Author Topic: 65 years ago today  (Read 934 times)

Offline O.C.

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65 years ago today
« on: August 04, 2019, 04:22:47 AM »
The first flight of WG 760 English Electric Lightening.... blimey how time flies ;)     

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-TqyLe5U8ac   


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b-4wuvw_5GM     
CARPE DIEM

KAWASAKI VERSYS 650

Offline VirginiaJim

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Re: 65 years ago today
« Reply #1 on: August 04, 2019, 07:05:08 AM »
That certainly brought a smile to my eyes!  Thanks!
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Offline connie_rider

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Re: 65 years ago today
« Reply #2 on: August 04, 2019, 07:48:48 AM »
I was not aware of the Lightening. Thanks for the information.
Mach 2 in 1958!   Wow!!

Ride safe, Ted

Offline VirginiaJim

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Re: 65 years ago today
« Reply #3 on: August 04, 2019, 09:50:55 AM »
Mach 2 was reached earlier than that in experimental and interceptor class fighters...   With that being said however, British aircraft design (INMHO), hasn't been matched by anyone up to this point.  And by that I mean their unique airframe designs.   Too bad they are basically out of that business these days.


The Electric Lightening was the FIRST fighter to achieve supercruise. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Supercruise


https://www.boldmethod.com/blog/lists/2014/10/the-worlds-first-10-supersonic-jets/




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Offline Cholla

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Re: 65 years ago today
« Reply #4 on: August 22, 2019, 06:30:45 PM »
Only the prototypes could supercruise without burner.

The Republic F-105 prototype using a smaller engine than the production model went supersonic at sea level in 1955.
At altitude it could reach Mach 2.15.
Oh yes...did I mention it was a bomber and could carry a heavier load than a B-17 and had a radius of 750 miles?
The Lightnig's radius was 150 miles. Some models had an increased radius but that was reduced when guns were installed.
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Offline VirginiaJim

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Re: 65 years ago today
« Reply #5 on: August 22, 2019, 06:58:04 PM »
150 miles?  That is correct for supersonic intercept.  Normal range was about 850 but I guess those numbers also depend on possibly the variant in question.
« Last Edit: August 23, 2019, 08:43:17 AM by VirginiaJim »
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Offline MAN OF BLUES

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Re: 65 years ago today
« Reply #6 on: August 22, 2019, 07:51:33 PM »
I remember hearing my first "sonic boom" in Cleveland Ohio, circa 1961... we had a Nike Missile site, a few miles from my home...  and saw F104's on "occaisions"... my favorite plane ever...

The military disavowed any such thing as a "missile site"... but we will never know for sure... my brother said it was there, so i believe him when he told me "what it really was"..  ::) 8) 8) ;)

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