LIGHTNINGS LIVE ON!

DISPONIBILE SETTEMBRE 2026

L'English Electric Lightning è stato l'unico intercettore supersonico interamente britannico a passare con successo dalla fase di progettazione alla produzione in serie, entrando in servizio con le forze aeree militari di tutto il mondo. Il volume descrive in dettaglio ogni fase del suo sviluppo, dai test di produzione, alle prove in volo anche in regioni tropicali, all'addestramento dei piloti sui simulatori, fino al lancio della versione monoposto e a ogni sfumatura, modifica e sviluppo che si è verificato durante la sua vita operativa. Fornisce inoltre dettagli sulle operazioni in tutto il mondo in cui ha prestato servizio in missioni di guerra o di mantenimento della pace.

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The English Electric Lightning was the only all-British supersonic interceptor aircraft to successfully graduate from the drawing board to the production line and embed itself into service with military air forces around the world.

This comprehensive volume begins with an analysis of how the Lightning came into being, the post-war political sentiment, the military developments and the desired requirement for an aircraft that set the bar in terms of military aviation evolution. From early prototypes to revolutionary developmental interceptor that took to the skies in 1954, the Lightning was a trailblazer that caught the public’s imagination with its dynamic and sensational take off and through its superlative formation aerobatic team.

Expert author Hugh Trevor details every stage of its development through production testing, aircraft trials including in tropical regions, and pilot training on simulators through to launch of the single-seat version and every nuance, tweak and development that occurred in its lifespan.

Bringing its history to life are stories from test pilots, squadron pilots, aerobatics pilots, groundcrew, mechanics and maintenance experts, and latterly from enthusiasts who have kept the Lightning’s legacy and spirit alive, and, for all of whom, working in the aircraft’s orbit proved deeply profound.

Alongside are details of operations around the world where it served in war or peacekeeping missions.

Despite being long withdrawn from service, this ground-breaking aircraft continues to live on through the Lightning Preservation Group.