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English Electric Lightning F2A Aircraft Data
The final British Lightning was the Lightning F.2A. This was an F.2 upgraded with the CLE (Cambered Leading Edge) wing, the squared fin, and the 610 imperial gallons (2,773 litres) ventral tank, similar to the Mark 6. The F.2A retained the A.I.23 and Firestreak missile combination, the two Aden cannon in the nose, but was powered by two modified RA.24R Avon 211R engines. These produced 14,140lbs (6,414kg/62,60kN) with reheat each. Although the F.2A lacked the thrust of the F.3 and F.6 Lightnings, it had the longest tactical range of all Lightning variants with an exemplary safety record. The F.2A served the RAF in two units: No. 19 and 92 Squadrons at RAF Gütersloh where they were employed in the low-altitude interception role close to the inner-German border. The concept of operations for the Lightning squadrons in Germany were significantly different from the employment of the home-based Lightning units.
A total of 31 F.2 aircraft were converted to F.6-standard under the designation F.2A: XN724, XN726 tot 727, XN730 to 733, XN735, XN771 to 778, XN780 to 784, XN786 to 793 and XN795.
The first F.2 for conversion (XN781) arrived at Warton on 13 September 1966. It re-entered service with No.19 Squadron as an F.2A on 26 February 1968.
A total of 31 F.2 aircraft were converted to F.6-standard under the designation F.2A: XN724, XN726 tot 727, XN730 to 733, XN735, XN771 to 778, XN780 to 784, XN786 to 793 and XN795.
The first F.2 for conversion (XN781) arrived at Warton on 13 September 1966. It re-entered service with No.19 Squadron as an F.2A on 26 February 1968.
- Country of Origin: United Kingdom
- First Flight:
- Initial Service Date: 26 February 1968
- No. Built: 31
- No. In Service: 0
- No. of Hardpoints: 2
- Crew: 1
Power:
2 Rolls Royce RA.24R Avon Mk.211R at 11,250 lbf
Weapons:
Two De Havilland Firestreak air-to-air missiles.
Two 30mm Aden cannon in the upper part of the forward fuselage.
In the early stages of the development of the 'improved F.2' (at a later stage designated F.2A), it had been proposed to add Red Top capability, but in the end the F.2A was to remain only compatible with the Firestreak. Another option was the addition of an extra two 30mm Aden cannon in the lower forward fuselage, albeit at the expense of missile capability.
Two 30mm Aden cannon in the upper part of the forward fuselage.
In the early stages of the development of the 'improved F.2' (at a later stage designated F.2A), it had been proposed to add Red Top capability, but in the end the F.2A was to remain only compatible with the Firestreak. Another option was the addition of an extra two 30mm Aden cannon in the lower forward fuselage, albeit at the expense of missile capability.
Dimensions:
| Length: | 55 ft 3 in. |
| Wing Span: | 34 ft 10 in. |
| Wing Area: | 474,5 sq.ft |
| Height: | 19 ft 7 in. |
| Empty Weight: | 25,500 lbs |
| Max. Weight: | 39,700 lbs |
Performance:
| Service Ceiling: | 60,000 ft. |
Operators:
United KingdomThe Royal Air Force had two operational units equipped with the Lightning F.2A:
No.19 Squadron
No.92 Squadron
Random great photos of the English Electric Lightning F2A:
