why is there no english electric lightning on the uk airshow circuit?

Question

perhaps the most impressive brittish aircraft of the last 50 years and you never see a flying example in uk whats going on?

also can we expect to see the mighty vulcan flying anytime soon?

Answer 1

There aare a few reasons why you wont see either lightnings or phantoms flying, cost, lack of spares, complexity of systems are the most common ones used however the main reason is that the performance of these two aircraft is too close to call to the current front line fighters the RAF operate namely the tornado F3 which is not highly regrded around the world air forces, the F3 was a comprimise of the ground attack version with some different engines and some air to air capability in a fly off in america a phantom out performed a tornado despite been 30 years its senior, when the eurofighter comes in to service the government may relax press on the CAA and allow them to certify these types but with heavy restrictions

Answer 2

I believe the official line is that there are problems getting the type certified for civil operation (this is also what prevents there being a Vulcan flying). This I think is largely that these aircraft are still considered to much of a potential threat were civilian examples get into the wrong hands.



It is a pity that a flight similar to the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight could not have been set-up within the Air Force (but funded by charitable donation?) in order to keep examples of some of these aircraft flying.

Answer 3

English Electric Lightning Still Flying

Answer 4

Our CAA regs require soooo much maintainence that 'lifed' parts have to be replaced, at great cost, just because the maintainence manual says so. As such, few organisations could afford to fly one here in the UK or Europe. Sadly.



It really is down to the cost of maintaining the thing, although they are very thirsty beasties - the only one I've seen was at BAES Warton - where they were developed. An ex-work colleague used to fly one, and he has said all the rumours about the performance are true!



Over in S Africa you can turn up and fly one, literally! At Thunder City in Cape Town you will find you can - you'll get a co-pilot and a tank of fuel for around $9000 USD.



The S African aviation regulations aren't as strict as here in Europe, leading to opportunities such as this, but I'm sure someone would say it is at a cost of safety.



And would I like to fly one? Too right!

Answer 5

There were two Lightnings in flying order until the early 90's. Problem is they're getting on a bit now + it's just not safe to fly some of those old planes now, especially aircraft that are capable of just over mach 2!

Answer 6

They aren't very safe, or cheap aircraft. They're basically two afterburning jet engine with wings on. they don't fly anywhere. They can't fly for long anyway.



"was built in response to an early episode of ‘Scrap Heap Challenge’ where the object was to get rid of 1500 gallons of kerosene without actually pouring it down the drain."



"Crude but effective cold war fighter. Basically two stubby wings attached to a pair of jet engines. Carried the redtop missile for air to air combat. Had the endurance of an F1 car with 10 litres in the tank, but the speed to match. Could often be found at bases such as : RAF Binbrook and RAF Leconfield. RAF dogger bank was also a common if unwanted home."



(RAF dogger bank- An underwater dumping ground for old RAF A/C)

Answer 7

I've been to quite a few airshows in the UK - both civilian (Farnborough) and Military (RAF Fairford, USAF Upper Heyford)



I have never seen a Lightening other than on the ground as static (unflyable) display.



My guess would be that thy use way too much fuel, hence their inability to conduct CAPs (Combat Air patrols) and their instability (I have heard they are fairly prone to damage too - Grandfather was an airframe engineer in RAF)



Way ahead of their time but way out of date now



As for the Vulcan's - I saw one fly once, fantastic aircraft!!! There are two that I know of in private hands (Airframes XH558 & XL426) being rebuilt but who knows if they'll ever get it back in the air



Check out this link for the Vulcan restoration site: http://www.avrovulcan.com/

Answer 8

Our CAA or Campaign Against Aviation will not licence the lightening to fly in civilian hands. Deemed too complicated to fly and service apparently.

Plenty flying in civilian hands in south africa though.

Answer 9

Apparently one of the privately owned Vulcans (XH558) is nearing completion in its restoration, and according to their site, should be airworthy by the end of this year.

Answer 10

Perhaps because lightning doesn't strike twice in the same place

Answer 11

I have seen one at Lutterworth.... however as I recall it was grounded for safety! As I recall the engineer said they had a tendency to "just blow up"....



Sounded suspect to me...