BAC „Lightning” F Mk.6 – the British multipurpose fighter

The English Electric (later - „British Aircraft Corporation Ltd.“) “Lightning” is a British fighter-interceptor, developed in the mid-1950s. Produced in more than 14 versions. According to a number of parameters, it is one of the most unusual and outstanding aircraft in the history of the British aircraft industry. The first serial military aircraft capable of cruising supersonic flight without the use of forsage. The last of the single-seat supersonic fighters, developed and put into service in the UK. The main advantage of the aircraft was its high speed (in the UK, where the time for warning is minimal, speed is the most important parameter). Its main disadvantage was the complexity of maintenance. The aircraft also had a very high fuel consumption - so it was often equipped with unique over-wing additional fuel tanks. In addition to the cannons, the aircraft could carry two Hawker Siddeley "Red Top" air-to-air missiles. In 1962, the F.3 modification appeared with more powerful Avon 301R engines and larger tail. In 1965, an improved F.6 model was adopted. Its main difference was the enlarged ventral tank, on which it was possible to transfer guns from the nose and new wingtips with a smaller sweep angle. This model also received the possibility of installing over-wing fuel tanks. Despite the difficulties in operation, he was in service of the Royal Air Force of Great Britain for three decades (from 1959 to 1988). The last fighter was withdrawn from service in June 1988 and sold to private individuals. The aircraft was exported to Saudi Arabia (the main foreign operator, 1967-1986) and Kuwait (12 aircraft, 1968-1977).

Not a very complex fighter model, which even an inexperienced modeler, working under the guidance of a more experienced colleague, can assemble. It details everything, that is in a real aircraft - the cockpit interior, small arms, outboard weapons, landing gear, its niches and other details. The publication is completed with a sheet of cardboard 1 mm thick.