| GarrisonMiniatures | 18 Apr 2017 1:02 p.m. PST |
link No they're not. It's basically lots of US planes plus a couple of Russians as a sop – but includes a couple of sub Mach 1 planes! Yet omits planes like the EE Lightning, a Mach 2 plane that couls (and did) intercept U2s! link |
| 15mm and 28mm Fanatik | 18 Apr 2017 1:21 p.m. PST |
The 'Lightning' is one ugly bird. |
| JimDuncanUK | 18 Apr 2017 1:39 p.m. PST |
I don't agree with your opinion on the Lightning. It's a stunning aircraft. |
| 22ndFoot | 18 Apr 2017 2:33 p.m. PST |
I'm with Jim. The Lightning was a beautiful machine. |
| GarrisonMiniatures | 18 Apr 2017 3:46 p.m. PST |
I think of its looks as being 'functional'. |
| Khusrau | 18 Apr 2017 4:51 p.m. PST |
Deeply in love with the EE Lightning after seeing one do a full afterburner takeoff at Leuchars 40 + years ago. I wish they were still allowed to fly in the UK. Other than the SR71 they are still one of the fastest interceptors built, having been vectored to do an intercept of Concorde proves they were no slouches. |
| JMcCarroll | 18 Apr 2017 5:09 p.m. PST |
The F-111 was a surprise. Still nothing looks as good as an F-4 Phantom II ! |
| Charlie 12 | 18 Apr 2017 6:05 p.m. PST |
Sorry, the Lightning is one butt-ugly bird. Wing tanks ABOVE the wing? And a 9-month-pregnant bulge below? Makes the Phantom look stylist by comparison. It's a stunning aircraft. Yeah… Stunningly UGLY… |
| Khusrau | 19 Apr 2017 2:25 a.m. PST |
Only particular models had the wing tanks and bulge. Think of the way that late models of every aircraft have all sorts of extraneous stuff bolted on in an effort to keep them current, radomes, fuel tanks, asymmetric bulges, new weapons systems. The Lightning was a stunning aircraft both technically and aesthetically. But the limitation was that it was designed as a bomber interceptor for the UK, so the characteristics of 1957 were a rapid climb rate and high speed to intercept on minutes notice. Later versions were compromises to extend range and increase ordnance load. It was never going to compete with an F4 for changed mission parameters. |
| Lion in the Stars | 19 Apr 2017 3:47 a.m. PST |
The Brits did make some pretty aircraft back in the day, but they haven't made a pretty bird since the Buccaneer or the V-bombers. The current holders of the "prettiest bird manufacturer" title are the Russians, love those Sukhoi 27 family. |
Patrick Sexton  | 19 Apr 2017 10:14 a.m. PST |
The Lightning is not a 'pretty' aircraft but it is a cool one. As in the case of the Phantom, function has a style all its own. |
 Herkybird | 19 Apr 2017 2:13 p.m. PST |
I remember camping in Anglesey in the 70's, and having the tent physically shake as 2 EE Lightnings took off nearby!
Great aircraft, not ugly at all! |
| mattblackgod | 20 Apr 2017 10:44 a.m. PST |
No mention of the Eurofighter Typhoon which has an alleged top speed of mach 2 either. |
