FighterControl

Last weekend saw me down in Leicstershire and finding myself only 15 minutes from Bruntingthorpe thought I would swing by for a look. The Cold War Jets compound was locked up but found I could manage a few snaps through the mesh. Whilst doing this a car pulled up and a chap got out and started to unlock the gate. We had a brief chat and he asked if I would like to come in for a look round. Yes please..!!

After pottering around for a while he reappeared and introduced himself as Martin from the Lightning Preservation Group and he and a colleague had come in to do some work in their QRA Shed. He asked 'would I like to see some real aircraft?' and invited me into the Shed for a look at the two running Lightnings residing there. A little light photography followed...

XS904 (1) by Stephen Procter, on Flickr

20240323_092136 by Stephen Procter, on Flickr

XS904 (2) by Stephen Procter, on Flickr

XS904 (3) by Stephen Procter, on Flickr

XR728 (1) by Stephen Procter, on Flickr

XR728 (2) by Stephen Procter, on Flickr

XR728 (3) by Stephen Procter, on Flickr

XR713 by Stephen Procter, on Flickr

A really enjoyable and informative 40 minutes or so. Many thanks to the gentlemen of the LPG for their kindness.

Steve

That was good timing , nice shots. Thanks for sharing these with us.

Now, those are real Lightnings

Thanks for posting those, you lucky burger Stephen

Paddyboy

Ah, the twin engine jockstrap! Awesome pics, very jealous.

Lucky indeed. There was about a one minute window for both Martin and myself being at the gate at the same time. Otherwise I would have just had my snaps through the wire. Just meant to be...

Now these guys do deserve my respect and admiration for maintaining and preserving these awesome fighter jet aircraft (even though the Lightning was just slightly before my time I have to admit), good luck and best wishes also keep up the good work guys. At least it goes to show that there are some people willing to try and do this sort of thing......

Also good to see Lightning XR713 being well looked after although covered looks good and brings back the good old memories of seeing it at the Leuchars Airshow alongside the Black Mike Phantom on Static... Ah thems were the memories....

Great set Stephen , indeed the LPG has been solid in their determination to keep 'real & working' Lightnings around for everyone's pleasure
Long may it run

thanks for posting
3Greens