Lightning Mate bragging about the Lightnings' climb rate to 20,000 ft. Harrier Mate says he can do it faster. Bet on.....
Both aircraft from start-up to 20,000 ft.
Pilots start. Lightning taxies 1.5 miles to the threshold - Harrier is already at 10,000 ft after vertical take-off. Harrier won!
There was a similar race to height at Wittering, F104 v Harrier. T-birds were used, with a pilot from the other team in the rear seat to check for blatant cheating. I watched from the ground, but I think that Bomber was closer, so maybe he'll share more details.