Archival photo of Lightning F6 XR720 at Greenham Common, 1976. Served with No. 11 Squadron RAF. Preserved at RAF Museum Cosford.
Photo by Stuart H Bourne
© Stuart H Bourne / Quality Aviation Photos International.
This archival photograph captures English Electric Lightning F6 XR720 during a public display at Greenham Common in 1976, taken by aviation photographer Stuart H Bourne. The image showcases the aircraft in its Cold War prime, representing one of the most iconic British interceptors of the jet age.
XR720 was originally built as a Lightning F.3 and later upgraded to F.6 standard. It served with No. 11 Squadron RAF, operating from RAF Binbrook during the height of the Cold War. The Lightning F6 featured improved fuel capacity, a redesigned wing, and overwing tanks for extended range—making it one of the most capable variants of the Lightning family.
After retirement from active service, XR720 was preserved and placed on static display. It is now housed at the Royal Air Force Museum Cosford, where it remains one of the most complete and well-maintained examples of the Lightning F6. The aircraft is displayed in its original RAF markings and continues to attract aviation enthusiasts and historians alike.
