Lightning over the Baltic
Some years ago I came across a retired Lightning pilot, who told me an incredible story involving a high-speed dash (following in-flight refuelling) towards the Baltic coast of the USSR; the purpose of the flight being to trigger their early-warning system, for NATO listening posts to analyse. The mission went pear-shaped when the Lightning suffered a double flame-out, and the story-teller (?) had to eject - ending up in the Baltic for many hours until rescued by NATO helicopter.
The pilot had definately flown Lightnings, and at some stage had held quite a high rank, but I have been unable to verify the story.
Have I been taken for a ride; is my informant a fantasist, or is the whole event hush hush?