Ask any British aviation enthusiast to list their favourite aircraft types, and those of a certain age will surely include the English Electric Lightning. Even before entering operational service with No 74 Squadron in July 1960, the machine had a reputation for breathtaking air display performances. Few would have believed that it would prove to be the only all-British supersonic aircraft to see RAF service, or that it would still be on the front line almost 30 years later.
In addition to all the struggles associated with bringing a complex new type into service, 74 faced demands to display it to the public. In 1961, it famously took nine aircraft to Farnborough, subsequently being tasked with providing Fighter Command’s official team. As the Tigers, they initially mounted a nine-ship routine, but guaranteeing that number of serviceable aeroplanes proved difficult so seven became the norm. 1963 saw the display responsibility pass to No 56 Squadron’s Firebirds. By now serviceability was better and their nine specially painted Lightnings, complete with smoke generators, appeared throughout that year’s headline grabbing air show season. Display flying was just about a full-ti…
