Yes, It's a true story - look at the airbus berks trying much the same thing runnning up an A3--with huge power.
While the chap in the Lighting got it down, he took several attempts - as one would ! Before a succesful landing - he had no seat,( just a box to sit on ) canopy or harness - simulate that !
Personaly I think he deservered a medal, as did the ground crew-chief who flew a Spitfire back to a safe base in I think Malta or some sandy wartime spot... both were met by 'rollockings' instead of ' Well done '...
The Lightning chap suffered considerably afterwards.
DZ
Last edited by Double Zero; 24th Aug 2008 at 03:18.