power

30th Sep 2015, 23:02

Just for you, Smudge... :ok:

All images copyright - Mike Freer

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/6d/English_Electric_Lightning_F6%2C_UK_-_Air_Force_AN0675727.jpg

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/b3/English_Electric_Lightning_F6%2C_UK_-_Air_Force_AN2279871.jpg

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/4e/English_Electric_Lightning_F6%2C_UK_-_Air_Force_AN1410280.jpg

-RP

thing

30th Sep 2015, 23:25

Ooer, cracking photos. Is that a Spit tail in the first pic?

Rhino power

30th Sep 2015, 23:50

Is that a Spit tail in the first pic?

Yes, PR Mk.XIX PS853 I think...

-RP

smujsmith

1st Oct 2015, 11:34

Smashing shots as always RP, thanks for making my week.

Smudge :ok:

Minnie Burner

7th Oct 2015, 11:41

https://www.flickr.com/photos/prestwick_aviation_photography/14016274975

https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7447/14016274975_5954ce7de8.jpg

newt

7th Oct 2015, 11:47

She is now safe and sound at Bruntingthorpe where she will be well looked after!:ok:

Minnie Burner

7th Oct 2015, 12:37

She's in here somewhere (box?) ..........1972

http://cdn-www.airliners.net/aviation-photos/middle/5/4/1/1233145.jpg

glad rag

7th Oct 2015, 12:55

Always wondered how the airspeed indications fluctuated when they pulled out of the dives [target against the cold sea] when the pitot probe bent down.....:8

newt

8th Oct 2015, 08:59

Pitot probe only bent down when someone swung on it instead of just ducking under it!:ugh:

Minnie Burner

14th Oct 2015, 16:30

http://www.lightningpilots.com/74sqnoverColtishall1961.jpg

http://www.lightningpilots.com/sitebuilder/images/Slide10750-1178x813.jpg

smujsmith

15th Oct 2015, 19:45

Doesn't red look good on any Mk of Lightning ? Great shots Minnie B, the 56 one being your best this week in my humble opinion.

Smudge:ok:

Minnie Burner

16th Oct 2015, 12:31

Thank you Smudge, but I claim no credit for them.
They are lifted from Ed Durham's website: index (http://www.lightningpilots.com/)
But I agree: A different era altogether.

NutLoose

8th Dec 2015, 23:36

Pssst

The Man Shed Visits The Lightning Preservation Group (http://themanshed.cc/the-man-shed-visits-the-lightning-preservation-group/)

CoffmanStarter

9th Dec 2015, 06:34

And just to add to Nutty's cracking link ... Some great nostalgic images of the awesome Frightening :ok:

https://mobile.twitter.com/lightningotd

TyroPicard

8th Feb 2017, 13:29

http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh64/ekulz/3be13d28-4bf4-4f63-82b5-e002d1afae6a.jpg

XM 173 on display at the Dyson staff canteen.

The people at Dyson are interested in hearing from former pilots of XM 173 (56 Sqn, Firebirds mount, 226 OCU).
As they have a collection of jet engines they would also like to get in touch with "early Harrier" and Vulcan pilots.
PM me and I will pass on your contact details....you might get a free cup of tea!

D120A

8th Feb 2017, 15:59

But I don't fancy AVTUR dripping in my tea...

fantom

8th Feb 2017, 16:06

Avpin is worse.

BossEyed

8th Feb 2017, 16:23

Ah, but you wouldn't have AVPIN for tea. You'd have it for dinner.

It's a starter.

pasta

8th Feb 2017, 17:19

Leftover fuel? In a Lightning?!?

Darren_P

8th Feb 2017, 17:26

I saw the hardback copy of Lightning Boys on sale at The Works yesterday for £3.50

GeeRam

8th Feb 2017, 20:39

Last November's twilight Q-shed double QRA scramble of LPG's 2 x F.6's. :ok:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yn_NdtZxA9I

Rossian

8th Feb 2017, 20:45

.....nice one matey, I groaned and laughed out loud at the same time.
I wish I had that Lightning in some of the spaces I inhabit. I once almost got a ride in a two seater. I was actually booted and suited and walking out to the aircraft with the driver. His flight commander, walking in, stopped him and demanded to see his maps then announced "Well you can **** off" ( to me) and declared that he was taking the jet and my driver "to check him out". Bloody rude I thought.

The Ancient Mariner

Fonsini

10th Feb 2017, 01:38

Flying into the sunset.

Wander00

10th Feb 2017, 09:50

Nice pic, and I am not of the Faith (ie a WIWOL)

Lyneham Lad

10th Feb 2017, 14:36

Flying into the sunset.
Nice pic

And a poor sense of direction... ;)

Percy Cute

17th May 2018, 16:27

Sad Farewells
To Keith Williamson, Al Martin & Gus Crockatt.

index (http://lightningpilots.com/)

Cornish Jack

17th May 2018, 21:35

More in hope than optimism - on 30th September '71 one of the visiting Lightnings at Akrotiri had to 'bang out' in Epi Bay ... standard back end fire, apparently. The pilot was recovered by 1563 Flt S&R Whirlwind and deposited at PMH. I was on the wire for that pickup but cannot recall ever knowing who the 'victim' was. Very unlikely, but might anyone have the identity - just idle curiosity :bored: That, oddly was the only sea recovery of military aircrew I ever had to do (oddly, because that, theoretically, was our raison d'etre!!) I was also bollocked by the Big Cheese for sinking the dinghy, not bringing it back with us ... having an inflated dinghy in a single engined , small cabin with an injured survivor for the over water return transit didn't seem too clever to me ... I'm claiming octogenarian privilege for irrelevant queries! :p

Rhino power

18th May 2018, 02:25

Cornish Jack, this is most likely the Lightning/pilot combo you describe...
XR764 / 56 Sqn, Flt. Lt. R. Bealer.

-RP

GeeRam

18th May 2018, 08:19

Cornish Jack, this is most likely the Lightning/pilot combo you describe...
XR764 / 56 Sqn, Flt. Lt. R. Bealer.

-RP

Jack, he's probably contactable through Lightning pilots website via Ed D, as Dick Bealer (56 and 226 OCU) is still listed on the website.

Cornish Jack

18th May 2018, 11:52

Rhino power and GeeRam - many thanks, both, for a remarkably fast answer!! :D Not wanting to contact - just satisfying a sudden nagging thought prompted by this WIWOL thread. :\ My other abiding memory of the Lightning was a newsreel shown at a Bangkok cinema which showed a Sqdn formation takeoff in the early days with the classic rotation to the vertical. The audience burst into spontaneous applause - never experienced before or since!! Ah well!, back to the memory bank! :)

hawkeye

3rd Jun 2018, 21:31

Lightning Radar

In the early ‘70s I was fortunate enough to get a couple of rides in the T5, firstly with Pete Chapman and then with Mike Smith. It was a bit of a blur at the time, but Pete did try to show me how the radar worked, a big job in 45 minutes, although I do remember him putting a ring over the target, which locked the radar in a narrow scan.

I recently watched Ian Black in a video and something he said about the Phantom radar caused me to wonder about the mental arithmetic which went into calculating the altitude of the target. On the last generation weather radars, using the one 1 in 60 rule we used to work out the tops of CBs with the simple formula of 100ft per degree of tilt per nautical mile, so if the radar was tilted down at 2 degrees with a cloud 40 miles away the tops would be 2x100x40 or 8000ft below us. I am assuming that the Lightning mate had to make a similar calculation. My recollection is hazy to say the least, but I seem to remember horizontal bars across the screen. Were these radar tilt bars?

Would any Lightning mate like to explain the target acquisition process and the mental calculations that had to be made to determine target altitude and speed? Thank you in anticipation.

ORAC

4th Jun 2018, 03:56

Smash it to the edge and follow it round.......

Wander00

4th Jun 2018, 10:16

Mike Smith, my Gnat QFI after Vic W went back to Africa. Anyone know if he is still with us. He had the biggest Alsatian dog I ever saw. Would let you into the house, but not out!

GeeRam

4th Jun 2018, 10:32

Mike Smith, my Gnat QFI after Vic W went back to Africa. Anyone know if he is still with us. He had the biggest Alsatian dog I ever saw. Would let you into the house, but not out!

Mike Smith (ex-29 & 92) is still listed on the Lightning pilots directory, so if the same one, then yes.

dook

4th Jun 2018, 11:20

Smash it to the edge and follow it round...….

'Twas "smash it to the edge, sneak it down the side, and lose it off the bottom

2 TWU

4th Jun 2018, 13:02

One peep is worth a thousand sweeps.

Wander00

4th Jun 2018, 15:47

GeeRam - thanks - will try to contact him there

Trumpet_trousers

4th Jun 2018, 18:20

'Twas "smash it to the edge, sneak it down the side, and lose it off the bottom

....and the Event lights? (Event 1, Event 2 IIRC?) Radar acquisition? MX Seeker acquisition?

insty66

4th Jun 2018, 20:13

Looking forward to lots more entries coming up from Marham in the coming years! :}

newt

5th Jun 2018, 07:12

insty66! There is no connection between WIWOL stories and that ridiculous aircraft due to arrive at Marham!

ORAC

5th Jun 2018, 07:43

Twas "smash it to the edge, sneak it down the side, and lose it off the bottom If the QWI suspected a pilot was, let us say, be economical in his technique, we would get a phone call asking us to set him up with a 150 intercept crossing behind. That looked identical to a 180 in the B scope right up to the final turn when instead on staying on the edge it suddenly darted into the middle then disappeared.

At which stage the radio call, “you b*****d” or something similar was heard.....

dook

5th Jun 2018, 11:54

I found the 180 crossing behind the most difficult.

Ascend Charlie

6th Jun 2018, 07:53

In the 60s in Oz there was a B&W TV ad for Palmolive Rapid Shave, showing some Lightnings flying past, with the voice-over:
"Make it fast ..." (Zzzzzzoooooommmm!)
"Make it smooth...." (Fwwsssshhhhh)
"Make it Palmolive rapid Shave."

First time I had ever seen a Lightning, and it looked super cool with the ailerons right on the tips and the over-under setup. The big spike out the intake and the radio (or is it pitot) needle way out front.

sarn1e

6th Jun 2018, 20:07

@Hawkeye

Yes, precisely the same method for tgt height calc (acknowledging beam width error, which also depended upon gain/highlighting technique) plus use of 1-in-60 to calculate lateral displacement. Then, judicious use of ideal keys for 180/150/120/90 intercepts using change of displacement (in nm) over 5nm to identify Track Crossing Angle: constant displacement = 180; 1-1.5nm = 150; 2-2.5nm = 120; 3-3.5nm = 90. Speed ratio presumed 1.1 to 1 at start then recalculated by reference to tendency towards collision angle as intercept progressed. Fun in the dark, especially at low level, while calculating altimeter pressure error correction and watching VSI like a hawk...no radalt in the T5 for check-rides!

All became far simpler with change to display of target aspect (in newer, track while scan, weapon systems - it was eventually changed, for example, in Tornado F3, which originally used TCA). Use same 1-in-60 rule calculation for lateral separation in thousands of feet, then use aspect's relationship with collision angles to increase (lag) or decrease (lead) tgt aspect and lat sep, as required, before turning to reciprocal (if a stern intercept). Very easy on-screen visual exercise with minimal calculation. Most use 40,000ft lat sep at altitude (20,000ft at lower levels) for controlled 45 AOB final turn for, say, tanker join or stern VID.

@ORAC

Displacement change over 5nm was always the clue (if you'd bothered to calculate it in the first place)!

Disclaimer

I stand to be corrected on both old and new info, since it's been quite a while!

There was always loads of discussion and banter in the old days about which platform had the highest workload, but it was a pretty tough apprenticeship - in every sense of the word.

hawkeye

2nd Jul 2018, 18:56

sarn 1e. Thank you for that comprehensive reply. We have come a long way since those days. I have flown with FOs, victims of an education establishment that abandoned the teaching of the times table, who seem to struggle if they can't put the numbers in a calculator. AI in the Lightning would probably have been beyond them. Best wishes.

GeeRam

2nd Jul 2018, 19:40

Surprised to see no post a couple of days ago on 30th June.......marking 30 years since the final flights of a Lightning in RAF service.

MPN11

2nd Jul 2018, 19:41

Surprised to see no post a couple of days ago on 30th June.......marking 30 years since the final flights of a Lightning in RAF service.
Nostalgia isn't what it used to be ... sorry! :cool:

safetypee

4th Aug 2018, 14:38

Nostalgia, 4 Aug 1954

https://www.baesystems.com/en-uk/heritage/english-electric-lightning

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/English_Electric_Lightning

newt

26th Sep 2018, 02:29

Well it’s Wednesday so just a reminder guys of the annual get together in London a week tomorrow! Details to be found on Ed’s site! Be there or be square!��

On_The_Top_Bunk

11th Mar 2019, 21:07

Posted from the Binbrook Facebook page:

I would like to inform all of the recent passing of Ret’d Air Commodore David Cowley on the 7th of March.
According to his Log Book, David flew prop aircraft before moving onto Vampires, Hunters and, eventually Lightnings.He was OC 11 Squadron at from 1971 to 1974 and became Binbrook Station Commander sometime between 1980 to 1982. He eventually reached the rank of Air Commodore before retirement.
Funeral arrangements on the 11 Squadron Association Website once further details become available.

Lyneham Lad

10th Aug 2023, 13:53

Earlier this week I stumbled upon "Classic British Jets: Lightning" tucked away in the depths of Prime (Amazon). A very interesting hour covering everything from the 1942/43 period of design advances, compressibility issues, control problems in general before moving onto the P1 Lighning and subsequent developments. Includes interviews with Roly Beaumont, 'Winkle' Brown and various OC's of 74 Sqn (which features heavily). A fascinating look-back, not just at the Lightning but the beginnings of supersonic flight. Extensive footage of the Lightning in various marks and roles.

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/1366x814/img_3803_2383632059034cc34ef0e93977a1e4ea46a90fb7.jpg

kriskross

11th Aug 2023, 11:00

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/600x401/19_sqn_16_ship_2__d2740598b71e745ddbbd7de466a4aefd389f4192.j pg
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/600x401/19_sqn_19__26f72485c43f2e6c1e2b4fe31bf8fef7096b0bd4.jpg
Here's some pics of 19 Sqn taken at Gutersloh when for one day we had all sixteen of our aircraft there. We flew the formations once, and, surprisingly all landed serviceable, so it was decided to go and fly it again. I was squadron historian at the time and we had pictures of the Squadron 19 with Meteors and Hunters so we wanted to do it with Lightnings. To get the layout right when seen from the ground, I had to lie on the floor with the previous photos held above me, while another plotted out the formation positions from above. I am at the far outside of the 9 and somewhere in the middle of the 16. The T4 was used as 'whipper in' for both.

superplum

11th Aug 2023, 21:17