During my time at Honington 1974/5 whilst on the RN Buccaneer training unit (part of 237 OCU) I remember a twin seat Lightning parked in the ASF hanger. It was there for months with seemingly no work in progress.
As Honington was purely Buccaneer and some 2 seat Hunters (237 OCU) I would like to know why the Lightning was stored there? Anyone know the story behind it?
I was told it was an early mark however I can’t remember which only that it was a 2 seater.
The day it left was the first time I had seen a lightning take-off it was almost vertical in a climb at the end of the runway…..Wow! I will never forget that sight.
Working on Bucc’s you never got to see that sort of rate of climb. The Bucc could thrill in other ways! Standing on the flight deck of Ark Royal and looking down at the sea watching two Bucc’s wave hopping past very close to the ship with just a few feet between them and the sea. Another sight not to be forgotten.
Any info on the Lightning would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Paul.
By: David Burke - 30th August 2012 at 12:25
Likely someone at Honington realised its significance or just liked the aircraft!
By: Arabella-Cox - 30th August 2012 at 10:58
XM967
I confirm the details above – not sure why it was kept servicable if it was going to the fire dump
Of interest XM967 was the only Lightning to have an electric starting system not liked by Bee Beaumont – pity
By: Paul Holtom - 30th August 2012 at 10:35
DGH, How tragic that last photo looks! Thanks for taking the time to answer my question.
At least XM967 got to fly out of Honington which was at least one more flight than intended. She did look good as she took off.
Cheers,
Paul.
By: DGH - 28th August 2012 at 19:41
A couple of links to photos
http://1000aircraftphotos.com/Contributions/BanhamTony/5060.htm
http://www.airliners.net/photo/UK—Air/English-Electric-Lightning/1376713/M/
By: DGH - 28th August 2012 at 19:35
Hello Paul,
The aircraft in question is the original T5 prototype XM967. She was built as a T4 at Samlesbury but did not fly as such and was moved by road to Filton for conversion to T5. After having a long and useful life as a development aircraft she was retired to RAF Honington in June 1974 for their fire section. Somebody must have been keeping an eye on her as she was later claimed for the ill-fated RAF Colerne Museum and was flown there on the 5th January 1975. Unfortunately things didn’t go quite according to plan and the collection was disbanded not long after with XM967 meeting her fate at No.5 MU RAF Kemble during 1976. 🙁
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August 27, 2012 at 12:38 pm