EE Lightning – nuclear Bomber!?

[DaveReidUK]

Wide-angle shot of that F.53 at Farnborough 1968 (as it happens, the first one that I attended):



Note, compared to the photo above, that the reconnaissance pack has been rotated to expose the camera windows.

Also worth noting is the interesting overwing SNEB rocket pack/fuel tank combo.

[Haraka]

The "Photo Recce " pack for the Lightning was based upon an 18 inch diameter cylinder. This structure was adopted by W,Vinten Ltd, as the basis for their very successful range of pylon mounted VICON 18 Recce pods. over many years.

[wub]

Never see that SNEB arrangement before, was it ever deployed?

[India Four Two]

wasn't aware of the Vigilante's bomb bay

treadders,

I had a recollection of it, but I had to double-check before posting, in case I was remembering an April Fool spoof!

[DaveReidUK]

Originally Posted by wub

Never see that SNEB arrangement before, was it ever deployed?

The only photos that I've seen of F.53s with SNEB pods are the Saudi one above at Farnborough 1968 and a Kuwaiti example at Paris the following year.

[megan]

You learn something new every day - wasn't aware of the Vigilante's bomb bay

The A-5 was in the fleet at the time of my basic training. It was said that the reason it failed in the bomber role was that upon ejection the bomb tended to follow the aircraft in trail. Perhaps a bit of jocularity rather than fact.

Edited to add, seems to be factual to some degree. From RA-5C Vigilante History

Although a viable system in theory, in actual practice difficulties were encountered in clearing the linear bomb bay during operational use

[safetypee]

As I recall, only the bomb option on the outboard pylon was used in overseas service.
Now if the over-wing SNEBS were changed to mini retard nucs … … but then similar problems as jettisoning the over-wing fuel tanks - empty first.

[India Four Two]

Farnborough 1968 (as it happens, the first one that I attended)

That was at least my eighth Farnborough. I have no recollection of the extensive display in front of the F53. Perhaps it was simplified for the public days? Alternatively my memory is failing!

[Haraka]

One of the wettest Farnboroughs. for many years!

[Brewster Buffalo]

Some more info from another of Chris Gibson's books. The idea was proposed in 1954 and only the then, under development Lightning and the Javelin would have the performance to deliver the weapon and survive. They needed to be about 4000m away from the 25kt weapon. Delivery would be loft using AI radar.Lack of early warning could mean that the weapon was used over land...this, and other reasons, lead to proposal to use the Bloodhound missile instead.

[Brewster Buffalo]

Originally Posted by Dr Jekyll

Was it actually a 'bomb' being considered, or the Genie air to air missile that had a nuclear warhead?

It was a bomb though far more research went into deploying the Genie on the Lightning.
The Genie was an American unguided missile with a 1.5kt warhead which entered service with the USAF in 1958. The Lightning would deploy just one fitted to a similar pack to the one used by the Firestreak,. The Genie missile would allow all-aspect attacks and be able to tackle targets at 60,000ft. The UK would provide the warhead; the USA the missile
In the end possible issues over US control over its use and supply, its cost, and concern over whether the UK could provide the fissile material meant it was never acquired.

[baturavgan]

Originally Posted by nipva

Probably from one of 56Sqn's Canberras shortly after 54 Sqn's detachment to Akrotiri at the end of January 1973. I also recall there having been a huge kebab at the Britannia with all 4 Sqns being represented.

Nipva,

I have sent a private message to you regarding the 56 Squadron. Can you check your PMs on this forum please?

Regards, Batur

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Until you have a posting history you don't have access to private messaging and adding urls.

[nipva]

I have emailed you direct.