English Electric Lightning
The English Electric Lightning was Britain’s first and only homegrown Mach 2 interceptor—designed to climb fast, hit hard, and defend UK airspace at blistering speeds. With its unique stacked-engine layout and razor-thin fuselage, the Lightning became a Cold War icon, serving with the RAF from 1960 to 1988 across multiple marks including F.1, F.3, F.6, and T.5 trainers.
This category features high-resolution prints of Lightning aircraft in flight, on takeoff, and in museum preservation—captured by aviation photographer Stuart H. Bourne. Included are airframes from RAF Binbrook, display teams, and restoration projects, each cataloged with verified serials and historical context.
Whether you’re drawn to the Lightning’s vertical climb, its role in QRA (Quick Reaction Alert), or its enduring legacy in British aviation history, these images offer a visually rich tribute to one of the most thrilling jets ever built.
