Lightning: internal weapons?

[Wetstart Dryrun]

I believe all lightning pilots are equipped with quite a prodigious weapon in their underpants.

I heard this from a lightning pilot.

[PDR1]

Originally Posted by Wetstart Dryrun

I believe all lightning pilots are equipped with quite a prodigious weapon in their underpants.

I heard this from a lightning pilot.

True, but we're not supposed to talk about noxious chemical weapons. even when they appear in the pilot's own underwear as a reflex response to an aeroplane's handling characteristics...

PDR

[safetypee]

Also not to talk about the NWS (Nuclear Weapons Switch) on the control column .... Oooops

[EAP86]

safetyp: good spot, I'd missed that. I'm guessing but it may have been because the Paris flying preceded the ability to operate under B Conditions. G27-2 implies it was only the 2nd to use this option. Wouldn't get away with either option these days.

The B conditions option ended around the time of the delivery of the first attrition replacement Jaguar for Oman (1985ish?). Apparently the CAA were unhappy because they didn't know very much about military aircraft certification. They were distinctly unimpressed when Warton said not to worry as they did.

EAP

[rafo1]

All the Saudi & Kuwaiti Lightning's had UK Civil B Conditions registrations, see the database at www.Lightnings.info

[walter kennedy]

Biscuit74
I think it was at a time when the idea was to intercept massed bomber formations - I think I have seen an American a/c of the time with "V" shaped forward looking canopy - presumably to offer a bit of protection!