Returning a unique example of British aviation heritage to the skies..

BAE Systems (English Electric) Lightning T.5 return to flight restoration Located at; Stennis International Airport, Kiln, Mississippi

Introduction to the Lightning

Designed as the Royal Air Force's first supersonic interceptor 100% British Design Total Production of 338 of which 50 were trainer variants Export markets; Kuwait 14 a/c Saudi Arabia 40 a/c

In 2012 there remain a handful of potentially airworthy examples in the world, once restored to flight N422XS will be the only flying example in the Northern Hemisphere.

MACH 2 + capability

Two Rolls Royce Avon 301R engines delivering 32,600 lbs of thrust; better than 1:1 thrust to weight ratio!

Capable of reaching 30,000 ft in just 2.5 minutes! Service Ceiling of 65,000 ft

Breathtaking Performance Fully Integrated flight control system, innovative vertical engine mounting to aid streamlining.

… But enough of the stats The video footage you are about to see was part of a BBC television series 'Test Pilot', broadcast in the UK in the 1980's. We can think of no better way to demonstrate What a Lightning is … and the aircraft featured Is our restoration aircraft.

Project Background

; a potted history XS422; a potted history First flew in1965 First flew in1965 RAF Squadron Service until 1983 RAF Squadron Service until 1983 Empire Test Pilot School 1983 – 1987 Empire Test Pilot School 1983 – 1987 Last flight 1987 Last flight 1987 Place into long term storage Place into long term storage Purchased by Anglo American Lightning Organisation (AALO) in 1997 Purchased by Anglo American Lightning Organisation (AALO) in 1997 Moved to Stennis Airport, MS, for restoration Moved to Stennis Airport, MS, for restoration

Restoration is based at Stennis International Airport, Kiln, MS Secondary Base of Operations is the former USAF base at Bruntingthorpe in the UK A large number of the restoration team are serving or retired Royal Air Force engineers, many with active duty Lightning experience

Many American volunteers have participated in the restoration and continue to do so. A truly international project with participants in many countries worldwide (New Zealand, Saudi Arabia). A core team numbering around 30 A huge catalogued spares holding to support the operation. Regular US visits by the UK engineering team

The Restoration Team Andrew Brodie – Project Champion Phil Wallis – Chief Engineer Retired RAF Engineer 30 years experience on Lightnings Aircraft Engineering Manager for the Royal Squadron, RAF Northolt

Jon Roth – Engineer FAA A&P engineer with inspection authorisation Vintage Aircraft Restoration Co, Sweden Max Waldron – Egress Systems Specialist Retired Royal Air Force Engineer BAe Systems Specialist on Typhoon John Sherry – Lead Avionic Specialist Active Duty Royal Air Force Engineering Officer Dave Yates – Propulsion Lead Retired Royal Air Force Engineer Active Duty Lightning experience

The core team of restorers bring a wealth of experience to the project in fields as diverse as electrical, airframes, air systems, propulsion, escape systems, and avionics. Many have Lightning experience gained during active duty in the Royal Air Force. The Wider restoration team...

… others bring their experience from the fighter aircraft of today... To the airshow participants of the future

… So where is the project now?

Aircraft is hangared under active restoration Approximately 90% mechanically & 80% electrically complete Focus now is on the installation of engines Autumn 2012

The timescale from now, being the transition from a functional ground- running condition to first flight, is achievable with the right level of finance. With our skilled restoration team and assets, and the generosity of supporters the dream of returning this wonderful and iconic aircraft to the skies is close to becoming a reality.

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