aviation - the past, present and future of flight

Former RAF Chief Technician and LPG

Chief Engineer is Derek Robinson (ret’d)

who, with civilian engineers such as former

LPG Chief Engineer Jim Featherby, together

with Group member Jack Read and many

others, have almost worked miracles keeping

the jets serviceable, seeking expertise

and assistance outside of the group where

necessary. Nevertheless, it has always

been understood that at some point spares

and serviceability issues will mean the Avon

engines will fall silent.

The long-term aim is for the QRA hangar

at Bruntingthorpe to form the nucleus of

a Lightning museum. In addition to the

two complete F.6s in running order and

F.3 XR713, it has the nose of T.5 XV328

acquired from Neville Martin of Phoenix

Aviation in November 2014 and the cockpit

section of F.3 XP703. The latter came from

British Aerospace in August 1989 where

that part of the aircraft had been used as an

engine ground testing simulator. In addition,

the group has archives of memorabilia:

books, manuals, photographs, documents

and other artefacts, and not least, of course,

the historic Q-Shed.

Many enthusiasts ask: ‘Will Lightnings ever

 y in the UK again?’ Due to the vast amount

of money required, the lack of spares and the

Civil Aviation Authority’s refusal to authorise

 ight on the civil register without the backing

of a recognised design authority, the answer

is an emphatic ‘No’.

The Lightning Preservation Group does

the next best thing. The expectant crowd

feels the raw energy of the Avon engines in

full reheat as a Lightning blasts down the

runway – the ground shakes and ribcages

vibrate, followed by a car alarm chorus! The

reheat is cut, the roar is gone and the brake

’chute bobbles behind the distant speck;

giving perhaps an inkling of the power once

also enjoyed by the elite pilots of this all-

British Cold War interceptor.

For further information see the LPG

website at http://www.lightnings.org.uk

http://www.aviation-news.co.uk 47

the historic Q-Shed. feels the raw energy of the Avon engines in website at http://www.lightnings.org.uk

A PILOT’S VIEW

The LPG’s regular pilots are currently Sqn Ldr

Dennis Brooks (ret’d), Wg Cdr John Ward (ret’d,

replacing Flt Lt Brian Carroll who passed away

in 2004 and is sadly missed) and the former OC

of 11 Sqn, the last RAF Lightning unit, Air Cdre

Jake Jarron (ret’d). Dennis Brooks said of his

time serving on the  ghter: “I was privileged to

 y the Lightning many years ago, between 1970

and 1978, achieving just under 2,000 hours on

type. Nowadays, I still have the great privilege

and pleasure of carrying out high-speed runs in

Lightnings at Bruntingthorpe and Cran eld.

“There is an instant feeling of nostalgia and

familiarity when I strap in to carry out these runs.

I also feel very excited, knowing that I will shortly

be experiencing once again the tremendous

thrust and acceleration produced by the two

Avons in reheat.

“When I press the start buttons the engines

rapidly burst into life and I experience the

distinctive, pungent exhaust fumes from the

Avpin starters, eyewatering in an enclosed

environment!

“Checks of hydraulic services and  ying controls

take place after No.1 engine start and then we’re

good to go after starting No.2 engine. There is

lots of thrust with the engines at idle/fast idle

while taxiing, and frequent brake application is

required to control the speed.

“Throttles are moved forward towards the

maximum dry power setting and stabilised for

about 2 seconds before rocking outboard [moving

both throttle levers to the left and then further

advanced] to select reheat.

Brakes are released at about 93% when the

aircraft can no longer be held on the brakes.

Acceleration is amazing and after about six to

eight seconds we are between 150-160kts, not

far short of rotation speed. I then effectively

abort a take-off run by throttling back to idle/idle,

apply maximum wheel braking and deploy the

brake parachute. Once the ’chute is deployed

wheel braking is applied as required and  aps

and airbrakes are deployed to increase the drag.

It’s all over very quickly but what an adrenaline

rush when it’s happening.”

Dennis Brooks is one of the former RAF

Lightning pilots who performs fast taxi runs.

Reassembled and looking resplendent, 111 Sqn-marked XR713 in the sunshine at

Bruntingthorpe. Colin Collis

Lightning F.3 XR713 in July 2017, during the photoshoot for

its official unveiling, wearing 56 Sqn markings appropriate to

1965 on the starboard side and carrying the serial ‘XR718’. The

LPG’s two taxiable Lightnings are behind. Colin Collis

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