Welcome to the new Lightning T5 website. We hope you’ll find it an enjoyable mix of news, photographs, videos and information about XS458.
As a team we all feel privileged to be able to maintain such a magnificent example of Britain’s aviation heritage in fast-taxi condition. One day, perhaps, we’ll see ‘our’ Lightning take to the skies again.
Russell Carpenter, Owner.
I can now confirm the 26th June for 458's next high speed run(s)!
The day will include:
- Two high speed runs.
- One stactic reheat.
- Buffet lunch.
- Cockpit time with the pilot.
Dennis Brooks.
I joined the Royal Air Force in 1964 to train as a pilot - a decision I never regretted. My first tour was as a flying instructor on the Jet Provost and then I was posted to the Lightning which was my first choice of aircraft. The Lightning was an awesome, exhilarating aircraft to fly and was a tribute to British engineering and...
12th Dec 2009 was the second time that 458 has performed a twilight run and like Dec 2008 it was a great success and was enjoyed by all who attended this day, both runs were in the afternoon.
Unfortunately on the first run she lost the reheat on no.1 engine but after a pre-static reheat on no.1 prior to the run twilight she was back to full health again with a magnificent display of stactic reheat and then on her last run she was in awesome form with an ear spitting run with two full reheats fully engaged .
I would like to thank all the photographers who came along and supported 458 on this day!
From time to time we get emails and phone calls stating "..what a great day I had.." or "..the family enjoyed the day.." so in appreciation we'd like to show you what we receive..