Military AircrewA forum for the professionals who fly the non-civilian hardware, and the backroom boys and girls without whom nothing would leave the ground. Army, Navy and Airforces of the World, all equally welcome here.
At a practical/economic level you are probably right about the Lightning ... but we shouldn't underestimate the deterrent impact of the UK being able to scramble a man with some "teeth" to keep the Ruskies company in the early 60's. Not only that ... but the production line also helped with employment and the developing of our national aerospace/technology "Brain Bank" ... But that's just my personal view
Happy Christmas all ...
Coff.
Last edited by CoffmanStarter; 22nd Dec 2012 at 07:19.
Location: Quite near 'An aerodrome somewhere in England'
Posts: 20,316
Quote:
what was the fuel capacity of the P1154? I can't think it had much range.............
1300 imp gallons internal, to be supplemented when required with a pair of 300 imp gall external tanks. For ferrying, the 300 imp gall tanks would be replaced by a pair of 400 imp gall tanks, a 200 imp gall centreline tank and an AAR probe.
Under ISA/SL conditions with a 2000 lb load and 2 x 300 gall externals, following a STO (rather than a rolling VTO), the aircraft was predicted to have a lo-lo radius of action of 400 nm.
Location: Quite near 'An aerodrome somewhere in England'
Posts: 20,316
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Yes, the little puffer jet served us well, particularly from the small carriers (aka 'through deck cruisers') forced on the RN following cancellation of CVA01....
But the Lightning served the UK very well indeed - for years and years beyond its originally anticipated OSD.
Both British designs through and through, but now sadly consigned to history. Notwithstanding its meagre endurance, the Sea Harrier F/A2 with AIM-120 and Link16 was a superb interceptor.
I'd delete 'the very well indeed' bit. Very sporty, and thus much loved by its operators, but operability? Payload, range and endurance - well below par, no question.
But it was British, filled a need (on paper at least), kept industrial bums on seats, maintained design and hangar skills, and was much admired at airshows - Tick. Capability - Cross.
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