The English Electric/BAC Lightning will take center stage in Richard Hall’s upcoming book Lightning: From Inception to Preservation.
The Lightning was advanced for its time and required considerable investment and research to take it from the drawing board to active service as an effective fighting machine. Significant strides were made in the early years after the award of the contract—all of which could have come to nothing when it was deemed in the 1957 Defence White Paper that piloted aircraft had had their day. The design was saved only by its advanced stage of development; as is often the case in flight, turbulence is to be expected. But despite the obstacles put in its path, the Lightning prevailed to become one of Britain’s most admired and respected fast jets.
The book takes the reader through the politics that threatened its development, its groundbreaking design, its service career and many other aspects of its extraordinary history. The 224 page, hardcover book is currently available for pre-order with release slated for January 30.
Please Note: This post contains an Amazon affiliate link. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
