Lightning v Spitfire
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Lightning v Spitfire
Interesting post on Key Historic about a trial between a Spitfire XIX and a Lightning in 1963.
Spitfire and Lightning? - Key Publishing Ltd Aviation Forums
mmitch.
Spitfire and Lightning? - Key Publishing Ltd Aviation Forums
mmitch.
A well-known trial.
The Lightning F3 did not have guns (I did my first tour on it) and the missile could not lock to the relatively low temperature Spitfire exhaust.
Lesson - never build a fighter/interceptor without a gun.
edit: I expect newt and BOAC will be along shortly......
The Lightning F3 did not have guns (I did my first tour on it) and the missile could not lock to the relatively low temperature Spitfire exhaust.
Lesson - never build a fighter/interceptor without a gun.
edit: I expect newt and BOAC will be along shortly......
Last edited by Lightning Mate; 10th Jan 2013 at 09:52.
I suppose a close supersonic pass might have had some effect if only on the pilots ability to keep his underpants clean!!
Very funny LM
In your case you could do a perfecty executed QFI type 45 deg banked turn and roll out in his twelve o'clock!
In your case you could do a perfecty executed QFI type 45 deg banked turn and roll out in his twelve o'clock!
Last edited by newt; 10th Jan 2013 at 13:02.
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Just goes to show - a useles piece of combat kit. But my, it was sporty, and provides the likes of LM and Newt with a plethora of wibble stories to humour themselves with 
Now, about the combat-proven Buccaneer -------------------
Now, about the combat-proven Buccaneer -------------------
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how many looked at the topic/subject and thought of the P38 Lightning before the BACLightning?
and all fighters should have a gun...and I would prefer more than one...and enough ammo to sink a supertanker.
and all fighters should have a gun...and I would prefer more than one...and enough ammo to sink a supertanker.
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Don't forget that during 1963 in Singapore/Borneo the active RAF fighters were Javelins [60/64 Sqn] and Hunters [20 Sqn] both with cannons.. As a scopie at 487SU Kuching, I was invoved in a couple of Javelin scrambles, against P51s.
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An ex RAF fighter pilot once told me that a similar trial was carried out at Boscombe Down using a Harvard as the target. The fighter might have been a Javelin. Any confirmation of this would be most welcome.
There's no such animal as an "ex RAF fighter pilot".
He might not fly anymore, but it's all about attitude.
That attitude stays with him for life.
Wanna fight?
He might not fly anymore, but it's all about attitude.
That attitude stays with him for life.
Wanna fight?