Exposed No 1 engines hydraulic pumps. On the left the pump for services, canopy/undercarriages, on the right the pump for flying controls.

A lot of muscle power from Andrew Pearse as he jacks up XS458. At the front of the Lightning a person ensures the aircraft is jacked up level.

Colin Ranson brings in the hydraulic rig to power the undercarriages. This rig by-passes the engines own hydraulic pumps.

Fitting the three hydraulic pipes onto the couplings see on the left of photo RT1. This completes the hydraulic circuit for retraction to take place.

The last few inches before XS458's undercarriages are off the ground.

Seen fully jacked up, all the undercarriages are in free air. As the main wheels go so far back during retractions a tail steady is also positioned.

Clearly seen is just how high XS458 has to jacked up to extend the main undercarriage oleos to clear the ground.

Another view of XS458 fully jacked up. With the hydraulic pump connected its time to retract!

They're on the move! This shot shows the full extension of the leg oleos. Wheels and brakes travel back some six feet during retraction.

Port main undercarriage travelling. Note the side stay that locks the leg when its down folds up along the back of the bay when its retracted.

A closer view of the port main as it comes down from its up position.

Fully retracted! Apart from the canopy XS458 is in a flying configuration. The undercarriage is cycled regularly as part of the maintenance regime.

Retractions complete Colin Ranson swaps over the hydraulic rig hoses for the Lightning's own hoses. Until next time.....