In the very early 70s, I was launched from Battle Flight @ 04:00. Airborne in 2 mins 46 secs (every launch was timed), it was a really black night and I went into cloud at 500ft, out of the top at FL 350. Never in my life have I been so disorientated, the Lightning climbed quite quickly in burner and from being asleep to that height in around a total of 5 mins was interesting to say the least. Good fun though.