Hopefully we can see one in the horison before MSFS 2024 is released. On the FSX days, it was one of my absolute favorites, second after SSW ⭐fighter

Edited May 17, 20242 yr by History

I'd certainly like to see it, though it's a little fast and furious for my style of simming. In a similar vein, I've just asked at the Just Flight forum whether we'll ever see their Canberra PR9 reappear in MSFS. The response was enthusiastic but understandably non-committal. We live in hope!

I watched a documentary about the Lightning.  Prior to it being sold to Saudi Arabia, a Saudi pilot was sent over to an operational RAF squadron to assist in the evaluation.

Before his test flight, his RAF minder told him that most of the squadron's pilots did not use full power on take-off and he definitely should not do so on his first flight.  The Saudi pilot felt this was impugning his ability  and asked why.  He was told that firstly, it burnt the tarmac, which was not popular, and secondly that the aircraft had a habit of "running away with you".

The Saudi pilot ignored the advice.  He was closing on 30,000 feet before he managed to slow the aircraft down enough to safely retract the undercarriage. 

 

 

 

 

Edited May 17, 20242 yr by ailchim
Bad typing

As one RAF pilot put it - "I always felt fully in control of the Lightning - right up until I released the brakes".

Edited May 17, 20242 yr by Paul K
I meant RAF pilot. The RFA didn't operate the Lightning - they operated ships.

Old enough to have been close to a few Lightnings at take off, that and the stiff little Fingers concerts have left me Mutton ....but worth it for the experiences.😁

I'm sure most have seen this pic but for those that havnt...

 

 

 

...and of course who could forget the tale of Taffy Holden

Taffy's Day Out

2 hours ago, Lonesome Cowboy Burt said:

...and of course who could forget the tale of Taffy Holden

Taffy's Day Out

His Lightning, XM135, is the one preserved at Duxford. If the IWM was going to have one Lightning, it just had to be that one.

Someone’s doing a Jaguar and I would imagine that’s behind the Lightning on most people’s ranking of sexy Cold War ephemera, so I’m sure someone will do it eventually.

Wouldn’t say no to a Buccaneer myself, but guess it’s a bit too Macc Lads for most punters.

10 hours ago, Paul K said:

I'd certainly like to see it, though it's a little fast and furious for my style of simming. In a similar vein, I've just asked at the Just Flight forum whether we'll ever see their Canberra PR9 reappear in MSFS. The response was enthusiastic but understandably non-committal. We live in hope!

It's glad to know. I remember that I had this unique electricity issue with the Canberra. The team was patiently helpful and responsive. They replied every email I sent them. The electricity issue was never solved but I had dozens of circuit flying practices with her (actually landing practice since she just wont fly straight:D). When the Vulcan was released I suddenly realized that it is unlikely there would be PR9 for MSFS since the two share a similar "domain".

Edited May 18, 20242 yr by History

8 hours ago, Lonesome Cowboy Burt said:

Old enough to have been close to a few Lightnings at take off, that and the stiff little Fingers concerts have left me Mutton ....but worth it for the experiences.😁

I'm sure most have seen this pic but for those that havnt...

 

 

 

...and of course who could forget the tale of Taffy Holden

Taffy's Day Out

I haven't. That picture should be one of the most iconic photographs of all time.

16 hours ago, History said:

I haven't. That picture should be one of the most iconic photographs of all time.

I do like the idea of bailing out of a Fordson Major though.....

I'd welcome a Lighting for sure. I flew the simulator at Tangmere and aced the landing, right on the centre line. I think my instructor was suitably impressed.😊 They also have an F53 in one of the hangars and I had an interesting discussion with one of the staff members. I thoroughly recommend a visit to this former WWII base - the staff (mainly volunteers) are knowledgeable and very friendly. Perfect for a day out after a weekend at Goodwood Revival, and a short, picturesque bus trip away.👌

On 5/17/2024 at 6:01 PM, Lonesome Cowboy Burt said:

I'm sure most have seen this pic but for those that haven't...

 

On 5/18/2024 at 2:13 AM, History said:

I haven't

I've found the story:

Excerpt:

Quote

Whilst carrying out a demonstration flight, there was a fire in the aircraft’s reheat zone. Un-burnt fuel in the rear fuselage had been ignited by a small crack in the jet pipe and had weakened the tailplane actuator anchorage. This weakened the tailplane control system which failed with the aircraft at 100 feet on final approach.

The aircraft pitched up violently just as Aird was coming up to land. Aird lost control of the aircraft and ejected.

Luckily, because the nose pitched up he had just enough time to eject.

The tractor in the photograph was a Fordson Super Major. If you look closely at the grill, you’ll see it reads D H Goblin, as in the de Havilland Goblin jet engine.

The tractor driver was 15-year-old Mick Sutterby, who spent that summer working on the airfield. He wasn’t posing for the camera. In fact, he was telling the photographer, Jim Mead, to move on, because he shouldn’t be there.

Mead saw the plane coming in and the nose pitch up. Then Aird ejected and Mead says he had just enough time to line up the shot as the Lightning came down nose first.

 

On 5/17/2024 at 10:45 PM, scotchegg said:

Wouldn’t say no to a Buccaneer myself,

Yes! Get behind me in the queue for that one. I have just tried the other day to resurrect my old converted version in MSFS, tried switching to it in flight via the dev menu, but it just fell out of the sky. It was ok initially, but I guess one of the SUs did for it. Shame, every sim should have a flying banana.

Edited May 20, 20242 yr by andy1252
added pic

On 5/20/2024 at 6:17 PM, 109Sqn said:

 

I've found the story:

Excerpt:

 

You had to search?

re the Bucc - I would humbly suggest anybody trying to model the systems of blowing wings, flaps etc would have a big problem trying to get all that sorted out - systems wise the Bucc is a very complex way of going very fast at very low levels!!